This makes it invaluable for traveling or situations where you need to charge a wide spectrum of devices but don't want to carry multiple cables.

The 6 Best Lightning Cables of 2023 | Tested by GearLab

It is made from high-quality components and receives high scores across the board; we would be hard-pressed to find a better-made cable. Apple’s own Lightning cables are thinner and more flexible than the competition, with extremely small connectors on the end. Although lightning cables themselves aren't the most complex pieces of technology, the devices they charge are essential to most of our daily lives, and having a reliable cable is crucial.Beyond functionality, it also nails the aesthetics, taking the pastel route (so you might want to coordinate it with your new iPhone 14). They can also transmit data between devices, allowing you to easily transfer photos and files between devices if you're not uploading everything directly to the Cloud. We've tested lots of smartphone accessories, from our favorite wireless chargers to the best iPhone 12 cases and the top iPhone 13 cases.

Anker PowerLine II 3-in-1 Cable, Lightning/Type C/Micro USB

After an initial informal assessment to see how the various cables held up to everyday use, we changed our testing protocols to a systematic and repeatable testing process that ensured each cable was subjected to the same conditions.If you don't need the universal charging capabilities, lugging this thing around might feel like a waste of space. These may seem like boons, but Apple’s own cables have also earned a reputation for being easier to break and fray — so while both the USB-C and USB-A cables performed well in our tests, we think most people would be better off with a more durable option from a third party. We also compared cables of different lengths and materials, as well as the types of USB attachments, to help you decide which cable is right for you. These cables also have a reinforced plastic barrel at the base of the connector to provide additional strain relief.

Anker UK Cables - Anker UK

While Anker’s cable is plenty durable for average use — and comes with a lifetime warranty in case of problems — there are other, more durable cables on the market for those with more active lifestyles. While most options on the market are purely utilitarian in design, it's nice to see a company putting in the extra thought to ensure the devices we surround ourselves with are visually appealing.

The USB-C cable will also charge older iPhones and iPads, and while they won’t necessarily charge at the same rate as fast charge-capable devices, we found in our testing that they can charge slightly faster than a USB-A cable. When coiled, the cable holds its shape well and doesn't spring back open like the Apple version is prone to do. Reminiscent of the original Apple version, this cable has a thin plastic sheath that visibly stresses when you bend it. Plus, USB-C cables tend to transfer power a lot faster than conventional USB-A port cables and take advantage of fast charging, while still giving you all the same structural benefits. We compared the charging performance of each cable, checking their maximum rated power and if they could successfully charge a Nintendo Switch and a Samsung S8.

The Best iPhone Charging Cables That Aren’t Made by Apple - GQ

No matter where your closest outlet is, you're very likely to be able to plug in your device and still have the freedom to use it. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Still, in all our years of USB-C cable testing, this is by far our favorite cable and one we highly recommend to anyone who only wants the best.Brands are defined as mobile charging brands if more than 75% of their retail sales are contributed by mobile phone charging products. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).