Volta XL cable

THE THIRD-PARTY RETURN OF MAGSAFE.

WHEN APPLE INTRODUCED its 12-inch MacBook in 2015 it was the beginning of the end for its proprietary MagSafe charging cable. Australian cable manufacturer Volta, however, is keen to resurrect its key features while also bringing some other bells and whistles to the table.

The Volta XL is a USB-C to USB-C cable, although one of the ends stays in your device and attaches magnetically to the rest of the cable. This means you ideally won’t pull your device off the desk if you accidentally trip on the cord, and makes it very easy to plug back in, although it’s not without issue. While the single included USB-C tip is great to leave in your primary device, you will quickly realise how limiting its proprietary nature is if you have multiple devices, and further tips cost $14 apiece.

Aside from this headline function, the cable features an indicator light that tells you whether or not it’s charging, supports fast-charging, can share charge on-the-go (for example, from a phone to a Nintendo Switch), and is seriously heavy-duty. In fact, the company promises its cables are 10 times stronger than any other cable on the market and offer a lifetime warranty as a result. It’s worth mentioning that while the cable does support data transfer, we had issues getting it to run with a Thunderbolt 3 display, so it’s worth checking with your specific needs.

Considering the current cost of USB-C to USB-C cables ($29 from Apple), the Volta XL is a decent alternative even if you don’t consider its magnetism, although if you use several devices you may want to fork out a little extra for more tips. VOLTA XL USB-C CABLE $49 voltacharger.com

CRITICAL SPECS

USB-C to USB-C; Detachable magnetic tip; Indicator light; Fast-charge compatible; Strong braided construction; Black or red; 1.8m long; Carry case