Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Perfect USB-C Cable

Read update

• We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best USB-C cables you can buy.

Searching for the perfect USB-C cable to suit your needs and charge all of your devices? You’re in luck! We’ve combed through a bunch of them and have found the best USB-C cables on the market.

UPDATE: 09/12/2023

We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best USB-C cables you can buy.

• 
  

Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable

Best USB-C Cable
$12 at Amazon

• 
  

Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A cable

Best Budget USB-C Cable
$8 at Amazon

• 
  

Grtoeud USB-C to USB-C Cable

Best Long USB-C Cable
$29 at Amazon

• 
  

Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable

Best Short USB-C Cable
$8 at Amazon

• 
  

Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable

Best Lightning to USB-C Cable
$15 at Amazon

• See More

• 
  

Uni USB-C to HDMI Cable

Best HDMI to USB-C Cable
$13 at Amazon

• 
  

Cable Matters Premium Braided Aluminum USB-C to 3.5mm Aux Cable

Best AUX to USB-C Cable
See at Amazon

• 
  

Spigen DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable

Best 3-in-1 Cable
$18 at Amazon

• 
  

Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable

Best Thunderbolt 4 to USB-C Cable
$41 at Amazon

What to Look For in a USB-C Cable in 2023

It’s easy to shop around and simply find a cable labeled USB-C , but finding the right cable to suit your needs can be a bit more complicated than that. Oftentimes, a random USB-C cable might be too long, too short, not durable enough, not versatile enough, and might not even support fast charging.

Durability is a huge factor as it’s the driving force behind the endurance of your investment. Meanwhile, ensuring your USB-C cable supports the recharge and data speeds of your devices is also important since it can greatly hinder your experience if it doesn’t.

Then there are more general qualities like the length. Some USB-C cables might be long, but won’t be high quality and begin to slow or fray over time. Shorter cables are generally more durable, but that isn’t always a hard rule. It’s important to shop for a higher-end cable no matter the length, as the small increase in price will get you a cable that lasts much, much longer.

Below, we’ve listed a handful of USB-C cables that can accommodate anyone’s needs or budget.

How Did We Research
Models Evaluated	Hours Researched	Reviews Analyzed
21	5	50

How-To Geek’s product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best USB-C Cable: Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Durable nylon and aluminum construction	✗ No support for external monitors
✓ 60W fast charging support
✓ Versatile lengths

Anker has been making cables for many years now, and the New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable is a perfect pick for anyone who needs the “ol’ reliable” of USB-C cables.

Using nylon for its construction and aluminum for extra durability, this cable won’t be fraying anytime soon. It comes in either 3.3 feet or six feet lengths depending on your needs, and the package comes with two cables, which makes this a great value.

Anker also made sure to equip the cord with Power Delivery , providing support for up to 60W fast charging on supported devices.

The only real downside is the cable’s lack of support for connecting to an external display over USB, but for those who simply need a USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, you can’t go wrong with this option.

Best USB-C Cable

Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable

$12 $14 Save $2

Anker’s nylon-coated, Power Delivery-supporting solution is a terrific option for those who want the ol’ reliable of USB-C cables.

$12 at Amazon Anker

Best Budget USB-C Cable: Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Affordable price	✗ No fast charging support
✓ Reliable brand	✗ Slower data transfer speeds
✓ Various lengths available

If you’re shopping for a basic, cheap USB-C cable, check out Amazon Basics’ USB-C to USB-A cord . Available in three feet , six feet , and 10 feet lengths, this cable offers a basic design and standard charging speeds. That means you won’t be filling up your battery as quickly as possible, and data transfers might take a bit longer, but it certainly works!

However, for just under $8, you really can’t go wrong if all you need is a basic way to power up your device or manage files between your phone and laptop.

Best Budget USB-C Cable

Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A cable

$8 $12 Save $4

The Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A cable is a great option for anyone who wants to spend as little as possible on a USB-C cable, but still get something from a reputable brand.

$8 at Amazon

Best Long USB-C Cable: Grtoeud USB-C to USB-C Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Up to 20 feet long	✗ A bit pricey the longer you go
✓ Good durable, tangle-free design
✓ Power Deliver support w/ 100W charging

It’s common knowledge in the world of cables that the longer you go, the slower the cable gets at charging and data transfers. Some companies have been able to hack this general consensus by implementing high-end technologies to ensure nothing gets bogged down due to extra length, and Grtoeud has done just that.

Its USB-C cable offers a durable nylon design with reinforced tips and a tangle-free finish. Grtoeud says the cord supports Power Delivery thanks to a special E-Mark chip. This chip grants you up to 100W charging, so you shouldn’t experience any slowdowns regardless of the device you connect. The cable is available in 10 feet , 15 feet , and 20 feet sizes to suit your needs.

Once you get up to 20 feet, you’ll be paying $25 which is a bit pricey for a USB-C cable, but in exchange, you’ll get a long cord with good durability and performance. At the end of the day, if what you’re after is a long USB-C cable, that ought to fit the mold perfectly.

Best Long USB-C Cable

Grtoeud USB-C to USB-C Cable

For those who need something longer than the average cable, Grtoeud’s USB-C solution is the way to go.

$29 at Amazon

Best Short USB-C Cable: Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Power Delivery support	✗ Price could be a bit better
✓ Durable design
✓ One- and three-foot sizes

If you’re looking for a USB-C cable that’s nice and short, Anker’s Powerline III is a great option.

Not only does it come from a recognizable brand, but it’s also jam-packed with all the necessities for quick charging and data transfers. Anker says the cable supports up to 60W fast charging thanks to Power Delivery, and its durable construction is rated to withstand 25,000 bends.

It’s available in one foot or three feet lengths, and it comes in either black or white. At $16, it’s not exactly the cheapest short cable on the market, but it’ll prove to be reliable over time.

Best Short USB-C Cable

Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable

For those who want something short, you can’t go wrong with Anker’s Powerline III USB-C cable.

$8 at Amazon Anker

Best Lightning to USB-C Cable: Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ MFi certified	✗ A bit pricey
✓ Fast charging for every supported iPhone
✓ Nylon design

Anker’s getting yet another highlight in this article, this time for making a terrific USB-C to Lightning cable. Its New Nylon USB-C to Lightning solution offers a durable nylon design, reinforced aluminum tips, and a variety of sizes for every iPhone user.

This particular cable supports charging the iPhone at the fastest available speed, depending on the type of phone you have. That means those who have the iPhone 13 Pro Max, for instance, will be able to take advantage of 27W charging.

In addition, the cable is Made for iPhone certified, which guarantees it complies with Apple’s strict accessory guidelines. You’ll pay a bit of a premium to get this cable at $18, but it’s a very well-rounded package overall.

Best Lightning to USB-C Cable

Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable

$15 $20 Save $5

Anyone who needs a reliable and durable USB-C to Lightning cable should look no further than Anker’s New Nylon.

$15 at Amazon Anker

Best HDMI to USB-C Cable: Uni USB-C to HDMI Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ 4K/60fps and HDR support	✗ Brand isn’t well-known in the US
✓ Thunderbolt 3 compatibility	✗ HDMI 2.0 support
✓ Affordable price

If you’re looking to connect a USB-C-equipped device to an external monitor, Uni will have the cable for you.

The company’s USB-C to HDMI cable offers support for 4K output at 60 frames per second, along with Thunderbolt 3 and HDR. Available in various lengths, the cable is coated in a durable finish for reliability over time. Plus, the company touts compatibility with a variety of devices like the latest Samsung Galaxy phones and iPad Pro tablets.

Uni offers a “hassle-free” warranty and a reasonable price point at $14. While the brand isn’t all that recognizable here in the US and the cable only supports HDMI 2.0, it’s still a very solid cable that checks a lot of boxes.

Best HDMI to USB-C Cable

Uni USB-C to HDMI Cable

$13 $20 Save $7

If you need to connect your device to an external display, this USB-C to HDMI cable is worth a look.

$13 at Amazon

Best AUX to USB-C Cable: Cable Matters USB-C to 3.5mm AUX Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Braided cable	✗ One size might not fit all
✓ Support for phones that require special DACs
✓ Affordable

For those that may need to plug their phone into an auxiliary port, the Cable Matters Premium Braided Aluminum USB-C to 3.5mm AUX cable should be a part of your everyday carry. Its premium construction will last a long time as you connect either end to your various devices over and over.

What’s cool about this cable is the added compatibility with devices that require a special digital to analog converter (DAC ) for audio over USB-C. Regardless of the USB-C device you’re using to connect to a stereo system with AUX, this cable should do the trick.

The cable’s priced at $6 which is plenty affordable, but it seems that the only size available is four feet. If you can live with that, this particular cord should be considered if you’re still relying on wires for audio playback.

Best AUX to USB-C Cable

Cable Matters Premium Braided Aluminum USB-C to 3.5mm Aux Cable

If you’re still relying on wires for audio playback on a stereo system or your car, this USB-C cable from Cable Matters is a great addition to your everyday carry.

See at Amazon

Best 3-in-1 Cable: Spigen DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable

Justin Dunio / How-To Geek

Pros	Cons
✓ Support for USB-C, Lightning, and microUSB	✗ USB-A connection on the opposite end
✓ Fast charging support
✓ Durable nylon design

If you need a cable with added versatility, you’ll want to pick up Spigen’s DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable . This cord has three interchangeable connectors that support USB-C, Lightning, and micro USB to charge all of your devices while on the go.

It comes with a nylon finish for durability, has Made for iPhone certification, and supports Quick Charge 3.0 so long as you have a compatible adapter. It’s also fairly priced at $18.

The biggest downside is the fact it only supports a USB-A connection on the opposite end. That being said, if you want an all-in-one solution in your next USB-C cable purchase, this is the one to get.

Best 3-in-1 Cable

Spigen DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable

Spigen’s DuraSync offers plenty of versatility if you need an all-in-one USB-C cable.

$18 at Amazon

Best Thunderbolt 4 to USB-C Cable: Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek Hannah Stryker / Review Geek Hannah Stryker / LifeSavvy

Pros	Cons
✓ High-quality, sturdy but flexible cable	✗ Doesn’t have a braided Nylon outer coating
✓ Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and 3
✓ Passive 1M or Active 2M version available
✓ USB 4 compliant

When connecting Thunderbolt-compatible devices to your computer, you need a high-quality cable. You want to ensure you take full advantage of Thunderbolt 4’s high data transfer, power, and video signal capabilities. And for that, there are few better options than the Belkin Thunderbolt 4 cable .

The sturdy but flexible cable is available in 1m and 2m lengths. The 2m cable is considerably more expensive as it is active rather than passive, as is often the case with longer Thunderbolt cables. That’s due to the transmitters at either end of an active cable, designed to ensure no loss of speed when data has a longer distance to travel.

The Belkin cable is compliant with USB4 and backwardly compatible with Thunderbolt 3. It also supports USB 3.2 and USB 2.0. Just like the previous version, Thunderbolt 4 uses USB-C connectors and ports. This makes it usable with many more devices than the first two versions of the technology.

This isn’t a cheap cable, but it isn’t expensive either. Especially if you only need the 1m passive cable, not the more costly active version. For this type of cable, which carries power, data, and up to a 4K video signal, it makes sense to prioritize quality over price. You can find cheaper Thunderbolt 4 cables from less well-respected brands, but do you really want to?

Best Thunderbolt 4 to USB-C Cable

Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable

$41 $45 Save $4

A high-quality and well-constructed cable that you can rely on to deliver full Thunderbolt 4 data and power capability, at a price that won’t break the bank.

$41 at Amazon

FAQ

Are all USB-C cables the same?

While all USB-C cables have the same connector, they are not the same. Some might connect USB-C devices to non USB-C devices (like those with USB-A or Lightning ports), and different USB-C cables will have different data transfer and charging speeds. Even the length of a cable can affect how a USB-C cable can perform.

What uses a USB-C cable?

Since USB-C ports are relatively standardized, many devices can use a USB-C cable. Some of the most notable devices include modern Android phones , all iPads except the 9th generation standard model, most of the latest Kindle models, and game controllers .

What is a USB-C to Lightning cable?

A USB-C to Lightning cable has the USB-C connector on one end and the Lightning connector (commonly used with Apple products) on the other end. These wires are most commonly used to connect an iPhone to a wall charger for fast charging.

What is a USB-C to USB-C cable used for?

A USB-C to USB-C cable has the USB-C connector on both ends of the wire. You can use this cable to connect two devices with that connector together. The most common use is to connect a smartphone to a wall charger.

Can all USB-C cables do fast charging?

No. While a majority of USB-C cables do support fast charging, not all of them do. In addition, USB-C cables that do support fast charging will support different speeds. Make sure that the USB-C cable you’re looking to buy supports fast charging, and supports it at the speed you want it at.

Can I use a USB-C cable with my iPhone?

With the iPhone 15 models, you can now use USB-C cables to charge your iPhone. If you have any previous iPhone model, however, you will still need a Lightning cable .

Also read: