Apple vs. IKEA: The Ultimate USB Charger Showdown

TLDR: IKEA’s new Sjöss series USB-C chargers offer significantly better value and performance than Apple’s counterparts. They are substantially cheaper, deliver advertised wattage, and include advanced features like PPS for broader device compatibility and cooler charging. While Apple chargers boast aesthetics and GaN tech in higher wattages, IKEA’s options are the rational choice for most users.

Apple’s Premium Charger Predicament

Apple devices present a curious case when it comes to charging. While a MacBook and iPad still come with a charging brick and cable, other devices like the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air have shed the charging brick entirely. The rationale often cited is the abundance of old chargers and the push against e-waste, especially with USB-C becoming the standard. However, many existing chargers are older USB-A models and are significantly slower.

Purchasing a new charger from Apple can be a costly affair. For instance, an iPhone 17 Pro or iPad Pro can utilize up to 40 watts of charging speed, with Apple’s corresponding charger priced at $59. Even for devices requiring less power, like the iPhone Air (which needs a 20-watt charger due to its reduced battery capacity), Apple’s 20-watt option costs $19. This premium pricing often leads consumers to seek alternatives.

IKEA Enters the Arena with Unbeatable Value

IKEA has recently launched its SH series of USB-C chargers, which are proving to be incredibly disruptive in the market due to their affordability. We put these chargers to the test, and the results speak for themselves.

• 20-Watt Charger: For devices like the iPhone Air that require a 20-watt charger, Apple’s offering is $19. IKEA’s equivalent is a mere $4, and our tests confirmed it delivers the promised wattage.
• 30-Watt Charger: If you own an iPhone 17 Pro or an iPad and need decent charging speeds, IKEA offers a 30-watt charger for about $8. Compare this to Apple’s 30-watt option, which would set you back $39.
• Dual-Port Chargers: For users with a MacBook Air or those needing to charge two devices simultaneously, Apple’s 35-watt dual-port charger costs $59. IKEA’s dual-port version is not only cheaper at $25 but also more powerful, delivering 45 watts. When both ports are in use, it provides 22 watts per port. Again, our tests verified these claims.
• High-Wattage Chargers: For power-hungry devices like the MacBook Pro, Apple’s 70-watt charger is $59. IKEA’s 65-watt brick is available for $25, less than half the price.

Apple vs. IKEA: The Core Tech Specs and Final Verdict

Pros and Cons

Feature	Apple Chargers	IKEA Chargers
Price	❌ Very Expensive	✅ Extremely Affordable
Advertised Wattage Delivery	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Verified)
Aesthetics	✅ Premium look and feel	❌ Basic design (but customizable with stickers)
GaN Technology (Higher Wattage)	✅ Yes (Smaller, Lighter, More Efficient)	❌ No (for comparable models)
Lifespan	✅ Potentially longer (approx. 10 years)	✅ Good (easily 5+ years)
Electrical Whine	✅ Not present	✅ Not present
Safety & Thermal Management	✅ Well-engineered	✅ Well-made (verified by teardowns)
PPS (Programmable Power Supply)	❌ No (limited cross-device fast charging)	✅ Yes (cooler, broad cross-compatibility for fast charging non-Apple devices)
Dual-Port Power Output	❌ 35W total for $59	✅ 45W total for $25 (22W per port)

Product Comparison Table

Charger Type	Apple Price	IKEA Price	IKEA Wattage (if different)
20W Charger	$19	$4	–
30W Charger	$39	$8	–
Dual-Port Charger	$59 (35W)	$25	45W
High-Wattage Charger	$59 (70W)	$25	65W

When evaluating the chargers, it’s clear that Apple’s premium pricing isn’t justified by groundbreaking technology for most users. While Apple’s chargers might offer a more refined aesthetic and incorporate GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their higher wattage models (making them smaller, lighter, and more efficient), these advantages come at a significant cost. Apple chargers are also speculated to have a longer lifespan of about 10 years due to higher quality components, though IKEA’s chargers are expected to last well over 5 years.

IKEA’s chargers, on the other hand, are not merely cheap knockoffs. They exhibit no electrical whine, a common issue with lower-quality chargers, and teardowns by experts like Charger Lab confirm they are well-made with proper safety and thermal management. The standout feature for IKEA is the inclusion of PPS (Programmable Power Supply) technology. This allows the charger to dynamically adjust voltage and current, resulting in cooler operation and, crucially, fast charging compatibility with a wider range of non-Apple devices. Apple chargers often struggle to fast charge non-Apple devices, making IKEA’s options a more versatile and practical choice.

Conclusion

Rationally, IKEA’s USB-C chargers are the superior choice. They are dramatically more affordable, deliver on their advertised power, and offer enhanced cross-compatibility thanks to PPS technology. While Apple maintains a design edge and some high-end technical advantages like GaN in specific models, the value proposition from IKEA is simply too strong to ignore for the vast majority of consumers. For those seeking efficient, safe, and budget-friendly charging solutions, IKEA has truly blown Apple out of the water.

Products Discussed in this Post:

• Apple 20W charger
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPad Pro
• iPhone Air
• IKEA 20 watt charger
• IKEA 30 watt charger
• Apple 35W dualport version
• MacBook Air
• IKEA 45W dual-port charger
• MacBook Pro
• Apple 70 watt charger
• IKEA 65 watt brick
• Apple 140 watt charger

DISCLOSURES

✅ We bought all of these products with our own money. ✅ No one got input at any stage in the creation of this video. All opinions and bad jokes are strictly our own.✅ Affiliate shopping and merchandise links above earn us commission.