But we dont think most people are likely to notice a problem, and many other cables weve tested have had the same error. Let us know! The Tripp Lite Universal Cable (6 feet) is the longest cable we tested in this category, and its twice as long as our pick. From smartphones to printers, these versatile cords are a must-have for anyone looking to stay connected. The Nomad USB-A Universal Cable with Kevlar (5 feet) is 2 feet longer than our pick, yet it still coils down to be fairly compact, and its Kevlar sheath and rubber cable tie are as rugged as any weve seen. If youre unhappy with the cable that came with your Apple device, or if you just want a backup, weve tested dozens of Lightning cables to find the best options for a variety of needs. Covered in a thick and bendy, vinyl-like coating, the cable did well in the durability tests. He has come to value well-built products that can go the distance by sharing cables on job sites, using, abusing, and losing cables through extensive travel, and generally beating everything he owns into the dirt. The metal connectors slide easily into corresponding ports, and they maintain a solid connection once inserted. I recently discovered Anker products through Bestbuy and their products rival big name electronics. Doing so reduces the stress on the area where the cable and the plug meeta spot thats prone to damage. No sponsored content. This compact multi-charger is ideal for traveling with multiple devices. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. We didnt have a strict price cap, but since most cables cost less than $10, options costing more than that had to offer some standout featuresa lifetime warranty, an extra-rugged sheathto convince us to consider it for testing. Browse the top-ranked list of Anker cables below along with associated reviews and opinions. For the cable housings, we sought the perfect blend of sturdiness and comfort. Apart from. The Anker USB-C to Lightning performed the best, going from zero to one hundred percent charged in under one and a half hours. Got feedback? Why its great: Like our favorite Lightning cable for USB-A ports, this cable is MFi-certified and backed by a lifetime warranty. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. And like Ankers PowerLine II cables, this Nomad cable has metal connectors that fit snugly in most Lightning and USB-C ports. Also, the tethers that attach the metal connectors to the body of the cable are thinner and flimsier. Why its great: This cable is MFi-certified, so itll work just as well as any Apple-branded cable, and Anker backs it with a lifetime warranty. No. In our opinion a fabric casing typically isnt worth splurging on, but this Nomad cable has the most ruggedly built sheath of any cable weve seen. Updated Dec 2022 Updates Following our latest round of testing, we've added recommendations for short, right-angle, and cloth-covered Lightning cables, as well as new sections on. The vinyl coating is quite malleable and holds its shape surprisingly well while coiled. Why its great: Like our favorite Lightning cable for USB-A ports, the Nomad USB-A to Lightning Cable with Kevlar (10 feet) is MFi-certified, and at 10 feet long it can reach across a couch, a king-size bed, or even a small room. Many people are saying it is the best cable ever. Flaws but not dealbreakers: This cable cant give you the absolute fastest charge, but thats true of all Lightning cables for USB-A ports. Plus, at this writing, it costs more. This Silicone Flow cable design proved that cables CAN actually be annoyance-free, so thank you Anker! Anker usually has very good stuff truatworthy good warrantyGood CableIt's a cable, and it works. In-store pricing may vary. No matter how much physical abuse a lightning cable can withstand, the inability of a device to register a connection to the cable renders it useless. This coating, however, is thicker and more pliable than the Apple version. The tie is convenient and easy to use, ensuring that the cable wont come uncoiled inside your bag or become a tangled mess under your desk. More than enough to take the strain of a dangling iPhone or iPad. The Belkin Universal Cable (3.3 feet) was the only cable we tested that lost its bout with the Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester, which detected errors in two out of three key areas: DC resistance and signal integrity. This cable is MFi-certified, so Apple has confirmed that it will perform optimally (in terms of charging and data-transfer capabilities) with its Lightning-powered devices. We also advise loosely wrapping cables, rather than folding or otherwise aggressively bending them. On top of all that, the longer two versions are available only in white. Subscribe now to get a gift with your first order! This connection point is bent repeatedly while plugging and unplugging your device, and a stiff cable can't withstand this kind of movement for long. Anker's PowerLine Select+ USB-A to USB-C cable charges phones and tablets Anker's PowerLine Select+ USB-A to USB-C cable charges phones and tablets at high speed. To learn more about recycling electronic waste (e-waste), we interviewed the following experts: Joe Day, commercial manager of the Midwest and Northeast regions for Li-Cycle and former director of global business development at TerraCycle Regulated Waste; Linda Gabor, executive vice president of external relations at Call2Recycle; and Leo Raudys, president and CEO of Call2Recycle. 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. 1FT Short iPhone Charging Cable, 3 Pack USB to Lightning Cable 1 Foot iPhone Charger Cord Fast Charging Braided for Apple iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max Mini 10 8 7 Plus XR XS MAX SE iPad Air Mini (Black) Once youve held this surprisingly soft silica gel cable in your hand, youll never go back to regular cables. The rest of the cables charged at similar speeds, some being faster and then slower, depending on the test and device. They would sometimes stop charging altogether if we moved them at all while connected. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Some cables can power up your phone faster than others, and there are a few reasons why. Enter the USB-A to Lightning cable, with its unique oval shape at the Lightning port that perfectly complements the iPhone's design. If our favorite cloth-covered Lightning cable for USB-C ports is unavailable: The Paracable Paraflex USB-C to Lightning Cable, which comes in 3-foot and 6-foot versions, is a good option. Having used countless lightning cables over the years, Buck has a keen eye for early signs of wear. The 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot, and 9.8-foot versions of the Tripp Lite USB-C to Lightning Sync/Charge Cable, as well as the 3-foot, 6-foot, and 10-foot versions of the Tripp Lite Heavy-Duty USB-C to Lightning Sync/Charge Cable, dont measure up to our pick in this category. We found that the most common place to show wear was where the cable attached to the USB connection point. On the flip side, ten feet is a lot of cable with the potential for twists, snares, and cluttering your workspace. Reminiscent of the original Apple version, this cable has a thin plastic sheath that visibly stresses when you bend it. Who should get this: Someone who doesnt have access to wall chargers, power banks, or other devices with USB-C ports, and who can live without getting the fastest possible charge but still wants an otherwise great cable. We tested lightning cables from Anker, Apple, Amazon Basics, and more to find the best for your needs. However, the shorter length, great storability, and good durability make the Anker 3-in-1 a perfect universal charger for travelers who don't want to carry a suitcase full of tangled cables. When we ran this cable through the Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester, it produced a DC-resistance error (which, though not ideal, shouldnt noticeably impact the cables performance). They also cost more despite their lack of a cable tie. Charges well", "Maybe a good cableThe best cable you or I has ever seen. *At the time of publishing, the price was $50. The cable is sheathed in a vinyl-like material similar to the stock Apple Cable. So why settle for anything less than the best? If you're constantly losing cables, the Amazon Basics might be a better choice. PowerLine III Flow USB-C to Lightning Cable: Super Strong, Surprisingly PowerLine III Flow USB-C to Lightning Cable: Super Strong, Surprisingly Soft. Short and durable lightning cables work best when connecting your iPhone to your car for CarPlay. With more than a foot and half of extra length (than the Anker 3-in-1 cable), the Nomad had more practical applications as a universal charger, such as the ability to reach the back seat of a car. When coiled, the cable holds its shape well and doesn't spring back open like the Apple version is prone to do. *At the time of publishing, the price was $15. Its also less expensive, and instead of just one color it comes in three unusual patterns: grayscale, rainbow, and a pixelated black, white, and blue pattern. Has Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning capabilities. Plus, this cable has a shorter warranty than our pick in this category (two years versus a lifetime), it comes only in black (whereas our pick comes in black or white), and its adapters are so finicky, theyre almost unusable. Typical of all the Anker products we tested, this cable comes with a convenient Velcro strap, making coiling and storing the cable streamlined and easy. Who should get this: Someone who wants a Lightning cable with a 90-degree plug to minimize strain on the cable housing as it props up an iPhonefor movie watching or video chats, sayor simply to give the plug-to-port intersection a more streamlined look. ", "Great cablesAnker cables last longer than just about any other brand.Great CordThe best part is the longer cord and the price. The best way to keep a Lightning cable out of the landfill is to treat it well, prolonging its usable life until youre forced to replace it. However, we found this is not always the case, especially as cables age. For past versions of this guide, we also consulted with Lee Johnson, a former NASA electrical engineer, to better understand the inner workings of charging cables. But if you plan to mostly keep this cable in one place, or if you have room to spare in your bag, it shouldnt be too bothersome. The rubber cable tie that comes with this Nomad cable is also more robust than any weve seen, with thick ridges that keep it fastened shut so your cable stays securely coiled. Lastly, some cables come with an accessory (such as a hook-and-loop cable tie to keep it neatly coiled) or have a standout feature (such as a small light to let you know when your device is charging). Offers SuperSpeed transfer of 5 Gbpstransfer an HD movie in under 5 seconds. While the more premium brands performed the highest in testing, the big price difference is a significant tradeoff. Whether you're syncing your music library or printing out important documents, a reliable USB cable is essential. It allows you to connect iPhones, AirPods, older iPads (before they switched to USB-C), Magic Trackpads, and select other Apple devices to USB-C chargers and host . Given this cable's durability, charging efficiency, and great storability, it reigns supreme over all the others we tested. The housings on the Monoprice USB-A to Lightning, Micro-USB, USB-C Cable (3 feet) are smaller than those of our pick, and as a result we found them less comfortable to grasp when we were plugging and unplugging. And even if theyre built to last, small or sharp-edged housings can make plugging in a cable feel like a chore (especially if you have hand strength, flexibility, or dexterity issues caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, or a variety of other conditions), so we paid close attention to their size, shape, and texture in our testing. This Lightning cable charges more slowly than its twin made for USB-C ports, but its just as long (10 feet), and its Kevlar sheath, hard-plastic housings, and overall build quality are equally tough. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews, Storability could be better but not a dealbreaker, If you can only buy one lightning cable, we'd recommend buying this one, The cable charges your devices fast, is durable, and had no connectivity issues, This cable is ideal for heavy use across multiple devices, With a long cable and aesthetic sheath, this is an ideal option for charging your phone at night, This durable cable charges multiple devices and can be bought for a great price. And unlike other 90-degree cables we tested, this one is backed by a lifetime warranty. This fast-charging Lightning cable is just a foot in length, and its extra-grippy housings make it a breeze to plug and unplug. All of the cables with thin and less rubberized sheaths, such as the Apple and Amazon Basics lightning cables, had a difficult time staying coiled. When its paired up with a 20W charger, it charges my iphone quickly.Love how incredibly tangle-free these are in both lengths. Plus, after going on numerous trips (short, long, near, and far) with us over the past three years, ours is still in perfect working order. Like its fast-charging USB-C twin, the PowerLine II USB-A to Lightning Cable has a smooth yet grippy exterior, and it comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie to keep it securely coiled and organized. The version of USB cords can be determined by the color of the inner plastic part in the connector. $20.00 - $29.99 $30.00 + USB-C to USB-C USB-A to Lightning USB-C to Lightning Length 1ft 3ft 3.3ft 6ft 10ft Cables Tired of slow charging and data transfer? We also scratched and picked at the soft surfaces of the cloth-covered cables with our fingernails to see if we could pull any threads loose. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Our one complaint is that the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable isnt quite as slim as some others we tested, including Apples Lightning cables. Since joining Wirecutter in 2017, Ive reported on rechargeable batteries, portable laptop chargers, surge protectors, and more. It comes in only one color (black), and it doesnt have a cable tie. However, such errors cropped up with many cables we tested with this device, especially those longer than 3 feetpower and data have to travel farther in a longer cable, which can slightly degrade the signaland the impact on charging or data-transfer speeds is likely to be too minor for most people to notice. The thinner and less pliable rubberized options, such as the Apple and Amazon Basics cables, started to show signs of wear at the connection points. The 10-foot length is simultaneously one of its greatest selling points, but depending on your needs, one of its most significant drawbacks. All three versions are available in black or white (the 6-foot version also comes in a dark green), and theyre backed by Ankers lifetime warranty. And our favorite of the bunch, the 10-foot version, adds even more length to accommodate hard-to-reach outlets. Here are some of the best ways weve found to recycle used electronics: The Anker PowerLine+ II USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 feet) and Anker PowerLine+ II USB-C to Lightning Cable (6 feet) are nearly identical to their PowerLine II counterparts, except they have a double-braided nylon sheath instead of rubber. They also dont come with a cable tie, and theyre out of stock at this writing. Anker's iteration of the USB-C to lightning cable is a well-built product like their other cables. Checking cable durability on the Apple model - shown after repeated bending. As an avid user of lightning cable products for both work and personal use, our primary tester, Buck Yedor, has been plugging and unplugging lightning cables since their inception. We're so confident in PowerLine+ II, we are offering a hassle-free replacement for all quality issues. While not as bendy as braided cables, the thicker rubber kept each one from being bent beyond their ability to recover. No matter what kinds of USB-powered devices you own, we have picks to power them at their fastest charging speeds. Why its great: The Anker PowerLine II USB-A to Lightning Cable (10 feet) is the best USB-AtoLightning cable weve found. 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. But similar to that cable, its MFi-certified, sturdily built, comfortable to grip, backed by a lifetime warranty, and long enough to reach from a wall outlet to a nightstand, couch, or desk. Plus, with the right wall charger, it can fully charge most iPhones in about an hour. We offer high-quality cables that are built to last. Sign up for Wirecutters daily newsletter, The Recommendation, for a chance to win the $800 Miele Complete C3 Calimaa nimble canister vacuum our experts have long loved after years of rigorous testing. Look no further than Anker's USB cables! Why its great: Like our favorite Lightning cable for USB-C ports, this cable is MFi-certified, and with the right charger it supports up to 18 W of power to charge your Lightning-powered devices at top speed. Short iPhone Lightning Cable 6 inch Charger Sync and Charging Data Cord Compatible with iPhone 14/14 Pro/ 14 Pro Max/ 13/13 Pro / 12/11/ Xs . Look no further than Anker's USB cables! This cable's durability stems from the braided nylon sheath, which gives it the flexibility to bend and twist without breaking. But theres still a lot to love about this cable: Its rubber sheath is silky smooth and super flexible (to the point that you dont really need a cable tie anyway, since it doesnt tangle like most charging cables), and it comes in more colors than any other cable we tested, including black, white, yellow, light pink, light blue, seafoam, lavender, and lilac. Who should get this: Someone who wants a long, durable cable to charge their iPhone and other Lightning-powered devices as fast as is physically possible. When paired with a USB-C port putting out at least 18 watts of powerlike those in many of our favorite laptops, power banks, and wall chargersthe PowerLine II can charge an iPhone up to three times as fast as a USB-AtoLightning cable. Its also not as long as some of our picks, but we didnt test any cables that had a 90-degree plug and measured more than 6 feet in length. The leather strap used for securing the coiled cable and its high contrast color pattern are subtle details that give this product a more refined look. You can do a surprising amount of work on an iPad with the right gear. Ankers 3-in-1 Cable has the same sheath and housing styles (comfortable, sleek-looking, easy-to-grip rubber) that we love on the other PowerLine II cables. However, its a worthwhile investment if you want a cable with unsurpassed charging speeds, length, and durability. In her spare time, she eats as much cheese as her body will tolerate. Good warranty process with the Anker line before. Get an Exclusive 10% Off Your First Purchase. Both connectors snapped firmly into place without any connectivity issues.
Jerome's Reid Dining Table,
Smith Knowledge Otg Lenses,
Articles S