The cables housingsthe parts that connect the metal plugs to the body of the cableare the sturdiest and most comfortable to grip of any weve tested. We dismissed Apples Lightning to USB Cables (0.5 meter, 1 meter, 2 meters) without officially testing them (although, since the shortest version comes with most Apple products, weve used it extensively) because their housings are notoriously flimsy, and they cost more than most models we tested. Its MFi-certified (which means you can trust that the Lightning adapter will work properly with iOS devices), and its sturdy and well madeholding up impeccably after more than two years of occasional use. * The BOOSTCHARGE USB-C Car Charger 18W delivers high wattage and fast charging, despite being small in size making it the ideal non-intrusive fit for any car interior. Free Shipping on All Orders + 10% Back in Scosche Rewards Points! Swap it out for the USB-C adapter, and youve got a USB-AtoUSB-C cable. Splurge for one of our top or upgrade picks and a USB-C charger, instead. We have more tips for safely storing your cables in our guides to the best bag organizers and the best gear for organizing your desk. Its housings are the perfect size (roomy), shape (curvaceous), and texture (soft, matte) to hold onto while youre plugging and unplugging. Who should get this: A three-in-one cable is, essentially, a USB-AtoMicro-USB cable with Lightning and USB-C adapters attached by short tethers. The rubber cable tie that comes with the Nomad is also more robust than any weve seen, with thick ridges that keep it fastened shut so your cable stays securely coiled. Ive tested hundreds of cables and adapters for Wirecutter, as well as other charging gear like surge protectors, rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, and solar chargers. Belkin will not sell or rent your email address. There are literally hundreds of brands selling Lightning cables, so we disregarded those made by companies wed never heard of or those with a limited online presence. In our experience, less-established brands have a harder time keeping products in stock and providing adequate customer support. *At the time of publishing, the price was $14. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. In a previous round of testing, we found that the double-braided nylon encasing the Anker PowerLine+ II USB-A to Lightning Cable (available in 1-foot, 3-foot, 6-foot, and 10-foot lengths) didnt enhance user experience compared with its rubber-encased counterparts. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. We tested the Anker PowerLine USB-A to Lightning Cable (10 feet), Anker PowerLine USB-A to Lightning Cable (6 feet), and Anker Powerline USB-A to Lightning Cable (3 feet) against their PowerLine II counterparts, but we found their housings to be a bit less comfortable. Affix the Lightning adapter over the Micro-USB end, and it turns into a USB-AtoLightning cable. The 3-in-1 doesnt come with a hook-and-loop cable tie, and it wont charge your devices as fast as our top or upgrade picks. Most devices made by Applefrom iPhones to Magic Trackpadsneed a Lightning cable in order to charge. BOOSTCHARGEPRO 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W, BOOSTCHARGE PRO 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe 15W, SOUNDFORM ELITE Hi-Fi Smart Speaker + Wireless Charger, https://hqhqjch1kd.execute-api.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/ProdStage, Pioneer in technology and innovation for over 35 years, Certified by the USB-IF for compatibility and quality you can count on, Rigorous testing ensures lasting quality for more on our testing procedures, see, 2-Year product warranty and a $2,500 Connected Equipment Warranty provide added peace of mind. But at half the length, its not as useful for reaching faraway outletsand its too bulky to pack in a pocket or purse for on-the-go charging. Why its great: The Anker PowerLine II USB-A to Lightning Cable (6 feet) is the best USB-AtoLightning cable weve found. Copyright 2022 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Who should get this: Someone who doesnt have access to devices with USB-C or doesnt need the fastest possible charge, but who still wants an otherwise great cable. Since these cables cost a few dollars more than our picks, and this material is known to wear down or snag (like a sweater) after extended use, we decided not to test them again. A charging indicator light quickly lets you see that power is flowing and that the charger is ready to recharge your devices. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Although many people predominantly charge their phones and other small devices from USB-A ports, USB-C charging is fasterand its swiftly becoming more commonplace. Low-Profile Design The low-profile design ensures that this charger fits flush in most vehicles. Plus, theyre backed by Ankers lifetime warranty. Despite its small size, this car charger has plenty of power to offer, with 18-watts and USB-Power Delivery to fast charge any compatible device. And if thats not enough, weve been manufacturing mobile accessories for more than 30 years under different brands and have sold more than five million chargers. We independently review everything we recommend. *At the time of publishing, the price was $15. As someone who until very recently slept on a lofted bed, I can tell you the extra length is a game changerand a rarity in USB-CtoLightning cables. Also, they come with a hook-and-loop cable tie to keep them securely coiled and organized. Even with the added bulk of the adaptersa USB-C plug and a Lightning plug attached to the main body of the cable by 2-inch-long rubber tethersthe 3-in-1 has a slim profile thats easy to coil up and stow in a bag. Sarah Witman has researched, tested, and reviewed all manner of productsfrom massage chairs and mousetraps to pencils and power bankssince joining Wirecutter in 2017. Made of premium anodized aluminum, the sleek car charger safely recharges your iPhone or iPad while youre on the go. Why its great: Just like the Anker cables, the Nomad Lightning Cable USB-C with Kevlar (10 feet / 3 meters) can charge devices as fast as possible when paired with the right charger, and its MFi-certified. Weve spent hundreds of hours over the past few years testing hundreds of iPhone and iPad accessories to find the best ones. Who should get this: Someone who wants a great cable to charge their iPhone and other Lightning-powered devices as fast as possible. Its MFi-certified, so Apple has confirmed it can support top charging speeds (when paired with a charger that can crank out up to 12 W of power) and full USB 2.0 data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps) with any of the companys devices. The 3-foot version of this cable is slim and compact, and it can be coiled up small to fit in a pocket or purse. We dismissed Satechis USB-C to Lightning Charging Cable without testing it because its available in only one length (6 feet) and sheath (black-and-white nylon) configuration. 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 for the PowerLine+ cables double-braided nylon sheath, rather than the rubber coating of the PowerLine II version. While Cable Matterss USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable is our favorite USB-C option, we also have recommendations for almost every need you could imagine. Its made of a thick, double-braided Kevlar that seems less prone to wear or snag than the more common nylon material. With a bit of care, you can prolong the life of any cable. The hook-and-loop fasteners that Anker includes with most of its cables are great for properly storing your cables, because they allow a loosely coiled cable to hold its shape for compact storage. 71 product ratings - Verizon 30W Fast Charge USB-C Type C Car Charger for Smartphones & More - Black, 6 product ratings - Dewalt Dxma1419009 4 Port Mobile USB Charger, 7 product ratings - Lasfit Dual USB Port 38W Fast Car Cigarette Charger Type C for iPhone Samsung, 89 product ratings - Original OEM Verizon 8 Pin Car Charger For Apple iPhone iPad iPod X/Xr/11/12, 40 product ratings - AT&T CAR CHARGER WITH LED INDICATOR FOR MICRO-USB,TESTED AND CERTIFIED BY AT&T, 1 product ratings - Just Wireless Car Mobile Charger for iPhone * Lightning Connector * Black 03401, 70 product ratings - Genuine OEM Verizon USB Type-C Fast Charge Car Charger for iPhone Pixel Galaxy, 9 product ratings - USB Input & Lightning Car Charger For Apple iPhone 13 12 Pro Max Mini 11 X SE, 16 product ratings - 5x Sync / Charge Sets 8-Pin Cords + Wall & Car Chargers for iPhone 13 12 11 X 8, 194 product ratings - OEM Verizon LOGO Rapid Car Charger for iPhone iPad iPod w/ Apple Lightning Port, 4 product ratings - Incase High Speed 2.4A Fast Car Charger w/Cable for iPhone 11 12 13 Pro Xs Max, 25 product ratings - Verizon Universal Micro USB Car Charger With Dual charger 3.4 Amp & LED Light, 4 product ratings - Griffin PowerJolt SE 12W / 2.4Amp Compact CAR Charger w/ Lightning Connector. by Dan Frakes, Nick Guy, and Wirecutter Staff. We dont stop there. And while youre at it, stop checking your email, look up a good ice cream place and remember: Everythings better with whipped cream. Other available lengths: 1 foot, 3 feet, 10 feet. The Anker 3-in-1 is available in either black or white, and its backed by Ankers lifetime warranty. Check out our Privacy Policy if you'd like to learn more. And the 10-foot version adds even more length to accommodate hard-to-reach outlets. The Nomads Kevlar sheath is the most rugged weve seen, and its rubber cable tie is similarly sturdy. Although its coverage doesnt match Ankers lifetime warranty, the Nomads five-year warranty is still much longer than that of most cables we tested. If youre unhappy with the cable that came with your Apple device, or you just want a backup, weve tested dozens of Lightning cables to find the best options for a variety of needs. But since its still one of the most compact options and outdid the competition in every other way, were okay with a little extra bulk. Also, if the cable came with an accessory (like a hook-and-loop cable tie to keep it neatly coiled) or extra feature (like a little LED light letting you know your device is charging), we considered the build quality and efficacy of that, too. ESRs Rebound continues to be the best cheap iPad case you can get, including for the new iPad (7th generation). But if you dont already have a wall charger or power bank with fast-charging USB-C ports at home, or you just want a USB-AtoLightning cable to have on hand as a backup, this is the best option. Made of a single piece of matte-textured rubber, the housings provide ample room to grasp the plug firmly while youre plugging and unplugging, which is the best way to avoid fraying and breakage. 18W Fast Charge PD gives your iPhone the most efficient charge possible via a high-speed 18W USB-C PD output, Conveniently makes any vehicle a charging spot, Attractive finish and minimalist design ensure the charger fits into any car interior, Charging indicator lights let you easily see when power is flowing, Engineered for safety, mophies smart charging circuitry communicates with your device to determine the perfect amount of power. We dont recommend any three-in-one cable for everyday use because the adapters add extra bulk and can be fussy to use, but theyre handy for traveling when you dont want to carry three separate cables, or as a backup to keep in your desk drawer. Doing so reduces the stress on the area where the cable and the plug meeta spot thats prone to damage. In addition to these models, weve tested 15 other USB-CtoLightning cablesfrom Apple, Belkin, EasyAcc, ESR, Griffin, Lecone, monCarbone, Mophie, Nimble, Scosche, Ugreen, and Xcentzagainst our picks. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. We dismissed the Monoprice USB-A to Lightning Cable and Monoprice Select Series USB-A to Lightning Cable without testing them because their housings are small and angular (not ideal for gripping) and theyre sold only on the companys website. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you want a fast-charging Lightning cable that can reach across rooms (and survive an apocalypse), this ones for you. *Included USB-C to Lightning cable supports fast charge for iPhone 8 or later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation). It has a compact design, and its plastic adapters were easy to plug and unplug in our testing. Like the PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable, the PowerLine II USB-A to Lightning Cable has a smooth yet grippy exterior. But if youre not yet ready to make the switch to USB-C, and you dont mind dealing with slower charging speeds in the meantime, we also have several USB-AtoLightning cable recommendations. Plus, they have only an 18-month warranty (compared with a lifetime). Other smartphone/tablet cables sold separately. The 6-foot version is a bit bulkier when coiled up and so is better suited to a desktop or bedside charging setup. Designed for high wattage and a seamless fit to your dash, this compact car charger measures in at only 54 by 20mm/2.1 by 0.8in. We also recommend that, when you arent using them, you loosely wrap cables, rather than folding or otherwise aggressively bending them. The 6-foot version is long enough to reach from a wall outlet to a nightstand or desk. Weve investigated Amazon customer reviews of this cable and no longer recommend it due to the amount of reports related to fire, heat and melting. Or call 1800MYAPPLE. Sign up today for the latest news and product updates from Belkin. *At the time of publishing, the price was $18. Both lengths come in either black or white, and the 6-foot version is also available in army green. Although we typically dont think a fabric casing is worth splurging on, the Nomad has the most ruggedly built sheath of any cable weve seen. Nomads Lightning Cable USB-C with Kevlar (5 feet / 1.5 meters) is just as ruggedly built as the 10-foot version. We dont think the different sheath adds much in terms of user experience, and these cables cost a few dollars more, which is why they arent our picks. But we think these are reasonable tradeoffs for extra versatility. We also tested the Anker PowerLine III USB-A Cable with Lightning Connector (6 feet) and Anker PowerLine III USB-A Cable with Lightning Connector (3 feet) against the Anker PowerLine II cables, but (again) we found the PowerLine II housings to be more comfortable for plugging and unplugging. Plus, the black-and-white nylon (which both cables sheaths are made of) snagged easily, and the housings were angular and uncomfortable to grip while plugging and unplugging. Before that, she worked as a science writer and fact checker for numerous publications, and she studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin. Handy for travel, this three-in-one cable can connect to devices with Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning. Tight coils and folds can damage the metal wires inside the cable, causing it to work improperly and shorten its lifespan. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Any MFi-certified Lightning cable should support up to 12 W of charging power (or up to 18 W if its a USB-CtoLightning cable) and USB 2.0 data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps).
Sitemap 32