Summary
- The PlugBug’s compact design allows flexible usage with minimal obstruction to adjacent outlets.
- 120W total power and 4 USB-C ports offer broad device support and convenient multi-device charging.
- Apple Find My integration adds tracking functionality beyond just a charger, making it stand out despite the high price.
The Twelve South PlugBug 120 is a wall charging brick featuring four USB-C ports, up to 120W of total power output, and Apple Find My integration for location tracking. It has a compact, Apple-like design with a striking red backplate. Although its price tag is hefty, its features make it worth it.
Twelve South PlugBug
The PlugBug 120 is a wall charging brick featuring four USB-C ports, up to 120W total power output, and Apple Find My integration for location tracking, all in a compact and Apple-like design. The PlugBug also comes in a 2-port 50W max option, as well as travel versions with international plug options.
- Compact design makes usage flexible
- 120W total makes for broad device support
- Four USB-C ports allow for convenient multi-device charging
- Apple Find My support makes it functionally an AirTag
- Prohibitively high price for a charging brick
- Would have liked one USB-A port for broader compatibility
Price and Availability
The PlugBug 120 costs $119.99 and is available on Best Buy, B&H Photo, and the manufacturer Twelve South’s website. You can also purchase a 50W alternative with only two ports for $69.99, as well as travel options for each size with international plugs.
Its Compact Design Adds Flexibility
Many charging bricks do their job well but are bulky or otherwise designed in a way that obstructs adjacent power outlets. Twelve South was mostly thoughtful in this area, as on a typical two-plug power outlet, the PlugBug leaves the other plug entirely clear when plugged in. However, the PlugBug may partially obstruct ports to the side if you have a four-port outlet.
Otherwise, the PlugBug’s compact size gives it four times as many ports as Apple’s larger MacBook charging brick while being similarly sized. Moreover, because the PlugBug lies flush to the wall, with its USB-C ports going up or down rather than outward, it actually stays put in wall outlets better than most alternatives, with its slim fit allowing for more flexible placement, too.
Four USB-C Ports up to 120W Is a Game Changer
Four USB-C ports with 120W total on one charger is a lot, even overkill for many, but this quantity offers huge utility. First, considering all the devices you might charge at once—such as a phone, laptop, tablet, and watch—the total number of ports is necessary, and the total wattage prevents anything from charging slowly.
As for wattage, the device offers up to 120W total, and it dynamically distributes this wattage based on device needs. For example, if a gaming laptop needs 120W to charge and supports USB-C, you could plug that device alone into the PlugBug 120 and get the full 120W from one port. Conversely, if you plug in a MacBook Pro that can utilize 60-70W, then an iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad that use far less each, you might still total 120W while allowing each device to get its full requisite wattage for fastest charging.
My only complaint with the device’s design regarding ports is that it only has USB-C ports, electing to ignore USB-A entirely. Most devices are trending towards USB-C for everything, but many of us still use USB-A cables frequently. Even switching one port to USB-A would have improved the device for me.
Apple Find My Integration Makes This More Than a Charger
The key feature that sets the PlugBug 120 apart from being a generic four-port charger is its integration with Apple Find My location services. The device has a compartment for a battery, meaning that this feature works whether or not it’s plugged in.
Pairing the device with your iPhone is quick and painless. To do so, simply ensure the PlugBug’s battery is properly installed with the paper tab removed, then open the Find My app on your iPhone. In the Items category, tap the plus sign, select Add Other Item, then hold the button on the back of the PlugBug until it appears on your screen. Then, you have almost all of the Find My features an AirTag might have, such as remotely playing a sound on the device to find it.
I initially thought that this was a pointless feature, but I quickly realized its utility. As someone who has lost more than one charging brick over the years by forgetting to unplug it, I wish I had a charger with this integration far earlier to prevent such losses while traveling or on campus.
Beyond the forgetfulness use case, Find My may make this particularly appealing in the case of theft prevention. While thieves may look for AirTags and other location tracking devices, few would suspect a charging brick to have such integration, making it more possible to catch the culprit.
Last, this could potentially replace an AirTag in a bag for you. Instead of having a separate AirTag and charging block, you can use the PlugBug as both at once. If you always have a charger in your laptop bag anyways, you are reducing the loose items you’re carrying.
Should You Buy the Twelve South PlugBug 120?
if you’re someone who has never lost a charging brick before, generally takes good preventative measures against theft, or already has an AirTag and charger you enjoy, you might not need to pay the extra premium for the Twelve South PlugBug’s location tracking feature. Similarly, it may not be for you if you generally need USB-A ports.
All in all, the PlugBug 120 is an extremely “nice to have” device, but its hefty price makes it unnecessary for most. $119.99 is a huge price for a charging brick, even if it features superb, thoughtful features and Find My tracking. If you are at all prone to losing charging bricks or your bag and want the insurance of knowing you can track that loss, this could be a perfect pick for you, even with the high price. And if you want the tracking features and don’t mind lesser wattage and fewer ports, the two-port 50W option may be worth its $69.99 tag as well.
Twelve South PlugBug
The PlugBug 120 is a wall charging brick featuring four USB-C ports, up to 120W total power output, and Apple Find My integration for location tracking, all in a compact and Apple-like design. The PlugBug also comes in a 2-port 50W max option, as well as travel versions with international plug options.
