USB-C is the new standard for connecting devices, and it’s quickly becoming the most popular connector type on the market. That’s because USB-C is reversible, so you can plug it in either way and it’ll work just fine. But which USB-C cables are the best? We’ve put together a list of our favorites, based on their performance, durability, and price. So whether you’re looking for a budget option or something that will last longer, these are the cables you need to check out. ..

These are all qualities you’ll need to look out for when combing through your options. Durability is a huge factor as it’s the driving force behind the endurance of your investment. Meanwhile, ensuring your USB-C cable supports the recharge and data speeds of your devices is also important since it can greatly hinder your experience if it doesn’t.

Then there are more general qualities like the length. Some USB-C cables might be long, but won’t be high quality and begin to slow or fray over time. Shorter cables are generally more durable, but that isn’t always a hard rule. It’s important to shop for a higher-end cable no matter the length, as the small increase in price will get you a cable that lasts much, much longer.

Below, we’ve listed a handful of USB-C cables that can accommodate anyone’s needs or budget.

Best USB-C Cable: Anker New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable

Anker has been making cables for many years now, and the New Nylon USB-C to USB-C Cable is a perfect pick for anyone who needs the “ol’ reliable” of USB-C cables.

✓ Durable nylon and aluminum construction✓ 60W fast charging support✓ Versatile lengths

✗ No support for external monitors

Using nylon for its construction and aluminum for extra durability, this cable won’t be fraying anytime soon. It comes in either 3.3 feet or six feet lengths depending on your needs, and the package comes with two cables, which makes this a great value.

Anker also made sure to equip the cord with Power Delivery, providing support for up to 60W fast charging on supported devices.

The only real downside is the cable’s lack of support for connecting to an external display over USB, but for those who simply need a USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, you can’t go wrong with this option.

✓ Affordable price✓ Reliable brand✓ Various lengths available

✗ No fast charging support✗ Slower data transfer speeds

However, for just under $8, you really can’t go wrong if all you need is a basic way to power up your device or manage files between your phone and laptop.

Best Long USB-C Cable: Grtoeud USB-C to USB-C Cable

It’s common knowledge in the world of cables that the longer you go, the slower the cable gets at charging and data transfers. Some companies have been able to hack this general consensus by implementing high-end technologies to ensure nothing gets bogged down due to extra length, and Grtoeud has done just that.

✓ Up to 20 feet long✓ Good durable, tangle-free design✓ Power Deliver support w/ 100W charging

✗ A bit pricey the longer you go

Its USB-C cable offers a durable nylon design with reinforced tips and a tangle-free finish. Grtoeud says the cord supports Power Delivery thanks to a special E-Mark chip. This chip grants you up to 100W charging, so you shouldn’t experience any slowdowns regardless of the device you connect. The cable is available in 10 feet, 15 feet, and 20 feet sizes to suit your needs.

Once you get up to 20 feet, you’ll be paying $25 which is a bit pricey for a USB-C cable, but in exchange, you’ll get a long cord with good durability and performance. At the end of the day, if what you’re after is a long USB-C cable, that ought to fit the mold perfectly.

Best Short USB-C Cable: Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C Cable

If you’re looking for a USB-C cable that’s nice and short, Anker’s Powerline III is a great option.

✓ Power Delivery support✓ Durable design✓ One- and three-foot sizes

✗ Price could be a bit better

Not only does it come from a recognizable brand, but it’s also jam-packed with all the necessities for quick charging and data transfers. Anker says the cable supports up to 60W fast charging thanks to Power Delivery, and its durable construction is rated to withstand 25,000 bends.

It’s available in one foot or three feet lengths, and it comes in either black or white. At $16, it’s not exactly the cheapest short cable on the market, but it’ll prove to be reliable over time.

Best Lightning to USB-C Cable: Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable

Anker’s getting yet another highlight in this article, this time for making a terrific USB-C to Lightning cable. Its New Nylon USB-C to Lightning solution offers a durable nylon design, reinforced aluminum tips, and a variety of sizes for every iPhone user.

✓ MFi certified✓ Fast charging for every supported iPhone✓ Nylon design

✗ A bit pricey

This particular cable supports charging the iPhone at the fastest available speed, depending on the type of phone you have. That means those who have the iPhone 13 Pro Max, for instance, will be able to take advantage of 27W charging.

In addition, the cable is Made for iPhone certified, which guarantees it complies with Apple’s strict accessory guidelines. You’ll pay a bit of a premium to get this cable at $18, but it’s a very well-rounded package overall.

Best HDMI to USB-C Cable: Uni USB-C to HDMI Cable

If you’re looking to connect a USB-C-equipped device to an external monitor, Uni will have the cable for you.

✓ 4K/60fps and HDR support✓ Thunderbolt 3 compatibility✓ Affordable price

✗ Brand isn’t well-known in the US✗ HDMI 2. 0 support

The company’s USB-C to HDMI cable offers support for 4K output at 60 frames per second, along with Thunderbolt 3 and HDR. Available in various lengths, the cable is coated in a durable finish for reliability over time. Plus, the company touts compatibility with a variety of devices like the latest Samsung Galaxy phones and iPad Pro tablets.

Uni offers a “hassle-free” warranty and a reasonable price point at $14. While the brand isn’t all that recognizable here in the US and the cable only supports HDMI 2.0, it’s still a very solid cable that checks a lot of boxes.

Best AUX to USB-C Cable: Cable Matters USB-C to 3.5mm AUX Cable

For those that may need to plug their phone into an auxiliary port, the Cable Matters Premium Braided Aluminum USB-C to 3.5mm AUX cable should be a part of your everyday carry. Its premium construction will last a long time as you connect either end to your various devices over and over.

✓ Braided cable✓ Support for phones that require special DACs✓ Affordable

✗ One size might not fit all

What’s cool about this cable is the added compatibility with devices that require a special digital to analog converter (DAC) for audio over USB-C. Regardless of the USB-C device you’re using to connect to a stereo system with AUX, this cable should do the trick.

The cable’s priced at $6 which is plenty affordable, but it seems that the only size available is four feet. If you can live with that, this particular cord should be considered if you’re still relying on wires for audio playback.

Best 3-in-1 Cable: Spigen DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable

If you need a cable with added versatility, you’ll want to pick up Spigen’s DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable. This cord has three interchangeable connectors that support USB-C, Lightning, and micro USB to charge all of your devices while on the go.

✓ Support for USB-C, Lightning, and microUSB✓ Fast charging support✓ Durable nylon design

✗ USB-A connection on the opposite end

It comes with a nylon finish for durability, has Made for iPhone certification, and supports Quick Charge 3.0 so long as you have a compatible adapter. It’s also fairly priced at $18.

The biggest downside is the fact it only supports a USB-A connection on the opposite end. That being said, if you want an all-in-one solution in your next USB-C cable purchase, this is the one to get.

✓ High-quality, sturdy but flexible cable✓ Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and 3✓ Passive 1M or Active 2M version available✓ USB 4 compliant

✗ Doesn’t have a braided Nylon outer coating

The sturdy but flexible cable is available in 1m and 2m lengths. The 2m cable is considerably more expensive as it is active rather than passive, as is often the case with longer Thunderbolt cables. That’s due to the transmitters at either end of an active cable, designed to ensure no loss of speed when data has a longer distance to travel.

The Belkin cable is compliant with USB4 and backwardly compatible with Thunderbolt 3. It also supports USB 3.2 and USB 2.0. Just like the previous version, Thunderbolt 4 uses USB-C connectors and ports. This makes it usable with many more devices than the first two versions of the technology.

This isn’t a cheap cable, but it isn’t expensive either. Especially if you only need the 1m passive cable, not the more costly active version. For this type of cable, which carries power, data, and up to a 4K video signal, it makes sense to prioritize quality over price. You can find cheaper Thunderbolt 4 cables from less well-respected brands, but do you really want to?