Smartphone, notebook, camera or headphones – mobile devices usually use USB ports for charging and data transmission. As practical as the USB standard is, the plug cannot completely replace the search for the connection socket. Worse, since a USB (Type-C) cable can transmit up to 100W, 10Gbps, audio, video, and more at the same time, many manufacturers have reduced the number of ports. Especially then it is important that the ports work reliably. From my own experience, this is often only the case with new hardware.
Due to the regular plugging and unplugging and tensile forces on the cable, the sockets wear out after a while. In addition, it happens that dust and dirt collects in the USB port. The USB plug is then no longer firmly seated and, in the worst case, no transmission of power or data is possible. This can be remedied by using a USB-C dock (guide) or a cheap magnetic charging cable.
advantages
Magnetic data and charging cables promise a remedy against dirt and wear and tear. These consist of a USB-A cable with a magnetic end and a corresponding magnetic plug. The scope of delivery usually includes three magnetic adapters with USB-C, micro-USB and Lightning connectors. Such a magnetic USB charging cable also works with older devices, iPhones and iPads.
To connect, the two nylon magnets simply have to be brought together. It is usually enough to bring the adapter close to the cable. The magnetic connection is so strong that the cable is then automatically tightened and locked in the correct position.
But not only the connection is very convenient. In addition, the adapter protects the often sensitive USB port. They prevent dirt from penetrating and reduce mechanical stress. A good application example is our privately used RC remote control, which is charged via a micro USB cable. Here the USB socket has been torn off the circuit board when trying to plug in the charging cable. Reloading is no longer possible. A magnetic charging cable with an adapter permanently plugged into the remote control would have prevented this damage.
A magnetic USB charging cable is also included with many Quest 2 charging stations. Here, too, there is only a single USB port that should be protected accordingly. We equipped our private Oculus Quest 2 (test report) with USB Type-C with a corresponding cable right from the start to protect the connection.
differences and variants
As with classic USB cables, there are big differences between the various offers. Even the variety in the online shop of Amazon is almost unmanageable. Some cables are only intended for charging – data transmission is not possible with them. There are further differences here, since not all variants are also designed for fast charging. This is often sufficient, but it limits the usefulness. These inexpensive models can be recognized by the only two contact points on the magnet connection.
An example of such a model is the magnetic USB cablewhich we at Amazon from the dealer AUFU store got. Although this is described as a data cable in the title, the small print states that it is not suitable for data transmission or fast charging. After all, these cables are the cheapest. The concrete offer includes a total of six cables in lengths between 0.5 and 3 m and four adapters each for Micro-USB, Lightning and USB-C. If you are already using the cable with a device without a quick charge function, you can strike here.
The second variant is also suitable for fast charging, but the data port is missing here too. Here it only helps to look closely at the specifications of the data sheet.
Cables that allow both Quick Charge and the transmission of a high data rate are best, as they are suitable for all applications. An example of this is this VAFOTON 3in1 USB-C magnet cable. If you want to find out more about the specifications and designations of the cables, you should take a look at our USB-C cable guide: Not everyone can throw everything.
particularities
However, the cable specification is far from the end of the differences. For example, the magnetic adapters are available in different shapes and dimensions. The round adapters usually take up the least space. These also have the advantage that they rotate 360 degrees. However, the round adapters are not always the same – even with the same specification, the contact surfaces can differ.
The processing also differs from cable to cable. In addition to simply insulated cables, there are these with a durable fabric sheathing. The same applies to the plugs, which are sometimes made of cheap plastic and sometimes aluminum.
Another distinguishing feature is the cable end. This is with some cables rigidat others pivotable. Such a flexible end is particularly useful if the connected device is not just lying around, but is being used. If you charge your smartphone while gambling, you should pay attention to this. Even with headphones, the rotating and swiveling mechanism is much more comfortable than a rigid cable. There is now an extra for smartphones flat adaptersto get the haptics.
When buying, you should ideally choose a cable for which the adapters are also available individually. If a plug is lost or an additional device comes into the house, you can retrofit it without having to buy new cables. We use about two Cafele magnet charging cable from Amazon for around 12 euros, for which the adapters are also available individually. On Packet of five USB-C adapters costs 12 euros here. If you want to charge your Apple iPhone, you should use the variant with a Lightning connector. Alternatively, it is worth using a set with several cables, for which all adapters are included (pay attention to the specifications!).
restrictions
Whether such an adapter can be used always depends on the hardware used. Since the magnetic adapters take up space despite their small dimensions, they are unfortunately not equally suitable for all electronic gadgets. Here are a few concrete examples.
With smartphones, the adapters interfere with haptics and optics, at least if no case is used. If a case is used, there must be enough space around the USB charging port. This is not the case with outdoor smartphones, for example. If the cell phone is used in a holder or sound dock, the adapter is also annoying.
The same applies to action cams and all devices where the USB port is behind a flap or seal. The adapters also only fit in underwater housings and camera cages in exceptional cases. When using the charging cradle of true wireless headphones, it can happen that the magnetic adapter blocks the lid’s folding mechanism. The magnetic plug is also a nuisance on devices with a USB port on the underside.
On the charging connection of over-ear headphones, VR glasses, LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, screwdrivers, console controllers or RC accessories, we can recommend the solution from our own experience.
special shapes
In addition to the magnetic data and charging cables, the magnetic lock is also available for retrofitting. This is very practical with the MacBook Pro or other notebooks, for example. The adaptor Xtreme Mac not only protects the sensitive USB port, it also allows the use of the original charging cable without impairing the function. Should you stumble over the notebook’s charging cable, the magnetic connection comes loose and the device itself stays securely on the table.
However, the rectangular adapter has one disadvantage. The dimensions are so large that the adjacent USB-C port is blocked. According to the manufacturer, the adapter allows data transfer of up to 10 GBit/s and a charging capacity of up to 100 watts. The transmission of 4K resolution via HDMI is also supported.
Another special form are the magnetic wireless chargers. These are Qi chargers with a magnetic holder. These are compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones from Samsung.
Price
A magnetic USB cable including an adapter is available from around 8 euros. Then it is usually about charging cables, which do not allow data transfer. That Set with a total of six charging cables of different lengths and four adapters is available from around 28 euros.
From our point of view, you should rather invest a little more and buy a cable including a data port. The model we use privately from Cafele costs 12 euros in a double pack. The adapters for Lightning, Micro-USB and USB-C are also available individually for this purpose.
Conclusion
Magnetic data and charging cables are not only easy to use, they also protect the USB ports of the connected hardware. With the appropriate adapters, even energy-hungry devices such as notebooks can be retrofitted and the acquisition costs are even kept within limits. However, you should retrofit the magnetic adapters before the USB port wears out.
However, those who decide to use it should pay close attention to the technical specifications. Not all cables are suitable for fast charging or data transfer. You should also make sure that the magnetic adapters are also available individually. If you need several cables and adapters, you should buy them from the same manufacturer to avoid compatibility problems.
Whether the cable or plug lights up is less important than whether the adapter fits into the device at all. There can be problems with connections that are deep in the case, ports that are close together or the use of cases and cases.
