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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Twelve South’s PlugBug is a wall charger optimized for iOS, offering native Find My support.
- It’s especially convenient for frequent flyers who are prone to misplacing their vital charging cables.
- The device is pricey but worth it for its bulk, versatility, and convenience.
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On my first trip abroad, one of my main concerns was purchasing wall adapters to charge my iPhone and iPad in other countries. Once they arrived in the mail, they were bulky, lacked sufficient wattage, and barely fit in my luggage. I lost one on the first day in my hostel, and my airline also lost one of my suitcases in the process.
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This month, I was able to try Twelve South’s PlugBug Travel 120W<!–>, a wall charger with four USB-C ports that work in almost any country thanks to its interchangeable wall adapters. However, its best feature is its built-in Find My compatibility, and it would’ve solved my charging abroad issues. Here’s why I’ll never travel again without it.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always misplaced my most important items. I think I lose my phone charger at least once a day because I carry it with me all over the place. The first time I misplaced the PlugBug, I was easily able to pull up the Find My app and ping it.
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You can choose from a 120W and 50W version of the PlugBug, and for $10 more, you can purchase international plug-ins. The 50W would be perfect for small spaces and as a daily wall charger, while the 120W configuration is more suitable for people using one adapter for larger devices that require more power.
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The PlugBug Travel comes with six different wall adapters: the US, EU, UK, Australia, China, and Korea, and they are extremely easy to interchange. The website description says the adapters work in up to 150 countries, so this wall charger is good to go no matter your destination.
The four USB-C ports on the bottom of the wall plug.
Allison Jewell/ZDNET
The PlugBug itself has a very sleek design with a color scheme bright enough to catch your eye when in a rush to pack up your hotel room. It’s colorful without being an eyesore, and I enjoy that.
Setting up the PlugBug was super easy; all I had to do was pull the tab from the battery at the bottom, hit the connect button, and then connect it as an item in my Find My app. You then assign it an emoji and a name, and begin tracking from there.
Because it’s compatible with Find My, the PlugBug can double as an AirTag for checked luggage or personal bags, if you’re prone to misplacing your charger or setting down your bag and walking off without it.
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However, the caveat is that you’re beholden to Find My’s tracking limitations. It is not always precise, so making the device chime when it’s lost is your best bet. I will say that the bright red color of the plug makes it easier to find in clutter.
The four USB-C ports are spaced out well and have an output of 120W. Technically, you can charge up to six devices with that amount of wattage. Therefore, my smaller devices, like my iPhone and AirPods, charge very quickly. Bigger devices like my MacBook take a little longer.
The case that comes with the PlugBug, plus its international outlets.
Allison Jewell/ZDNET
The charger comes with a case that fits snugly into your bag. The case can be a bit bulky, but it adds a protective layer for your PlugBug when things inevitably get shuffled around in your luggage. There’s also a little compartment at the top to store your cords in.
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One thing I noticed about the PlugBug is how heavy it is. If you’re sticking this in your carry-on or a checked bag, it would definitely impact the weight more than you want it to. Therefore, when you plug it into the wall, it has to sit on the bottom outlet.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Twelve South’s PlugBug Travel 120W<!–> retails for $130, which is pricey for a wall charger. However, its convenience, bulk, and versatility make it worth the price. If you want to try out a PlugBug but don’t need 120W or the travel upgrades, the PlugBug 50W retails for $70 and is still equipped with Find My.
If you’re always traveling and trying to charge your devices, but can never find where you put your charging block, the Twelve South PlugBug is the device for you.
