MagSafe and USB-C both remain viable ways to charge modern MacBooks, and choosing between them comes down to safety, speed and convenience rather than one being outright superior. MagSafe's magnetic connector detaches safely if the cable is yanked or tripped over, protecting the laptop from being pulled off a surface, whereas a plugged-in USB-C cable can drag the machine down in the same scenario, making MagSafe the generally safer option.

MagSafe also charges faster in most cases: MacBooks from the 2021 Pro or 2022 Air onward can hit 140W via MagSafe with the right adapter, reaching 50% charge in about 30 minutes, compared with a standard USB-C rate of 60W, though pricier USB-C cables can reach 100W or even 240W. USB-C's main advantage is versatility, since a single cable and charger can power a MacBook alongside an iPhone, iPad or other USB-C devices, useful for travel, and MacBook Pros released after November 2023 can also hit up to 240W over USB-C with the right cable and adapter. Ultimately, the article suggests keeping both cable types on hand and choosing based on the situation.