Best USB-C cables

Although many USB-C cables may look the same, there are essential things to remember when choosing the right one. The cable you choose has to meet your needs, but which one is right for you?

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 money can buy are below.

Now that the iPhone 16 series comes with USB-C, you can grab one of the best USB-C cables for iPhones. Remember that the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus support USB 2.0 with 480Mbps data transfer. 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 want the best specs and high data speeds within a reasonable budget, you want the Anker USB 4 Gen 2 cable. This technology can support up to 20Gbps data speeds on Android phones and compatible iPhones. It also includes a 4K video transmission and up to 240W charging speeds. The Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 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.

Another plus is that Anker issues an 18-month warranty with the Powerline II. Whether you need to charge your smartphone, laptop, or Chromebook, 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 the Pro Max come with a USB-C connector that supports USB 3 for up to 10Gbps.

Naturally, these specifications are useless unless you get the right cable. Getting an ancient USB profile like USB 2.0 doesn't make sense. Instead, get something future-proof like the value-packed UGREEN USB-C to USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable. It delivers the highest 10Gbps transfer speeds to the Pro and Pro Max iPhone 16 models and is also an e-marked cable.

E-marked or 5A USB-C cables can take loads over 60W, up to 240W. So you can fast charge other devices such as Chromebooks or MacBooks with this. It also has Thunderbolt 3, which is a sweet benefit.

Best cheap cable

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

The Amazon cable supports 5V and 3A power output, which equals 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 bundles with USB 3.0 and 2.0 backward compatibility. The Amazon Basics C-to-A wire is capable of up to 10Gbps transfer speeds and is USB-IF Certified.

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 basic Type-C to A cable provides some value for your coin. You won't have to spend more than $10 on this top choice, and you can get it in black or white.

Best cheap cable for iPhone

It might seem too good to be true that you can get a CONMDEX USB 3.1 Gen 2 Android Auto USB-C Cable for so little. For less than $15, you get a set of two USB-C to USB-A wires that are perfectly compatible with the iPhone 16's lower-specced 480Mbps and higher-specced 10Gbps data transfer speeds.

According to CONMDEX, this USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C cord is nylon braided and has 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.

The good news is that there are different colors and sizes to choose from. You can choose from a two-pack in 1, 2, 3.3, 6.6, and 10-foot options. The assortment of shades available ranges from dark hues like black and gray to bright colors such as orange, blue, green, red, and white, so you can even match it 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 you usually don't see in bargain sections.

The Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cord boasts a nylon braided plus aluminum alloy shell, which looks fantastic, makes the cable stronger, and can prevent overheating. You can buy this Type-C cable in 3-foot and 6.6-foot lengths. As with most fantastic wires, you only get a single-color model. This cord works with both Android and iOS phones that have Type-C ports.

The USB-C cable promises to deliver video output in 5K and 8K resolutions. If you need a versatile wire to juice up your USB-C devices and hook up your monitor, the Belkin Thunderbolt 4 is a great choice. But keep in mind that the short version is a 3-foot option, so this is only for short distances, but it's perfect for use in your home office.

Best premium cable for iPhone

Cable Matters makes some of the best cables and cords on the planet. This 20Gbps USB C to USB C Cable with USB-C 3.2 is highly versatile because it has many 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 same specs and limits data transfer speeds to 5Gbps, so it's essential to take note of 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. Because this is a PD e-marked 5A cable, you can charge at speeds as high as 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 spec, so it can also support 40Gbps data speeds at a fantastic price. Cable Matters also included Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support and backward compatibility for 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 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 up to 240W, so things like your laptop will likely 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, future-proof cable. Again, this cable only comes in a single hue. If you find the 2.6-foot length too short, another size option measures 3.3 feet but costs a few more dollars.

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, so you can sit tight and comfortably look at your phone while it's connected.

The one caveat of this cheerfully cheap Type-C cable is its USB 2.0 specification. With USB 2.0, you won't get higher than 480Mbps data transfer speeds. While no modern Android phone has such a dated cable, the two basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus phones have a USB 2.0 Type-C port with this limited data speed. Like Anker, this USB-C to USB-C cable is limited to a single colorway.

Best style

Anker has mastered the craft of charging solutions, whether chargers, cables, wireless charging pads, or anything else. I've used the brand's products for years, and none has ever failed me. You know you're getting a quality product with the Anker Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A cable.

Usually, Anker's products are 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-foot and three-foot measurements. You can get the Anker Powerline+ in a standard black and grey combo, but a second red colorway will excite you.

Aesthetics aside, this USB 3.0 Type-C to USB-A wire can handle 5Gbps data transfer speeds, and you get Anker's lifetime warranty. You won't get more than 15W charging speeds, but it's still an excellent cable for the price. You won't benefit from this cord if you're a Pro or Pro Max iOS user, but many other devices are limited to 5Gbps or lower speeds.

• Back to the top ^

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 improve charging speeds and flexibility, as a PD device can send or 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 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 phone, buy yourself a USB 3.1 cable with PD charging; 2.0 is okay, and 3.0 is better.
• 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 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 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 quite a few great options in the list above, and the one you choose will vary depending 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 get up to 10 Gbps data transfer speeds. 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 they break, charging cables can fry your device or start a fire. In the early days, you had to ensure your cables were adequately made. These days, USB-C cables have reached a safe, stable standard (for the most part). So whether you need a USB-A port on the other end or go full USB-C to USB-C, there are great, safe USB-C cables to be had out there without spending an arm and a leg!

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T