8 Best USB-C Cables for Charging and Data Transfer

USB-C cables are versatile and convenient, but not all of them are created equal. They may look alike, but they differ in their charging speeds, supported devices, and safety standards. How do you choose the best USB-C cables for your needs? We compare and contrast the top USB-C cables for charging and data transfer across various categories in this buyer’s guide.

1. Best USB-C Cable for Android: OnePlus SuperVOOC

Price: $9.98

If you’re looking for a no-frills USB-C to USB-A charging cable that is compatible with all Android phones and tablets, OnePlus SuperVOOC is an excellent choice. At 80W, this device delivers superfast charging for a wide range of Android devices, including OnePlus, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Redmi, Motorola, ZTE, and Oppo models.

OnePlus SuperVOOC is more than just a fast charger for Android devices. It also works with legacy devices, including basic feature phones. With this one cable, you can charge any device you own. That’s a huge advantage for me.

The OnePlus brand charging cable uses the latest technologies in super-fast charging – SuperVOOC, Warp, Charge, and Dash – to cover a large range of devices and charging scenarios. With a six-core thick copper wire and 56K ohm pull-up resistors, you don’t have to worry about overheating or accidents.

Tip: Android Auto isn’t the only one. Here are the alternatives you can use.

2. Best USB-C Cable for Android Auto: SUNGUY

Price: $7.99

For fast and reliable charging of your device with Android Auto, you need a cable that can withstand different weather and humidity levels. The one-foot-long USB-C to USB-C cable from SUNGUY offers up to 18W of charging power and works seamlessly with many Android Auto-ready smartphones, such as Samsung, Oppo, and Google Pixel, as well as MacBooks and iPhones.

The SUNGUY USB-C cable has a durable nylon braid and big rubber sleeves that protect the ports from damage. It also has a 90-degree L shape that prevents the cable from getting tangled and ensures stable performance. With this on your dashboard, you can enjoy flawless connection and high-quality sound without any worries.

At 10 Gbps, the best USB-C cable for Android Auto is not only fast for data transfers, but also safe and versatile. It has a 56K ohm pull-up resistor, gold-plated connectors, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices. It can support up to USB 3.1, making it one of the best cables for your car.

Also read: looking for the best fast chargers for Android? We have you covered.

3. Best USB-C Cable for iPhone and iPad: Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex

Price: $29.99

Finding a USB-C cable that works with the iPhone 15 Pro and the latest iPads can be tricky. Most chargers are not certified by Apple to ensure compatibility. One of the exceptions is Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Flex, a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports the iPhone 15 series and other Apple devices. It also has a USB-IF certification and works easily with Android phones, like Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.

This charger has a magnetic cable management system that lets you attach it to any metal plate. The cable is made of silicone and braided material, so you can bend it without tangling. It is 6.6 feet long, which is enough for most travelers. There is also an option to get a 10-foot cable with the same features.

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex uses a Power Delivery (PD) method to ensure fast charging. You can go from 0 to 50% in less than half an hour, which is a brilliant charging speed. It has e-marker chips on both ends for over-temperature protection. Apart from USB-C to USB-C, BoostCharge Pro Flex is also available in USB-C to lightning mode.

4. Best USB-C Cable for Windows Laptops: Anker 765

Price: $34.99

You can charge most Windows laptops with a power bank and a data cable. The Anker 765 USB-C to USB-C cable is a great choice, as it delivers up to 240W of power. Clearly, this cable charges your Windows laptop faster than most power banks. It’s perfect for traveling and staying connected. Apart from Windows and Android phones, the charging cable also supports MacBooks, iPads, and the latest iPhones.

The Anker 765 charger’s nylon build is a robust design for daily use. It can sustain 175 lbs. of external weight, which means it can theoretically support a large screen monitor and desktop computer. However, we strongly advise against running your desktop computer directly from the charging cable.

You can, however, never go wrong with laptops. The Anker 765 charger uses Power Delivery 3.1 technology for fast charging and allows a data transfer of up to 480 Mbps, which is quite decent.

Also read: not sure whether a power bank is allowed on a plane? We have the answers.

5. Best USB-C Cable for MacBook: Anker Thunderbolt 4

Price: $39.99

You can charge your MacBook with a USB-C cable and a power bank, just like a Windows laptop. But for faster data transfer, you need a Thunderbolt cable. The Anker Thunderbolt 4 cable is a USB-C to USB-C cable that can transfer data at 40 Gbps and charge your device at 100W. The 2.3 feet cable works with any MacBook model, including older versions, the MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.

At $129, Apple’s original Thunderbolt 4 cable is quite expensive, which means the Anker Thunderbolt 4 cable is quite a bargain. However, that’s not the only reason to go for it. Like the original Apple cable, this one also supports video content display on a single monitor at 8K quality and on a dual display at 4K quality.

It also supports a number of Windows laptops, including Lenovo Yoga, Lenovo ThinkPad, HP Spectre, Acer SF, and Dell XPS. The charging cable is built using laser-welding technology, which offers long endurance.

6. Best USB-C Cable for Gaming: 6AMLifestyle PS4 Controller

Price: $9.97

While it may not matter much which charging cables you use for your gaming console, you do need one that provides universal charging. For this purpose, 6AMLifestyle’s PS4 controller is one of the best options. It allows you to play on PlayStation, Xbox, NES, and Android tablets and phones in case you want to use your phone as a console.

The USB to Micro-USB connector cable is almost 10 feet long with maximum distance to control your games easily and sit on your couch at a comfortable distance from a screen. It covers all the handheld consoles on the market and can be carried for your travel requirements.

The cable is built using durable materials, such as bulletproof aramid fiber, a tangle-free nylon braided exterior, and laser-wielded aluminum connectors. You can let loose easily and enjoy your game without worrying about the cable snapping.

7. Best USB-C Cable for Travel: Native Union Anchor Cable

Price: $34.99

Traveling requires a compact and portable charging cable. Native Union’s 10-foot anchor cable solves this problem. Along its length, there is a weighted knot made of aramid fiber, which prevents strain. You can knot the USB-C to USB-C cable for easy packing and transport. It stays in place for the duration of your travel, and can be unpacked easily for an extended charging cable experience.

The travel cable by Native Union supports many devices, including the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, and 15 Pro. It also supports MacBooks, iPads, Samsung Galaxy, Microsoft Surface Go, and Google Pixel devices. The device is USB-IF certified, which is a robust affirmation of durability and a strain-free experience.

It uses many different technologies for fast charging, including Power Delivery 3.1. There is an e-marker to warn against overheating. As the device is flexible for daily use, it doesn’t break due to repetitive stress and bending.

8. Best USB-C Cable for Overall Purposes: Durcord

Price: $12.99

It isn’t easy to handpick one charging cable device as the best one. They all have their benefits. However, Durcord offers a USB-C to USB-C cable that fulfills all the criteria for the best overall USB-C cable. For one, it’s pretty universally compatible with all devices with a USB-C charging connector. That includes almost all the Android models, iPhones, and various tablets and computers.

Apart from the universal chargers, the Durcord cable is quite strong, lifting a load of 11 lbs. easily. The outer jacket is made of a durable nylon-resistant material that prevents any unnecessary strains or wear and tear.

It also supports high-speed charging at 2.44 times the max rated value, which isn’t much, compared to many of the other devices on our list. But it’s still a pretty decent speed for people who want to charge their device on the go. The best thing about this USB-C charger is that it is MFi certified, qualifying it to be used with Apple products.

You may also want to take a look at wireless phone chargers. Many Android owners experience charging problems when connecting to a PC, such as a “charging this device via USB” message. Check out the solutions.

Image credit: Unsplash. Images by Sayak Boral and Amazon.