USB-C cables help power the devices we use every day, namely smartphones. Even the latest iPhone 15 features a USB Type-C interface instead of a Thunderbolt port like recent models. USB charging cables may all look the same, but in our experience the best USB-C cables are fast, durable, and simple to use.
Our experts gathered 19 of the best-selling USB Type-C cables from across major retailers and evaluated them in the following areas of performance:
Durability
Ease of Use
Charging Speed
Data Transfer Speed
Below is our ranking of the best USB-C cables, according to our expert testing. We’ve also included tips on how to find a USB charging cable that you can rely on to keep your tech powered.
Alan is a Technology Writer living in Canada. With over 30 years of experience in computer, video, and photography, his writing includes useful tips and insights. Alan has a degree in programming and many years focused on graphic design. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. To stay flexible in mind and body, he practices yoga and eats plant-based foods.
After graduating from the University of Tsukuba's School of Art and Design, she joined a major home electronic retailer to put her knowledge of digital devices and software to use. Not only was she tasked with selling computers, she was responsible for sales of tech equipment such as printers and routers, proposing internet and communication services, and was in charge of forming comprehensive contracts for computer sales. Putting sales quotas and profits aside, she made it her goal to put the customers' needs first and match them with the best products. In 2022, she joined mybest as the head guide of PC equipment. Utilizing her experience and knowledge of various digital devices from major manufacturers such as Fujitsu and Dell, she is committed to producing articles that help connect users to the best PC products.
We consider USB-C cables that meet our durability criteria as those that can withstand daily use without breaking and can last for more than four years. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
User-friendly products are easy to wrap and unravel, which will especially benefit people who charge their devices every day or travel often. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
We sought cables that can charge smartphones at their maximum speed, and are also capable of quick-charging most PCs. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
An adequate transfer speed is 50GB of data in under one minute. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
We tested the products below and updated our ranking with them.
We will add the following new product(s) to our rankings after testing.
USB Type-C cables are either:
USB-A to USB-C, which has a flatter/wider (USB-A) connector at one end and a smaller/slimmer (USB-C) connector at the other end
USB-C to USB-C, which has dual USB-C connectors at either end
These days, we recommend going with a USB-C to USB-C cable for the following reasons.
The USB Type-A standard was introduced in 1996 while USB Type-C was released in 2014. For most modern devices, USB-A won’t be powerful enough for charging with only a 15W maximum output. USB-C, on the other hand, ranges between 60W and 240W so it’s capable of charging smartphones, tablets, and even laptop computers.
Moreover, USB-C doesn’t have pin connectors at the bottom like USB-A, so you won’t have to double-check to make sure the cable is inserted properly. As for data transfer, Type-C boasts faster speeds and in some cases can handle strenuous tasks like video output. (Since USB-C can range in speeds, capability will vary by manufacturer and model.)
We recommend that those currently using Type A to C cables switch to using Type C to C cables for charging, due to the reasons mentioned above. However, among small devices such as mice, wireless earphones, and handheld fans, there are some that can only be charged with a weak output Type A to C, so it is best to keep an A to C cable on hand just in case.
Released in 2023, the iPhone 15 ditched the Thunderbolt port for a USB Type-C interface. This will make it much easier for iPhone users to find compatible cables and accessories, among other benefits.
Since the iPhone 15 uses USB-C, you can use it to charge a compatible device – like earphones or another iPhone – via USB Power Delivery (or USB PD). As long as you have a C-to-C cable, your iPhone 15 can act as a portable battery for some of your smaller tech.
The power output from the iPhone is a maximum of 4.5W, so devices with high power consumption cannot be charged. Its main uses would likely be for charging wireless earphones on the go as illustrated, and sharing your battery with friends.
By connecting your iPhone to an external monitor using a C-to-C cable, you can mirror your iPhone's screen. Playing mobile games on a full display instead of a much smaller smartphone offers a more immersive experience. Adding a gamepad will make your iPhone seem like a Nintendo Switch or other console.
However, please note that the device and app must meet the four conditions, as noted in the image above:
Monitor must have a USB Type-C interface
The USB-C cable must support Alternative Mode (Alt Mode)
The gamepad must have iOS support
The mobile game must have gamepad support
Although the performance of the iPhone's chips has been improving over the years, people who do not perform high-powered tasks on their phone have not had many opportunities to appreciate them. However, with the addition of a Type-C port on the iPhone, its versatility has improved. This might lead to increased opportunities to take advantage of the high-performance chips, such as in smartphone games.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best USB-C Cables.
Charging and data transfer speeds are no doubt important, but durability is another quality to keep in mind when buying a USB-C cable. You don’t want to spend money on something that’ll only last you a few months or even weeks before shorting out. Instead, find a Type-C cable that’ll last you around four years with regular use. Here’s why:
We conducted two tests: one for usability / durability and one for cable specifications. Surprisingly, we found a significant difference in usability/ durability among the cables we tested, with up to an 8-fold difference in test results. Ease of handling varies among materials, which also affects overall usability. We’ll discuss that in the next section.
On the other hand, we didn’t see any significant differences in charging and transfer speeds with regular everyday use. However, if you watch a lot of videos on your smartphone or need to charge a laptop, you’ll still want to pay close attention to charging and transfer speed.
The weakest point of any USB-C cable is the base of its connector. To test each cable’s durability in this area, we used specialized equipment to bend it 16,000 times.
In most cases, when a cable stops charging, it's because the base of the connector has short-circuited. This wears out easily because it’s often pinched when plugging-in or removing, or it’s bent while charging. You don’t want to be without a charger, especially if you travel often. Regardless of how much you pay for it, you want to ensure your USB-C cable is durable enough to endure the stress of regular use.
We used a dedicated machine to simulate a cable being bent 10 times a day for a total of 16,000 times – or the standard number of usage over four years.
During our durability tests, 40% of our USB-C cables cleared 16,000 cable bends. That’ll guarantee you around four years of use. Interestingly, the type of material didn’t seem to make a huge difference in our results. Apple and UGREEN both use braided nylon, but only the Apple cable was strong enough to endure 16,000 bends (versus 7,000 for the UGREEN).
You may not consider a cable’s flexibility important but a stiff cable will be much harder to use comfortably every day than one that’s pliable.
Ideally, you’ll want a soft USB cable you can wrap up and store when you’re on the go. Flexible cables are less prone to tangling so you won’t have to frustrate yourself when undoing them. This also helps if you often fall asleep next to your charging phone as you won’t have to worry about the cable getting knotted. (It’ll also feel better against your skin than a stiff cable with kinks.)
If you travel with your charging cables, choose one that comes with a band so you can secure it. This will prevent the cable from coming undone and getting tangled in your travel bag or accessory pouch.
Cable bands are made of silicone or Velcro. We recommend choosing silicone bands because they’re resistant to dirt and debris. Plus, they’re easier to secure with a thread-and-hook. Velcro, on the other hand, attracts dust and debris, which makes it harder to fasten. It’ll eventually fray over time, too.
The Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable aced our durability and usability tests. The connector base can withstand being bent 16,000 without shorting – and the flexible cable resists tangling and knots, even after being wrapped tightly around a ballpoint pen. If you charge your devices a lot, this Anker cable will give you plenty of use.
Although USB Type-C cables have different charging speeds depending on their specs, the charging speed of the device being charged will influence the cable you should buy.
For smartphones and tablets, 20W to 30W charging speeds are common. USB-C to C cables can output at least 60W. If you only need a cable for smaller devices, you don't need to worry about buying the fastest one.
Typical PCs support around 65W so we recommend a cable that supports 100W and up to 240W. However, a 60W USB-C cable should still be fine, albeit slower.
High-performance computers with large screens like the MacBook Pro 16-inch support charging speeds of around 140W. Thus, go with a USB-C cable that supports up to 240W for the fastest charging.
If you want to use a USB Type-C cable for monitor output, look for a cable that supports Alternate Mode, or Alt Mode.
Alternate Mode transmits signals other than the USB standard. Regular USB Type-C cables can only be used for charging and data transfer, but a cable with Alternate Mode can also support display output. You won’t need a separate HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
Another benefit is that USB-C to USB-C supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) so your input device will also help power your monitor. This means you can potentially use a single cable for simultaneous video output and power supply for fewer cables at your workstation.
If you often shoot videos with your smartphone for work or fun, we recommend purchasing a USB Type-C cable with data transfer speeds of 10Gbps or higher.
High-end smartphones can shoot crisp, cinema-quality video. However, they can take up a lot of storage space, which can be a problem if your phone doesn’t have a lot of it.
Transferring large video files from a smartphone can take a long time, no matter the means. We transferred a 10GB video data file recorded in 4K60fps on the iPhone 15 Pro using two methods: AirDrop and the standard Apple cable (40Gbps). It took 276 seconds via AirDrop and 355 seconds via the standard cable. (That’s about 4 to 5 minutes, respectively.)
If you’d prefer to do wired file transfers, make sure your USB cable can handle high speeds.
The transfer speed of a USB Type-C cable is determined by its standard. For instance, in comparing the slowest speed (480Mbps) to the fastest speed (40Gbps) among the 14 cables we tested, that’s an 83-fold increase in performance.
However, the transfer speed defined by the standard is theoretical. To understand the real-world impact of these standards on transfer times, we conducted the following tests:
Verification Method:
Transfer 50GB of dummy data from a desktop PC to a portable external SSD.
Time measurement is performed in 1-second increments using the Windows command prompt
Verification Conditions:
The portable external SSD has a 950MB/s transfer speed, which is common among the best-selling products on e-commerce sites
In our real-world tests, a 480Mbps cable took about a half hour to transfer data. In contrast, cables rated at 10Gbps and 40Gbps both averaged about 80 seconds, or around two minutes. For cables with speeds of at least 10Gbps, transfer times varied from 80 seconds to 88 seconds. That’s not a wide variation in performance.
Given that real-world transfer speeds don't always match theoretical standards, and considering the high cost of Thunderbolt/USB 40Gbps cables, we recommend a USB 10Gbps Type-C cable for an optimal balance of performance and price.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Durability | Ease of Use | Charging Speed | Transfer Speed | Cable Length | Cable Material | Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | Maximum Power Output | USB PD Compatible | DP Alt Mode Compatible | USB Standard | Bending Test | Power Output (measured value) | Transfer Speed | ||||||
1 | Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable | ![]() | 4.80 | The Best USB-C Cable: Long-Lasting, Colorful, and Fast-Charging | 5.00 | 4.79 | 5.00 | 3.28 | 3 ft. | Silicone | 100W | USB 2.0 | 16,000 times | 100W | 31m46s. | ||||
2 | Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) Pro Cable | ![]() | 4.71 | A High-Spec Cable That’s Sturdy and Convenient | 5.00 | 4.17 | 5.00 | 4.89 | 3.3 ft. | unknown | 100W | USB 40Gbps | 16,000 times | 100W | 1m28s. | ||||
3 | Anker 543 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Bio-Braided) | ![]() | 4.68 | Supports Rapid Charging Up to 240W—Ideal for Powering Large, High-Performance PCs | 5.00 | 4.40 | 5.00 | 3.32 | 3 ft. | Nylon Mesh | 240W | USB 2.0 | 16,000 times | 100W | 28m13s. | ||||
4 | Cable Matters USB-IF Certified 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable | ![]() | 4.63 | A Durable Cable That’s Too Stiff to Bend | 4.82 | 4.15 | 5.00 | 4.89 | 3.3 ft. | unknown | 100W | USB 10Gbps | 16,000 times | 100W | 1m28s. | ||||
4 | SOOPII USB C to USB C Cable | ![]() | 4.63 | Display to Check Output: Ideal for Reliable Charging | 5.00 | 4.28 | 5.00 | 3.30 | 4ft | Nylon Mesh | 100W | USB 2.0 | 16,000 times | 100W | 30m28s. | ||||
6 | AINOPE 100W USB C to USB C Cable 10FT | ![]() | 4.62 | A Unique L-Shaped Terminal Helps Save Space | 5.00 | 4.24 | 5.00 | 3.28 | 10 ft. | Nylon mesh | 100W | USB 2.0 | 16,000 times | 100W | 32m4s. | ||||
7 | UGREEN 100W USB C Cable | ![]() | 4.59 | Supports Up to 100W PD; Durable and Easy to Handle | 4.88 | 4.30 | 5.00 | 3.30 | 3.3ft | Nylon Mesh | 100W | USB 2.0 | 14,000 times | 100W | 30m30s. | ||||
8 | Belkin BOOST UP CHARGE USB-C to USB-C Cable | ![]() | 4.56 | A Name-Brand Cable that Should Last You Years | 4.82 | 4.55 | 4.50 | 3.28 | 3.3 ft. | Silicone | 60 W | USB 2.0 | 13,000 times | 60W | 31m55s. | ||||
9 | Anker USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable with Power Delivery|AK-A8485011 | ![]() | 4.55 | A Resilient Cable That’s Tough to Pack | 5.00 | 3.80 | 5.00 | 4.89 | 3 ft. | TPE | 100W | USB 10Gbps | 16,000 times | 100W | 1m20s. | ||||
10 | UGREEN USB C to USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable | ![]() | 4.54 | Fast and Powerful but Prone to Shorting Early | 4.38 | 4.47 | 5.00 | 4.88 | 3.3 ft. | Nylon mesh | 240W | USB 10Gbps | 7,000 times | 100W | 1m23s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
According to our tests, the Anker 643 is the best USB cable, ranking first in durability, ease of use, and charging speed. If you care about matching your cables to your aesthetic, it comes in seven colors including neutrals and vibrant hues.
This is one durable USB cable. It endured 16,000 bends from our machine without shorting. It’s made of a soft silicone, but we didn’t notice any obvious wear and tear. These are good signs that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use. Not only is it durable, but it’s also easy to handle. The soft, flexible silicone cord is pliable enough to bundle but it’ll return to form once you untie it.
We recorded a maximum power output of 100W, which is standard. This is sufficient for charging smartphones, tablets, and even high-performance computers like the MacBook Pro without any noticeable dip in charging capacity.
This USB-C cable excels in all fundamental areas: durability, usability, and charging speed. The range of colors available adds to the appeal as you can find something to match your space or device. For most people, the Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable will be the best buy among the plethora of options out there.
Cable Length | 3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Silicone |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 31m46s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 40Gbps |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Apple is a global leader in tech, and its Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) Pro Cable is made to support its latest iPhones, MacBooks, and AirPods.
During a durability test involving our specialty machine, the area where the cable and connector meet withstood 16,000 bends, with minimal wear and no interruption in charging. You’ll be able to rely on this for daily use.
The cable is a thick nylon material, but it’s fairly easy to handle. It bends easily so you can bundle it up but it’ll mostly spring back into place when you untie it. However, it’ll add noticeable bulk to your smartphone and the angular terminals may pinch your skin.
We clocked a maximum output of 100W, which is in line with the standard (40Gbps). No matter what you’re charging, your device will be back to a full battery in no time. It also supports display output using Thunderbolt 4. As typical of Apple products, it’s expensive – but in return you’ll enjoy the brand’s high level of quality.
Cable Length | 3.3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | unknown |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m28s. |
Maximum Power Output | 240W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Anker's 543 USB-C Cable (Bio-Braided) is ideal for charging large, high-performance PCs. It supports up to 240W of power delivery, enabling fast charging for devices like gaming PCs and 16-inch MacBook Pros.
The cable withstood 16,000 bending and adjustments in our durability tests, suggesting it could last up to four years with daily use. Its slim, flexible design and included wide silicone band made it easy to manage
However, its data transfer speed is slow—taking over 28 minutes to copy 50GB of files. While not suited for frequent data transfers, it’s excellent for fast charging needs of powerful PCs.
Cable Length | 3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon Mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 28m13s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 10Gbps |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This USB-IF Certified USB-C to USB-C Cable from Cable Matters boasts fast charging and transfer speeds. It delivers a maximum power output of 100W for smartphones and higher-specced computers, and can transfer data in under two minutes. There’s Alt Mode compatibility so you can use it for display output.
It’s also quite durable, though not the strongest among the cables we’ve tested. (It shorted after our machine bent the base of the connector 14,000 times.) The cable is thick and stiff, which makes it tough to bend when you’re trying to plug it into a device.
Cable Length | 3.3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | unknown |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m28s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
SOOPII's USB C to USB C Cable Fast Charge, Nylon Braided Cable with LED Display is great for those who want to avoid forgetting to charge their devices. The LED display lets you see the charging status at a glance. It passed a bending test of 16,000 bends, lasting over four years worth of simulated daily use. The cable is flexible and easy to handle, though the included band can be cumbersome. While the data transfer speed is slow, taking 30 minutes and 46 seconds for large files, it supports up to 100W PD for fast charging most laptops.
Cable Length | 4ft |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon Mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 30m28s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The AINOPE 100W USB-C to USB-C Cable stands out for its space-saving L-shaped terminal. It survived 16,000 bends from our machine, ensuring long-term use. This thin nylon cable received mixed reviews from our testers. It’s pliable so it’s easy to wrap and store, but it also has a rough texture that feels unpleasant to some. The 100W max power output makes it suitable for smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Cable Length | 10 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 32m4s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 14,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The cable is firm yet flexible, but some testers pointed out that it lacks a band for bundling, You'll need your own if you need cable management help. While data transfer is slow, taking over 30 minutes for large files, it's excellent for charging. If you need a sturdy USB-C cable for fast charging, this is a great choice.
Cable Length | 3.3ft |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon Mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 30m30s. |
Maximum Power Output | 60 W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 13,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Boost Up Charge USB-C to USB-C Cable comes from Belkin, a well-known name in computer peripherals. Our machine was able to bend the connector 14,000 times before the cable shorted, suggesting it’ll last about three-and-a-half years with regular use. It’s thin and soft so it’s easy to bundle but it tends to retain its shape once it’s unraveled. A 60W maximum power output makes it sufficient for smartphones and tablets.
Cable Length | 3.3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Silicone |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 31m55s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 10Gbps |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Anker makes our list again for its USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable with Power Delivery.
In our stress tests, the connector withstood 16,000 bends without shorting, demonstrating top-notch durability. However, the cable has a thick and rigid feel that makes it hard to wrap and prone to knots. Although it comes with a cable band for storage, it tends to slip off easily. A 100W output delivers fast charging for smartphones, tablets, and most PCs.
Cable Length | 3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | TPE |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m20s. |
Maximum Power Output | 240W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 10Gbps |
Bending Test | 7,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The UGREEN USB-C to USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable supports an output of 100W, the maximum for our testing environment. However, the standard can handle up to 240W so you can also use it for charging high-performance PCs. The nylon cord isn’t too thick and relatively easy to bundle without becoming tangled, but it shorted after 8,000 bends in our stress tests, which doesn’t bode well for longevity.
Cable Length | 3.3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m23s. |
Maximum Power Output | 60W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 13,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This simple Apple USB-C Charging Cable is flexible enough to wrap yet resilient enough to snap back into shape (mostly) when unfurled. It’s compact enough to slip into a pouch or bag. During our mechanical stress test, it survived up to 13,000 bends, suggesting adequate durability. We recorded a max power output of 60W, but it doesn’t support 100W PD so it may not be powerful enough for high-performance PCs.
Cable Length | 3.3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 31m51s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The XYYZYZ USB-C to USB-C Cable claims to have withstood over 40,000 bends in the brand’s own stress tests. We can confirm that it cleared at least 16,000 bends from our machine, which is a good sign of longevity. The cord is stiff and thick, which our reviewers didn’t always find comfortable to touch. On the flip side, it’s easy to store thanks to an included cable band. A max power input of 100W offers quick charging for smartphones, tablets, and most computers.
Cable Length | 6.6 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 30m49s. |
Maximum Power Output | 240W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 13,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Belkin's BoostCharge 240-watt charging cable is perfect for those using large, high-performance laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro. It supports up to 240W output for fast charging.
Durability is also a strong point. It has passed durability tests with 13,000 bends, ensuring it will endure well over three years of daily use. Made of nylon, the cable feels as firm as wire but can be straightened by hand. While it lacks a band, our testers stated that it was easy to use. If you have a high-spec or gaming laptop you want to charge, this powerful cable may be a good option.
Cable Length | 6.6ft |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon Mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 30m29s. |
Maximum Power Output | 60W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 10Gbps |
Bending Test | 16,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Amazon says its Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Fast Charging Cable is able to withstand a 95-degree bend up to 2,000 times. (In our own stress tests, it cleared 16,000 bends.) The cord is smooth and thick, but it’s also somewhat stiff and has some resistance when you try to bundle or straighten it. With a 60W power output, it’s best suited for charging a smartphone or a tablet.
Cable Length | 3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | unknown |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m20s. |
Maximum Power Output | 60W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 14,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Anker's Charger Cable New Nylon is perfect for those who need to charge their smartphones and tablets on the go. With a maximum output of 60W, it provides fast charging for smaller devices. The cable is highly durable, passing 14,000 bends in the durability test, and should last over three years of daily use. Made of slim nylon, it is compact and can be easily secured with the included Velcro strap. However, it tends to retain kinks when unraveled, which might not suit everyone’s preference.
The transfer speed is slow, taking over 31 minutes for large data files, which can be inconvenient if you're in a hurry. However, it is a great option if you need a compact cable that fits easily in your bag for charging your smartphone or tablet.
Cable Length | 3.3ft |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon Mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 30m55s. |
Maximum Power Output | 240W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 40Gbps |
Bending Test | 6,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Insignia Thunderbolt 4 USB-C to USB-C Cable from Best Buy is a great choice for charging large, powerful PCs and transferring large files from your smartphone. Unfortunately, it’s plagued by a bad design. In our stress tests, it broke after 7,000 bends. The thicker nylon doesn’t feel good against the skin, and it has a wire-like stiffness that makes it difficult to bundle and wrap.
Cable Length | 3.28 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | Nylon mesh |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m28s. |
Maximum Power Output | 240W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 40Gbps |
Bending Test | 2,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Cable Matters Intel Certified 40Gbps USB-C Cable supports Thunderbolt 4, USB Power Delivery, Alt Mode, and a maximum power output of 240W. However, it’s way too delicate – it broke after 3,000 bends in our stress tests. The cord is firm and has a smooth texture. It recoils strongly, requiring some effort to wrap it up, and it tends to retain its shape after being untangled, which makes it less than ideal for travel.
Cable Length | 2.6 ft |
---|---|
Cable Material | unknown |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m23s. |
Maximum Power Output | 100W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 10Gbps |
Bending Test | 4,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Monoprice USB Type-C to Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable has a maximum power output of 100W. In our stress tests using our specialty machine, it broke at 5,000 bends. That should last you about a year. The cord is thicker and stiffer than usual, with a texture similar to what you’d find with microwaves or refrigerators. It also lacks flexibility and can be quite resistant when you try to bundle it, making it prone to kinks.
Cable Length | 3.28 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | unknown |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 1m28s. |
Maximum Power Output | 60W |
---|---|
USB Standard | USB 2.0 |
Bending Test | 3,000 times |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Truntau's USB Type-C Cable is the cheapest on our list and also the worst performer. It broke after 4,000 bends during our stress tests. The cable is thin and rubbery, which makes it easy to bundle but tricky to undo. It has a 60W power output, enough to charge smartphones and tablets.
Cable Length | 3.3 ft. |
---|---|
Cable Material | TPE |
Thunderbolt 4 Compatible | |
USB PD Compatible | |
Transfer Speed | 31m49s. |
We think the best USB Type-C cable combines durability with rapid charging and a convenient, portable design. To determine the top USB-C cable, we gathered the latest and best-selling products from stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. We rigorously tested them based on the following criteria:
Durability
Ease of Use
Charging Speed
Data Transfer Speed
Products we tested
We consider USB-C cables that meet our durability criteria as those that can withstand daily use without breaking and can last for more than four years. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
We performed a bending test using a specialized machine. After every 1,000 bends, we removed the cable to see if it remained intact. We set 16,000 bends as the upper limit, which is indicative of a product's ability to last about four years with up to 10 bends per day. Products demonstrating higher durability received better scores.
User-friendly products are easy to wrap and unravel, which will especially benefit people who charge their devices every day or travel often. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
We had testers actually use the cable in real-world settings and assess its ease of handling using the following approach.
Test Device: Android device equipped with a USB Type-C port
Whether the cables retain any curls after being unwrapped
How convenient it is to connect to a smartphone without getting in the way
We sought cables that can charge smartphones at their maximum speed, and are also capable of quick-charging most PCs. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
We measured output using a current and voltage tester. Products with an output of 60W or higher received better ratings, and those that exceeded 100W (the max capacity in our testing environment) received the best marks.
Device 2: AC Adapter (UGREEN Nexode 100W GaN Fast)
An adequate transfer speed is 50GB of data in under one minute. Our method for evaluating each product was as follows:
We used a USB Type-C cable to connect either a desktop PC or a portable SSD, both supporting USB 10Gbps. We then transferred 50GB of dummy data from the PC to the SSD and recorded the transfer time using the command prompt. Products that came closest to achieving a theoretical transfer time of 52 seconds received higher marks.
Device 2: Portable External SSD (LaCie Portable SSD 1TB Rugged)
No. 1: Anker|643 USB-C to USB-C Cable
No. 2: Apple|Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) Pro Cable
No. 3: |Anker 543 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Bio-Braided)
No. 4: Cable Matters|USB-IF Certified 10 Gbps Gen 2 USB C to USB C Cable
No. 4: SOOPII|USB C to USB C Cable
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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