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The Best USB-C Cables and Adapters

Updated Dec 10, 2022
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If you have a device with a USB-C port—such as a MacBook or other compatible laptop, an iPad Pro, a Nintendo Switch, or an Android phone—you need a cable to charge it and to transfer data to and from other devices. Unfortunately, when it comes to USB-C, even cables that look identical can behave very differently—for instance, a cable that charges your phone at top speed might be sluggish at transferring music files, or vice versa. We’ve tested dozens of cables and adapters to help you find the right ones for your needs without overspending.

Cable Matters USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable, best charging cable for phones, tablets, and laptops

Cable Matters USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable

Best charging cable for phones, tablets, and laptops
This 6.6-foot cable rated for 100 watts performs just as well as Apple’s MacBook Pro charging cable—for about half the price.
We recommend
Cable Matters Slim Series Long USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable, a longer charging cable

Cable Matters Slim Series Long USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable

A longer charging cable
This cable charges phones, tablets, and laptops at up to 60 watts. It’s not USB-IF certified, and its housings aren’t as sturdily built as on other cables, but it performs great and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Another good choice
Nekteck 60W GaN Charger With USB-C to USB-C Cable, if you also need a charger

Nekteck 60W GaN Charger With USB-C to USB-C Cable

If you also need a charger
This cable is sold only in a bundle with a 60 W wall charger, but the set is a great deal if you happen to need both. It charges phones, tablets, and laptops at up to 60 W at top speeds, and it’s an ample 6.6 feet long. It comes only in black, though.
Another good choice
Nekteck USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable, great at a desk

Nekteck USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable

Great at a desk
If you need one cable that does everything, this is the cable to get. It supports fast data-transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps), can output video to a monitor, and can charge any USB-C laptop, even the 16-inch MacBook Pro, at full speed. It’s overkill (and short) for charging a phone, though.
We recommend
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable, if you want a lifetime warranty

Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable

If you want a lifetime warranty
This cable offers the same functions as our main pick in this category. It’s twice the price, but it has a lifetime warranty from a company we trust.
Another good choice
Anker USB-C Thunderbolt 3 Cable, for maximum power and data with thunderbolt 3 devices

Anker USB-C Thunderbolt 3 Cable

For maximum power and data with Thunderbolt 3 devices
Few devices are Thunderbolt 3 capable, but if you need top data speeds (up to 40 Gbps) and 100 W charging, this cable is the best we’ve found.
We recommend
Nekteck Active Thunderbolt 3 Cable, if you need a longer thunderbolt 3 cable

Nekteck Active Thunderbolt 3 Cable

If you need a longer Thunderbolt 3 cable
This cable is pricier than most of our picks, but it offers maximum charging power and data-transfer rates when used with compatible devices. Plus it’s an “active” cable, so it can be longer (6.6 feet) than most Thunderbolt 3 cables without sacrificing performance.
Another good choice
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 feet), for fast-charging iphone, ipad, and other lightning-equipped devices

Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 feet)

For fast-charging iPhone, iPad, and other Lightning-equipped devices
This cable is Apple certified, it has sturdy housings to withstand frequent plugging and unplugging, and it’s compact enough to fit in a purse or pocket.
We recommend
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (6 feet), just as fast, twice as long

Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (6 feet)

Just as fast, twice as long
Just as sturdy as the shorter version, this Apple-certified cable is plenty long enough to keep at your desk or on your bedside table.
We recommend
Nomad USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 meters), even longer, more rugged

Nomad USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 meters)

Even longer, more rugged
If you want a fast-charging Lightning cable that can reach across rooms (and survive an apocalypse), this one’s for you.
Another good choice
Belkin Boost Charge USB-C to USB-A Cable, for charging from a usb-a port

Belkin Boost Charge USB-C to USB-A Cable

For charging from a USB-A port
This 6-foot cable is solidly built and works great for charging USB-C devices on older sources that have only USB-A ports. It transfers data at a snail’s pace (USB 2.0) and supports only 15-watt charging, though.
We recommend
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable, shorter cable, faster data transfer

Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable

Shorter cable, faster data transfer
Most people use USB-C–to–USB-A cables for charging only, but the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable offers fast data-transfer rates up to 10 Gbps in addition to a full 15 watts of charging power.
Another good choice
AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Gen 1 Adapter, for connecting usb-a cables to usb-c ports

AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Gen 1 Adapter

For connecting USB-A cables to USB-C ports
The best USB-C–to–USB-A adapter we’ve found, the Amazon Basics USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Gen 1 Adapter allows you to connect a USB-A plug to a USB-C port with a short cable. It can carry up to 15 W of power and offers moderately fast data transfer up to 5 Gbps.
We recommend
AmazonBasics USB Type-C to Micro-B 2.0 Cable, for charging via micro-usb

AmazonBasics USB Type-C to Micro-B 2.0 Cable

For charging via Micro-USB
This 3-foot cable is well built and inexpensive, and it performed well in every test we put it through. It’s the best option we’ve found for charging Micro-USB devices on a USB-C port.
We recommend
Anker PowerLine II 3-in-1 Cable, three port options, one cable

Anker PowerLine II 3-in-1 Cable

Three port options, one cable
We don’t recommend a three-in-one cable with Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning for everyday use, but it is handy for travel.
We recommend

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