Elvoes Charger for MacBook Air&Pro(2012-2017), Compatible with MacBook Air&Pro 11&13&15&17 inch (45, Watts) Review

If your original MagSafe charger has finally given up — frayed cable, dead brick, or just gone missing — you've probably noticed that Apple's official replacements aren't cheap. The Elvoes 45W charger for MacBook Air and Pro (2012–2017 models) positions itself as the affordable third-party fix. But is it actually safe and reliable, or is it one of those budget buys you'll regret?

What You're Actually Getting

This is a third-party MagSafe 2 compatible charger rated at 45 watts, designed to replace aging OEM adapters on older MacBooks — specifically the Air 11-inch and 13-inch, and Pro models spanning 2012 through 2017. It ships with a detachable extension cord, which is a small but genuinely useful touch that the official charger also includes. The magnetic connector is the same T-tip or L-tip style (depending on model compatibility) that made MagSafe legendary for tripping-over-the-cable protection.

The build looks clean in photos — a white brick with a familiar form factor that mimics Apple's design closely enough to not look out of place in a coffee shop. The cable strain relief appears adequate from product images, though how it holds up after months of daily bending is a different story entirely.

The Compatibility Question

This is where buyers need to be careful. The listing claims compatibility with MacBook Air and Pro models from 11 to 17 inches, but not all of those machines use the same wattage. A 15-inch or 17-inch MacBook Pro typically needs an 85W charger — using a 45W unit on those machines means the charger will not keep up with the laptop under load. It may charge slowly when the lid is closed or the machine is idle, but under active use you could actually see the battery drain while plugged in. The 45W rating is specifically suited to the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro. If you own anything larger, this is the wrong product for you.

For the MacBook Air (11" and 13", 2012–2017) and MacBook Pro 13" (Retina, 2012–2015), the 45W rating is spot-on. Those machines charge efficiently and without issue at this wattage.

What Budget Buyers Should Watch For

Third-party MagSafe chargers have a complicated history. Some work flawlessly for years; others overheat, fail within months, or — in worst-case scenarios — cause charging issues that affect the battery's long-term health. With the Elvoes unit, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:

• Heat output: Budget chargers tend to run warmer than Apple's own adapters. Warm is normal; hot to the touch is a red flag. Monitor this during the first few charge cycles.
• Cable durability: The weakest point on almost every third-party MagSafe clone is where the cable meets the brick or the connector head. These stress points can fray over time, especially with heavy daily use.
• MagSafe LED indicator: A functioning amber/green LED on the connector is a good sign that the charger is properly communicating with your Mac. If it doesn't light up at all, something is off.

Value for Money

At its price point, this charger sits well below what Apple charges for an equivalent MagSafe 2 adapter. For a student, a casual home user, or someone who needs a secondary charger to keep at the office, the math can make sense — especially for a machine that's already 7–12 years old. Spending $80+ on an Apple OEM charger for a 2013 MacBook Air feels hard to justify. A budget replacement that gets you through another year or two? That's a reasonable trade-off.

That said, if this is your only charger and you depend on your MacBook for professional work, the risk calculus changes. An OEM refurbished charger from Apple or a Certified brand like Belkin might be worth the extra spend for peace of mind.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This

Good fit: MacBook Air owners (any size, 2012–2017) or MacBook Pro 13-inch users from the same era who need an affordable backup or replacement. Students, light users, anyone on a tight budget keeping an old Mac alive.

Not a good fit: MacBook Pro 15" or 17" users — the 45W simply won't cut it. Anyone doing intensive work who can't afford downtime from a potentially short-lived charger. Also not recommended if you have a newer MacBook with USB-C charging, as this product does not apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this charger work with a MacBook Pro 15-inch?

A: Technically it will connect, but a 45W charger is underpowered for a 15-inch MacBook Pro, which typically requires 85W. Under load, your battery may drain even while plugged in. You need an 85W MagSafe 2 adapter for those models.

Q: Does the MagSafe LED indicator work on this charger?

A: The charger is designed to include a functioning LED indicator (amber while charging, green when full), which is a key sign of proper communication with your Mac. Verify this lights up when you first plug it in.

Q: Is a third-party charger safe for my MacBook battery?

A: Quality varies widely across budget brands. Look for chargers that don't run excessively hot and that the LED indicator functions properly. Monitor heat levels during early use as a basic safety check.

Q: Does it come with an extension cord?

A: Yes, the Elvoes charger includes a detachable extension cable, the same style as the official Apple adapter.

Q: Which exact MacBook models is this compatible with?

A: It's designed for MacBook Air 11" and 13" (2012–2017) and MacBook Pro 13" models using MagSafe 2 connectors. Always double-check your specific model's wattage requirement before purchasing.

A Note on This Review

This review is based on limited sources available at the time of writing. Product details, compatibility information, and general third-party charger guidance have been used to give you the most useful pre-purchase perspective possible — but real-world long-term reliability data for this specific unit is still sparse. As more user experiences become available, we'll update this page with richer insights.

If you've used this charger, share your experience in the comments below — your input helps us build a better, more accurate review for other buyers in the same situation.

— Tech Lead Editor, CPrice