Apple is slowly taking its ecosystem over to the universal USB-C standard, but a ton of devices remain dependent on the proprietary Lightning connector. Whether you’re charging your iPhone, iPad, AirPods, or Magic Keyboard, there’s still plenty of demand for a quality Apple Lightning cable. But the cable that ships with it often gets knocked for not being very sturdy, and replacements direct from Apple can be expensive.
Thankfully, the market is saturated with third-party substitutes that aren’t just more durable, but more cost-effective too. The trick is to locate a good, MFi-certified cable that won’t harm your device or charge at annoyingly slow speeds. Tired of the flimsy ones that come with your device, or just looking for a spare? To find the best lightning cable for every circumstance and price range, we’ve tested dozens of options.
You’ve come to the right place — in this guide, we’ll show you our favorite picks, the best Type-C cable for fast charging, or the most durable Lightning cable that will stand up to daily abuse.
The Best USB-C to Lightning Cable
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (10 feet)
This 10-foot-long, MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning cable is our pick for most people. It includes a hard build, a comfortable grip, and (we had to) Anker’s fabled lifetime warranty. When used with an accompanying wall charger, this USB-C to Lightning cable can charge most iPhones to 50% charge in a half hour and to full charge in around an hour, which is why it’s the best iPhone charging cable USB-C users can buy if they are looking for a USB-C to Lightning cable at Best Buy!
Lengths available: 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet
Price: Approximately $20 from Amazon
Who Is This For?
It’s an excellent cable for anyone with a pre-2023 iPhone, as well as AirPods and other Lightning-powered devices, who already have a compatible charger and want the fastest possible charging speeds. If you want a long, durable cable that can go from a distant outlet to your couch or bed, the 10-foot version is a ‘game-changer’.
Why It’s a Great Choice
Superior Charging: Type-C interface for the latest MacBook and Lightning interface for iPhone and iPad, making connection both ways easier than ever. Here, the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable shines. When used with a USB-C port that supports at least 18 watts — the kind commonly delivered by laptops, power banks, and our recommended wall chargers — compared to a typical USB-A-to-Lightning cable, it can charge an iPhone up to three times faster. You have access to the best when.
Testing using
In our testing using an iPhone XR, the charging time for 0 to 50 percent battery took only 30 minutes. In the same amount of time, the regular Apple Lightning to USB cable and 5W charger could only give a 17% charge. Although charging rates taper off as they get close to full, the result is a fully charged battery in about an hour, versus more than three hours on the older tech. This is what makes it a must-have for everyone who wants to work without wasting time.
MFi-Certified for Peace of Mind: MFi certification and strict quality testing ensure your Apple devices are charged safely at their fastest possible speed. This Apple certification means the cable is specifically designed to work with an iPhone and meets Apple’s performance standards. This expert USB-C to Lightning Apple cable gives you access to the best charging technology available. Non-certified cables, such as the ones you find at gas stations, may be cheaper, but they can result in sluggish charging, incompatibility errors, or even damage to your device’s charging port.
Unrivaled Durability: PowerLine II is reinforced with bulletproof fiber, creating a cable that is over 40% stronger than Kevlar, yet doesn’t add any extra bulk. Exceptional tensile strength is provided by a Kevlar fiber core, double nylon braiding, and precision laser welding. Premium Performance: MFi certification and strict quality testing ensure your Apple devices are charged safely at their fastest possible speed. A Cable for Life: PowerLine II tolerates being bent over 12000 times, along with any knocks, drops, twists, or yanks you throw at it. Speed: Anker\’s world-famous PowerIQ charging technology enables tailored charging of a multitude of devices, and VoltageBoost increases the Output voltage, adjustable. The PowerIQ technology provides tailored 19.5W to ensure that you receive the fastest, most effective, and safest charging experience. Up to 2.4 A when used with a compatible charger.
Double-Braided: This cable is made of strong, long-lasting two-shade nylon, which makes it stand out from your other cables. The cable is braided, which makes it more resistant to scratches, but the cable is also flexible, which means that you can easily carry it in your pocket or bag and take it out without having to untangle it. This also makes the cable a great travel accessory. Stop fraying while still getting the full function. You will receive an Anker PowerLine II (3 ft. including lightning plug) and a lifetime of no-hassle and friendly customer support. It has been tested over a long period of time, and it still looks like new after more than a year of daily use. The connectors are reliable, and by plugging/unplugging a few times, there is no difference in the connection at the end; thus, charging and data syncing are stable for your devices.
The housings — the rubbery parts you hold — are one of the standout features. They’re made of a single piece of matte-textured rubber and are the most comfortable, solid-feeling pair we’ve tested. With this design, you can have enough grip when unplugging from the outlet by pulling on the housing and not the cord, the number one reason for a cable fraying and breaking.
Nice Extras: Anker throws in a basic but useful hook-and-loop tie with the cable. This organizer’s sleek silicone design looks stylish in any room; it can even be left on a nightstand or your desk without looking out of place.
For All Your Needs: The length of 10ft is long enough to be practical and dictate usages. It offers the freedom to use your device, even if it is far from the outlet. For those who don’t need the extra reach, the 3-foot model is convenient for travel, and the 6-foot version strikes a good balance for desks and backpacks. For an Apple USB-C to Lightning alternative, all these types of Apple USB adapters (ateteapple) are better for value than Apple’s cables.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
The only little problem we encountered was that it’s thicker than Apple’s official cable. But with its better durability, speed, and lifetime guarantee, this is a compromise we can all happily make.
The Toughest Lightning Cable: A Cloth-Covered Powerhouse
Nomad USB-C to Lightning Cable with Kevlar (10 Ft.)
If you’re hard on your gear, this is the toughest Lightning cable we’ve ever tested. It provides best-in-class fast charging in a package that seems like it could survive a drop from space, with a sheath and housing designed to withstand anything you can throw at it.
Lengths Available: Approx. 5 feet, 10 feet
Price: Approximately $49 from Nomad
Who Is This For?
This is the cable for you if durability is your top priority. Don’t even think about it: if you’re the type of person who has gone through one too many cables, you need something that will keep up with your life, or you just want a good USB-C to Lightning cable that will probably outlive your device, then the Nomad Kevlar cable is worth the money.
Why It’s a Great Choice
Apocalypse-Proof: When we say apocalypse-proof, we mean it: a carbon-coated charger is wrapped in a ballistic-grade, woven nylon that would make the U.S. military jealous. The cable is double-braided Kevlar in a thick outer layer. This mat has a strong reputation and will not easily abrade, snag, break, or tear compared to many cord sleeves that are made from nylon braiding. Read More Every time I see a review for the best USB-C to Lightning cable, Reddit threads are usually unanimous as far as how durable this cable is.
The provided cable tie is pretty next-level as well. It’s constructed out of thick, molded silicone with sturdy ridges that grip firmly, so your cable stays wound. Reinforced plastic housing with flexible strain relief collars that will not break when pulled at the connection. Similar to the Anker, the metal connectors fit tightly into both Lightning and USB-C slots, so you can count on a ‘secure connection’.
Top Performance: The Nomad cable, however, is not only beefy but also a top performer. It’s MFi certified and follows the same 18W+ fast charging as that offered by our top pick, so you can get your iPhone or iPad powered up in no time. With a 10-foot length, it fits behind a couch or office desk with ease. This is a true fast charger, the best Type-C cable with no compromises on durability.
Keen Warranty: Nomad stands by this cable with a 5-year warranty. Though this doesn’t compare to Anker’s lifetime coverage, it’s much longer than Apple and most other competitors’ standard one-year warranty.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
The primary downside is its heft. With the extra length and added reinforcement, it’s less pocketable too. It’s more something you’d install and leave in one place or one of those big, honking gear bags. Its tactical, all-black look won’t be for everyone, and its price tag is a little on the steep side, as products go in 2019.
Best Lightning Cable for USB-A Ports
Anker PowerLine II USB-A to Lightning Cable (10ft)
If you still use older chargers, computers, or power banks with traditional USB-A ports, this is the best USB-to-Lightning cable you can buy. It also has the same great build quality, MFi certification, and lifetime warranty that its USB-C sibling does, for a reliable and convenient cable that lacks fast-charging speeds.
Lengths Available: 1 foot, 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet
Price: Approximately $17 from Amazon
Who Is This For?
This USB-A to Lightning cable is for anyone who hasn’t upgraded to a USB-C wall charger or power bank. It is a great full-size Apple replacement cord and a convenient backup to have on hand, and compatible with car chargers, older computers, and hotel USB ports.
Why It’s a Great Choice
MFi Certified: PowerLine II is MFi certified to work perfectly with all Lightning devices and charge them at the fastest speed possible. Advanced Technology: Apple MFi certification, a small, sturdy design, and strict quality checks. The metal connectors fit neatly into ports. It delivers a high-speed charge up to 2.4 A and works better for tablets and quick-charge devices. It charges as fast as possible via USB-A up to 12W.
Excellent Construction and Ergonomics: Like its USB-C counterpart, this cable carries a nice grippy finish, and it throws in a bonus hook-and-loop tie for good measure. The housings are attractive, soft, matte, and perfectly formed to reduce stress during plugging and unplugging. The metal connectors fit snugly into the ports and don’t move around at all.
Two Lengths in One Great Cable: This cable is four lengths in one. The 1-foot and 3-foot versions are perfect for travel; the 6-foot and 10-foot models give you the flexibility to meet all your home and office needs. It’s also covered by Anker’s lifetime warranty and is generally more affordable than the USB-C Lightning cable versions.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
Its charging velocity is its biggest drawback. A USB-C to Lightning connection can charge newer iPhones up to three times faster. But if you don’t need fast charging or don’t have USB-C chargers, this cable is an excellent option.
We did detect a small signal-integrity error in some of our more advanced testing, which is expected in longer cables in which the signal can naturally degrade over distance. But this doesn’t appear to affect charging or real-world data transfer speeds much in the real world for your average user.
How We Picked and Tested Our Picks for Best Cables
The search for the best Lightning cable was a process of elimination. We started by researching the most popular and ubiquitous cables for sale on Amazon, Google Shopping, and other large e-tailers. To whittle down the hundreds of options, we set the following parameters:
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MFi-Certified: This was a must-have. Apple’s certification is the only method to ensure a third-party cable will work safely and best with your devices.
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Multiple Length Options: We preferred cables that came in at least two different lengths so that they could be used for different purposes, ranging from quick charging while traveling to a ‘more stable setup’.
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At Least a One-Year Warranty: A one-year (or more) warranty is a good indication of the manufacturer’s commitment to their product. We thought that one year would be an absolute minimum.
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Affordability: Though no specific price cap was enforced, we required that cables costing well beyond the average offer some sort of significant value, be it a lifetime warranty or an impressively tough build.
Based on our lineup of contenders, we prioritized real-world build quality and real-world performance. Our testing process included
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How we tested: We used each cable with a Total Phase Advanced Cable Tester to measure data integrity, DC resistance and claimed USB specifications.
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Physical connection test: We plugged each cable into a variety of devices (including an iPhone SE, Magic Keyboard, power banks, and wall chargers) and wriggled the connectors to see how they fit and held. A tight fit is important because it allows for efficient charging.
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Design and ergonomics: We thought about the plugs’ housings’ size, shape, and feel. Comfortable, durable housings enable you to hold onto the cable and not the cord, which saves you from breaking the cable if you yank it by mistake.
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Sheath Strength: We measured the diameter of each cable to consider bulk and portability. To check for durability and fraying, we also scratched and smoothed the cloth-covered sheaths by hand.
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Overall User Experience: We included the presence of cable ties as an example of the impact they had on the usage of the cable throughout the day.
On the USB-C to Lightning Adapter
If this sounds like you, you might want to get a USB-C to Lightning adapter. Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod” (MFi) means that an electronic accessory. The Apple Lightning to USB-C adapter allows you to establish a connection with your USB-C-enabled MacBook for ‘syncing and charging’.
Pros:
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Convenience: Only take one type of cable (USB-C) for all of your devices.
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Cost-Effective: An adapter is usually cheaper than buying a new cable.
Cons:
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Easy to Misplace: It is very easy to lose the tiny adapter.
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Potential Bottleneck: Make sure the adapter is MFi-licensed, as a cheap one will limit charging speed and data transfer or may even be unsafe.
While a USB-C to Lightning adapter can be a handy device to have in your bag, for people who want reliability and simplicity, we generally recommend a dedicated USB-C to Lightning cable.
Other Good Lightning Cables
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If our top USB-C pick is sold out, Anker 641 Flow Silicone USB-C to Lightning Cable. It’s also the silicone sheath on this cable, which is incredibly supple and plush, that proves impervious to tangles and twists. It’s available in nearly as many colors, but it has a shorter warranty period (18 months) and no 10-foot length.
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If you’d like a cloth-covered USB-A cable, Belkin BoostCharge Braided Lightning to USB-A Cable. It is a good quality braided nylon cable with a two-year warranty. If you like a fabric feel, it’s a nice option as an alternative to our Anker USB-A pick.
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If you need a 3-in-1 cable, get the Anker PowerLine II 3-in-1 Cable. This convenient cable has a USB-A plug on one side, and it supports a native Micro-USB connection on the other, with secondary stops terminating in a Lightning or USB-C adapter. Most importantly, it’s a great travel companion for charging other devices (albeit only in a stubby 3.3-foot length).
Common questions about USB-C to Lightning cables
What are the best Lightning cables to buy?
Is there a difference in speed between a USB-C and a Lightning cable?
What does MFi-certified mean?
Can I use an uncertified, inexpensive cable?
Which is the best long-lasting Lightning cable?
What are upgrade habits for the charging cable?
Wrapping Up: Best Lightning Cable For You
The bu Design and Ergonomics: We considered that the sizing of the right lightning cable does not necessarily have to be complicated. As hit-or-miss as Apple’s cables can be, the market is rife with great, sturdy, cost-effective alternatives. For most people, the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable is a perfect combination of fast-charging capability, sturdy build quality, and an unbeatable lifetime warranty.
If maximum resilience is your main concern, then the Kevlar-enforced Nomad cable is a solid investment — it can pretty much handle anything you throw at it. And for those who haven’t yet upgraded to a charger with a USB-C port, the Anker PowerLine II USB-A model offers the same excellent build quality and durability.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that you should always use an MFi-certified cable. This means your new cable will charge your Apple devices as safely and efficiently as it did the day you brought them home, as well as take the brunt of any impacts your device may receive, all the while keeping its ability to charge them quickly and easily! Opt for one of our favorites, and you can say good riddance to frayed, finicky cords and hello to a quick, reliable charge.
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