Considering how many different gadgets we use in our daily lives, just about every one of us is likely to have a drawer (or box!) full of charging cables. Whether it's that old Kindle with microUSB, an Android phone with a USB-C port, or an iPhone with a Lightning connector, dealing with a mess of different cables can quickly become frustrating. Thankfully, one of the best 3-in-1 USB cables can easily help make things more streamlined. As the name suggests, these cords combine the functionality of three different kinds of cables in one.
While most of them come with multiple types of interchangeable connectors (usually Lightning, USB Type-C, and microUSB), some have multiple sub-cables branching out from one point that allows more than one device to be connected and charged at the same time. We've rounded up some of the best 3-in-1 USB cables available out there from reputed brands such as Anker and Spigen. Read all about them and take your pick!
Make charging your devices a trouble-free experience
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Staff pick
Anker is one of the biggest names in the charging business, and the Powerline II shows why. Available in both black and white color options, the 3-in-1 USB cable comes with swappable USB-C and Lightning connectors, with the microUSB port being its primary port. Rated to withstand being bent up to 12,000 times, it's quite durable too. This thing can charge anything and everything from tablets to smartphones to wireless earbuds.
Braided covering for added strength
Spigen might be primarily known for its excellent smartphone cases, but the DuraSync shows the company can do much more. The premium 3-in-1 USB cable comes with a braided nylon covering, making it quite durable. You get both QC 3.0 support and Apple's MFI certification for compatibility with a range of devices, and the included Velcro tie makes for a neat storage solution.
Comes with a ten-year warranty
Although it's a tad pricey, Moshi's 3-in-1 charging cable's every bit worth it. Having a somewhat different design compared to other competing products, it features a microUSB port as its primary connector. The remaining two connectors (USB-C and Lightning) tips are tied to the primary cable, and all of them are made of a durable material with nylon braided outer covering. And for that extra peace of mind, it's backed by an amazing ten-year global warranty.
Works good, looks even better
Having the perfect balance of looks and performance, the 3-in-1 Belt universal cable from Native Union deserves its high asking price. Available in two gorgeous (Zebra and Cosmos) patterned outer covering finishes, it sports an integrated adapter with all three commonly used (microUSB, USB-C, and Lightning) ports. The cable's O-Flex design improves stress relief, and you even get a genuine leather strap to keep it neatly tied up when not in use.
Effortless simultaneous charging
When you not only have to charge three devices with different types of ports but also charge them at the same time, look no further than Incofan's 3-in-1 offering. With a nylon braided outer covering, an aluminum alloy casing, and gold-plated connectors, it comes with three branching sub-cables that let you juice up three devices simultaneously. However, do note that there's no data transfer support.
Convenient design for easy storage
With three sub-cables (Lightning, USB-C, and microUSB) on one end and a regular USB-A cable on the other, Minlu's 3-in-1 solution lets you charge three kinds of devices simultaneously. However, what really makes this thing shine is its retractable design. When not in use, all the cables (which are flat, by the way!) retract inside their central compartment, allowing you to store them with little to no effort.
Get the best 3-in-1 USB cable for all your devices
With the EU planning to force all technology companies to adopt USB-C in the near future (opens in new tab), chances are we won't have to deal with a diverse assortment of cables to charge our devices. But until that happens, that stash of tangled cables that most of us have isn't going away anytime soon. That being said, the best 3-in-1 USB cables can help make things at least a little better.
Our top vote goes to Anker's Powerline II, which is a simple yet reliable solution for anyone who wants to charge a variety of devices using just one cable. Anker needs no introduction when it comes to charging accessories, and the 3-in-1 charging is sturdy enough to withstand rough usage over an extended period of time. Then there's Native Union's Belt cable that's not just a looker but also features an O-Flex design for better strain relief.
On the other hand, Incofan's 3-in-1 multi-charger cable is an easy recommendation if you want to charge multiple types of devices at the same time. While it doesn't come with data transfer support, the durable design—with features like a braided nylon covering, gold-plated connectors, and an aluminum alloy casing—more than make up for that. Minlu's 3-in-1 cable is also a great choice, with its retractable design making storage a fuss-free affair.
While it's true that the best 3-in-1 cables allow maximum compatibility, not everyone has an Apple device. If that includes you, you might want to take a look at our listing of the best 2-in-1 USB cables (opens in new tab) instead, which usually stick to microUSB and USB-C ports only.
