Now bundled with every new iPhone, a USB-C-to-Lightning cable vastly improves your phone's charging speed — sometimes even boosting its battery from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes or less. You’ll need a compatible charger, though, because new iPhones no longer ship with one. (Fast charging is available on all Apple-made smartphones from iPhone 8 onwards.)
Today’s marketplace is brimming with excellent third-party USB-C-to-Lightning cables that are longer, more flexible, and more durable than the one that comes with your iPhone (which is a little over 3 feet). We spent the past few weeks researching and testing to discover the best ones worth buying from top-tier manufacturers like Amazon, Anker, and Belkin.
During our testing, we evaluated the build quality of each product, its overall tactility, and its ability to remain tangle-free. We also factored in the pricing of each cable, as well as the length of its warranty.
The colorful Anker 641 is the best third-party USB-C-to-Lightning cable worth your attention. It is longer and way more versatile than the cable that comes bundled with your iPhone.
With a silica gel exterior and an interior with a graphene coating, the accessory is also incredibly durable. According to its maker, it can withstand 25,000 bends and 220 pounds of weight. Its soft-feel finish has excellent tactility, too.
You can order the cable in many colors, and each option sports connector housings with stylish gold bits. Anker also offers a shorter 3-foot variant for use on a desk, with a car charger, or with a battery pack.
The BoostCharge Pro Flex USB-C-to-Lightning cable by Belkin is another excellent option for rapidly charging your Apple gadgets. The slightly longer accessory has an ultra tough, double-braided nylon exterior that’s Belkin’s most durable to date.
We love the cable’s built-in strap with a magnetic clip and metal plate. Belkin backs its creation with a robust 5-year warranty. You can order the cable in several colors, and a longer, 10-foot version is also available.
3
Best Budget
Advanced Double Braided Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable
Priced well below $20, this USB-C-to-Lightning cable by Amazon Basics has a double braided-nylon exterior, which, in addition to preventing tangles, makes it look like a pricier product. The accessory is more versatile than the cable that comes bundled with your iPhone, too: You can order it in gray, silver, and rose gold.
Nimble’s PowerKnit USB-C to Lightning cable is hands-down the most eco-friendly option on this list. The accessory is manufactured using certified recycled materials: These include a fabric cover made from reclaimed plastic bottles, recycled aluminum connector housings, and plastic-free, recycled paper packaging.
This USB-C-to-Lightning cable by Anker is the most luxurious of its kind. It's the one to get if you dropped big money on a new, top-spec iPhone.
The accessory has housings that have been plated in 24-karat gold. Its 51-step manufacturing process includes partial assembly by hand. It is more versatile than a standard iPhone cable, too.
The cable’s retail package is also quite impressive. The gift-worthy box has an elegant matte black finish with gold accents, along with a cool case for storing the cable.
This USB-C-to-Lightning by Satechi is great to use on the go with a battery pack. Unlike a longer cable, it will allow you to seamlessly interact with your iPhone while holding a compact power bank. The clutterless accessory is also great for connecting your phone to a notebook in a coffee shop or on a desk.
We like the cable’s braided exterior and sleek aluminum housings. The latter’s space gray finish makes them a perfect match for a MacBook or a USB-C-toting iPad. Satechi offers a longer 6-foot version of the product, too.
Crafted using real DuPont Kevlar, this USB-C-to-Lightning cable by Nomad is a tad pricier than its competitors, but also tougher — and therefore, it's worth every penny. The cool-looking accessory’s metal connector housings are also impressive, offering a blend of good design and superb tactility.
The cable comes with a handy silicone tie for effortless length management and storage. A lengthier 3-meter variant is also available for those who need more versatility.
This affordable USB-C-to-Lightning cable by UGREEN sets itself apart by rocking a right-angled Lightning connector. It will allow you to interact with your iPhone while charging it more seamlessly, especially while gaming and watching video in landscape mode.
UGREEN has equipped the cable with a braided nylon exterior that’s tangle-resistant and durable. The accessory’s stylish alloy housings give it an upscale look and excellent tactility.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more elegant USB-C-to-Lightning cable than the Native Union Belt. The accessory's impressively durable DuPont Kevlar exterior is available in several eye-catching finishes.
Each Belt cable has a genuine leather strap (hence the product's name) for managing its length, as well as storing it. The product also has an excellent lifetime warranty.
Apple's own USB-C-to-Lightning cable is the best option for older iPhone users who are looking for faster charging speeds, but prefer to use original accessories. The product is tailor-made for speedy USB-C power adapters, including Apple's own. Depending on your needs, you can choose between 1- and 2-meter variants of the cable.
Stefan VazharovSenior Technology EditorStefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015; He previously covered tech products for GSMArena.com and his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics.
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