Nowadays, USB-C cables have become essential for connecting and charging all sorts of devices. Be it smartphones, tablets, laptops, headphones, andeven gaming consoles. Finding the right USB-C cable can be a task, whether it’s to charge a device quickly, transfer data at lightning speeds, orconnect a device to a bigger display.
That’s where this handy guide comes in. Not all USB-C cables are created equal. Some are designed for ultra-fast charging, while others excel at delivering high-definition video and audio to monitors and TVs. In addition, not all USB-C cables can be used to transmit data. In this guide, Game Rant lists the best USB-C cables on the market for all kinds of consumers.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best USB-C Cables for 2024
Anker PowerLine III USB-C Cable
Looking for a reliable all-rounder that excels in both charging and data transfer? The Anker PowerLine III USB-C Cable is easily one of the best options on the market. Combining 100W of power delivery with a soft design and plenty of color variants, the PowerLine III offers excellent value for money.
Available in a total of nine color variants to choose from, the Anker PowerLine III USB-C cable is bound to satisfy the user’s taste. Add to that, its comparatively affordable price means you can have multiple cables color-coordinated with different devices. Adding on to the looks is the soft silicone finish, which Anker claims is also tangle-free.
And while the cable doesn’t have a braided cover, it’s rated to endure over 25,000 bends. As for performance, this USB-C cable is rated at 100W of power delivery, meaning it can juice up even the most power-hungry laptops and tablets at lightning speed. Anker also throws in its excellent 18-month warranty, making it a great choice for tech enthusiasts as well as normal consumers for their daily needs.
Apple Thunderbolt 4 USB-C Pro Cable
The Apple Thunderbolt 4 Cable is the ultimate premium choice for connecting to high-performance devices. This Apple-certified cable also supports up to 100W of power delivery, coupled with USB 4 data transfer up to 40Gb/s. There’s also a braided design that can automatically coil without any tangling.
The Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable is the epitome of high-end connectivity. This cable supports blazing-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and can provide up to 100 watts of power. As such, it can easily handle almost any task from ultra-fast data transfers to charging high-powered devices.
Adding to its versatility, the cable also supports DisplayPort video output and can connect to Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 devices. Plus, with support for Thunderbolt 4, the cable can be used to connect to docks, displays, and even daisy-chaining multiple devices.
The cable is available in three sizes - 1m (3.2ft), 1.8m (5.9ft), and 3m (9.8ft). It’s worth noting that while the shorter length is a Passive cable, both the 1.8m and 3m options are Active cables. Basically, the cable will only work in a single direction, to ensure top-tier performance over the long distance.
UGREEN Right Angle USB-C Cable
For those who find straight USB-C cables cumbersome, the UGREEN Right Angle USB-C cable is a game-changer. With multiple lengths to choose from and up to 60W of power delivery, this 90-degree connector cable ensures easy installation even in the most awkward and tight spaces.
The UGREEN Right Angle USB-C Cable offers a mixture of functionality and ergonomic design, making it an excellent choice for the mid-range category. It features a unique 90-degree right-angle connector, which is super-handy for folks who constantly use their smartphones while charging.
The right-angle design helps prevent the cable from bending excessively at the connector, thus boosting its overall lifespan. Apart from that, it is reinforced with an aluminum shell and has a nylon braided jacket. As such, not only is the cable quite durable, but it also offers a tangle-free experience.
As for its performance, with a power delivery of 60W, this UGREEN cable can charge laptops, tablets, and phones at relatively fast speeds. That said, it supports data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds only, which is up to 480Mbps. However, that should suffice for routine file transfers, backups, or syncing tasks.
JSAUX USB C Cable
On a tight budget but still want a reliable USB-C cable? The JSAUX USB-C Cable is a great option. Available in a trio of sizes and a handful of color options, the cable offers decent charging speeds for most users without compromising on the build quality.
The JSAUX USB-C Cable is a wallet-friendly option that packs a punch. With a peak charging speed of 5V/3.1A, it delivers enough power for most smartphones and tablets. Just make sure to use it with a high-quality charger with over 18W of power output. That said, do note that it can only charge the iPhone 15 series at 7.5W.
In terms of build quality, the cable features a robust and flexible braided design that prevents tangling and extends its lifespan. The premium aluminum connectors also help ensure a secure connection.
What makes it a value-for-money product is the fact that JSAUX offers a bundle of two cables at less than half the price of a single USB-C cable. As such, this cable is ideal for students, budget-conscious users, or anyone looking for a dependable backup cable. It provides the necessary functionality for charging and basic data transfer without the added cost of high-end specifications.
Cable Matters USB-C Cable with 20Gbps
The Cable Matters 20Gbps USB-C cable is designed for users who demand high-speed data transfer and charging capabilities. Its combination of high-speed data transfer, exceptional power delivery, and superior video resolution support in one cable makes it a compelling choice. All without spending a fortune.
The Cable Matters 20Gbps USB-C Cable is a top-tier option for those who need a high-performance connection between their devices. The cable is designed to be used as a monitor cable, with support for 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for creative professionals or anyone who craves a visually immersive experience. For even more prowess, the cable can push up to 8K resolution as well at 30Hz.
The USB-C 3.2 standard on this cable supports data transfer rates of up to 20Gbps. This allows for transferring large files swiftly or streaming high-bandwidth video without any lag. But that’s not all, the cable boasts a whopping 240W Power Delivery capability, which means it can easily fast-charge laptops and MacBooks too, alongside flagship smartphones.
Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to Lightning Cable
The Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to Lightning cable is the perfect choice for iPhone and iPad users looking to take advantage of fast charging capabilities. It’s MFi Certified and supports a maximum charging speed of up to 18W, while being extremely reliable.
When shopping for cables for use with Apple products, the first thing to ensure is that the cable should be officially MFi-certified. Not only does the Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to Lightning cable have that certification, but even Apple sells it officially on their online store. It’s been approved by Apple to work flawlessly with iPhones and iPads.
Belkin’s cable is not only fast but also incredibly sturdy. It features a braided nylon exterior that not only adds a touch of style but also prevents tangles. The cable is available in either Black or White colorways, and consumers can choose between either 3.3ft or 6.6ft of cable length.
NOMAD Kevlar USB-C Cable
For folks who demand the ultimate in cable resilience, NOMAD’s Kevlar USB-C Cable shines as one of the best options. This cable is built tough, offers excellent performance, and has a generous cable length as well.
Durability meets style with the NOMAD Kevlar USB-C Cable. The brand is known for making some of the best high-quality products, and this is no different. As the name suggests, this cable is reinforced with a double-braided Kevlar outer sheath, along with strong metal alloy connector housings.
NOMAD also includes a custom-designed cable tie, which not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also helps keep the cable tangle-free. As for the performance, the cable supports 480Mbps of data transfer and up to 100W of power delivery. And with up to 3m (9.8ft) of cable length, one can use the cable to charge their devices from a distance as well.
Monoprice Essentials USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable
For users still rocking a legacy USB-A device to charge and transmit data, this USB-C to USB-A cable from Monoprice Essentials offers excellent value for money. It ensures a reliable and high-performance connection between USB-C and USB-A devices. All while being quite robust and yet affordable.
Built with 30AWG wiring under its robust yet flexible jacket, the Monoprice cable ensures optimal performance without sacrificing durability. It is capable of delivering up to 3A of power output, making it suitable for fast-charging USB-C devices such as smartphones, tablets, and some smaller laptops.
Add to that, Monoprice has a reputation for offering high-quality cables that are both durable and cost-effective, and this model is no exception. In terms of data transmission, the cable supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 standard, reaching up to 10Gbps. It enables fast data transfer from a USB-C device to laptops and PCs with a USB-A port.
Baseus 60W Ultra Mini Retractable
The Baseus 60W Ultra Mini Retractable Cable stands out in the market for its innovative design and functional versatility. With a 4-stage length preset, users can lock the cable at different lengths up to 3 feet. And with up to 60W of power, it provides enough flexibility and power to meet different needs without any excess cable lying around.
For those who are tired of battling cable clutter, the Baseus 60W Ultra Mini Retractable USB-C Cable is a game-changer. It features four pre-set length options, allowing the user to choose the perfect amount of cable depending on the situation. From power banks to car charging, the adjustable length of this cable ensures a neat and clutter-free setup.
As for performance, the cable is rated for up to 60W of power delivery, which is enough for fast charging USB-C ultrabooks, tablets, and smartphones quite efficiently. It’s worth noting that while the cable doesn’t support video transmission, it can be used to transmit data at up to 480Mbps.
For fans of personalization, the cable can be bought in four different colorways. Additionally, Baseus hasn’t compromised on quality either, with the cable tested for up to 50,000 pulling cycles. The cable’s ultra-mini design makes this cable incredibly portable, fitting inside one’s pocket, backpack, or purse with ease, and making it the perfect travel companion.
CHAFON M3 4-in-1 Multi Charging Cable
Prefer a single multi-purpose cable? The CHAFON M3 4-in-1 Multi Charging Cable is the perfect pick. With USB-C ports on either end which can be switched for USB-A and Lightning connectors, it allows the user to charge a wide range of devices. Add to that, the cable is light on one’s pocket, while fitting inside it with ease too.
The CHAFON M3 cable features a total of four connectors - two built-in USB-C connectors, a Lightning adapter, and a USB-A adapter. And with support for up to 60W Power Delivery, the cable can quickly charge a variety of USB-C devices, while also doing double duty for data transmission.
Crafted with a sleek zinc alloy magnetic design, the CHAFON M3 is as stylish as it is practical. Its keychain-like design enables it to be attached to one’s bag or keys. In addition, its magnetic mechanism not only secures the cable neatly but also simplifies the process of detaching and using the cable on demand.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a special cable for fast charging my phone?
While some phone manufacturers might include a fast-charging cable with your phone, any USB-C cable that supports Power Delivery (PD) can potentially fast-charge your phone. However, some OEMs like OnePlus use proprietary charging standards, in which it’s recommended to use the brand’s official charging cable and charger for best speeds.
Q: Can I use a USB-C cable to charge my iPhone?
Apple iPhone 15 series and above feature a USB-C port, which enables you to charge it with any USB-C cable. For older models, you’d require a cable with a Lightning port on one end to plug into your iPhone.
Q: What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt?
While both USB-C and Thunderbolt use the same connector shape, Thunderbolt offers significantly faster data transfer speeds. It can also handle multiple high-resolution displays. On the other hand, standard USB-C prioritizes affordability and is suitable for basic charging and data transfer.
