Collection: USB-C Cables

How to choose the best USB-C cable

USB-C cables look the same on the outside but differ a lot on the inside. Check three things before you buy.

1. Charging power (watts).

• Up to 60W: enough for phones, tablets and most small laptops.
• 100W: for larger laptops and fast-charging power banks.
• 240W: the newest USB-C standard, for high-power laptops. The Naztech DigiWatt cable even shows live wattage on a built-in LED display.

2. Data speed. Most charging cables transfer data at 480Mbps (USB 2.0), which is fine for syncing a phone. To move large files to an external SSD, choose a 10Gbps or 20Gbps cable, such as the Scosche StrikeLINE 3.1 or Alogic Fusion.

3. Connector and length. Match both ends: USB-C to USB-C for newer chargers, USB-C to USB-A for older bricks and car ports, or Lightning to USB-C for older iPhones. Short 3ft cables are tidy on a desk. 6ft to 15ft cables reach from the wall to your bed or couch.

Durability. Braided nylon, alloy and reinforced-connector cables resist fraying far better than basic rubber cables. Several lines here are MFi certified for Apple devices.

USB-C cable FAQ

Do I need a special cable for fast charging?

For phones, most quality USB-C to USB-C cables support fast charging. For laptops over 60W, you need a cable rated for 100W or 240W.

Can a USB-C cable connect my laptop to a monitor?

Only if it supports video. For that, use a dedicated USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort cable. See our HDMI adapters.