Magnetic breakaway USB-C connector – right angle configuration.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- These 140W and 240W USB-C connectors have a MagSafe-type mechanism that makes it more secure and powerful to use than traditional adapters.
- With prices starting at $28 for a two pack, this accessory is a must-have for travelers, tech enthusiasts, and folks who often switch between different cables and ports.
- Just be mindful of where you store the connector, as they are small and potentially easy to misplace.
This might be one of the best USB-C accessories I’ve ever purchased. Although simple and straightforward, it has protected my USB-C ports from damage numerous times and prevented laptops from being pulled to the floor by people (usually me) tripping over the charging cable.
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It’s a magnetic breakaway USB-C connector similar to Apple’s MagSafe connector, compatible with all your devices, from smartphones and tablets to power banks, docks and laptops, including MacBooks that lack MagSafe. I’ve got a good handful of these connectors and I use them daily.
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And the best thing of all is that it doesn’t slow down data transfer or charging. The connector has 24 pins, so every channel on the USB-C cable is carried through the connector, resulting in no comprises to speed.
The magnetic breakaway connector carried all 24-pins, ensuring full speed and power transfer
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
And I know this, because I’ve been busy testing a bunch of them to find you the best and cheapest model.
A magnetic breakaway USB-C connector consists of two parts: the first part is the USB-C port that plugs into the device you want to protect — be that a laptop, smartphone, charger, power bank, or otherwise — and the other part that goes on the end of the cable you’re going to use.
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A super-strong neodymium 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. It’s a simple idea, yet brilliantly designed.
The magnetic USB-C connector snapping into place.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Magnetic breakaway USB-C connector tech specs
- Power: 140W and 240W versions
- Data transfer: Up to 40Gb/s
- Video output: Up to 8K@60Hz
- Connection type: 24-pin
- LED indicator: Yes
- Dustproof: Yes
Just a note on the different versions of this product: I’ve tested both the 140W and 240W versions of this connector, and both reacted identically in the thermal and resistance tests. This make sense, as these are just pass-through connectors, with the only active element being the LED light, leading me to conclude that the 140W versions just have the older branding.
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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: These 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.
These breakaway connectors come in three different types — straight<!–>, 90° elbow–>, and right-angle<!–>.
The magnet on the breakaway connector is strong.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Personally, I like the elbow design. It feels like the most versatile and secure. In my testing, I found that the straight and right-angled connectors were easier to pull apart, 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.
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The connectors also feature a handy LED light, so you can tell if a device is charging.
The part of the connector that goes into the USB-C port can sometimes be a bit hard to remove, especially if, like me, you have rubbish fingernails. This pack comes with a loop of string to aid in removal, which I find to be a really nice touch.
Handy loop of string for removal.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
ZDNET’s buying advice
The good news is that these connectors are cheaper than ever. I remember paying well over $20 for a single connector, but now you can get a 2-pack for around $22<!–> with a 30% off coupon on Amazon at the time of writing.
They’re a simple, yet effective way to protect ports from damage and prevent laptops from being pulled to the floor. Investing a few dollars in a couple of these could save you thousands down the line.
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