My favorite USB-C accessories of all time are 25% off

Key points of ZDNET

• These 240W USB-C connector feature a MagSafe-style mechanism that makes them safer and more secure than standard connectors.
• With prices starting at $28 for a pack of two (currently 25% off coupon on Amazon), this accessory is a must-have for travelers, tech enthusiasts, and those who frequently switch between different cables and ports.
• Just be mindful of where you store these connectors, as they are small and can be easily lost, especially the terminals (although you can now buy spare ones).

This might be one of the best USB-C accessories I’ve ever purchased. While simple and straightforward, it has repeatedly protected my USB-C port from damage and prevented the laptop from being dragged to the floor by people (usually me) tripping over the charging cable.

Also: I tested the ‘tangle-free’ USB-C cable and this is my new travel backpack essential

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 notebooks. Laptops, including MacBooks, lack MagSafe. I have a lot of these connectors and I use them every day.

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The best thing is that it does not slow down data transfer or charging. The connector has 24 pins, so every channel on the USB-C cable is passed through the connector, resulting in unaffected speeds.

I know this because I’m busy testing many models to find you the best and cheapest one.

The magnetic separation USB-C connector consists of two parts: the first part is the USB-C port that plugs into the device you want to protect — which could be a laptop, smartphone, charger, power bank, etc. — and the other part is on the end of the cable you’ll be using.

Also: Best GaN Chargers of 2024: Tested by experts

A super strong neodymium magnet holds the two parts together when in use until there is a pull at the connector and then the two parts fall apart. The magnets are very strong and pull the two parts together with a very decisive snap. It’s a simple idea but brilliantly designed.

Magnetic Breakaway USB-C Connector Specifications

• Power: Up to 240W
• Data transmission: Up to 40Gb/s
• Video output: Up to 8K @ 60Hz
• Connection type: 24 pins
• LED lights: Correct
• Anti-dust: Correct

Just a note about the different versions of this product: I tested both the 140W and 240W versions of this connector and both responded identically in thermal and resistance tests. This makes sense, as these are just pass-through connectors, with the only active component being the LED, leading me to conclude that the 140W versions are just older brands.

Also: The most flexible USB-C cable I’ve tested can also deliver 240W of power

I’ve used similar decoupled USB-C connectors in the past, when Apple removed the MagSafe charging port from the MacBook Pro. Thankfully, things have come a long way since then: These connectors have been improved, improving the design and magnets, and updating them with support for features like 140W charging.

These decoupled connectors come in three different types — straight, 90° elbowAnd right angle.

Personally, I like the elbow design. It seems the most flexible and safe. In my testing, I found that straight and right-angle connectors separated more easily, leading to more random breaks. However, I’d still rather deal with an accidental crash than a laptop being dragged to the ground.

Also: This $20 USB-C cable has a surprisingly great feature

The connectors also have handy LED lights so you can tell if the device is charging or not.

The connector that goes into the USB-C port can sometimes be a bit difficult to remove, especially if like me, you have trashy fingernails. The pack comes with a loop to aid in removal, which I found to be a really nice touch.

One thing I get asked a lot is whether you can buy spare terminals for this converter as replacement parts or because they have lost the original terminal. Good news! You can buy them in one 3 packs cost $10.

ZDNET Buying Tips

The good news is that these connectors are cheaper than ever. I remember paying over $20 for a connector, but now you can get one 2 packs cost about $20 with 25% off coupon on Amazon.

This is a simple yet effective way to protect ports from damage and prevent the laptop from being dragged to the floor. Investing a few dollars in a few of these can save you thousands of dollars.