11 USB-C Cables That Will Reliably Power and Sync Your Gadgets

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The USB-C connectivity standard has come a long way since it first entered the scene. In the early days of USB-C, finding a high-quality cable to power up and keep your gadgets in sync required a lot of research. The tech gadgets with USB-C onboard were few and often had specific technical requirements, while fast and reliable charging adapters were also sparse.

Today, USB-C is the standard connector for just about any tech product that’s not an iPhone or AirPods, though these gadgets also come with USB-C to Lightning cables. From wireless headphones and earbuds, smartphones and tablets to PCs, MacBooks, and countless other gadgets, including the latest iPhones, USB-C is everywhere and undisputedly the cable of the future.

As a tech editor (and avid gearhead off the clock), I’ve been using USB-C cables since their arrival almost a decade ago. And with the marketplace for these accessories being incredibly vibrant, I’m constantly researching and testing products to find the best for your gadgets.

Our Favorite USB-C Cables

• Best Overall: BelkinBoostCharge USB-C to USB-C Cable

• Best Value: Anker Bio-Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable

• Best Budget: Baseus 100W USB-C to USB-C Cable

• Best Premium Cable: Native UnionType-C Belt Cable Pro

• Budget-Friendly Thunderbolt: Spigen ArcWire USB-C to USB-C Cable

What to Consider

Compatibility

Will you be using your USB-C cable for charging, to connect to high-performance external accessories, or for a combination of both? Power users who want to connect high-powered laptops and tablets to external monitors, docking stations, and fast external storage drives should look for Thunderbolt-compatible USB-C cables.

The high-speed Thunderbolt cables are shorter and costlier than USB-C cables sans the functionality, but the performance is worth it. Non-Thunderbolt cables support considerably slower data transfer speeds — as low as 480 Mbps vis the USB 2.0 standard. While plenty reliable for transferring files on many occasions (e.g. home photos, school projects, etc.), USB-C cables without Thunderbolt can’t power external monitors and other essentials users might need.

Charging Capacity

The USB-C cables we picked support iterations of the USB Power Delivery standard, ensuring that speed is never an issue regardless of your choice. That said, we kept an eye out for the maximum capacity (in watts) a cable can provide with a compatible adapter. Remember, the higher the number, the faster and more futureproof the cable will be.

I suggest you consider cables with a maximum power output of at least 60 watts; this will allow them to rapidly charge phones, tablets, and most laptops. If you’re looking to charge a powerful laptop like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, look for a more capable USB-C cable. Of course, high-spec accessories are also compatible with lower power outputs.

Additional Features

The cable’s length, durability, and USB layout are also important bits to consider. Most cables we selected are tough, tangle-free, and longer than the ones that come with your phone or tablet.

If you want to use your USB-C cable with an old-school USB-A charger, look for one that has such a connector. Just keep in mind that these chargers are not as fast as the latest USB-C offerings. If you already have such a USB-C to USB-A cable and want to use it with an up-to-date charger, consider these inexpensive adapters we recommend.

Find the best USB-C cable for all your gadgets among these top-rated options from leading brands like Anker, Belkin, and Native Union, to name a few. And remember that these nifty accessories also double as excellent (and inexpensive) tech gifts for friends, family, and coworkers.

BoostCharge USB-C to USB-C Cable

The BoostCharge USB-C cable by Belkin is the best for most consumers because it’s stylish, durable, versatile, capable of delivering super-fast charging speeds to any gadget, and reasonably priced.

Available in black or white, the accessory has sleek metal connectors and a braided nylon cable cover, so it looks pricier than it is. According to Belkin, the BoostCharge cable can survive 30,000 bends and 10,000 plug-ins — enough for years’ worth of dependable use. The accessory also features built-in tech to provide worry-free charging sessions by guarding against overheating. Belking backs the product with a 2-year warranty.

Bio-Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable

Anker’s Bio-Braided USB-C cable is one of the best in its class and an excellent alternative to our top pick from Belkin. Compared to its similarly priced Belkin rival, the Bio-Braided cable offers a more sustainable build, thanks to the use of plant-based materials in its making. Its charging capacity is excellent, and it features onboard safeguards to protect gadgets from overcharging and overheating.

However, Belkin’s cable has a more upmarket finish. Its claimed 30,000-bend lifespan is also ahead of Anker’s 20,000 declaration.

You can snag the Bio-Braided cable in three lengths and black, green, or blue colors, each rocking an integrated strap for easy length management and storage.

Type-C Belt Cable Pro

The Native Union Type-C Belt Cable Pro offers an amalgam of style, performance, and versatility worth spending a little extra on compared to our top picks. Its colorful fabric exterior with matching metal connectors makes other high-performance cables look generic in comparison. The same goes for its LED light indicator, leather strap, and lifetime warranty.

Best of all, the Belt Cable Pro doesn’t sacrifice performance for looks — its charging capacity is on par with the best in its class. Native Union offers the cable in a duo of striking color options — Craft (pictured here) and Zebra.

100W USB-C to USB-C Cable

This USB-C cable by Baseus is the best for gearheads on a tight budget. Sporting a price tag that starts below $10 before additional discounts and promotions, the accessory brings design, tactility, durability, and performance that will shatter your expectations.

Its alloy housings and braided cable cover look and feel more expensive, while a claimed 45,000-bend span all but guarantees longtime reliable service.

The product’s maximum charging capacity is stellar, especially considering its affordability. The cheap cable will rapidly charge laptops or smaller gadgets for years. A shorter, just-as-affordable cable iteration for use with battery packs and desktop chargers is also available.

240W USB-C Charge Cable

This is the cable to get if you own multiple Apple devices, including the latest USB-C-equipped iPhones and AirPods Pro. With a maximum charging capacity of 240 watts, the cable will rapidly charge any new iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. It, of course, also has a stylish woven exterior and glossy white USB-C housings that perfectly match any original Apple charger.

This version of the product measures two meters (about 6.6 feet) in length, so it’s plenty versatile. A shorter cable is also available for those who are looking for a backup or replacement of the one that came with their iPhone 15.

Rewind USB-C to USB-C Cable

House of Marley’s Rewind USB-C cable, like the brand’s wireless headphones and earbuds, stands out with a characterful design and sustainable build.

The product is crafted using reclaimed fabric and beautiful walnut wood from responsibly managed forests. The wood-covered connectors of the cable are beautiful and pleasant to interact with.

Measuring 10 feet in length, the cable is incredibly versatile. The accessory’s convenient length management strap is made from recycled silicone, and its packaging is plastic-free.

PowerKnit USB-C to USB-C Cable

The Nimble PowerKnit is the most eco-friendly USB-C cable worth your attention today. The product sets itself apart in the constantly growing category of eco-friendly cables by featuring an exterior and connectors that are 100% sourced from post-consumer aluminum and plastic. The materials also reduce the accessory’s carbon footprint.

The cable is available in a trio of lengths. The California-based brand can help you responsibly get rid of old gadgets via a bundled recycling bag and a robust program.

USB-C to USB-A Cable

Consider this insanely cheap, surprisingly stylish UGREEN cable if you plan to power up and connect your USB-C gadgets to an adapter or another source with an old-school USB-A port (e.g. cars, desktop computers, etc.). The accessory has sturdy connectors with gold plating for a reliable link to your devices.

Remarkably, a budget of around $10 will get you a pair of 6-foot cables in black, blue, or red. Shorter and longer versions of the cable are also available.

ArcWire USB-C to USB-C Cable

The Spigen ArcWire USB-C cable is the one to get if you seek stellar charging capacity and blisteringly fast data transfer speeds. The cable is the only pick on this list that’s Thunderbolt 4-capable. Supporting the high-tech protocol allows the product to link with high-performance storage drives and high-resolution displays, among other accessories.

Spigen treated the ArcWire cable to a decidedly utilitarian design. You should know that the cable is significantly shorter than others on this list. Given the performance it brings, this isn’t a dealbreaker.

Right-Angle USB-C to USB-C Cable

One of the USB-C connectors of this affordable UGREEN cable has a 90-degree layout, making it ideal for powering up a laptop or a tablet without taking up too much space. The accessory is also convenient for using your USB-C-toting phone in landscape mode on a car mount or while charging it.

The USB-C cable has durable connectors and a tangle-free double-braided nylon exterior. You can also order 3- and 10-foot versions and an iteration with a duo of 90-degree connectors.

USB4 to USB-C Cable

Satechi’s USB4 to USB-C cable is hands down the best for your Apple iPad and MacBook. Its space gray metal connectors and braided nylon cable perfectly match Apple’s all-metal products. This is hardly a surprise, as Satechi has a long track record of making excellent accessories for Apple devices.

The Thunderbolt 4-compatible cable provides data transfer speeds and support for high-performance accessories. If charging is your only priority, consider this longer and cheaper Satechi cable with a similar design.

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