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It’s hard to believe that not long ago, nearly every piece of new technology came fully equipped with its own complete charging kit. Those days, however, have largely faded into memory. Leading the shift, Apple famously discontinued including wall adapters with its new devices, prompting many other tech companies to follow suit. Some brands, such as Amazon, cleverly include charging accessories as part of bundle deals—like the popular Kindle packages—giving consumers the illusion of added value. Yet it’s worth remembering that there was a time when opening a new device box meant discovering every necessary cable and adapter neatly included, ready to use without a second thought.

Still, we might count ourselves fortunate that most brands haven’t eliminated charging cords entirely. The majority of gadgets—from smartphones and tablets to e-readers and wireless headphones—arrive with at least a basic USB-C or similar cable tucked inside the packaging. That said, inclusion does not necessarily equate to quality. A free cable is not always a good cable.

Throughout the years, I have personally gone through more charging cords than I care to admit. They snap in half, fray at the edges, lose connectivity, or abruptly stop functioning without warning. Many inexpensive replacements promise convenience but often fail to deliver lasting performance, and using uncertified third-party accessories not manufactured to standard specifications can pose real safety and reliability risks. My most enduring frustration with the majority of mass-produced cables is their inability to withstand everyday handling—the bending, twisting, coiling, and tugging that naturally occur during use.

No one charges their device in a perfectly ergonomic posture. More often than not, we find ourselves hunched on a couch, reclined in bed, or twisted into awkward positions, carefully balancing comfort with the need to maintain a connection to that fragile lifeline, the charging cord. I’m doing exactly that as I write this.

Fortunately, I have finally discovered a truly effective solution. Statik’s 360 Magnetic Charging Cable has become my new go-to—a versatile, resilient, and surprisingly innovative piece of equipment that not only performs exceptionally well but also glows in the dark. Yes, you read correctly: the cable emits a gentle illumination while charging, making it virtually impossible to lose between couch cushions or behind the nightstand. For those who prefer a more understated appearance, there is also a classic black version, though the nostalgic appeal of a glowing cord is unmistakably fun.

Beyond its visual flair, the GloBright cable distinguishes itself through impressive functionality. It is cleverly designed with three interchangeable magnetic adapters—USB-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning—that snap into place with ease, allowing one cord to seamlessly power a wide range of devices. I’ve used it to charge everything from my iPhone 14 Pro to my Kindle and iPad with no need to swap cords or search for the correct connector. The convenience factor is immense, especially for anyone juggling multiple gadgets daily.

I personally use the Pro model, which supports charging speeds up to 60 watts and transfers data at rates up to 480 megabytes per second, an excellent balance for work and play. The base model, ideal for smaller electronics, maintains identical functionality and glow features but at a slightly lower power capacity. Pricing remains remarkably affordable—the Pro Glo version sells for roughly $23, while the standard 3-foot Glo cable costs around $15. Extended 6-foot variants are also available for greater mobility.

Statik’s design extends beyond simple versatility. The GloBright cable incorporates an intelligently engineered swivel head that rotates to minimize strain and prevent the fraying that so often dooms typical cords. According to Statik’s own durability tests, the cable can endure over 20,000 rotations—reportedly lasting twenty times longer than the average charging cord. While I haven’t had mine long enough to personally validate those precise figures, the cable’s robustness is immediately evident. In comparison, even Apple’s official chargers, which command premium prices, tend to wear down much faster.

To further address organization concerns, Statik includes a small silicone holder to store the removable magnetic tips, ensuring that none of the tiny adapters disappear between charges. It’s a subtle but thoughtful touch that rounds out an already well-considered design.

As someone who frequently tests mobile accessories as part of my work for ZDNET, I can confidently say that this has become my favorite charging cable to date. In fact, I highlighted it in my recently published gift guide as an ideal stocking stuffer—though its practicality extends far beyond the holiday season. Statik’s product lineup demonstrates an ongoing commitment to inventive design and exceptional durability, qualities that have earned a place in my daily routine.

Apart from the GloBright, I use several other Statik products that I’ve come to rely on. The PowerPivot Pro USB-C cable remains plugged into my work MacBook around the clock, providing a dependable, tangle-free connection, while the MagStack Slim Pro USB-C accompanies me on every trip, ready to handle my mobile charging needs from car to hotel room. My colleague Adrian Kingsley-Hughes recently reviewed the MagStack Pro USB-C and shared similarly positive impressions. We’ve also tested complementary accessories such as the Snap n Charge mobile charger and the 5-in-1 travel hub, further evidence of the brand’s thoughtful ecosystem.

Ultimately, what makes the Statik GloBright stand out is its rare combination of versatility, value, and design ingenuity. For under $25, consumers effectively gain three different charging cables in one, thanks to the interchangeable magnetic adapters. Add to that the satisfying glow feature and its proven resilience, and you have a single cord capable of replacing a drawer full of unreliable, mismatched cables. It represents simplicity at its most intelligent form, allowing users to minimize clutter while enhancing the overall charging experience.

If your old cables have reached their breaking point—or if you’re simply tired of untangling the same mess day after day—it’s time to retire them and upgrade to a smarter, sturdier solution. With Statik’s GloBright 360 Magnetic Charging Cable, the days of cable chaos might finally be behind us. For expert reviews and recommendations on the latest must-have gadgets, continue exploring ZDNET Recommends.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-25-usb-c-cable-might-be-the-only-one-youll-ever-need-heres-why/