Will a USB-C charger charge my laptop?

Yes, you can charge a compatible USB-C laptop with a compact travel charger. And you don’t need a huge power brick for every trip. If you’re taking a MacBook Air and an iPhone away for the weekend, a single charger can make your packing much simpler.

What do the numbers actually mean?

Think of watts as the amount of charging power available. You don’t need to aim for the biggest number. These familiar examples make it easier:

• 20W: enough for fast charging an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 with a compatible charger and cable. A phone doesn’t need laptop-sized power to charge well.
• 30–35W: the power of the standard chargers supplied with the MacBook Air M2 (2022), depending on the configuration. A slim, everyday laptop can need much less power than you might expect.
• 45W: enough power for regular charging of that MacBook Air. You don’t need 70W just because you’re charging a laptop.
• 70W: more power available for a compatible laptop that can use it. SLIM 70 provides up to this amount when your laptop is connected to USB-C1 on its own.

These are examples of charging power, rather than promises of the fastest possible speed. Your device takes the power it supports.

So, can I charge my MacBook Air?

Yes. For example, a MacBook Air M2 (2022) can charge with either SLIM 45 or SLIM 70 using a suitable USB-C charging cable. For emails, browsing and documents while you’re away, you don’t have to pack its separate charger as well.

Have a different laptop? If it supports USB-C charging, there may be a simple setup for you too. Larger gaming laptops and more demanding models may charge more slowly or need their original charger.

What about my laptop and phone together?

With SLIM 70, connect your laptop to USB-C1 and your phone to USB-C2. Picture your MacBook Air and iPhone charging on the hotel desk while you get ready for the evening.

Your laptop has up to 45W available and your phone up to 15W. That will charge your iPhone, although it won’t offer the same fast charging as the 20W example above. For faster laptop charging, connect your laptop on its own.

And it’s not limited to two devices. SLIM 70 has four USB ports for connecting your phone, tablet and smaller accessories. Power is shared, so charging speeds depend on what you connect.

What if I travel with Samsung, Dell or an iPad?

Your travel setup doesn’t have to be all Apple. Here are a few everyday examples:

• A Samsung Galaxy phone: charge it using its USB-C cable. A Galaxy S25 is a familiar example. Its fastest Samsung charging modes depend on the charger as well as the cable, but you don’t need to reach the maximum speed every time you plug in.
• A Dell work laptop: if yours charges through USB-C and normally uses a 65W charger, SLIM 70 has enough rated power to cover that when the laptop is connected on its own. The Dell Latitude 7450 is available with a 65W USB-C adapter, for example. Check your own configuration, as some versions use more power.
• An iPad Air: Apple pairs iPad Air models with a 20W charger, so a tablet doesn’t need the full power of a laptop charger. Use the cable that fits your iPad.
• AirPods: plug in the charging case using its USB-C or Lightning cable. Small accessories take only the power they need; you don’t need a separate high-power charger for them.

Think of your usual packing list: work laptop, phone, iPad and earbuds. SLIM 70 gives you four USB ports for connecting them, with charging power shared across the devices.

Do I need a new cable?

Already have a suitable USB-C laptop charging cable? Use it. If you need one, our braided LINE cable works with both SLIM chargers and comes in 1 m and 2 m lengths.

Which one should I pack?

SLIM 45: Charge most everyday laptops at regular speeds on their own, or at lower speeds alongside your phone. Two extra USB-A ports connect your other devices.

SLIM 70: Charge most everyday laptops at regular speeds and fast charge your phone together. Two extra USB-A ports connect your other devices.

Power is shared between connected devices. Phone charging labels vary by model: in PackMode’s testing, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S22 Ultra displayed “Fast charging”. This is different from Samsung’s “Super fast charging” modes.

Both have UK, EU, US and AU plugs built in. Fewer chargers, fewer separate adapters, less to pack.

Want a quick answer for your own laptop? Send us its model and we’ll help you choose.

Sources

Device examples are based on Apple’s iPhone power adapter guidance and MacBook Air M2 (2022) specifications. Further examples follow Samsung’s Galaxy charging guidance, Dell’s adapter recommendations, and Apple’s power adapter and AirPods cable guidance. PackMode output figures follow our product specifications. Use a suitable charging cable for your device.