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The humble cable is often the simplest and fastest way to charge your devices or move files from one device to another. But these ostensibly straightforward power and data conduits come in many shapes and sizes. Even cables that appear identical may perform differently when you plug them into your phone or laptop. Various connectors, specifications, charging rates, and data transfer speeds make for a confusing, messy scene.
Don't worry. We dived into the dreaded box of cables, identified the ones you need for different scenarios, and untangled them, ready for use. You'll find some advice here on USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB connectors, as well as a primer on everything you need to know about cables. After all, we're WIRED.
Updated April 2024: We added cables from Bluebonnet, Sharge, and Nomad, removed several discontinued cables, and updated prices throughout.
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There is something to be said for the simplicity of getting the most capable USB-C cable you possibly can, and right now, an Intel-certified Thunderbolt 4 cable like this one will meet all your needs. It carries 100 watts, enough to charge a laptop, and it can transfer data at up to 40 Gbps. It’s also capable of serving an 8K display (or two 4K displays). It supports both DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) and USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), including PPS, which enables fast charging for certain Samsung devices, and it is backward-compatible with all earlier standards.
The two shorter-length cables are passive, and the 6.6-foot cable is active. (Active cables have an extra chip inside to help them push data further without degradation.) I’ve been testing the two shorter cables and have yet to find anything they can’t do. The cables come with a one-year limited warranty in the US (lifetime limited warranty in the UK and a two-year limited warranty in the EU).
Length: 2.6, 3.3, or 6.6 feet. Supports 100 watts, 40 Gbps.
If you're looking for a USB-C to USB-C cable that can handle fast charging and speedy data transfers, look no further than the Anker Powerline II (USB 3.1 Gen 2 version). It is rated to carry 100 watts, meaning it can be used to power the beefiest MacBook Pro, and it can transmit data at up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). It's USB-IF certified, which means it has been tested to ensure it complies with standards set by the USB Implementers Forum, and it boasts a lifetime warranty. The downside? It's only 3 feet long.
Length: 3 feet. Supports 100 watts, 10 Gbps.
You can save a few dollars by going with this USB-C to USB-C cable, and you don’t have to sacrifice, because it is capable of 100-W charging and 10-Gbps data transfer. You can even use this cable to connect a laptop to a 4K display. So, what’s the catch? Well, it is very short, finished in plain black plastic, quite thick with relatively long connectors, and not very flexible. But these specs at this price make it a total bargain. It is also USB-IF certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Length: 1.64 or 3.28 feet. Supports 100 watts, 10 Gbps.
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, 480 Mbps.
Most USB-C cables are dull and easy to lose in the tangle of your bag, or worse your box of cables. This fun cable from Sharge looks like what Chewy might pass you if you asked for a power coupling. Impossible to lose, this yellow cable has molded plastic ends in what Sharge calls a “cyberpunk style”. Although they look suitably sci-fi they are also quite big, which could be an issue if space is tight at the USB-C port you are using. When you plug something in to charge, both ends of the cable light up. It can charge phones, laptops, and maybe even droids, as it carries up to 240 watts, but it’s quite slow for data transfer. It also comes in purple or gray.
Length: 3.9 feet. Supports 240 watts, 480 Mbps.
You will never find yourself without a cable again if you slip this clever, compact, Swiss-designed multi-cable onto your key ring. It offers six charging combinations, with USB-C and USB-A on one end of the short braided cable, and Lightning, MicroUSB, and USB-C on the other. It can charge most devices at full speed and can be used for data transfer in a pinch. The USB-C connectors felt a little tight in some devices and the unusual Lightning and MicroUSB combination confused me at first, but it works. This improved version adds a cap to protect the connectors, but you must be careful not to misplace it. If you need a longer multi-cable, the InCharge XL ($29 to $39) is available in 1-, 6.6-, and 10-feet lengths.
Length: 5 inches. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.
This cable matches our top pick on most features, with 40 Gbps data transfer and support for displays up to 8K at 60 Hz, but it also includes Extended Power Range support to charge Power Delivery devices at up to 240 watts. Some laptops top out at 100 watts anyway, so check before you buy, but for those that can handle the extra power this cable will be the speediest option. It’s also braided and tangle-resistant.
Length: 3.2 feet. Supports 240 watts, 40 Gbps.
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.
★ Another alternative: The Ugreen USB-C to Lightning Cable ($18) offers similar performance in a durable package with braided nylon and metal covers. It is MFi certified and comes in 3-, 6-, or 10-foot varieties.
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. This USB-IF certified, braided nylon cable should do the trick and offers reasonably speedy charging and data transfer to boot.
Length: 3 or 6 feet. Supports 18 watts, 5 Gbps.
★ Alternative pick: The Cable Matters Gen 2 USB-A to USB-C cable ($10) is a good alternative if you want faster data transfer speeds (it maxes out at 10 Gbps), but it is limited to 15 watts for charging.
Some pets like to chew charging cables, and some people just seem to wear through cables 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
★ Another alternative: The RUGD Rhino Power USB-C to USB-C (£11) is a solid option for folks in the UK. It has a braided nylon finish and can withstand a minimum of 100 kilograms of tension and 100,000 bends. It can also deliver up to 60 watts.
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
Avoid tangles with this clever retractable cable from Baseus. Available in a few fun colors, this flat cable comes rolled up inside a circular case. Pull the USB-C ends and you can fix it at preset lengths (1.1, 1.9, 2.7, or 3.3 feet). When you’re done, simply pull and release it to have the cable coil back up inside the case.
Length: 3.3 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.
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.
steel tube pipe Length: 6 feet. Supports 100 watts, 480 Mbps.