Wall chargers provide the juice your device needs, but they can’t function without a charging cable. The best charging cables give you an efficient charge, don’t get tangled, and stay tough through high daily use.
When shopping for a charging cable, make sure you get the right one for your device. Many devices use a USB-A connector on one end, which fits your charger, and the other end has a Micro USB, USB-C, or Lightning connector that plugs into your device.
- Micro USB is a current standard for many handheld devices, such as Android products, other smartphones, tablets, game controllers, and more.
- USB-C is bidirectional, so it can provide power to a host device (such as a computer) or receive power. Smartphones, keyboards, laptops, game controllers, and more use USB-C.
- Lightning cable is the proprietary connector for Apple products. It comes standard with Apple devices, such as iPhones or iPads.
If your current cable is breaking near the connector, upgrade to a cable with a higher bending test number. Cable manufacturers use bend testing to test the limits of their cables by stress testing them to determine the cable’s durability; higher numbers mean more durable cables.
Cable-charging output is measured in amperage (A). Most handheld devices manage well with 2.4A, but a cable with 3A or higher can give you faster charging capability—as long as your device supports it.
Our Top Picks
The best charging cables for your devices are based on quality, device compatibility, and affordability. These work for a variety of devices, but double-check which connector you need to be sure these are the best charging cables for you.
Photo: amazon.com
Amuvec’s charging cable provides connectors for USB, Micro USB, Lightning, and USB-C, making it compatible with most phones and other devices. The charging cable is suited to those who own devices from different brands. This 4-foot cable charges up to four devices at once, with a maximum total output of 3A.
On the inside, there is aluminum housing to make the cable more resistant to heat and corrosion and extend the service lifespan of the cable. There is a thick copper core wire within the housing layer for faster and more stable charging. On the outside, the cable uses military fiber, making it flexible, durable, and strong. The fish silk braided wire design is wear-resistant and easy to untangle.
Photo: amazon.com
This charging cable by Anker is compatible with virtually any device that uses USB-C, Micro USB, and Lightning ports. It’s a helpful charger to keep at home when others need to charge their devices, but it’s also compact enough to bring with you when you travel. Three interchangeable connector heads attach to the end of the cable; simply attach the head you need and connect your device for hassle-free charging. This cable charges a variety of phone and tablet brands, speakers, and other devices.
Extreme reinforcement within the internal wiring protects the wires from trauma and degradation from rough use. This cable is tested to withstand tangles, pulling, and heavy use. A proven 12,000-bend life span offers years of service without fraying or breaking. With durable and safe certifications, including an MFI certificate from Apple, you can rest assured that these cables perform reliably.
Photo: amazon.com
This SMALLElectric charge cable incorporates a thoughtful design that ensures the cable lasts long term. Inside is a compact aluminum alloy shell, strong Teflon core structure, aramid fiber core, and laser-welded connectors on both ends of the 6-foot cable. Interior gold plating prevents wear resistance and corrosion, and several thick copper wires ensure a fast and safe charge for your devices. Considered one of the strongest cables available, with 175-pound tensile strength, the flexible braided nylon and the reinforced self-regulating cable joint are hard to break. This cable withstands a 40,000-plus bend test, offering reassurance that it should last for years.
Use this USB-Lightning cable for your iPhone or iPad to sync your devices and charge at the same time with a 2.4A current. This cable is Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad-certified, so users can be assured that it’s gone through rigorous testing to ensure that Apple devices charge safely as fast as possible.
Photo: amazon.com
RAMPOW’s charger cable is a strong choice for charging your Android phone, tablet, or other Micro USB devices. With Quick Charge 3.0, you can charge your quick-charge-enabled devices with an output of up to 2.4A as long as you use a charger made for quick charge. While you charge, you can also transfer data at up to 480 Mbps, giving you the ability to download videos, photos, and other content quickly and easily.
Made of extra-durable braided nylon that is tangle-free, this cable puts up with being thrown in a bag when you’re on the go. With strict quality control during the manufacturing, this charging cable is certified for safety and meets demanding daily use. The interior is reinforced by an aluminum shield, and the head of the cable is corrosion-resistant and solid; it’s able to withstand more than 10,000 insertions and 12,000 bend tests.
Photo: amazon.com
INIU’s quick charge 3.0 cables are made from the highest-grade materials for all your USB-C devices. The interior has superconductivity copper wires that give the user a secure 3.1A output for faster charging than other cables. With these cables and a quick-charge adapter, you can charge up to 90 percent of the quick-charge-device battery in one hour. These quick-charge cables also support data syncing up to 480 Mbps. The cables feature a bulletproof fiber core wrapped in premium braided nylon that withstands 30,000-plus bending tests. This flexibility gives you a durable cable that lasts.
In this kit you get three cables in different sizes: a 1.6-foot cable to connect to a portable charging device when you’re on the go, a 3.3-foot cable if you’re working near an outlet, and a 10-foot cable so you can lounge and charge at the same time. For easily locating your cables, one side has a green LED light; turn the light facedown to charge your device when you go to sleep.
Photo: amazon.com
Anker’s charging cables are compatible with a variety of USB-A phones, tablets, and other devices. Three layers of shielding made of aluminum, copper, and nylon protect the cable’s interior wiring. The wires are insulated by precision thermoplastic elastomer; this insulation handles temperature extremes well and enables better flexibility for the cable while protecting the wiring. The cable exterior uses premium braided nylon for strength and durability, which contributes to the cable’s 12,000-bend lifespan.
You get two 6-foot cables in the package, allowing you to charge two devices at once. These cables support quick-charge devices as long as they are plugged into a quick-charge charger, providing a total output of 3A charging. Sync your devices and transfer data at speeds up to 480 Mbps for fast content sharing.
Photo: amazon.com
DEEGO’s USB-A–to–USB-C cables are an easy way to save money on charging cables—they come in a multipack so you spend less per cable. Though these cables are less expensive than many others, they are loaded with quality. A smart chip built into the design ensures your devices charge safely up to 3A. The tangle-free, high-quality nylon braided reinforced cable has a tested 30,000-plus bend lifespan. These cables support a quick charge when plugged into an appropriate wall charger that supports a quick charge for your devices—which also need to be quick-charge compatible.
The cables’ interior features high-purity copper wire that resists oxidation and rust, protecting the charging head internal chip and ensuring long-lasting performance. Giving you room to move, the 10-foot cables support data transfer up to 480 Mbps. These are compatible with many type-C gadgets, including devices for Samsung, LG, Sony, and Nokia, and the Nintendo Switch, among others.