Laptops switch over to USB-C

To help reduce electronic waste, most new laptops are now sold without a charger. This supports new EU legislation aimed at standardising charging and cutting down on unnecessary accessories. If you already own a compatible USB-C charger, you may not need to buy another.

However, not all USB-C chargers are the same. To charge your laptop efficiently - especially while using it - you may need a charger with higher power delivery. A basic USB-C cable or low wattage charger is unlikely to provide enough power.

Every laptop requires a specific charging power (wattage), which you can usually find in the specifications on the product page or user manual. When choosing a charger, make sure it matches or exceeds this wattage so your laptop charges correctly.

It means your laptop charges using a USB-C connection - the small, oval-shaped port found on many modern devices. USB-C is designed to be universal, but chargers can vary in power output. You’ll need a USB-C charger that delivers enough wattage for your laptop.

In many cases, yes. A lot of smartphones, tablets and laptops now use USB-C. While the connector is the same, the amount of power they require can differ. Laptop chargers typically deliver more power than phone chargers.

It depends on the charger’s power output. If it delivers enough wattage, it may work. Lower-powered chargers might charge your laptop slowly - or not at all. For best results, use a charger that meets or exceeds your laptop’s recommended wattage.

No, older round pin chargers aren’t compatible with USB-C ports. If your new laptop uses USB-C, you’ll need a USB-C charger that meets its power requirements.

Start by checking your laptop’s required wattage in the specifications or manual. Then choose a USB-C charger that matches or exceeds that power. When browsing chargers, look for key details like wattage and device compatibility to help guide your choice. These are what matters – the brand of a charger is far less important. In fact, you can mix and match one laptop brand and another charger brand as long as wattage and compatibility are right.

Start by checking your laptop’s required wattage in the specifications or user manual. Then choose a USB-C charger that matches or exceeds that power output. When comparing chargers, focus on the essentials: wattage and device compatibility. These are what really matter - brand is far less important. In most cases, you can safely mix a laptop and charger from different brands, as long as the power and compatibility are right.