You may need — or prefer — to plug in your phone to run Android Auto in your car with a USB-C cable. Despite the fact you can run Android Auto with a wireless connection, there are advantages to using a cable instead. So long as it doesn't bend out of shape, suddenly unplug, or lose its connection. After all, a failing cable could be the reason you're noticing something's off while driving. Keep a good replacement or backup handy for your next road trip.
In a sea of options, we fished out some of the best USB-C cables available to keep Android Auto running like it should. They're all affordable, durable, and 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 run Android Auto. 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 are still great options for those who dig the retro look. The Sunguy Coiled USB-C cable totally fits the bill without getting tangled up, while also offering two different lengths ranging from 0.8-3.3-feet to 1.5-5-feet.
Best branded cable
Anker's Powerline III USB-C cable is perfect for just about any situation on the road. 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 Uno gives you USB-C on both sides, wrapped in nylon all the way for added durability, and comes in three different lengths. It supports PD100W for quick charges — all confirmed by the LED smiley face at the end. 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) at a 45-degree right angle at the USB-C end. Made with tough nylon braiding and multiple color options, 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 already looks nicer, but you can also appreciate it won't get tangled in your car and can handle temperature variances. You have your choice of multiple lengths, plus between black or midnight colors. Plus, it 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?
Many cars support Android Auto, so the platform is increasingly ubiquitous these days. USB-C cables also abound in the market, making it tough to pick the best one to both stay connected and charge at the same time. The Belkin BoostCharge 240W USB-C cable sticks out as the best of the bunch with its longer length, braided design, fast charge, and tangle-resistance.
If you'd rather try something else,, you won't go wrong with the the USB-C-to-USB-A design in the Cable Matters Slim. Or maybe something super short that won't get in the way, like the CableCreation Short USB-C Cable. Do you want speed and USB-C on both sides? Consider the UGREEN Uno.
Whichever cable you choose should help run the many Android Auto apps available once you start driving. Why not make it easier on yourself 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.
