We’re going on a road trip. I’m looking for a decent quality power bank that will charge my (61W) MacBook Pro M1, my wife’s (30W) Air M1 and our iPhones. The Mophie power banks on offer from Apple only go up to 45W. That seems fine for iPhones and the Air M1, but would they work with the Pro M1? Is there a risk of damage? Are there any better alternatives?
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.5
Your M1 MacBook Pro is rated with a 61W power adapter. If you use a charger that is rated less than that, then you will see inefficient charging.
My recommendation is that you take the 61W power adapter, that came with the MacBook Pro, along with you. This way the Mophie charging adapter will work on your MacBook Air and your iPhones.
You can also search on Amazon to look at other alternatives. There is no risk of damage by using these adapters, however, ensure that you purchase the adapter(s) from a reputable and approved retailer (Anker, Mophie etc).
Axel F.
Thanks, Axel. I work in places with phone network coverage but no electricity (developing countries, remote areas, campsites etc.) so I need a power bank to charge my 13" MacBook Pro M1. Amazon is a minefield of never-heard-of-them products and fake reviews. I've searched for Anker and Mophie, but it's hard to find anything rated 61W+. The few models that seem suitable are sold out. I imagine owners of 16" MacBooks will have even more difficulty as those need 96W. Anyway, I'll keep looking ...
There was a link I'd found to Amazon's catalog of Anker portable power banks
and more than one of similar specs are included. Some may not be deliverable
to certain regions where they do business. ~ That's the rub. Some are/aren't.
Perhaps there may be a near-duplicate items, otherwise available to you.
Hard to say: what is near or far, when viewing remote online. I see three.
Thanks, K. The Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 87W looks ideal - but it's not available!
notforprofitrocket:
There's a few from Anker that show promise; yet as noted (and found in search results)
you'd better take along additional resources, to charge-backup power for MB/Pro & etc.
Most of these appear to offer limited charge capability and shorter run-times.
Amazon has a few with larger reserve. While OWC has fewer smaller ones with lesser capacity.
• Anker PowerCore III 25600 87W Portable Charger with 65W USB-C charger, PD Bundle/PB
Other examples of unimpressive? battery-packs/power banks are covered in recent iMore article.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=owc+PD+power+banks+macbook+pro&t=ffab&ia=web
• Best USB-C Power Banks for MacBook Pro in 2021 - iGeeksBlog
https://www.igeeksblog.com/best-usb-c-power-banks-for-macbook/
An APC- UPS battery system with means to recharge, could carry larger capacities (& wt + cost)
More the merrier. ~ If going off-grid, a 'portable generator' with soft power is recommended.
And/or 'solar panels' with hinged stowage, to fit backpack, etc. Or, air-balloon, to help lift it?😜
Power banks for MacBook Pro M1
