When you need a USB-C cable to plug in your phone and run Android Auto in the car, there are a few important points to consider before you buy one. Better cables don't bend out of shape, suddenly unplug, or lose their connection. Faulty connections are often responsible for some Android Auto bugs, so if you've noticed some hiccups while driving, a replacement or backup cable may be all you need for a long road trip.
With that in mind, we found some of the best USB-C cables you can get for Android Auto. They're all affordable, durable, and super high-quality picks, and that's what makes them the best USB-C cables for your vehicle.
Get road-trip-ready with the best USB-C cables for Android Auto
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Best overall
Belkin knows how to make good charging cables, and this long and braided one is perfect. The BoostCharge USB-C cable is a quality cable, including the 240W power that should charge your phone faster when you plug into your vehicle.
Most durable cable
If you want a no-frills yet reliable cable to use with Android Auto, Cable Matters is a great option. This 6.6-foot cable offers "molded strain relief" to ensure that it will last through the bends and situations that may arise when plugging your phone in. It comes in black or white and shorter lengths as well.
Most affordable cable
The AmazonBasics Cable is more than suitable to connect your phone to the Android Auto unit. In fact, it works with just about any USB-C device you can think of and has the added benefit of offering 10 Gbps transfer speeds.
Best short cable
Sometimes, you don't need a cable measuring 6 feet long, but prefer something shorter for a neater set-up. CableCreation is here to help with this 0.8-foot offering that, while short, is still supremely durable, rated to last for more than 10,000 bends. Plus, it comes in funky color options.
Best coiled cable
For some folks, coiled cables are a thing of the past, but they are still great options for others who love the retro look. The Baseus Curly USB-C cable is one of those great cables that won't get tangled up, while also offering the ability to retract between 0.8 and 3.3-feet.
Best branded cable
Anker's Powerline III USB-C cable is perfect for just about any situation, including getting on the road with Android Auto. This cable measures 3 feet long, but there are longer or shorter cable lengths available. Anker also provides a "worry-free" lifetime warranty to go along with the rugged construction able to withstand up to 25,000 bends.
Best quick charge cable
UGREEN's Fast Charger Cable is wrapped in nylon for added durability, comes in four different lengths, and is compatible with Quick Charge 3.0. The cable also has a built-in chip designed to make sure that your phone is charging as fast as possible, regardless of the situation. And if you need to take it out of the car, it works great for data transmission with sync speeds up to 480Mbps.
Best right-angled cable
Sometimes, you need to come in at the right angle, and a right-angle twist gives this gold-plated cable a better chance to fit just right (pun intended). Made with tough nylon braiding and multiple color options, the cables are positioned at a 45-degree right angle at the USB-C end. You can get the cable super short or super long, too. Plus, with two in the pack, you can use one and keep a spare in the glove compartment.
Best two-pack cables
A threaded nylon-braided cable looks nicer already, not to mention it won't get easily tangled in your car. It can handle temperature variances, providing great throughput for Android Auto to run smoothly. Pick from any of the slick colors available to add a little flavor to your in-car wired setup. This cable comes in a 2-pack, so you can always use the second as a way to charge a second phone or another mobile device.
What are the best Android Auto USB-C cables?
A growing list of cars support Android Auto. A lot of good options can make it tough to pick the best USB-C cable to keep your phone plugged in and stay connected the whole time. The best in the group right now for Android Auto is the Belkin BoostCharge 240W USB-C cable, courtesy of a longer length and braided design that avoids tangling, and still gives you a fast charge.
Still, plenty of other options are out there to suit different needs, whether you want a USB-C to USB-A design like with the Cable Matters Slim, something super-short that won't get in the way, like the CableCreation Short USB-C Cable, or even the retro design found in the Baseus Retractable Curly USB-C cable.
Once you've got the right cable in the car, make sure to download great Android Auto apps to make your next road trip a breeze with all the information and entertainment you need as you travel from Point A to Point B. Still not totally sure how the basics work yet? Check our guide on how to use Android Auto.
