Best USB-C cables 2025

Not all USB-C cables are created equal. Here's how you can choose the right USB-C cable, which may look the same at a glance, but the specs behind them vary significantly. The right choice depends on what you're choosing it for, whether that's fast charging, data transfer, or connecting accessories.

The good news is that we've rounded up some great choices for your next USB-C cable. Whether you're trying to juice up one of the best Android phones or connect to your car's Android Auto with a cable, the best USB-C cables you can get your hands on are below.

Now that the iPhone 16 series comes with USB-C, you can grab one of the best USB-C cables for iPhones. Note that the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus support USB 2.0, which offers a data transfer rate of 480Mbps. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max feature USB 3.2 Gen 2 with 10Gbps data transfer.

Namerah Saud Fatmi

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart knickknacks. After writing about consumer tech for nearly a decade, she has become an expert in the Android accessories space. She spends her free time guzzling coffee, writing some more, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends.

At a glance

Best overall

If you're looking for a strong performance at a fair price, the Anker USB 4 Gen 2 cable is a smart pick. It supports data transfer speeds up to 20Gbps on compatible Android phones and iPhones, handles 4K video output, and delivers up to 240W of charging power. The Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C cable checks all the right boxes if you want speed, reliability, and future-ready specs.

This three-foot-long cable from Anker may look bland and unremarkable, but its specifications make it a worthwhile purchase. You can rely on the USB-IF certification for safety, even if the device doesn't have the most robust build. As this is an E-Marked wire, you can rest assured that it'll deliver the fastest charging speed with your 60W or 100W USB-C charger.

Another plus is that Anker issues an 18-month warranty with the Powerline II. Regardless of what device you need to charge, this Type-C wire is the optimal choice. I wish this cable came in various colors, like the adorable Anker Flow series of USB-C wires.

Best for iPhone

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a USB-C connector that supports USB 2 for up to 480MB. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come with a USB-C connector that supports USB 3, providing up to 10Gbps transfer speeds.

Of course, all those specs won't matter if you're using the wrong cable. Choosing an outdated USB 2.0 cable won't cut it, especially if you've got a device that can handle more power. A better pick is the UGREEN USB-C to USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 cable, which is both affordable and future-ready. It supports 10Gbps transfer speeds, making it ideal for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and it's e-marked for safe, reliable charging.

E-marked USB-C cables rated at 5A can handle power delivery of up to 60W, and some models can support even higher power delivery of up to 240W. That means you can fast-charge larger devices, such as Chromebooks or MacBooks, without any issues. This cable also supports Thunderbolt 3, which adds even more versatility.

Best cheap cable

Amazon Basics doesn't forget those looking for a budget USB-C cable and surprises, giving more than you might think it's capable of. You can choose from two plain shades for this one-foot-long USB Type-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable: dark gray or silver.

The Amazon cable supports a 5V and 3A power output, equivalent to a 15W charging speed. You won't get the fastest charging speeds, but transferring files is swift business, thanks to USB 3.1 Gen 2, which offers backward compatibility with USB 3.0 and 2.0. The Amazon Basics C-to-A wire is capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 10Gbps and is USB-IF Certified.

Since USB-A is already on its way out, it's not surprising that the Amazon Basic cable doesn't support display output or premium features like Qualcomm Quick Charge. Still, if you're only going to use the cable to transfer files, it does the job. As a simple USB-C to USB-A option, it offers decent value for the price. The cable is typically available for under $10 and comes in either white or black.

Best cheap cable for iPhone

It almost feels like a steal, but the CoNMDEX USB 3.1 Gen 2 Android Auto cable delivers solid performance for a surprisingly low price. For under $15, you get a two-pack of USB-C to USB-A cables that work smoothly with both the iPhone 16's basic 480Mbps transfer speed and the Pro model's faster 10Gbps speeds.

According to CONMDEX, this USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C cord is nylon-braided and comes with an 18-month Breakage Assurance. You can use it in your car with Android Auto or top up your iPhone with it. The cables support QC 3.0 for fast charging.

You can choose from various lengths and color options, including two-packs in 1, 2, 3.3, 6.6, and 10-foot sizes. The cables come in a wide range of shades, from dark tones like black and gray to brighter colors like orange, blue, green, red, and white; you can even match them to your car.

Best premium cable

The Chamer Thunderbolt 4 cable offers super-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps and charging outputs of up to 240W. This cable is unique in that it connects to Thunderbolt 4 hosts, which are typically not found in bargain sections.

This Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cable features a durable nylon-braided jacket and an aluminum alloy shell, which adds strength and helps reduce heat buildup. It's available in 3-foot and 6.6-foot lengths; however, like most high-performance cables, it's only offered in one color. But it's fully compatible with iOS and Android devices that use USB-C.

The USB-C cable promises to deliver video output in 5K and 8K resolutions. If you need a versatile cable to charge your USB-C devices and connect your monitor, the Belkin Thunderbolt 4 is a great choice. However, keep in mind that the short version is a 3-foot option, making it ideal for short distances and perfect for use in your home office.

Best premium cable for iPhone

Cable Matters produces some of the finest cables and cords available worldwide. This 20Gbps USB-C to USB-C Cable with USB-C 3.2 is highly versatile due to its numerous high-end USB specifications. First, it's a USB-C 3.2 type-C wire, so of course, it supports the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max's 10Gbps data speeds.

You can also use this 3-foot cable to stream video, supporting 4K video at 120Hz and 8K at 30Hz. While a 6-foot option is available, it does not have the exact specifications and limits data transfer speeds to 5Gbps, so it's essential to note this trade-off if you need something longer.

The good news is that the Cable Matters 10Gbps USB-C to USB-C Cable has a high rating. Since this is a PD e-marked 5A cable, you can charge at speeds of up to 240W. We wish it had Thunderbolt 4 to complete the picture since it offers faster transfer speeds and supports high resolutions.

Best short cable

This unassuming black cable boasts the cutting-edge USB 4 specification, supporting 40Gbps data speeds at a fantastic price. Cable Matters also included support for Thunderbolt 3 and 4, as well as backward compatibility with USB 3.2, 3.1, and 2.0. The wire is also USB-IF Certified, making it a surefire compatible cable for Android and iOS devices.

With a high-performance USB-C cable like this, transferring large files takes noticeably less time. The Cable Matters USB4 cable supports charging up to 240W, making it ideal for quickly powering laptops and other demanding devices.

It also supports 8K and 4K video output, allowing you to connect it to a compatible monitor and enjoy crisp, high-resolution playback. Like many premium cables, it's only available in one color. The default length is 2.6 feet, but if you require a bit more reach, a 3.3-foot version is available for a slightly higher price.

Best durability

Are you looking for something that can handle insane charging speeds without setting your house on fire? Try the UGREEN USB-C Cable, which is rated for 240W speeds. This e-marked USB-C cable is resilient in more ways than one, owing to the nylon braiding in its design. Thanks to such sturdy construction, breakage will be a far-off dream.

This UGREEN cable also includes Power Delivery 3.1. If you stretch the cable, it'll reach six feet, allowing you to sit comfortably and look at your phone while it's connected.

The one drawback of this budget-friendly USB-C cable is that it uses the older USB 2.0 standard, which caps data transfer speeds at 480Mbps. While most modern Android phones have moved well past this spec, the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus still ship with USB 2.0 Type-C ports, so this cable remains compatible. Like Anker's option, it is available only in one color.

Best style

Anker has mastered the art of crafting charging solutions, encompassing chargers, cables, wireless charging pads, and more. I've used the brand's products for years, and none have ever let me down. You know you're getting a quality product with the Anker Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A cable.

Typically, Anker's products fall within the mid-to-upper-tier price range. Since the Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A cable is an older model, I'm pleased to report that it is now delightfully affordable. You get a heavy-duty double-braided cord available in six-foot and three-foot lengths. You can get the Anker Powerline+ in a standard black and grey combo, but a second red colorway will excite you.

Aside from its appearance, this USB 3.0 Type-C to USB-A cable supports 5Gbps transfer speeds and comes backed by Anker's lifetime warranty. Charging is limited to 15W, but it's still a solid value for the price. While it won't take full advantage of the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max's higher speeds, it's a great match for many other devices that top out at 5Gbps or below.

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FAQ

• USB Type-C rules only apply to physical connections; other rules cover data speeds. USB-C is a set of rules that only exists to make smarter USB plugs, cables, and connectors. Just because a cable says it's Type-C doesn't mean it works with every standard—it just means it plugs in with a Type-C connector.
• USB Power Delivery is a USB-certified standard designed to enhance charging speeds and flexibility, as a PD device can both send and receive power. Unfortunately, Power Delivery chargers can go up to or above 100 watts, which can cause severe damage if not used correctly. Still, PD's standards are designed to help prevent overheating and overcharging when using a wide array of devices with different power needs.
• USB PD 2.0 and 3.0 differ from USB 2.0 or 3.1, and many cables will include both certifications since USB Power Delivery is part of USB 3.1. Power Delivery can also extend beyond USB to other connectors, but since we're talking about USB-C cables here, let's keep things simple.
• If you plug a USB 2.0 cable into a USB PD 2.0 wall charger, the highest charge rate will be limited to 15W — the cable's maximum. 15W is a fast enough charge for charging a phone, but it won't be fast enough for many tablets, Chromebooks, and other laptops. If you want to buy a single C-to-C cable that can charge both your laptop and phone, consider a USB 3.1 cable with Power Delivery (PD) charging. USB 2.0 is acceptable, but USB 3.0 is preferable.
• While a regular C-to-C wire is rated 3A, an Electronically Marked Cable (or e-marked cable) is rated 5A. A 3A USB-C cable has a maximum wattage of 60W. You need a wire with an e-marker chip for higher speeds, as these Type-C cables can deliver speeds of up to 100W.
• USB-IF's Type C-to-C cable length compliance — to ensure you get the cable's full features — dictates that USB-C cables with USB 2.0 can be up to four meters long; USB 3.1 wires can stretch up to one meter; USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 4 Gen 1 cables can measure up to two meters; USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 4 Gen 2 wires can be as long as one meter; and USB 4 Gen 4 Type-C cables are limited to 0.8 meters in length. USB-C to USB-A cable lengths are limited to a maximum of four meters for USB 2.0 and one meter for USB 3.2 Gen 2. It's not that these wires cannot be longer, but crossing these lengths prevents you from getting their maximum possible power and data transfer speeds.
• The upper limit of data transfer speeds is 480 Mbps for USB 2.0, 5 Gbps for USB 3.0, and 10 Gbps for USB 3.1.
• Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are entirely separate specifications that enable much higher data transfer rates through compatible Thunderbolt ports, usually found in laptops and monitors. Unless explicitly mentioned, a USB-C cable does not come with these features.

How to choose

Because USB-C Power Delivery allows for higher charging speeds, when using the best USB-C charger, you should trust your devices with only the best USB-C cables. You have several great options in the list above, and the one you choose will depend on your current tech needs. There's nothing more future-proof than a PD 3.0 wire.

Since it's part of USB 3.1, you'll achieve data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. If you plan to plug your cable into a 60W USB-C charger or above, a 3A cable won't do. Grab something with an e-marker chip so you know it can handle up to 100W of power passing through it safely.

Remember, if your USB 3.1 cable is more than one meter long, you won't be able to use all of its features correctly. Purchase a USB-C cable that measures one meter or three feet long to tap into your cable's full potential.

When charging cables fail, they can damage your device or even pose a fire risk. In the past, it was essential to make sure the cables you used were built to proper safety standards. These days, USB-C cables have reached a safe, stable, and safe standard (for the most part). So, whether you need a USB-A port on the other end or opt for a full USB-C to USB-C connection, there are great, safe USB-C cables available without breaking the bank.

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