The Best Charging Cables
All of our most important devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, require a charging cable. Most come with one included, but they usually aren't made to last. If you're like us, you've had to deal with your fair share of frayed, tattered cables clinging on for dear life. Thankfully, there are third-party options with much more durable, attractive cables that come in a variety of lengths.
What to Look For
To help you find the best third-party charging cables, we’ve compiled this list of top contenders. Do you dream of a USB-C cable that won’t break no matter how many times you bend it? Ainope and Jsaux have your back, with supremely durable USB-C cables. For the tech-head with multiple devices, Anker makes a great 3-in-1 cable that saves space and reduces clutter. If all you need is a better iPhone cable, perhaps you’ll be interested in the super-long 10-foot cable from Bstoem. No matter what kind of devices you use, you deserve a cable that won’t fall apart after a year and just keeps on working. Read on to discover the latest and greatest in cable upgrades.
Ainope USB-C Charging Cables
Innovative design
Ainope’s charging cables are 6.6-foot-long cables that can quickly charge all your USB-C electronic devices. With their braided nylon cords, these cables have the strength and durability to withstand repeated use and all the twisting and turning of the day. Their innovative right-angle design helps keep the cables conveniently out of the way as you charge your devices, allowing you to use them almost completely unobstructed. This design also helps prevent the extra bending of the cable around its charging port, increasing its lifespan and reliability. Add in fast-charging capabilities and data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better cable for your USB-C devices.
Pros:
- With a right-angle cable such as this one, you can hold your phone more easily in portrait mode while charging. This is great for gaming or watching movies since the cable sits flush with the bottom of the phone instead of perpendicular to it.
- The connection feels tight and won’t wobble or loosen over time. It locks into place to achieve the strongest connection possible between the metal pins of the phone and cable.
Cons:
- At 6.6 feet, these cables may not be long enough for your needs.
Jsaux USB-C Fast Charging Cables
Especially speedy
If you’re tired of long charging times holding your phone captive, Jsaux’s charging cables are for you. These cables are compatible with USB-C devices and deliver 5V/3A fast charging power to quickly get you back in action. Their braided-cable design helps ensure their strength and reliability, and their premium aluminum housing helps insulate the wiring from damage or electrical failure. These cables support both fast charging for Samsung devices and normal charging capabilities for all other USB-C devices.
Pros:
- JSAUX offers responsive, compassionate customer service. If there’s a problem with your cables, they will do their best to make it right.
- The reinforced rubber and nylon braiding mean these cables can take a beating. If you’re always on the go with your charging cable, these are the ones to get.
Cons:
- This cable cannot fast charge other USB-C devices that require PD chargers.
Bstoem iPhone Charging Cables
Extra length for extra reach
Bstoem’s 10-foot iPhone charging cables are super durable, so they can withstand numerous twists and bends without failing. In fact, their reliability has been tested in a 20,000-bend test without rupturing, and their tangle-free design helps prevent ungainly messes. These cables are made with copper cores, allowing them to charge your Apple devices faster and more safely. Better yet, these cables are extremely affordable, proving that quality doesn’t have to make a big dent in your wallet.
Pros:
- The tips are incredibly strong, able to hold up the weight of three iPhones without bending. If you’re like us and occasionally drag your phone over to you with the power cable or use it to drag it up from under your bed, this cable can handle it.
- They are able to fit with most iPhone cases due to their slim tip.
Cons:
- This cable is not MFI-certified.
Anker Powerline II
It's time to combine
Anker’s Powerline II is a 3-in-1 charging cable that is intelligently designed with interchangeability in mind. With Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB connectors attached to one end of the cable, you can easily charge all of your Apple and Android products without having to search through a pile of different cables to find the appropriate one. Its durable design has been stress-tested to ensure its reliability, including each connector attachment for your peace of mind. Anker’s bulletproof fiber reinforcement adds additional strength to the cable and is designed to provide countless charges without failure. Trim down the number of cables you own and grab a Powerline II for all your charging needs today.
Pros:
- The connections are strong and tight — you won’t have floppy, loose connections that can damage your device.
- The bulletproof fiber core protects this cable from accidental damage and degradation over time.
Cons:
- This can’t charge more than one device at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MFi-certified mean, and why does it matter?
“MFi Certified” stands for “Made For iPhone (or other Apple Products) Certified.” This designation is a guarantee that your charging cable will work with your Apple device and that the cable isn’t a counterfeit knockoff. Certified products had to enroll into Apple’s MFi program and pass specific tests and requirements to ensure they are properly compatible with Apple products for your protection.
Does cable length affect charging speed?
Cable length can slightly affect charging speed, although it is one of many factors that can impact how long it takes to fully charge your devices. Wire thickness, materials, and the amps of the cable also make significant differences in charging speed, so it’s always good to select cables that use premium materials. A longer cable may take longer to charge your device than a shorter one, but if it’s well-made with solid materials, that can help offset some of the reduced charging speed.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.