My favorite USB-C accessory of all time scores a magnetic upgrade

This is possibly one of the best USB-C accessories that I’ve ever bought and used. It’s saved my USB-C ports from damage countless times, and helped prevent laptops from being yanked to the floor by careless individuals (usually me) tripping over the charging cable.

It’s a magnetic breakaway USB-C connector reminiscent of Apple’s MagSafe connector that you can fit into all your devices, even MacBooks that don’t have it.

Also: Protect your data with a USB condom

And the best thing of all is that it doesn’t slow down data transfer or charging.

I know, because I’ve been testing a bunch of them to find you the best and cheapest!

A magnetic breakaway USB-C connector consists of two parts. One part is the USB-C port that plugs into the device you want to protect from damage — be that a laptop, smartphone, charger, power bank, or any USB-C port you want to protect from damage — and the other end goes on the end of the cable you’re going to use.

Also: FBI warns of public ‘juice jacking’ charging stations. What to know 

A magnet keeps the two parts together when in use until there’s a pull on the connector, and then the two parts come apart. The magnets are very strong and pull the two parts together with a very decisive snap.

Simple idea, yet brilliant! 

ZDNET RECOMMENDS

Magnetic breakaway USB-C connector

Of the many magnetic breakaway USB-C connectors that I tested, this was one of my favorites. Not only did it do everything the spec sheet promised, but it’s nicely designed and features a strong magnet to keep both halves together. 

Magnetic breakaway USB-C connector tech specs

• Power: Up to 140W
• Data transfer: Up to 40Gb/s
• Video output: Up to 8K@60Hz
• Connection type: 24-pin
• LED indicator: Yes
• Dustproof: Yes 

I’ve used similar breakaway USB-C connectors before, back when Apple removed the MagSafe charging port from the MacBook Pro, but things have come a long way since then and these updated connectors have been given a revamp, improving the design and the magnet, and bringing them up to date with support for features such as 140W charging.

Also: This $10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time

These breakaway connectors come in three different types — straight, 90° elbow, and right-angle.

Personally, I like the elbow design. It feels like the most versatile and secure to me, while I find that the straight and right-angled connectors do their breakaway thing much easier, resulting in more accidental breakaways.

Still, I’d much prefer to deal with an accidental breakaway than a laptop that’s been dragged to the ground.

The connectors feature a handy LED light, so you can tell if a device is charging. I find this to be a really nice touch.

And now the good news is that these are cheaper than ever. I remember paying over $20 for a single connector, but now you can get a 2-pack for around $20.

They’re a simple, yet effective way to prevent ports from being damaged and laptops from being pulled to the floor. $20 spent on a couple of these could save you thousands!