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The 6 Best USB-C Cables For Every Use

USB cables

The 6 Best USB-C Cables For Every Use

Key Points

  • Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable allows you to choose the one-foot or three feet lengths, which are relatively short. Powerline III also has 60W of data transfer and charging speeds.
  •  With the high-speed capacity of the Grtoued USB-C to USB-C Cable, you can easily transfer data and charge devices within the shortest time possible.
  • The Anker New Nylon Cable is the best USB-C for iPhone users looking for high-speed data transfer and charging.

USB-C cables are popular as almost every electronics manufacturer adds more power-hungry USB-C devices to their lineup. USB-C cables don’t have a USB plug at both ends like micro USB and full-round USB-A cables — instead, they use the same connector at both ends. So, they’re much smaller and sleeker than their predecessor. These USB cables support fast data transfer and incredible charging speeds. But what makes a good USB-C cable?

Hundreds of USB-C cables are available on the market today. So, picking the right one can be tough. We’ve done some research and recommend six of the best USB-C cables in 2022.

Anker New Nylon USB C to USB C Cable (Silver)
$19.99
  • 6ft USB-C to USB-C cable
  • 60W high-speed charging
  • Works with USB-C devices (phones, tablets)
  • Tough nylon exterior and fiber core
  • Worry-free lifetime warranty
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/29/2023 12:20 am GMT

Anker’s New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable is the best overall cable as it’s durable, lightweight, and works with USB-C ports on your laptop and desktop PC.

Anker Nylon USB-C cable is available in 3.3 feet and 6 feet lengths. What’s more incredible about this package is that it comes with two cables, giving you value for money. The cable also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it will last as long as needed. If anything happens, they’ll replace it without any hassle or questions. This USB-C cable is built for durability, with the aluminum-nylon combo making it both long-lasting and flexible.

Speedwise, the Anker Nylon USB-C cable performs exceptionally well, with a 60W fast charge to the respective devices. The only downside of this cable is that it does not support a connection to an external display over USB.

Pros

  • Fast charge with 60W
  • Nylon and aluminum make for durability
  • It is Versatile, with two different lengths to choose from.

Cons

  • It does not support external monitors.

Check out the Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable on Amazon.

Our Pick
Anker USB-C Cable 60W
$9.99
  • Constructed with quadruple bulletproof fiber cores to withstand up to 25,000 bends
  • Textured grooves on the head of the cable
  • Lifetime warranty
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/29/2023 05:15 am GMT

If you’d like to avoid the inconvenience of folding and unfolding long USB cables in public, get the Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable, a quality cable from a reputable company.

Anker Powerline III allows you to choose the one-foot or three feet lengths, which are relatively short. Powerline III also has 60W of data transfer and charging speeds. With these high data and charging speeds, you can get value for money quickly. The cable is sturdy and can serve you long, making it one of the most reliable brands in the market.

The only downside of this cable is that it costs more than other cables. However, the price is justified by the quality features jam-lacked in this cable.

Pros

  • Versatile lengths; one foot and three feet.
  • It has power delivery support.
  • It has a durable design.

Cons

  • The price is slightly high.

Check out the Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable.

Grtoeud USB-C to USB-C Cable (20FT)
$28.99
  • Compatible with MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad, Dell Latitude, and more
  • Automatically detects Type-C devices
  • 20ft USB-C long cable for charging at a distance
  • Flexible, powerful and durable nylon braided cable
  • Backed by 18-month worry-free warranty
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2023 10:33 am GMT

Long USB-C cables like the Grtoued USB-C to USB-C Cable allow you to roam around while charging your device or transferring data.

The Grtoued USB-C long cable comes in three lengths; 10 feet, 15 feet, and 20 feet. One challenge the Grtoued cable has successfully hacked is delivering speeds of up to 100W. The high speeds in this USB-C cable are attributed to the Power Delivery system.

 With the high-speed capacity of this cable, you can easily transfer data and charge devices within the shortest time possible.

The final outstanding feature of Grtoued USB-C is its unparalleled durability, thanks to its nylon design. You can easily tell the cable’s design due to the reinforced tips and classy tangle-finish.

The only downside with this cable is that the longer the cable, the pricier it gets. However, the quality of the Grtoued USB-C to USB-C cable surpasses its pricing.

Pros

  • Up to 20 feet long.
  • Power Delivery Support of 100W/charging.
  • Tangle-free design
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not the cheapest

Check out the Grtoued USB-C to USB-C Cable on Amazon.

Our Pick
Amazon Basics Double Braided Nylon USB-C to USB-A 2.0
$9.90
  • 3-foot nylon USB-C to USB-A 2.0 fast charging cable
  • Connects USB-C-enabled devices to standard USB-A-enabled ones
  • Supports safe high-speed charging (5V/3A) and fast data transfer (480Mbps)
  • Certified by USB-IF to be compliant with USB 2.0
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/29/2023 01:50 am GMT

if you are on a tight budget but looking for a reliable cable, you won’t go wrong with the Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A Cable.

Powerful yet affordable aptly describes the Amazon Basic cable. This cable gives you standard charging and data transfer speeds. We recommend this product if you are not rushing to charge your device or transfer data between the devices. You can get the Amazons Basics USB-C to USB-A cable in three lengths; three feet, six feet, and ten feet depending on your needs.

Pros

  • Reliable performance.
  • Comes in different lengths.

Cons

  • Slow data transfer and charging speeds.

Check out the Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-A Cable on Amazon.

Our Pick
Amazon Basics Double Braided Nylon USB-C to USB-A 2.0
$9.90
  • 3-foot nylon USB-C to USB-A 2.0 fast charging cable
  • Connects USB-C-enabled devices to standard USB-A-enabled ones
  • Supports safe high-speed charging (5V/3A) and fast data transfer (480Mbps)
  • Certified by USB-IF to be compliant with USB 2.0
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/29/2023 01:50 am GMT

Anker New Nylon Cable is the best USB-C for iPhone users looking for high-speed data transfer and charging.

If you use the iPhone 13 Pro Max, you will enjoy the high speeds of the 27W charging power optimally. Anker New Nylon USB-C cable also features a nylon design and reinforced aluminum tips. As well as being reliable, this USB-C cable has a sleek design for your Apple devices.

While not the cheapest cable, every feature on it gives you a bang for the buck.

Pros

  • It meets the MFi certification from Apple.
  • It has a nylon design and reinforced aluminum tips for durability.
  • It has very high data transfer and charging speeds.

Cons

  • The price is relatively high.  

Check out the Anker New Nylon Cable on Amazon.

Type-C to C
AINOPE USB C to USB C Cable [100W 6.6FT]
$21.99
  • Faster charging speeds, and up to 10Gbps data transfer
  • Compatible with type-c devices by Samsung, Apple, and HP
  • Ergonomic and thoughtful Right Angle Design
  • Perfect for gamers and video enthusiasts
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/29/2023 02:07 am GMT

If you are looking for a USB-C cable with extremely high data speeds but at a reasonable cost, get the Anker PowerLine II USB Gen 2 Cable.

Anker PowerLine II cable can support up to 10Gps of data speeds, including 4K videos. The cable also gives 100W charge speeds and is compatible with 60W and 100W USB-C chargers. This USB-C cable is also one of the safety cables to use. It might not have a robust build, but it is USB-IF certified for its top-notch quality. We like that it comes with a lifetime warranty, for your peace of mind.

Pros

  • High data transmission and charging speeds.
  • Relatively affordable.
  • USB-IF certified for quality.

Cons

  • Few reinforcements for durability.

Check out the Anker PowerLine II USB Gen 2 Cable on Amazon.

How to Pick the Best USB-C Cables for Every Use: Step by Step

Getting a USB-C cable is easy, but getting one compatible with your device and performing optimally can be challenging. Some might be too short, others too long, others transfer and charge at annoyingly low speeds, while others might get damaged after short-term use.

The best USB-C cables are versatile and can be used for many purposes, from charging your phone or tablet to connecting a hard drive. To find the best cable for your needs, keep these uppermost in your mind:

  • Power Delivery
  • Length
  • Cost
  • Transfer speeds
  • Compatibility

Let’s explore each in more detail.

Power delivery

Different USB-C cables come with varying power delivery (PD), depending on the intended purpose and the type of device to be used on. Although power delivery standards in USB-C cables prevent overheating and overcharging, using a cable with an extremely high PD can damage the device.

Length

USB-C cables’ lengths should comply with the set standards to transfer data and charge optimally. For instance, cables with USB 2.0 should have a maximum length of four meters. While USB 3.2 Gen 2 should have a maximum length of one meter. The length of the cable can determine how far away from your device you need to sit for it to work. Longer cables will allow you to move further away from your device while still being able to access it, while shorter cables require you to sit closer for them to work correctly.

Cost

Decide how much you’re willing to spend on one before buying it so that you don’t end up with something that doesn’t work with whatever device(s) you have lying around. Different USB-C cables are priced differently, depending on their lengths, power delivery, compatibility with other devices, and transfer speeds. The more features the cable has, the pricier it gets.

Transfer speeds

The higher the transfer speed, the faster you can transfer data between devices—which means it’ll take longer to charge your phone with a slow charger or transfer data back and forth between two computers.

Before buying a USB-C cable, it is important to consider whether the transfer speeds match your needs. For instance, if you are transferring heavy data, such as video files, it is advisable to get USB 3.1, which transfers data at 10Gps. You can also get USB 2.0 for 480 Mbps or USB 3.0 to transfer data at 5Gbps. The best USB-C cables will have speeds of up to 10Gbps (gigabits per second).

up close image of a USB-C-cable

Before buying a USB-C cable, you should find out whether it can be used on numerous devices without affecting its output.

© Vladimir Arndt/Shutterstock.com

Compatibility

Each USB-C cable is tailored to work with specific devices. Using the wrong USB-C cable might damage a device, harm the user, or lead to slow or faster than normal data transfer and charging. Before buying a USB-C cable, it is prudent to research whether it is compatible with the device you intend to use.

What to Know Before Buying the Best USB-C Cables for Every Use

USB Type-C is a fast, versatile, robust cable connection technology that provides power. The cables can be used for data transfers, charging phones, syncing between a PC and Mac computer, and connecting laptops to monitors. With such an increasing number of use cases for these cables, it can be hard to find the best cable for every use.

However, there are two crucial things to note when buying a USB-C cable. One, before buying a USB-C cable, it is essential to note that each cable is tailored to meet specific needs. Two, you should find out whether the USB-C cable can be used on numerous devices without affecting its output.

Using the Best USB-C Cables: What It’s Like

USB Type-C is the new standard for charging and connectivity. It is a reversible connector that can transfer data, power, and video signals between devices. USB-C cables allow seamless data transfer and fast charging speeds. They are versatile, easy to use, and perform optimally. Although they are relatively pricier than ordinary charging cables, their performance is unmatched.

Up Next…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3?

USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectors and cables have the same shape. The only difference is that Thunderbolt 3 is more versatile and can support both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 devices. A Thunderbolt 3 cable is capable of transferring up to 40 gigabytes of data per second, which is twice the maximum data transfer speed of USB-C. However, in order to hit these data transfer speeds, you must use a Thunderbolt cable with a Thunderbolt port, and not a USB-C port.

Can USB-C devices work on older USB 2.0 or 3.0 desktops and laptops?

Older computers use USB-A ports, so you should get the USB-C to USB-A adapter cable for it to work.

Are USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 storage devices interchangeable?

Thunderbolt 3 computer ports can support either a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 device, while a USB-C port only supports USB-C devices.

Do all USB-C cables charge fast?

Not all USB-C cables are certified to fast charge. Chances are if you have an Android phone from the last couple of years it’ll be fast charge compatible with the brick and cable that came in the box, but this doesn’t mean that any plug and cable will fast charge it.

Why do USB-C cables stop working?

Usually, USB cables stop working when they’ve been physically damaged (internal wires get bent or broken). Cheaper cables are made of lower-quality materials and aren’t as reliable or safe (especially for charging). If your cable breaks, you can repair it, but it’s far easier to replace it.

Is USB-A or USB-C better?

USB-C is clearly better than USB-A. While it’s true that USB-A is more common, that is basically the only advantage. It would be better to go with USB-A only if you needed to work with other devices that already use USB-A. If you had the option to start from scratch on a project that didn’t rely on USB-A equipment, then you would definitely want to choose USB-C. The speed and versatility of USB-C can’t be rivaled by USB-A.

Are USB-A and USB-C compatible?

USB-A and USB-C each have a different connector shape, so they are not compatible on their own. An adaptor is required for USB-C to be backward compatible. Once the adaptor is in place, the data transfer speed will vary depending on the cables, connections, and protocols in place.

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