Best Cable
The Best USB-C Cables for Your Phone, Tablet, or Laptop
Cable Advice
Cables are usually included in the box for whatever device you purchase. These are capable of charging the device at the maximum rate. Keep it safe, keep it simple, and if it is unmarked, consider labeling it.
Check your device’s standards. Look for a cable that matches your needs. For example, if your device supports Power Delivery, then get a PD cable. Remember: the charging adapter also must support the same standards. We have more details about standards at the bottom of this guide.
You can use USB-C for displays. Manufacturers will state the data transfer speed or list support for 4K or 8K video on select cables. That means you can just use a USB-C to USB-C cable to transmit video from your laptop to your monitor. You should consider DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) support as this enables you to hook up displays and video sources that support DisplayPort. We plan to test USB-C video cables for a future update.
It is safe to use your phone while it is charging, but it will charge at a slower rate. Heat is also bad for battery health, so it is best to take a break when your phone feels warm.
Poorly made cables can overheat and start fires. To boost your chances of buying a dependable cable, look for USB-IF certification or stick to trustworthy brands like Anker, Cable Matters, or Syncwire.
1. Anker Powerline II (USB 3.1 Gen 2)
In the event that you’re searching for a USB-C to USB-C link that can deal with quick charging and expedient information moves, look no farther than the Anker Powerline II (USB 3.1 Gen 2 rendition). It is evaluated to convey 100 watts, meaning it very well may be utilized to control the beefiest MacBook Star, and it can communicate information at up to 10 gigabits each second (Gbps). It’s USB-Whenever confirmed, and that implies it has been tried to guarantee it consents to norms set by the USB Implementers Discussion, and it flaunts a lifetime guarantee. The disadvantage? It’s just 3 feet in length.
Length: 3 feet. Supports 100 watts, 10 Gbps.
2.Cable Matters USB C to USB C
You can save a few dollars by going with this Cable Matters cable, specifically for charging purposes. It’s USB-IF certified and supports Power Delivery to carry up to 100 watts, meaning it can charge all your portable devices. I’ve used it for years and it still looks excellent. Cable Matters also offers a one-year warranty. It’s a USB 2.0 cable, so data transfer speeds are slow.
Length: 6.6 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.
3.Nimble PowerKnit USB-C to USB-C
If you want to avoid contributing any more plastic to the world, these cables might tempt you. They boast an eco-friendly build with a flexible knit fabric finish crafted from certified recycled plastic and aluminum that looks (and feels) lovely and promises to last. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has been using a few of these for years with zero issues. Available in three lengths with a two-year warranty, they charge at a rate that should be good enough for most portable devices, but they’re slow for data transfer.
Length: 3.3, 6.6, or 9.9 feet. Supports 60 watts, 420 Mbps.
4.Caudabe ChargeFlex
Apple’s cables are notoriously … bad. The casing around the wires easily falls apart over a short period of time, so it’s smart to invest in a durable USB-C to Lightning cable. This thick braided cable only comes in black and is reinforced with Kevlar for durability. There is a leather clip you can use for cable management, and the ridged finish on the connectors makes them easy to grip when unplugging. There are USB-C to Lightning and USB-C to USB-C versions, and both are Made for iPhone-certified (MFi), so they’ll work perfectly with your iPhone or iPad. Caudabe offers a one-year warranty.
Length: 5 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.
5.Belkin Boost Charge USB-C
Some devices with USB-C ports (certain camera accessories, portable battery packs, and other cheap gadgets) can only charge using a USB-A to USB-C cable instead of a USB-C to USB-C. Usually, this is because USB-C charging ports use the Power Delivery protocol and need to be told the required voltage by the device charging, which means it needs a controller chip. USB-A ports charge at a fixed, slow rate.Â
This Belkin Boost Charge cable should do the trick, though don’t expect it to fast charge any of your devices. The basic PVC finish is the cheapest, but you can opt for braided nylon too; both come in black or white at two lengths. These cables are USB-IF certified and work as advertised (I’ve been using one in the car for the last few months). It hasn’t shown any signs of wear, but Belkin offers a two-year warranty.
Length: 3.3 or 6.6 feet. Supports 12 watts, 480 Mbps.
6.Amazon Basics USB-C to MicroUSB
This cable is perfect for any older devices with MicroUSB ports, like older Kindles. It comes in various lengths and colors and has a durable-feeling braided nylon finish. It is USB-IF certified. The 1-foot option is handy if you are charging a device from a laptop and want to keep your desktop relatively uncluttered.
Length: 1, 3, or 10 feet. Supports 15 watts, 480 Mbps
7. OneAdaptr Evri Magnetic Tip USB-C to USB-C
I’ve used a few cables with this magnetic design, where the detachable tip can just permanently sit in the charging port of a phone, tablet, or laptop. The charging cable then attaches magnetically to this tip. The beauty is that kids won’t need to precisely insert a cable into the port, and it reduces the danger of breaking the port or plug when they pull the cable out or trip over it.Â
It’s also a nice way for any MacBook owners to get the MagSafe-style charger from the old days, especially if you don’t want to upgrade to the new MacBooks that brought it back. The only problem? The tips can go missing, so be careful.Â
Length: 3.3 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.
8.Fuse Chicken Armour Charge
Some pets like to chew charging cables, and some people just seem to wear through cables much faster than others. If you’ve been looking for a more durable option, this Fuse Chicken cable should do the trick. The cable combines aluminum sleeves with several layers of cable protection, including Kevlar and stainless steel chainmail. They are not as flexible as other cables and are relatively heavy and pricey. But Fuse Chicken does offer a lifetime warranty. I encouraged my cat to attack one of these cables (when it wasn’t plugged in!), but it still works and is unscathed.
Length: 6.6 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps
9.Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C
A long charging cable lets you place your devices wherever you want while charging (or continue using them without crouching at the outlet). This braided nylon cable from Anker is a durable option with a lifetime warranty. It is 10 feet long and can go up to 100 watts, which is enough to fast charge practically any laptop, phone, or tablet, and it comes with a handy cable tie. You can get it in black or white, but I like the red as it is easy to spot and less of a tripping hazard.
Length: 10 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps
10.Smartish Crown Joule 3-in-1 Cable
When you have multiple devices with varied charging ports, you often need multiple charging cables, but this clever offering from Smartish packs three connection types into one. It is technically USB-A to MicroUSB, but there’s an adapter at the tip that converts it to USB-C or Lightning. It has a durable fabric finish in a choice of four colors and can charge most of your gadgets at top speed. WIRED review editor Julian Chokkattu has used it to juice up a range of devices, from wireless keyboards to a Fire tablet. It’s also MFi certified for Apple devices.
Length: 6 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.
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