Blog

Jun 04, 2025

This USB-C converter solved the biggest issue I have with my MacBook | ZDNET

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean? ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

I think Apple's MagSafe charging system for its MacBook line is a fantastic idea. The breakaway magnetic connector not only makes attaching the cable to the MacBook a snap -- literally. But it also prevents potentially thousands of dollars of damage if you or someone in your vicinity accidently trips over the cord.

But what happens when you lose or damage your cable? Is Apple's $50 replacement your only option? Of course not.

Also: The best power banks you can buy

You could just settle for a plain old USB-C cord. Get one that's capable of carrying 140W or more of power and you're good to go.

If you're worried about someone tripping over the cable and dragging your laptop across the table to certain doom, you could get a magnetic breakaway USB-C connector, but then you're now permanently devoting a USB-C port to charging, and USB-C ports can be in short supply. What you really need is a USB-C to MagSafe 3 adapter

This adapter has fits the MagSafe 3 connector.

This adapter fits onto the end of a USB-C cable -- again, you want a 140W of better cable to get the fastest charging experience -- and turns it into a MagSafe 3 cable. It's that simple. It's magnetic so will breakaway if something bad happens and keeps the USB-C ports free for more important stuff.

The connector can fit either way, offering flexibility in the way the cable goes.

Also: My favorite USB-C accessory is only $8 but it can save you hundreds in repairs

I've been testing quite a few of these adapters and they work great. You can even get ones in different orientations to get the best cable orientation. And best of all, you can pick one up for about $15, which is a lot cheaper than Apple's official MagSafe 3 cable.

While nothing beats the original Apple hardware -- the latest USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable is stylish and tough -- the prices can, at times, be a bit hard to swallow. Many people don't realize how much a replacement MagSafe 3 cable is, until they are faced with having to buy one.

Luckily, there are more budget-friendly options open, and these USB-C to MagSafe 3 adapters are one of the cheapest solutions that don't have any compromises.