The magnetic USB-C accessory I can't live without - and why you need one too

3 hours ago 4

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ZDNET's key takeaways

These eliminate the risk of breaking a USB-C port.
Most can carry 240W of power, 40Gb/s of data, and 8K@60Hz video.
There are even breakaway connectors with power meters.

The other day I was asked about my most recommended USB-C product. I'm not sure what the person asking the question, a PR representative for a tech firm, expected. Maybe that I'd say the product they were pushing? A power bank? A cable? Some fancy satellite-enabled communicator that can survive being thrown into Mount Doom? An electric toothbrush that's also a cat brush?

Nope. None of those.

Also: This $12 USB-C accessory solved the biggest issue I had with my laptop's charger

My favorite, most highly recommended USB-C product is the magnetic breakaway connector. I first came across these about six years ago, and while the concept has changed and been built on in that time, the actual idea is still a winner.

Not seen one?

They're small two-part USB-C connectors, male connector on one that fits into the device in question, female the other that goes onto the cable, and strong neodymium magnets between the two parts holding them together.

The magnets are super strong!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The idea is to allow you to have the convenience and safety of Apple's MagSafe MacBook breakaway connector on all your devices.

These connectors come in all sorts of styles. They started out pretty basic, with straight, elbow, and right-angled styles, and I found these were great for things like laptops, power banks, and power stations -- basically anywhere someone might trip over a cable, and that trip-up could cause damage.

Also: My favorite USB-C accessory just got even better with a built-in power meter - and it's only $20

They can happily carry 240W of power without getting hot or causing any mayhem with the charger or device, and they can even carry 40Gb/s of data and 8K@60Hz video.

Then the connectors started to get fancier.

I've also got breakaway connectors that swivel that offer a high level of flexibility, making them great for ports that are in awkward locations. These swivel connectors do have limitations when it comes to data transfer, but if it's mostly power you're after transferring, these are fine.

Also: This USB-C accessory gave my Android and iPhone an ingenious emergency tool

You can also get swivel breakaway connectors already attached to cables, which means one less thing to lose!

But they can get fancier

USB-C magnetic breakaway connector with power meter

There are now breakaway connectors with power meters built in, and while these meters are only accurate to 0.1 resolution for amps, volts, and watts, they're fine for checking whether something is working and how fast it's charging. These support 240W power, carry 40Gb/s of data, and 8K@60Hz video.

I love these, and they add a bit of techy glitz to something that might otherwise seem dull.

Also: Why your USB-C device won't charge - and what you can do instead

Price wise, all three of these connectors are in the $20 to $30 price range for packs of two. Sometimes you can get some deals, so keep your eyes open.

ZDNET's buying advice

I can't recommend these enough. My favorites are the basic straight, elbow, and right-angle style, but I do have quite a few of the swivel, and power meter versions about the place.

A couple of pieces of advice, though, if you're using these.

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First, the male part of the connector that goes into the device can be rather hard to remove, and you might be tempted to try prying it out with your fingernails. I know I was, and my fingernails paid the price. Some of the breakaway connectors come with a small removal tool, but if yours is down -- or you "misplaced" it -- you can always use some string thread or dental floss.