USB-C is the port of the future. We’re seeing more and more devices changing to the new standard, and it’s now almost impossible to find an Android phone above $300 that’s still using the outdated Micro USB charging cable. And while the Apple iPhone continues to use the Lightning cable, there are rumors every year claiming Apple is considering swapping its phones to the standard — there’s even an E.U. proposal that may ensure it happens. Heck, the top-tier iPads and MacBooks use USB-C ports, so some would argue the change is inevitable. But why are so many phones making the switch to the new USB-C charging cable?
Simply put, it allows for faster charging and data transfer speeds, and, most importantly, you can insert the cable either way up. That’s right, no more awkwardly rotating the cable to jiggle it into your phone’s port. Best of all, it can be used for phones, tablets, power banks, and even laptops — so all you’ll need is a single cable (as long as you’re not using an iPhone, that is). But not every USB-C cable is created equal, and you want something durable and dependable if you’re going to rely on it for multiple devices. This list of the best USB-C cables has options sure to meet your needs for length, power output, and reliability.
Amazon Basics USB-C to Lightning Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 1 to 6 feet
- Warranty: Lifetime
Apple started releasing iPhones with USB-C connections because USB-C charges devices incredibly quickly. Unfortunately, iPhones still don’t contain USB-C ports, but you can always take advantage of the connection as long as you have this USB-C Lightning Cable to connect them to an adapter. It includes a certified Apple MFi chip so that you know it’s authentic and safe, and it has a nylon braid exterior for extra protection that traditional cables can’t offer. The cable provides up to 480Mbps data speeds and up to 18-watt charging.
Anker Powerline USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable
- Quick charge: Limited to 2.4A
- Length: 3 feet
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
You can use this cable to connect a new device with a USB-C port to a charger or computer with a standard USB port. This is a durable cable that you can rely on, with a double-braided nylon exterior and an aramid fiber core. The connectors also have reinforced necks to reduce damage from bending, and this cable won’t tangle or get knotted. It syncs data at up to 5Gbps and can hit the maximum charging speeds for most smartphones. It comes with a neat carry pouch that has a Velcro strap to help you keep any excess cable out of the way. There’s a 6-foot version as well.
Anker also offers an excellent USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Powerline II cable for $16, which supports fast charging a wide range of devices.
Apple USB-C Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3.3 feet and 6.6 feet
- Warranty: 12 months
Manufactured by the tech giant itself, the Apple USB-C charging cable is ideal for those looking to sync data or simply charge a MacBook or iPad. The cable features Apple’s iconic clean, white design, with sturdy rubberized material to reduce internal damage. It delivers fast charging up to a 96W with a compatible power brick, which means it pumps out enough power to recharge a MacBook Pro. While it’s available in a shorter 3.3-foot length, we recommend the 6.6-foot version, as you’ll have the flexibility of connecting your devices without moving closer to your outlet.
Apple Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 2.6 feet (0.8 meters)
- Warranty: 12 months
Alright, so it looks identical to the Apple USB-C cable above, but we assure you that this Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cable does have a different purpose and deserves its place on this list. While you can use the USB-C cable above to recharge even a MacBook Pro, you’re better off investing in a Thunderbolt 3 cable if you’re buying it for a MacBook. It charges up to 100W — so slightly faster than the USB-C cable above — but the biggest advantages this cable bestows are the super-fast Thunderbolt 3 data transfers of up to 40Gbps, DisplayPort video output support, and the ability to daisy-chain together other Thunderbolt 3 devices. It’s on the shorter side compared to other cables, but it’s a capable piece of kit for sure.
Jsaux USB-A to USB-C Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3.3 feet to 10 feet
- Warranty: 18 months
Priced just under $10 for a pack of two, the Jsaux USB-A to USB-C cable is a bang-for-your-buck accessory. The cable is wrapped with braided nylon material, but the added durability doesn’t stop there. It also features a rubberized cable guard on each end to prevent damage from bending. While this won’t be able to pump out the 5A speeds of a typical USB-C power delivery charger, it’s still compatible with 18W USB-A chargers. The Jsaux cable boasts up to 480Mbps for data transferring, and it’s available in a variety of colors. We’d go for the 6.6-foot version, but you can also pick this up in 3.3-foot or 6.6-foot lengths.
Moshi Integra USB-C Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 6.6 feet
- Warranty: 10 years
You can rely on Moshi for stylish design, even when it comes to USB-C cables, but perhaps the main attraction of this Integra USB-C to USB-C cable is the LED that indicates whether whatever is connected is still charging or full. This cable also supports USB PD for charging up to 100W, but data transfer speeds are USB 2.0 at 480Mbps. It is nylon-braided with aluminum plugs, and there’s a handy Velcro strap for wrapping excess cable out of the way.
Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A
- Quick charge: No
- Length: 1 to 3 feet
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Moving between USB cables can grow annoying, which is why USB-C to USB-A adapters exist. This Amazon Basics solution is a highly reliable cable that you should have for any adapter. It supports both USB 3.0 and 2.0 protocols while also allowing for up to a 10Gbps data transfer speed and power output up to 5V. The nylon braid helps keep the cord tough and can withstand sharp twists up to 2,000 times. You get a choice of colors, and a 3-foot version is available, too.
Syncwire USB-A to USB-C Charger Cord
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3.3 feet or 6 feet
- Warranty: 12 months
This durable nylon-braided USB cable resists tangles. It offers a Type-A to Type-C connection and supports the USB 3.0 standard, so it will fast charge most phones — delivering up to 3A — and can also handle data syncing up to 5Gbps. Two cables come in a pack, and you can choose between 3.3-foot or 6-foot cables. The cable itself can take a beating due to the TPE jacket, protective mesh, and Mylar shielding under the nylon fiber. The cable holds up well in stress tests, too.
Belkin 3.1 USB-A to USB-C
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3 feet
- Warranty: Lifetime limited
If you want 10Gbps transfer rates, then this is the cable for you. It has a USB-C connector on one end and a USB-A 3.1 connector on the other. USB-C cables typically have USB-A 2.0 or 3.0 at the other end, so having the USB-A 3.1 available makes this cable worth picking up. It works great with any USB-C device, but we love using it with MacBooks and Google Chromebooks. The maximum charging output of 3A will get your devices charged quickly.
Nekteck USB Type-C Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3.3 feet
- Warranty: 18 months
The Nekteck Cable charges devices quickly with a maximum 3A output. Since it has a USB Type-C connector, it will work with any smartphone or tablet. This cable is a little over 3 feet in length with a double-braided nylon material that coils easily without snagging or clumping. It also features reinforced aluminum shielding designed for extra durability. The cable has been tested and was rated as lasting for 10,000 uses without any connectivity issues or cord fraying, so it’s a quality choice.
Research and buying FAQs
What is USB-C?
We have a handy guide that you should read right here! USB-C is the latest physical format for USB connections on devices, replacing USB-A. It’s much, much faster, has more powerful charging capabilities, can handle UHD video connections with ease, and (this one’s a real crowd-pleaser) can be successfully connected no matter if the connector is upside down or not. It’s also a little smaller and more rounded than the older format, so it’s easy to tell the difference when looking.
Note that this is different than the data format for USB, where we are looking at the upcoming USB4 as the new standard.
Do all USB-C cables support fast charging?
No. USB-C cables must be certified for specific types of fast charging to work properly. First, find out what kind of fast charging your device supports and look for cables that use that same language.
Is Thunderbolt 3 the same as USB-C?
It is not, although it’s an easy mistake to make! Thunderbolt 3 is an additional data standard to support a wider variety of connections if you have a Thunderbolt 3 device. However, it uses the USB-C port to function, plus a little extra hardware behind the scenes, so you’ll be plugging into a USB-C port. That’s why we specify if certain ports are Thunderbolt 3/USB-C. USB-C cable and Thunderbolt 3 cables are broadly interchangeable, although some may be more optimized for Thunderbolt 3 than others. The upcoming Thunderbolt 4 standard will work in a similar manner.
Can I charge my laptop with USB-C?
If your laptop has a USB-C port and comes with a USB-C adapter for outlet charging, you certainly can. Laptops usually say if they support USB-C Power Delivery, so it should be pretty clear. This has become a common method of charging current laptops, but it will not be possible for older laptops with only USB-A.
What devices use USB-C?
Everything that used the older USB-A format is switching — or has switched — to USB-C, so that covers a lot of ground! Mobile devices like tablets and smartphones, computer accessories of all kinds, monitors, laptops, game consoles, docking stations, battery packs, external storage devices … all these have been slowly converting to USB-C over the past few years. In the future, even iPhones may switch to USB-C.
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