Whether you need a high-wattage cable for fast charging, a durable option for frequent use, or a versatile cable for multiple purposes, there’s a USB-C cable out there that suits your needs. To simplify your search, we have handpicked the best to get you started.
UPDATE: 12/24/2024
We’ve reviewed our recommendations and these are still the best USB-C cables you can buy.
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Best Overall
Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable
There is much to like about the Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable. It’s capable of 100W charging, durable, and available in multiple colors.
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Best Short Cable
Satechi USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable
This short USB-C cable from Satechi is suitable for reducing cable clutter or usage with power banks. It’s only 10 inches long and can deliver up to 100W power.
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Best Long Cable
Baseus 100W USB-C to C Cable
Available in a 10-foot size, the Baseus 100W USB-C to USB-C Cable is excellent for charging your mobile devices, including laptops. It also features a braided jacket.
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Best Fast-Charging Cable
Anker Bio-Braided Cable
The Anker Bio-Braided Cable shines as a fast-charging cable with a top power output of 240W. It’s also braided and available in three colors.
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Best Lightning to USB-C Cable
Ugreen USB-C to Lightning Cable
$14 $17 Save $3
You can’t go wrong with the Ugreen USB-C to Lightning Cable for your lighting cable needs. It’s MFi-certified and available in three sizes.
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Best HDMI to USB-C Cable
Cable Matters USB-C to 8K HDMI Cable
The Cable Matters USB-C to 8K HDMI Cable is fantastic and meets HDMI 2.1 specification with a full 48Gbps bandwidth. It also has a braided jacket.
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Best Thunderbolt 4 to USB-C Cable
Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable
A high-quality and well-constructed cable that you can rely on to deliver full Thunderbolt 4 data and power capability, at a price that won’t break the bank.
What to Look For in a USB-C Cable in 2024
There is no shortage of USB-C cables on the market. But as not all USB cables are made equal, it’s vital to ensure you get one that meets your requirements.
One of the first things you have to consider is how you intend to use the cable. A fast-charging cable will do the job if you primarily want one to charge your phone or laptop. Manufacturers typically mention the top wattage supported by a USB-C cable. It can be 240W, 100W, 60W, or lower. Depending on your device’s charging speed, you can pick a cable to match or exceed that. Notably, Samsung’s flagship phones that support 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 need a 5A cable, which is your typical 100W cable, to deliver the top speed, and you won’t get the same speeds with a 3A or 60W cable.
Similarly, you have to look for data transfer rates or the USB generation of a cable if you plan to use it with your portable disk or for frequent data transfer between devices. Most charging cables are limited to USB 2.0 speeds, but you can easily find USB 3.2 Gen 1 or newer generation cables that provide 5Gbps or faster data transfer rates.
If you plan to connect to external monitors or displays using a USB-C cable, check if the cable is actually capable of video output and up to which resolutions it can deliver.
Cable durability is another important consideration as cables are often abused and can break in a matter of months. Braided cables are generally durable, but cable manufacturers keep experimenting with other materials to offer enhanced durability.
Finally, look for USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) certification or buyer reviews to ensure you get the real deal. While you won’t find many charging cables to be USB-IF certified, the certification is more common in cables offering faster data rates. This certification ensures the cable meets the highest industry standards, giving you peace of mind about its performance and safety.