Here’s How to Get a MagSafe Charging Connector on Your Windows Laptop

MagSafe is one of my favorite features on Apple devices. It’s very convenient to run a charging cable to your laptop and pop it off whenever you want.

If you’re using a Windows PC, though, you don’t need to miss out on the convenience. There are magnetic USB-C and even HDMI connectors that bring MagSafe’s convenience to just about any device you own.

Magnetic USB-C Connectors Are Good MagSafe Alternatives

For as little as $13 on Amazon, you can find Magnetic USB-C Connectors. These connectors divide the USB-C plug into two parts: the connector and the shell. They snap together magnetically, and the connector stays plugged into the USB-C port when you break off the cable.

They also come in different shapes and sizes. For example, you can choose between right-angle or straight connectors. I picked the angled connectors because I prefer my cables to run along the length of my laptop instead of jutting straight out of the sides. With USB-C becoming the universal connector, these adaptors can add magnetic capabilities to any USB-C device.

Other than making plugging in a cable extremely easy, these connectors can help reduce the wear on your USB-C ports, as you don’t need to plug and unplug the cable every time you want to disconnect a peripheral or your charger.

The connectors I’m using support 40Gbps data transfer and 140W power delivery. I’m using one to charge my HP Omen Transcend 14 laptop which uses 140W over USB-C PD (Power Delivery), while the other plugs in my USB-C hub (buying a USB-C hub can be a nightmare in itself) that handles all of my peripherals, memory cards, and ethernet connection.

In my testing, charging and data transfer speeds weren’t affected. The connectors also have a metal casing, which helps with heat dissipation. You just have to ensure you get the connector matching the specs you need.

You’re Not Limited to USB-C

The good thing about using third-party products is that they’re often adapted to different standards. You can easily find similar magnetic cables for micro USB, iOS devices, and even HDMI and DisplayPort cables. Even magnetic USB-C to 3.5mm adaptors are available on Amazon, albeit for a high price.

Keep in mind that your best chances of finding a magnetic adaptor for a particular connector depend on its popularity. Magnetic USB-C connectors are in plenty of supply, meaning you’ll get better pricing.

Other connectors, such as micro USB, HDMI, or the aforementioned USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor, can cost as much as $20. While they offer a lot of convenience, that price might be a bit too high for a simple connector.

Magnetic USB-C Connector Buying Tips

As is the case with everything tech, these magnetic connectors also have several drawbacks. First, don’t expect their magnetic strength to be as good as Apple’s MagSafe connectors. They have pretty good magnets, and you won’t have any problems snapping your cables in place. But I won’t pick up my laptop with the cable connected via these connectors.

Secondly, they leave the actual USB-C connector plugged into your laptop. Now, that’s not a problem for me, but it might be for you, as the port can’t be used for anything else until you squeeze the connector out.

It’s easier said than done, as there’s little space to hold on to the connection when pulling it out. It takes a little while to get used to, but eventually, you’ll be able to get them out by squeezing your nails in between the port and the connector. Just be careful when doing so.

Finally, just because it’s a connector and not a cable doesn’t mean you don’t need to worry about USB-C specs. For example, if you use a power-only connector in a Thunderbolt 4 port, you won’t be able to use any of its data transfer or display capabilities.

This is where one of the biggest issues with these adaptors comes into play: they aren’t necessarily compatible with the USB spec, and there are reports of users damaging their devices just because they yanked the cable the wrong way. I haven’t had any issues using them and haven’t taken any special precautions, but a warning post on the USB-C Hardware subreddit delves deeper into these potential issues.

Generally speaking, your best bet is to look for connectors with a 24-pin connection that supports up to 240W power and 40Gpbs data transfer. These connectors are the most common and sell around the $15 to $20 price range. 140W and lower-powered connectors are also available for about the same price, so be sure to look at the connector’s specs before purchasing.

So, if you hate plugging/unplugging cables every time you need to move your laptop or want a solution that doesn’t rip your laptop away if someone trips over your charging cable, these magnetic adaptors are a great way to add MagSafe-like capabilities to any USB-C device.