My favorite USB-C accessory of all time is 25% off

Key findings from ZDNET

• This 240W USB-C ports feature a MagSafe mechanism that makes them safer and more secure than standard ports.
• Prices start at $28 for a two-pack (currently). 25% off coupon on Amazon), this accessory is a must-have for travelers, tech enthusiasts, and people who frequently switch between different cables and ports.
• Just be careful where you store these connectors, as they are small and can be easily lost, especially the ends (although you can now purchase replacement ends).

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This might be one of the best USB-C accessories I’ve ever purchased. While it’s simple and straightforward, it has protected my USB-C ports from damage on multiple occasions and prevented laptops from being dragged 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 and is compatible with all your devices, from smartphones and tablets to power banks, docks and laptops, including MacBooks without MagSafe. I have a good handful of these ports and use them daily.

View on Amazon

The best part is that it doesn’t slow down data transfer or charging. The connector has 24 pins, so each channel of the USB-C cable is routed through the connector, resulting in no loss of speed.

I know this because I’ve been busy testing a bunch of them to find the best and cheapest model for you.

A magnetic breakaway USB-C connector consists of two parts: The first part is the USB-C connector that attaches to the device you want to protect – be it a laptop, smartphone, charger, power bank or something else – and the other part is at the end of the cable you want to use.

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A super strong neodymium magnet holds the two parts together during use until the plug is pulled and the two parts then separate. The magnets are very strong and pull the two parts together with a very firm pressure. It’s a simple idea, yet brilliantly designed.

Technical data for the magnetically tearable USB-C plug

• Performance: Up to 240W
• Data transfer: Up to 40 Gbps
• Video output: Up to 8K@60Hz
• Connection type: 24-pin
• LED display: Yes
• Dustproof: Yes

Just a note about the different versions of this product: I tested both the 140W and 240W versions of this plug and both responded identically in the heat and resistance tests. This makes sense as they are just pass-through connections and the only active element is the LED light, which leads me to conclude that the 140W versions just have the older branding.

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

I’ve used similar breakaway USB-C ports before, back when Apple removed the MagSafe charging port from the MacBook Pro. Fortunately, a lot has happened since then: these ports have been redesigned, the design and magnet have been improved, and they have been brought up to date by supporting features such as 140W charging.

These breakaway connectors are available in three different versions: straight, 90° angleAnd right angle.

Personally, I like the elbow design. It feels the most versatile and safest. In my testing, I found that the straight and right angle connectors were easier to pull apart, leading to more accidental breakages. Still, I’d much rather deal with an accidental demolition than a laptop being dragged to the ground.

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The ports also have a handy LED light so you can see if a device is charging.

The part of the connector that goes into the USB-C port can sometimes be a little tricky to remove, especially if you have bad fingernails like me. This pack comes with a cord loop to make it easy to remove, which I think is a really nice touch.

One thing that I have often wondered about is whether you can purchase replacement ends for this adapter, either as a replacement or because the original ends have been lost. Good news! You can buy them in one 3-pack for $10.

ZDNET’s buying guide

The good news is that these connectors are cheaper than ever. I remember paying well over $20 for a single plug, but now you can get one Pack of 2 for about $20 with a 25% discount voucher on Amazon.

They’re a simple but effective way to protect ports from damage and prevent laptops from being dragged to the floor. Investing a few dollars in a few of these could save you thousands later.