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 not using it. Why are so many phones making the switch to the new USB-C? 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.
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 compares the best options that will meet your needs for length, power output, and reliability. Here are some of the best USB-C cables for 2020.
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 cable for $7, which supports fast charging and syncing speeds up to 480Mbps. You can also get a USB-C to USB-C Powerline cable.
Google USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 6 to 12 feet
- Warranty: 12 months
Google offers a no-frills cable that’s a little more expensive than some of the others on the list at $20. It has reinforced, rubbery plugs with tapered necks. It can deliver up to 60W at 3A, so fast charging won’t be a problem. Data sync speeds are USB 2.0, so you’ll get up to 480Mbps.
This specific offering is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but the same price will net you a USB-C to USB-A cable if that’s what you need. Charging speeds will vary depending on your device and charger, but it supports USB 3.1 for data transfers up to 10Gbps.
Aukey USB-C to USB-C Right Angle Cable 2-Pack
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3.3 to 6.6 feet
- Warranty: N/A
This Aukey cable sports an incredible design, with a tough braided cable and a right-angle connector that’s perfect for charging phones and other small devices without getting in the way or risking cord damage. It supports 60W fast charging and data speeds up to 480Mbps.
The cable also includes a TPE inner casing under the braid that’s designed to provide heat protection and protect against electrical interference. Keep in mind this is a two-pack version, which is handy if you are upgrading multiple accessories/phones and need a couple of USB-C cables to keep up. While we like the 6-foot version, there’s also a 3-foot option if you want a shorter one.
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 cable is ideal for those looking to sync data or simply charge their MacBooks and iPads. The cable features Apple’s iconic clean, white design, with a sturdy rubberized material to reduce internal damage. It delivers up to 5A and fast charge up to 100W with a capable charger. 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.
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.
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.
AmazonBasics USB-C to USB-A
- Quick charge: No
- Length: 1 to 3 feet
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Moving between USB generations can grow annoying, which is why USB-C to USB-A adapters exist. This AmazonBasics 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 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.
AmazonBasics USB-C to Lightning Cable
- Quick charge: Yes
- Length: 3.3 to 6.6 feet
- Warranty: Lifetime
Apple started releasing iPhones with USB-C connections because it 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 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.
Research and buying FAQ
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.
Editors’ Recommendations
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