The 7 Best USB-C Cables of 2025

Our Picks of USB-C Cables

Best Overall USB-C to USB-C Cable

Anker Powerline III USB-C

The Anker Powerline III USB-C is the best USB-C to USB-C charging cable for most people because it's powerful enough to fast-charge phones and laptops. Better yet, its silicone finish is supple and tangle-free, making it delightful to use and pack around. “When I travel, I can wrap this cord around a charger or jam it into any backpack pocket and it won't bend, kink, or tangle,” noted Chris Maxcer, our lead tester. “It is always ready to go.” While most current phones fast charge at less than 30W and most laptops can successfully charge at around 45W, we've come to appreciate the extra power this 100W-capable model produces. “I like that I can pack just one cable that works for my iPhone as well as my battery-hungry MacBook Pro,” Chris added.

USB Standard	USB 2.0
Connectors	USB-C to USB-C
Max Watts	100W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	480 Mbps
Available Lengths	3', 6'

The biggest drawback to the Anker Powerline III USB-C is that it utilizes a USB 2.0 standard, which limits its data transfer rate to a relatively slow 480 Mbps. “The speed is tolerable for simple photo transfers from my phone to my laptop every now and then, but when I attached it to an external SSD drive to transfer some large videos, it took about 10 minutes where other faster cables can do the same job in less than a minute,” one tester explained. One other complaint: the jacket and overmolds may be very durable, but their lighter colors can discolor and show dirt and grime. 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. For super fast data transfer, the Anker Thunderbolt 4.0 is a true king. If you just want a cable for fast charging phones and similar devices, you can save some money if you go with the 60W Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C.

Best USB-A to USB-C Cable

Anker Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A 3.0

It's hard to go wrong with the Anker Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A 3.0. “This is one of the most durable braided sheath options I tested,” Chris said. “After my aggressive bend tests, none of the nylon weave frayed or stretched out of place. Very impressive.” The hefty molded strain relief on both connectors is similarly robust. Meanwhile, this cable is USB 3.0 compliant, making it one of the fastest USB-A to USB-C cables available, which enables speeds of up to 5 Gbps if your devices support USB 3.0 or higher.

USB Standard	USB 3.0
Connectors	USB-A to USB-C
Max Watts	15W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	5 Gbps
Available Lengths	3', 6'

Unfortunately, the USB 3.0 specification for data doesn't help the Anker Powerline+ USB-C to USB-A 3.0 circumvent its typical USB-A connection specifications for charging — it's still rated at a maximum of 15W, which is relatively slow compared to modern USB-C-only options. Any other quibbles? “The USB-C connector is a little bulkier than some, and it was a bit snug against the opening in my phone's case,” one tester noted. If you're really looking for a data-capable USB-A option, consider the Belkin 3.1 USB-A To USB-C, which is twice as fast (10 Gbps). Of course, if you just want a solid charging cable, the Anker Premium Nylon USB-A to C is slow with data but charges just as well at half the cost.

Best Bang for the Buck: USB-C to USB-C

JSaux USB-C to USB-C 2-Pack

If you're shopping on a budget, the JSaux USB-C to USB-C 2-Pack is an excellent buy, particularly if you need a long charging cord. We tested the 6.6' option, but JSaux offers an option that is 10 feet long. Thanks to its fast 100W charge rates, this cable won't make you wait for your high-powered wall charger to do its job. “With a maximum output of three amps, I found it more than capable of charging many small devices at their maximum rate,” noted Senior Review Editor David Wise. Despite its affordability, we were impressed by its braided sheath and new ridiculously good extended overmold, which replaces the shorter, less durable design of its previous version. Tester Chris Maxcer reports, “I suspected the lattice-like rubber overmold might crack after my wild bend test, but it held up well, making these long cords great for kids with Chromebooks on the couch or for tough, hard-to-reach chargers plugged in underneath desks or kitchen tables.”

USB Standard	USB 2.0
Connectors	USB-C to USB-C
Max Watts	100W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	480 Mbps
Available Lengths	3.3', 6.6', 10'

Even though the JSaux USB-C to USB-C offers powerful 100W charging, its USB standard remains at USB 2.0, which means it only transmits data at 480 Mbps. This is fine for simple tasks, but not fast enough for video or using with modern, snappy SSD external hard drives. If length and flexibility aren't critical and you'd like an affordable, faster cable for data, the USB-IF Certified Cable Matters is just 3.3 feet long, but it's much faster. It can even power a 4K monitor. Of course, for general-purpose awesomeness, we'd be remiss if we didn't redirect you back to the Anchor Powerline III USB-C, which also comes in a 6-foot long option.

Best Bang for the Buck: USB-A to USB-C

Anker Premium Nylon USB-A to C

If you need a USB-C connector to charge your phone but still have USB-A wall chargers or charging ports in your car, the Anker Premium Nylon USB-A to C is our favorite durable yet affordable choice. “It's hard to argue against the cost-effectiveness of old-school USB-A chargers and cords, especially since there are so many USB-A charging ports still around,” noted one tester. “I like to use this cord in my pickup truck to charge my iPhone — and even let other passengers run the sound system without needing to mess with Bluetooth.”

USB Standard	USB 2.0
Connectors	USB-A to USB-C
Max Watts	15W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	480 Mbps
Available Lengths	3', 6'

Still, the biggest downside to USB-A options like the Anker Premium Nylon USB-A to C in an increasingly USB-C world is that they're typically limited to 15W charging, and many ports deliver slower speeds. “With a good wall charger, this cable lets me charge my iPhone at reasonable speeds, but let's face it, USB-A cables are best for simple needs or overnight charging,” says our lead tester. While we like the quality-to-value ratio of these Anker cables, the Teeind USB-C to USB-A 5-Pack is a great buy if you just want a few USB-A options around for a while as you transition to a full USB-C world. While we're at it, the solid Amazon Basics Fast Charging USB-C 2.0 cords cost a bit more than the Teeind options, but they come in a wider range of length options.

Best for Data Transfer and Video

Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4

The 240W Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 is the best USB-C cable for speedy data transfers and video because it's powerful and affordable. By supporting Ultra HD video up to massive 8K displays, this is not a model that will slow you down. “I connected this cable from my M2 MacBook Pro to my LG 4K monitor's Thunderbolt port, which I also attached to another Dell 4K monitor, and it worked flawlessly. Plus, by using the LG monitor as a power source, it charged my MacBook Pro at the same time,” tester Chris Maxcer said. “If you want a powerful home office Thunderbolt cable, it's easy to recommend this budget-friendly TB4 option.”

USB Standard	Thunderbolt 4, USB4 Gen 3
Connectors	USB-C to USB-C
Max Watts	240W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	40 Gbps
Available Lengths	1', 2.3', 3.3'

While we appreciate the raw power inside the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4, it's a bit excessive for everyday use if you don't require the high data capabilities. “While I could charge my iPhone as quickly as the iPhone was willing to charge with this cable, it feels like overkill due to its thick, relatively stiff design,” Chris explained. For plugging in around workspaces, the 3.3 feet long length is suitable, but if you want a shorter, more travel-friendly TB4 cable, the Anker Thunderbolt 4.0 wowed us with its supple 2.3-foot cord. Additionally, Anker offers a 6.6-foot version if you require a longer length (please note that these Anker options are limited to 100W). If you prefer a middle-ground USB-C cable that can work with a single 4K monitor, the USB-IF Certified Cable Matters costs half as much but is fast enough for most home use.

Best for Fast Charging High Power Devices

Apple USB-C Charge Cable

The 240W Apple USB-C Charge Cable is the best USB-C cable for quickly charging high-power devices like premium laptops and some workstations because it is relatively long and supple enough to bend around any obstacle. “Most high-powered charging cables are thick and stiff, making them annoying to use when your workstation or your charging brick isn't perfectly positioned,” explained our lead tester. “This Apple option is remarkably bendable, letting me plug it into any hard-to-reach port and move my laptop around with ease.”

USB Standard	USB 2.0
Connectors	USB-C to USB-C
Max Watts	240W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	480 Mbps
Available Lengths	6.6'

Unfortunately, the burly Apple USB-C Charge Cable is primarily designed for charging and only supports slower 480 Mbps data speeds. “Because it's so thick, this USB-C cable looks similar to many Thunderbolt-capable cables, but it doesn't contain the ability to deliver video data, so it's easy to confuse with a Thunderbolt model,” Chris noted. If you want both raw 240W power and the ability to carry data up to 40 Gbps, the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 can do it all, though it's not quite as supple or as long. Similarly, the Anker Thunderbolt 4.0 is a data master with a 6.6-foot long option, but it maxes out at 100W.

An All-in-One Charging Solution

Anker Powerline II 3-in-1

If you're tired of keeping track of cables for all of your different devices, then the Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 cable is the all-in-one option to declutter your charging life. This cable features a USB-C charging connector, a Lightning connector for iPhones, and a Micro-USB port for use with other Android phones or accessory devices. “This makes it invaluable for traveling or situations where you need to charge a wide spectrum of devices,” David explained. It is still capable of “Fast Charging” a Samsung S8 using a QC 3.0 wall adapter, as well, so you won't be making too many concessions when it comes to charging performance, although iPhones won't charge quite as quickly.

USB Standard	Not listed
Connectors	USB-A to USB-C, Lightning, Micro USB
Max Watts	15W
Max Data Transfer Rate Per Manufacturer	480 Mbps
Available Lengths	3'

"The charging connector adapters can be slightly finicky to connect on the Anker Powerline II 3-in-1," one tester observed, and the adapters seem to be a weak point in terms of durability. The cable also lacks a braided jacket, though it has decent strain relief at the connector end. It might not be the best option for those who require the absolute fastest charging or data transfer, but it's a great thing to keep in your car or bag to ensure you always have a suitable charging cable wherever you go. While no other products we tested had so many different charging connectors, several were far more durable. For example, the CyvenSmart USB-C sports a reinforced connector for longevity.

How We Tested

We purchased the most compelling USB-C models currently available on the market to test for ourselves. We compared their charging standards, measured their charging rate using USB multimeters, tested their ability to display video, and transferred large files to check data capabilities. We also flexed each connector repeatedly to check for signs of wear and tear, and we considered overall materials and design that make cables easy or difficult to use.

Our testing of USB-C cables is divided into three key metrics:

• Durability (40% of overall score weighting)

• Charging Performance (40% weighting)

• Data Transfer (20% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

For our new USB-C cable testing update, lead reviewer Chris Maxcer took our updated cables through side-by-side testing, using them to recharge both his household and work devices as well as recharge heavy-duty battery banks to record maximum wattages. He recently retooled our USB wall charger review, testing each charger with several of these cables as well. He has more than two decades of technical computing writing experience, during which he has written on topics ranging from enterprise applications to consumer gadgets. David Wise has over four years of experience comparing products head-to-head for GearLab. He has worked extensively with USB charging products, including wireless chargers, USB wall power adapters, charging stations, and portable chargers. In addition to his experience with consumer charging electronics, he has formal training as a mechanical engineer with a specific focus on DC circuits and lithium battery systems, bringing this expertise to the design and execution of our side-by-side testing protocols.

Analysis and Test Results

We divided our comprehensive testing process into three critical metrics: durability, charge performance, and data transfer. Evaluating each metric involved multiple tests, which we highlight accordingly.

What's the Best Value?

When shopping on a budget for a charging cable, the JSaux USB-C to USB-C is a great choice. It's a durable cable that holds its own against top-tier products at a considerably lower price. When it comes to using still common USB-A ports, the Anker Premium Nylon USB-A to C is durable enough to last while being relatively gentle on a bank account. For pure power, we were impressed by the 240W, video-ready Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4. It might be a bit thick, but it's strong enough to charge most anything and deliver super-fast data at the same time.

Durability

We placed the greatest significance on our durability metric, which included rating and ranking the connector strain relief and the cable sheath, and bending each cable over 100 times to see if they sustained any damage. Every cable passed this test and continued to charge after being repeatedly flexed and bent. But some cables showed a bit more wear than others.

With its thickened silicone jacket and beefy overmolds, the Anker PowerLine III USB-C thoroughly impressed us in the durability department. We subjected this cable to significant abuse, and it showed no signs of damage, only some mild discoloration. Even better, we love how flexible this cable is, especially compared to some of the braided options. No matter how much we bent this cord, it maintained smooth curves with zero kinking.

Without any extra strain relief near the connectors, the Apple USB-C Charge Cable surprised us with its remarkable durability, exhibiting no evidence of wear. For a moment, we thought we could detect a bit of interior wire bending, but simply squeezing and feeling the end of the cable made the nearly imperceptible bumps disappear. The only drawback from our experience is that white woven fabric can show signs of dirt or oil from fingers over time.

The CyvenSmart USB-C cable also immediately impressed us in this regard and is a sturdy option. This cable not only has a braided sheath to protect it from wear and tear, but it also has a larger plastic strain relief and a metal spring to maintain the integrity of the connector even after repeated flexing. It showed no damage and continued to charge after we folded it over 100 times in our connector fatigue test. The overall diameter of its braided sheath is slightly smaller than that of some other cables.

Most of the cables that scored above average for durability have a braided exterior sheath for protection and showed no significant signs of wear after our tests. The Belkin, Cable Matters, and Anker Thunderbolt cables don't have a braided jacket. Still, they have reinforced standard cable jackets and burly overmolds for increased durability compared to a standard cable. These cables also have a reinforced plastic barrel at the base of the connector to provide additional strain relief. They all passed our repeated flexing test, though we could see some definite creases and discoloration on the jacket of the Belkin.

Anker Thunderbolt 4.0 USB-IF Certified Cable Matters

The Teeind USB-C to USB-A 5-Pack was the worst performer in our durability test. Not only did the interior wiring hold a 90-degree bend without recovering, but the braided sheath also began to separate. Still, this cable remained functional after the test, making it an affordable option for non-bendy charging spaces.

The Powerline II 3-in-1 feels like a typical cable, albeit with a slightly thicker cable jacket. However, we are a little concerned about the different adapters and how they are attached. We could see them getting caught on things frequently and prematurely wearing out compared to the rest of the cable (though we haven't experienced a specific failure).

Charging Performance

We compared the charging performance of each cable in several ways, first by ensuring they could successfully charge a modern phone, a battery bank, and a laptop, in addition to charging other common devices, such as mobile gaming systems and wireless speakers. While simply being able to charge each device is expected, to succeed in our laptop test, the cable had to deliver 40W or higher, which is at the lower end of the expected charge rates for laptops. We also confirmed maximum wattages (up to 100W) and checked for e-marker chips that enable the best cables to communicate effectively with chargers. The USB-C to C cables have an advantage here because USB-A to C cables don't support Power Delivery and are typically limited by USB-A standards to 15W, even if their wiring is technically capable of carrying a higher current.

The Apple USB-C Charge Cable and the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 options take the lead here because they're rated to carry a massive 240W of charging juice, which is currently used in extra-powerful, premium laptops.

However, for most people, 100W is more than enough to quickly charge laptops and super-fast charge phones at their fastest abilities. In this case, the Anker Powerline III USB-C stands out as a stellar charging cord because it is both strong and flexible, and it does its job without the bulkier sheath found on others, such as the Anker Thunderbolt 4.0.

For those on a tight budget, the JSaux USB-C to USB-C 2-Pack is a great value at 100W, too. However, we noticed that it frequently carried 3-5% less wattage than the more premium competition during side-by-side testing. This wasn't enough for it to lose ranking, as it still fell within near-maximum expectations for USB-C charging.

For most situations, good USB-A to USB-C charging cables typically max out at about 15W, although we've seen some cables, chargers, and devices achieve slightly faster charging speeds. For example, the budget-friendly etguuds USB-C to USB-A 2-Pack reached wattages as high as 17W in our tests, which means the wall charger and device agreed to send more power through the cable without issue.

Data Transfer

Next, we compared the data transfer abilities of each cable, awarding scores based on their USB standard and associated maximum transfer rates. Most charging-focused cables support a USB 2.0 standard, which maxes out at 480 Mbps. Higher-quality cables tend to increase speed very quickly. For instance, 5 Gbps is 10.42 times faster than 480 Mbps, and a 40 Gbps cable is 83.33 times faster.

For video support, a 4K monitor at a reasonable 60Hz refresh rate requires a cable capable of 10 Gbps, but best compatibility occurs with USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 cables rated at 40 Gbps. We tested each video-capable cable with a MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with two 4K monitors.

The Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 and Anker Thunderbolt 4.0 models topped our charts in this metric, boasting claimed maximum data rates of 40 Gbps. Of course, this is extraordinarily fast, and much faster than most external SSD drives are capable of reading and writing data. The importance of Thunderbolt 4, for most people, is far less about transferring files in their home office than it is about being able to drive an Ultra HD 4K, 5K, 6K, or even 8K monitor. These two cables successfully drove two 4K monitors simultaneously through our test MacBook Pro.

The USB-IF Certified Cable Matters was unable to run both 4K monitors (as expected), but it did a great job supporting a single 4K display. Costing half as much as the others, it's a great budget option if you just want to connect one 4K monitor.

As for data transfer speeds, the remaining charging-focused cables drop significantly, falling to 480 Mbps. This is suitable for backing up phones or transferring photos or videos at home, but not for any serious data transfer work. Only two USB-A options we tested offer much more: the Belkin 3.1 USB-A to USB-C (10 Gbps) and the Anker Premium Nylon USB-A to C (5 Gbps). If you have a PC with a USB-A port that's rated at USB 3.0 or higher, these cables can help you transfer data faster.

How To Choose the Best USB-C Cable

All of these cables may look the same, but our side-by-side testing revealed that they certainly are not all created equal. So, how do you know which USB-C cable is the right one for you? To help find the right cable for your needs, consider asking yourself a few key questions to guide your purchase decision.

What Types of Ports Are You Connecting?

While nearly all of these cables sport at least one USB-C connector, we tested a variety of cords that are also compatible with a USB-A port. Additionally, we included at least one that also features a Micro-USB port (some older devices may use these ports for charging). The easiest way to narrow your selection is to look at the devices you plan to plug into and match the ends accordingly. We list the types of connectors under the specs in our comparison chart at the top of this review. If you are still using older Apple products, you may also want to take a look at our lightning cable review.

Do You Want a Long or Short Cable?

Most of the cords we tested come in a variety of lengths, ranging from 1 to 10 feet, but not every cord is available in every length. We've found that shorter cables are more convenient to carry with one of our favorite power banks, and help keep our desks clean in the office. On the other hand, a long cable is nice to have if you want to use your phone while it's plugged into the wall. We also list the available lengths for every cord we tested under the specs in our comparison chart.

Do You Need a Cable for More Than Just Charging?

These cables are most commonly used to charge your phone or other compatible devices (which is why our Charging Performance metric makes up 40% of a product's overall score). But USB-C is now also one of the most commonly used connections. If you're planning to plug in and connect devices, pay attention to the top-scoring cables in our Data Transfer metric — higher-scoring products afford faster transfer rates. While most consumers don't need to transfer data at wicked fast rates, you may require high-performance cables to transfer data so you can light up a bright and crisp Ultra HD 4K (or higher) display.

Conclusion

Regardless of your power requirements or budget, we hope that you have found this to be a helpful breakdown and analysis of the top USB-C cables currently on the market. We have also tested portable and powerful USB Wall Chargers along with USB hubs, including those with USB-C connections and ports. We hope we've been able to aid you in your search for a new charging cable.