The best USB-C cables and adapters – GKZ Hitech

Why do you prefer this? Aukey's Type C to Micro USB adapters are not much bigger than a fingernail, but let yourself charge your USB-C devices using the Micro-USB cables that you already have around. Because they are a little heavier than the ones we tested, they feel better plugging them in and unplugging them. The adapters gave a better result than the next best adapter (Anker version) and the 24 month warranty was the best of all that we had considered.

Defects but not dealbreakers: We would have liked this adapter to be USB-IF certified, but no company we know has bothered to certify this type of accessory.

USB cables and adapters

Photo: Sarah Kobos

Why do you prefer this? Lightning USB-C cables allow you to charge iPhones (8/8 Plus or later) and most iPad Pro (except the latest model, which charges via USB-C) at much faster speeds than the charger original when combined with a high-speed USB-C charger. Although our equipment does not yet allow us to test the internal capacities of the USB-C Lightning cables, we have compared the two MFi certified options, namely: Anker PowerLine II and Apple Version – and we prefer Anker. Its rubber sheath is thicker than that which envelops the Apple cable, but flexible and compact enough to store easily in a pocket or pocket. Unlike Apple cables, the plastic cases that connect the metal connectors to the Anker cable seem sturdy and rugged – designed to withstand bending or fraying, even with frequent use. And its MFi certified status means it meets Apple's requirements. standards to ensure optimal performance with its devices, from iPhones to Magic Trackpads, in terms of data loading and transfer capacities. Although you can buy third-party options without a license, we have chosen not to take them into account. To the extent that they may not be fully compatible with Apple devices, you risk that the cable may not be properly attached, overheated, or damaged, for example, by the cable, the device, or both; Now that third-party cables licensed by MFi are available, there is no longer any reason to consider a cable that is not.

Defects but not dealbreakers: While the official Apple cable is available in 3.3 and 6.6 foot versions, the 3 and 6 foot Anker cables are a bit shorter.

Key specifications:

  • USB 2.0 data transfer rate (up to 480 Mbps)
  • Fast charge USB Power Delivery (USB-PD)
  • 3 feet long (also comes in a 6 foot version)

Three in one cable (micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning)

USB cables and adapters

Photo: Sarah Kobos

Why do you prefer this? A three-in-one cable is essentially a USB-A – Micro-USB cable with Lightning and USB-C adapters connected by short clips. Although we do not recommend using them daily, as they are limited to slow data rates and adapters can be tedious, we think they can be handy for travel or as a backup you can throw them in your desk drawer. . Among those we tried, the Anker Power Line II Cable 3 in 1 was the clear winner. MFi certified, our consumption and data transfer tests gave excellent marks (like all three in one cables that we tested, it only supports USB 2.0 transmission speeds), and it seems well done . Its thin cable is easy to roll up and store in a bag. Its adapters were the easiest to plug and unplug – the others we tried were difficult and difficult to handle. It is the only model we tested that had no continuity, signal integrity or DC resistance error when run through the Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester. And it benefits from Anker's lifetime warranty.

Defects but not dealbreakers: In theory, the three-in-one cable is a practical and compact alternative to transporting three individual cables. But in practice, we found that they were all difficult to use – an awkward solution for dealing with various existing standards and connectors. But if you regularly use all three specifications (Micro-USB, USB-C and Lightning) and hate wearing three different cables, it's a decent option. We want its rubber fasteners to be easier to maneuver and build more firmly – we fear that they will break after repeated use – but none of the models we tested impressed us in this regard. The slim and compact design of this cable and its good overall performance make it the best of the worst.

Key specifications:

  • USB 2.0 data transfer rate (up to 480 Mbps)
  • Charges up to 5 V and 3 A (15 W)
  • 3 feet long
  • black and white color options

Notable competitors

USB-C USB-C cables to charge phones, tablets and laptops up to 60 W

AmazonBasics USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gn cable. 1

This cable worked well during our tests, but had an F rating on Fakespot when we last checked, and some reviewers say it stopped working after about a month and a half.

AmazonBasics USB-C USB-C 2.0 cable

This cable worked in the same way as our choice (the Anker Powerline II USB-C USB-C 2.0 cable) in terms of absorbed power and data transfer speeds, but its plastic cases are more fragile and their guarantee is shorter – one year compared to their lifespan.

Anker Powerline USB-C USB-C 2.0 cable (6 feet)

It was our choice in this category, but unlike our current choice, also an Anker, it is not USB-IF certified.

Belkin MIXIT DuraTek USB-C cable

This cable had about the same performance as our selector Anker in our tests of power consumption and data transfer. It has a very good warranty (five years) and we really like the braided fabric that wraps the cable. But we don't care about the ridges between the smooth and mat sections of the cable sheaths – they don't feel elegant – and that costs more than double that of all the other cables we tested.

Google USB-C cable USB-C (USB 2.0)

It is the standard cable that ships with the google Pixel 2. It is good, but we had not envisaged it for the tests, because that quoted much more expensive than the other competitors.

USB-C USB-C cables to charge MacBook Pro and other very powerful laptops

Apple USB-C charging cable (6.6 feet)

It was our old choice in this category, but it is not USB-IF certified. In addition, our current choice (from Cable Matters) scores a fraction of it and is just as good.

Apple USB-C charging cable (3.3 feet)

This cable, launched in October 2018, is half the length and costs twice as much as our choice of cables, and is not USB-IF certified. Although its slim design makes it more compact and portable than our choice, it feels notably under-built compared to the competition, it is as thin as standard Apple Cble Lightning and has less wrist reinforcement, and it also seems likely to break.

Moshi Integra USB-C charging cable and Moshi Integra USB-C charging cable with intelligent LED

These cables perform just as well as the Matters cable in our power consumption and data transfer tests. We appreciate their luxurious appearance. But neither of the two Moshi cables is USB-IF certified and their price is respectively double and triple the price of Cable Matters.

USB-C cables USB-C with 100 W load and USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer

Nekteck USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gn cable. 2 (10 Gbps / 100W)

This cable got all the votes in all our tests, and 3.3 feet, it is even longer than our choice, the Anker. However, we don't like the rough texture of its plastic cases – we find they are a bit clunky in general – and its warranty (one year) doesn't hold Anker's lifetime warranty.

J5Create USB 3.1 Type-C Type-C coaxial cable

This cable is slightly shorter than our choice (2.3 feet to the 3 foot Anker cable) and only has a one year warranty, while the Anker has a lifetime warranty.

Thunderbolt 3 cables

Belkin 60W Thunderbolt 3 Cable and Belkin 100W Thunderbolt 3 Cable

These cables worked about as well as the Anker version in our tests, and they are both covered by a two-year warranty – the Anker is 18 months. Anker's cable is also more widely available, however, and we believe the matte finish of its cases gives it a more luxurious look and feel than Belkin models.

Apple Thunderbolt 3 cable (USB-C)

During our tests, this cable was not less efficient than Anker, but its warranty is shorter (one year) and its price is higher. Additionally, sources like AppleInsider say any Thunderbolt 3 cable longer than 1.6 feet (like this one, which is 2.6 feet) will not offer maximum speed.

USB-A USB-C cables

AmazonBasics USB-C USB-A 2.0 cable

This cable is similar to our Belkin choice: its length is good (6 feet), it is USB-IF certified, it worked well during our electrical consumption tests and it only achieves USB 2.0 speeds. Unlike the Belkin, however, it is covered by a short one-year warranty and by slightly more fragile cases.

Anker Powerline USB-C to USB 3.0 cable (3 feet)

Our previous choice in this section, this cable was eliminated during our last series of tests so as not to be USB-IF certified. Our new choices, the AmazonBasics and Belkin, both have this certification and have performed as much or better than the Anker in our tests.

Anker Powerline USB-C to USB 3.0 cable (6 feet)

This cable has great length (6 feet), great looks and feel, and achieved full USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer speeds (10 Gbps) in our tests. However, in addition to not being USB-IF certified, the Total Phase advanced cable tester reported DC resistance errors and signal integrity in our tests.

Anker Powerline USB-C to USB 3.0 cable (10 feet)

This 10-foot cable was the longest we tested this turn. Unfortunately, it is not USB-IF certified, it only reached 5 Gbps during our tests (data transfer speeds USB 3.0), and it had errors of resistance of the DC current and signal integrity when running the tester. Total Phase Advanced cables. In addition, due in part to its impressive length, it is extremely bulky.

Anker PowerLine + USB-C to USB 3.0 cable

This USB-C USB-A cable worked well during our tests and its braided cable makes it a little more robust than our peaks. But it's not USB-IF certified, and like electrician Lee Johnson, our guide to Lightning cables, we think most people don't need such a rugged design.

Aukey USB-C to USB 3.0 cable

This cable worked well during our power consumption tests and reached full USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer speeds. But it is not USB-IF certified, it is only 3.3 feet long and the Total Phase advanced cable tester reported a signal integrity error during our tests.

Belkin 3.1 USB-A USB-C cable

This cable is similar to our Belkin choice in this category, but it is not USB-IF certified and tends to score around twice or even three times more.

Google USB-C USB-A cable

The manufacturing quality of this cable is really pleasant: it is exceptionally thin, has a strain relief collar to help prevent breakage over time, and integrated a plastic clip keeps the cable wound when it is not used But it is not USB-IF certified, it obtains the slowest data transfer speeds (USB 2.0), and its length is only 3.2 meters. We could not find a cable meeting these three criteria, but our AmazonBasics and Belkin products stand out for their excellence. two of the three.

Essentials USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Monoprice Cable

This cable worked well during our tests. USB-IF certified, it offers the improved data transfer speeds of USB 3.1 Gen 2, is lifetime guaranteed and costs a fraction of the price of some of the other USB 3.1 Gen models. 2 cables we have test. However, its design is not particularly robust or simplified, and it is only available for purchase on the Monoprice website, which charges shipping costs. If these inconveniences do not bother you, this is a good alternative to our selection of AmazonBasics.

Moshi Integra USB-C USB-A charging cable

This cable had decent load capacities, good length (5 feet) and beautiful wraparound woven fabric. However, it is only capable of USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, and it is not USB-IF certified. It is also about double the cost of our choices.

Startech 2.0 USB-A USB-C cable

This cable is probably the most similar to our Belkin choice among those we tested: it measures 6 feet long, is USB-IF certified, obtained good marks in our electrical consumption tests and achieves only USB 2.0 speeds. But even if the price is about the same as that of the Belkin, it is not as pleasant to look at and feels cheaper.

USB-A USB-C adapters (nub style)

Kanex USB Type C USB Adapter, iXCC USB-C to USB 3.0 Converter, and Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter all worked well but are too large and clumsy, making it impossible to insert two plugs in ports side by side. Rankie USB-C USB-A 3.0 adapter felt built lower cost compared to the others we tested.

USB-A USB-C adapters (short cable style)

Among Anker's USB 3.1 USB-C Adapter, USB C to USB 3.0 Cable Adapter from Aukey, USB 3.0 Type A USB 3.0 Type A Adapter from iXCC, and USB-C to USB-A Adapter from Moshi, none are USB-IF certified.

Monoprice Essentials USB Type-C USB-A Extension Cable

This adapter was one of the main candidates in this category. Like our choice, it supports USB 3.0 data transfer and is USB-IF certified. But its housings are a little bulkier than our pick's, and it's only available to buy on Monoprice's website, which charges for shipping and is less convenient for most people.

Micro-USBtoUSB-C cables

Belkin 2.0 USB-C to Micro-USB Charge Cable

This cable performed just as well as our pick (the AmazonBasics) in our testing, and like our pick it's USB-IF certified. At 6 feet long, it's also twice the length of our pick, and it has a two-year warranty, which is double that of our pick. But it had a DCresistance error when we ran it through the Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester, it's about twice the price of the AmazonBasics, and it's thicker and bulkier.

Micro-USBtoUSB-C adapters

Anker USB-C to Micro-USB Adapter

This adapter matched our pick, the Aukey, in price and performance, but we think its slimmer design makes it harder to use and easier to lose. It also has an 18-month warranty, whereas the Aukey's is 24 months.

JSAUX USB-C to Micro-USB Convert Connector

This adapter performed abysmally in our power-draw tests2.3 watts compared with 7.4 watts by the Anker and Aukey adapters. We also think the little built-in plastic loops and silver chains (designed to attach the adapters to a keychain) are impractical and tacky.

Three-in-one (Micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning) cables

Monoprice USB-A to Micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning Cable

This cable was a close second to our pick, the Anker. Like our pick, it is MFi-certified and 3 feet long, and it has a lifetime warranty. It has a nice, slim design, making it compact and portablewhich is key, since we really only recommend three-in-one cables as a travel or backup option. We also felt that its adapters were the easiest to plug in and unplug of any we tried. Its downfall was a series of errors (both in signal integrity and continuity) in our Total Phase tests, whereas our pick had none.

Nomad USB-A to Micro-USB, USB-C, Lightning Cable

Like our pick, this cable is MFicertified and passed all of our data transfer and power-draw tests. At 5 feet long, it's 2 feet longer than our pick, yet it's still fairly compact. Its braided fabric sheath and rubber cable keeper are nice touches. But this cable's plastic housings were the worst of any we triedplugging and unplugging them feels like doing battle with an unyielding opponent. Plus, the Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester reported a DCresistance error.

How we picked and tested

Before beginning our initial round of testing in 2015, we consulted with Nathan K., a volunteer with the Top Contributor Program at Google. He's an independent tester who has worked with Benson Leung, a famed (in these circles) Google engineer who first brought to light potential issues with USB-C accessories that didn't conform to USB-C specifications.

In our latest round of testing, we used an Advanced Cable Tester from Total Phase (a fancy $ 1,500 piece of equipment) to scrutinize the wiring and signal integrity, DC resistance, and compliance with USB-C specifications of every cable we tested. We also used it to double-check our other data transfer speed and power-draw measurements.