At the budget tier, a laptop charger typically covers core charging function reliably but trims on extras: fewer ports, simpler certification documentation, and thicker, less flexible cables.
Price alone isn’t a reliable safety signal — a $40 charger without certification can be riskier than a $15 charger with it. Certification and published specs matter more than brand recognition or price.
Where to spend
For most people, the mid-range tier for a laptop charger offers the best ratio of reliability to cost — the premium tier mainly pays for speed and size, not safety.