Best USB-C cables 2023

Finding the best USB-C cable for your needs can be challenging, namely because most of us don't really know much about Type-C wires. You might think it's intimidating, but we're here to help you figure out the difference between one USB-C wire and another, what makes a Type-C cable better than the rest, and all the important bits such as wattage, length, and data transfer speeds.

So 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 that money can buy will be found below. 

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At a glance

Best overall

If you want the best specs and high data speeds within a reasonable budget, you want USB 3.1 Gen 2, which can support up to 10Gbps data speeds. This includes 4K video transmission and up to 100W charging speeds. The Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable can give you exactly that.

This three-foot-long cable from Anker may look bland and unremarkable, but its spec sheet makes this a worthwhile purchase. You can rely on that USB-IF certification for safety, even if it 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.

Anker issues a lifetime warranty with the Powerline II, which is another undeniable plus. Whether you need to charge your smartphone, laptop, or Chromebook, this Type-C wire is the optimal choice. I just wish this cable came in a variety of colors, like the adorable Anker Flow series of USB-C wires.

Best cheap cable

Amazon Basics caters to the budget side of USB-C cables, and you'd be surprised how decent the brand's offering is. This three-foot-long USB Type-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable comes in two plain shades: black and white.

The Amazon cable support 5V and 3A power output which equals to a 15W charging speed. While you don't get crazy fast charging speeds, transferring files is swift business thanks to USB 3.1 Gen 2 bundles with USB 3.0 and 2.0 backwards compatibility. Impressively, the Amazon Basics C-to-A wire is capable of up to 10 Gbps transfer speeds, and it is USB-IF Certified.

Seeing as USB-A is already pretty outdated, it's okay that you can't use the Amazon Basics cord with monitors, and there are no fancy extras like Qualcomm's QC fast charging tech. Chances are, you'll only use this cable to move media and files to an older device and not for charging purposes. From that perspective, this is a decent basic Type-C to A cable that provides some value for your coin.

Best premium cable

The Belkin Thunderbolt 3 cable offers super-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, and charging outputs of up to 100W. It connects to Thunderbolt 3 hosts, which isn't something you'll find in your everyday bargain-bin USB-C wires.

Belkin's Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cord boasts High Gloss Polycarbonate connectors, which looks fantastic. You can buy this Type-C cable in 1.6-foot, 2.6-foot, and 6.5-foot lengths. As is the case with most of these awesome wires, you only get a single color model.

The USB-C cable promises to deliver video output in 4K and 5K resolutions. If you need a versatile wire that can juice up your USB-C devices, and also hook up your monitor, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 is a great choice. If you choose to purchase the 6.5-foot option, be prepared to spend an exorbitant amount of money.

Best short cable

This unassuming black cable boasts the cutting edge USB 4 spec, so it too can support 40 Gbps data speeds at a fantastic price. Cable Matters also included Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support, as well as backwards compatibility for USB 3.2, 3.1, and 2.0. The wire is also USB-IF Certified.

With such an advanced USB-C wire in your hands, transferring media files or large chunks of data will be reduced to a considerably lower time frame. You can use the Cable Matters USB4 Cable to charge devices at up to 100W speeds, so things like your laptop are sure to top up exceedingly fast.

Cable Matters also added support for 8K and 4K high-res videos. Hook it up with your compatible monitor and enjoy crispy footage with this compact and future-proof cable. Again, this cable only comes in a single hue. If you find the 2.6-foot length to be too short, there is another size option that measures 3.3 feet, but it costs a few more dollars.

Best durability

Looking for something that can handle insane charging speeds without setting your house on fire? Try the UGREEN USB-C Cable that's 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. Breakage will be a far off dream thanks to such sturdy construction.

You also get Power Delivery 3.1 with this UGREEN cable. This thing can stretch out across six feet of space, allowing you to sit comfortably while topping up your phone. On top of that, it's compatible with so many devices like laptops and tablets.

The one caveat of this cheerfully cheap Type-C cable is its USB 2.0 specification. You won't get higher than 480 Mbps data transfer speeds with USB 2.0. Just like Anker, this USB-C to USB-C cable is also limited to a single colorway.

Best style

Anker has mastered the craft of charging solutions, be it chargers, cables, wireless charging pads, or anything else. I've used the brand's products for years and not one has ever failed me. With the Anker Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A cable, you know you're getting a quality product.

Usually, Anker's products sit in the mid to upper-tier price bracket. Since the Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A cable is an older model, I'm pleased to report that it is delightfully cheap now. You get a heavy-duty double-braided cord available in six feet and three feet measurements. You can get the Anker Powerline+ in a common black and grey color combo, but there's also a second red colorway that is sure to excite you.

Aesthetics aside, this USB 3.0 Type-C to USB-A wire can handle 5 Gbps data transfer speeds and you get Anker's lifetime warranty. You won't get more than 15W charging speeds, but it's still a great cable for the price.

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FAQ

• USB Type-C rules are only for the physical connections — data speeds are covered by other rules. You can think of USB-C as a set of rules that only exist to make smarter USB plugs, cables, and connectors. Just because a cable says it's Type-C doesn't mean that 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 improve charging speeds and flexibility when charging devices, as power can be sent or received by a PD device. Unfortunately, Power Delivery chargers can go up to or above 100 watts, which can cause serious damage if not used the right way. 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 are different than USB 2.0 or 3.1, and many cables will include both certifications, since USB Power Delivery is part of the USB 3.1. Power Delivery can also extend beyond USB to other types of connectors, but since we're talking about USB-C cables here, let's not get too far down the rabbit hole.
• If you plug a USB 2.0 cable into a USB PD 2.0 wall charger, the highest charge rate will only be 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 your laptop and your phone, buy yourself a USB 3.1 cable with PD charging; 2.0 is okay, 3.0 is better.
• While a normal 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. For higher speeds, you need a wire with an e-marker chip, as these Type-C cables can deliver up to 100W speeds.
• 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 completely 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.

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