The best USB-C cables from 2019

Yes, we admit it, cables are boring, articles about cables probably too, but keep reading because there is a lot of junk on the market and we are almost certain that you are tired of the umpteenth cheap cable of the ( super) market to purchase that after a few weeks is already broken, still not charging as fast as you had hoped or not even seen by your computer, smartphone or tablet.

Now that was not such a disaster in the Micro-USB era, but now that higher voltages are being used and in some cases (e-marked cables) an extra chip has even been added, you are more likely to equipment can break if you use a rotten cable.

You already read this morning that not all types of USB-C cables work on the Raspberry Pi 4. Well this time it wasn’t the cables, but the computer itself, but it does indicate how important it is to know what kind of cables you bring home. And since the market is flooded with cables, it is more important than ever that you purchase something that actually works well. Admittedly, official cables that adhere to the standard are a lot more expensive than the cheap Chinese (super) market cables, but at least you know for sure that you achieve the maximum throughput, you don’t have to throw them away after a few weeks and your devices Charging at the highest speeds without breaking them or overheating them.

How many USB cables have you worn out?

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Note that USB-C is not a standard, but several. USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 supports data transfer up to 5 Gbps. USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 doubles that to 10 Gbps. And there is a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 that has a peak of 20 GBps. Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 version of USB-C can handle speeds of up to 40 Gbps.

Do you still get it? Here are the different types and what they are called (some have three different names!):

• SuperSpeed ​​USB also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1 or as USB 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.2 1: 5 Gbps
• SuperSpeed ​​USB 10Gbps or USB 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.2 2: 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 1 or USB 3.2 2: 10 Gbps
• SuperSpeed ​​USB 20Gbps, also called USB 3.2 2×2: 20Gbps.
• Thunderbolt 3: 40 Gbps
• USB 4 (don’t worry, this standard will only come in 2020): 40 Gbps

If your computer uses the faster Thunderbolt 3 standard (identical to USB-C but with a much larger bandwidth), remember that even though you can use USB-C, a Thunderbolt 3 cable is best for use. TB3 computers can be found in most of the latest Apple products (MacBook Pro, iMac, etc., but check it out via About This Mac> Support> Specification), Dell XPS, Dell Precision, Lenovo ThinkPad, and HP Specter .

We originally advised buyers to stay away from the cheap cables, but now that USB-C is slowly but surely moving toward standardization, you can find high-quality options for a dozen or less. We have listed the best USB-C cables for you. We not only looked at quality, price and compatibility, but also at the various applications and devices.

Apple USB-C charging cable

This 2-meter-long Apple cable is the same cable that comes in the box with Apple’s MacBooks and works best when connected to the Apple MacBook charger.

It can also be used to synchronize a USB-C device with a USB-C laptop and is slightly better than the usual Apple quality. They are a bit more durable than Apple’s iPhone cables.

Although Apple supplied this cable with its MacBook Pro, it is not a Thunderbolt 3 cable, so it can process 480 Mbps instead of the 10x faster 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 3 that the MacBook Pro can handle. It is compatible, but not as fast when synchronizing.

Satechi USB-C to USB-C cable

If you are looking for a very durable, longer cable, then this USB-C to USB-C cable from Satechi is one of the best you can get.

The braided construction, which is able to quickly charge 100 W if your device and charger support it, means that the braided construction will last much longer than cables with only plastic on the outside.

With data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, it is a versatile USB-C cable for a decent price.

Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)

Although Apple’s 2-meter-long USB-C cable is included with the company’s laptops, it is not really the fastest cable a MacBook Pro can use.

What you need is a Thunderbolt 3 cable that looks the same as standard USB-C, which supports data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps and (with non-Thunderbolt 3 connections) capable of USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps.

Thunderbolt 3 cables are usually much shorter, because more technology is needed in the cable to be longer. The Thunderbolt 3 cable from Apple is 0.8 m long.

Because it’s faster, it’s best for 4K and 5K video. It also supports DisplayPort High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3) video output.

This cable supplies a maximum of 100W of power to each connected device.

Plugable Thunderbolt 3 cable

The Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Cable offers the full performance of Thunderbolt 3, so achieving the fastest connection available at 40 Gbps, supporting 5A / 100W charging for demanding computers and more 4K pixels at 60Hz is no problem.

At 0.8 m, this cable is longer than most TB3 cables. Plugable also sells one 2.2m TB3 cable, but this is up to 20 Gbps – still much more powerful than the USB-C cable supplied by Apple.

This cable is also cheaper than Apple’s Thunderbolt 2 cable, but is only available in black.

This cable is compatible with USB-C, but for maximum bandwidth you need a Thunderbolt 3 laptop.

Apple USB-C to Lightning cable

This one 1 meter long cable is available directly from Apple as a stand-alone accessory. It is primarily intended for synchronizing an iPhone with Lightning port to a MacBook with USB-C connection, for example for connecting an iPhone 7 to a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.

It is a bit frustrating that if you have the latest iPhone and MacBook Pro from Apple, you have to buy this cable to connect the two, as it is not included as standard. The cable is also available in a length of 2 meters 39 euros.

If you don’t like it, you can always go for a converter or adapter. We are also testing it. An article about this will follow shortly.

Syncwire Nylon Braided USB-C to USB-A

Syncwire’s nylon braided USB-C to USB-A (3.1) cable does almost exactly what it says on the package.

The technical specifications are fairly standard, with 3A charging output and 5 Gbps data transmission, but it is the build quality that makes this cable stand out and the price is worth it. The Syncwire feels incredibly durable thanks to the braided nylon and we are starting to suspect that our test specimen may last longer than we do.

Good, sturdy, cheap. A great recipe for a great cable.

AmazonBasics USB-C to USB-A

Amazon also has its own range of USB-C cables. This USB-C to USB-A cable is available in two lengths (1.8m / and 2.7m) and in two colors (black and white).

The cables support quick charge and data transfer, with 3 amp power output and 480 Mbps data transfer speeds. You also get 1 year manufacturer’s warranty from Amazon.

AmazonBasics also has one USB-C to Micro-B version available. Specially for that special external hard drive.

Anchor C to A

This cable from Anker does exactly the same as the aforementioned Syncwire, but lacks the nylon braid.

It is a good, affordable option. You can three or four buy them and leave them at work, at home or in different rooms, so you always have one at hand when your battery is low. You don’t have to leave it for the price.

Belkin USB-C to USB Micro

Belkin is a long-standing, renowned brand and it produces many USB-C cables. One of the most useful is the USB-C to USB Micro cable that connects devices with micro USB to USB-C chargers or laptops.

This would be best if you own a USB-C laptop and want to charge and sync your Android smartphone or tablet – again, it’s unlikely that you already have one of these cables, and it will be surprisingly handy if you have one.

We also love Belkin’s USB-A to USB-C cable which uses version 3.1 for speeds up to 10Gbps. That means you can copy a movie in seconds.

And now?

If all goes well, your search is now over and you have found a good cable, but of course this is only half the battle. A good cable is of course nothing without a good charger. Fortunately we have sorted that out. Also read: The Best USB Chargers