Which is better for a MacBook Air?

Both work. The Apple 61W charges faster and leaves headroom; the Monoprice 45W is enough for everyday Air use and packs smaller.

Which is better for a phone?

The Monoprice, mainly because of PPS support and its foldable, pocketable shape. Both charge phones fine over USB-C PD.

Is the Monoprice worth stepping up to over a basic charger?

Yes if you travel. GaN, foldable prongs and PPS are real upgrades over a standard brick, though it tops out at 45W.

No published failure data separates them. Apple's warranty and service network make repairs easier; Monoprice's unit is simpler and lighter, which helps in a bag.

Can either charge two devices at once?

No. Both are single-port chargers, so you need a second charger or a multi-port hub for two devices.

Yes. Both accept 100-240V input, so you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.

Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger vs Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter

The Apple 61W adapter is the safer pick for a MacBook owner who wants full-speed charging and Apple build quality. The Monoprice 45W GaN charger is smaller, lighter and folds flat, and its PPS support makes it a better travel charger for phones and tablets. Reviewers rate the Monoprice highly for portability; the Apple unit is the more established, higher-output option.

Choose the Monoprice 45W GaN charger if you want a slim, foldable travel charger that covers phones, tablets and lighter laptops.
Choose the Apple 61W adapter if you need full-speed charging for a 13-inch MacBook Pro or Air and prefer Apple's build and warranty support.

Prices

Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger: $19.99 at Monoprice (checked today)
Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter: $39.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
Difference: the Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger is $20.00 cheaper than the Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter today

Monoprice 41987 USB-C Charger 45W 1-port PD GaN Technology Flat Slim Foldable Wall Charger

What separates them

	Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger	Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter
Maximum output	45W	61W
Size and weight	Flat, slim, 2.6 oz, foldable prongs	Larger brick, fixed prongs
Charging tech	GaN with PD 3.0 and PPS	Standard silicon, USB-C PD
Ports	One USB-C	One USB-C
Laptop charging speed	Fine for Air and smaller laptops; slower on a 13-inch Pro under load	Full-speed on 13-inch MacBook Pro and Air
PPS support	Yes, 3.3-11V and 3.3-16V ranges	No
Build and support	Plastic body, Monoprice warranty	Apple build, Apple warranty and service
Travel friendliness	Folds flat, light, works on 100-240V	Bulkier, works on 100-240V

Specs compared

Spec	Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger	Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter
Power Delivery	PD 3.0, 45W	—
Input Power	100 ~ 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1.2A	—
Output Connector	USB Type-C®	—
Output Power	5 VDC/3A, 9 VDC/3A, 15 VDC/3A, 20 VDC/2.25A	—
Programmable Power Supply	3.3 ~ 11.0 VDC/4.05A, 3.3 ~ 16.0 VDC/3A	—
Maximum Power Output	45 watts	—
Weight	2.6 oz. (75g)	—
Charging Technology	Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology	—
Port Count	1-port	—
Connections	—	USB-C
Type	—	Chargers
Color	—	White

Show all 13 specs

Spec	Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger	Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter
Power Supply (W)	—	61.0

Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger vs Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter

Prices

Monoprice 45W USB-C GaN Charger vs Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter

Prices