Best USB-C and Thunderbolt charging cables for iPhone, iPad and Mac

Macworld

USB-C is the modern connection standard shared by most new devices today. It comes in several different formats—USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt—but they all have the same reversible connector at the end and are interchangeable and backwards compatible. All of Apple’s new devices now use USB-C or Thunderbolt for charging and data transfers.

We’ve tried and tested the best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables here. If you want to jump straight to our recommendations click the one that meets your requirements:

Best USB-C cable for iPhone and iPad

Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cable for Mac

You can find cheaper online but we recommend cables only from trusted brands, such as Anker, Cable Matters, CalDigit, Plugable, Belkin and Ugreen. When charging your precious devices, you want to be sure that you aren’t putting them at risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire in your home.

Apple’s old Lightning connector was also reversible—where it doesn’t matter which side of the connector faces up or down as you plug it in—so no big change there, but USB-C is much more than just a symmetrical design. It can transfer data much faster—pushing Lightning’s 0.48Gbps to up to 120Gbps.

Apple’s iPhone 15, 16 and 17 have a USB-C port, replacing the old trusty but proprietary Lightning cable that has been a part of iPhones and older iPads since 2012. Apple supplies a USB-C charging cable in the box, but if you want a single cable for fast charging and data transfers—or just a spare charging cable—we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you get the best one.

Some are fast, some are super-powerful, some are both, a few are retractable, and some are just fun. Yes… fun!

We go into more detail about everything you need to know about USB-C cables after the chart of best cables, but for now you need to know about the cable of your dreams:

Which speed (measured in watts) your devices require: an iPhone needs at least 20W to fast-charge, an iPad 30W, a MacBook Air at least 45W, a MacBook Pro 100W and the 16-inch Pro 140W.

Do you need it to transfer data as well as supply power? Most charging cables are limited to a rather slow 480Mbps data rate. If you want proper bandwidth as well as charging power look for at least 5Gbps or as much as 40Gbps.

How long should it be: if the charger is within arms reach of your device a short cable might suffice where a long cable will just be an inconvenience, but if you want to charge your iPhone, Pad or MacBook while sat on the sofa a longer cable will make all the difference.

We’ve supplied the cable data to these questions in our reviews below.

The difference between USB-A, Lightning and USB-C




Foundry

Note that the cables reviewed here are USB-C to USB-C (or backwards-compatible Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt). Old iPhone chargers had the non-reversible rectangular USB-A connector to connect to the charger and a Lightning connector that went into the iPhone. Don’t stick with USB-A at one end as the old standard is limited in data transfer speed to 10Gbps and limited in charging speed to just a rather pathetic 15W.




Foundry

Using a USB-C charger will enable fast charging even for iPhones with a Lightning port. You can still charge an Apple device with a USB-A charger but not at the fastest speed. From the iPhone 15 onwards it’s USB-C into the charger and USB-C into the iPhone. See our roundup of the best USB-C chargers for iPhone.

We have even more tips that show you the fastest ways to charge an iPhone.

Best USB-C cables for iPhone and iPad

iPhones have included either a USB-C to Lightning cable (USB-C-to-Lightning) or even older USB-A to Lightning (USB-A-to-USB-C) for years, and elsewhere we have rounded up the best Lightning cables we’ve seen for iPhones older than the iPhone 15. USB-A is the larger, non-reversible connector. USB-C is required for iPhone fast charging.

From the iPhone 15 onwards also with the AirPods Pro 2, you’ll need a cable with USB-C on both ends (USB-C-to-USB-C) to charge an iPhone or iPad unless you charge wirelessly—check out the best MagSafe wireless iPhone chargers.

All iPads on sale today feature a USB-C connector. But even the 10th Gen iPad’s USB-C is still limited to a 480Mbps data speed. The iPad mini has a USB-C port that supports 5Gbps; the iPad Air 10Gbps; and the iPad Pro has a USB4/Thunderbolt port that can zip data along at 40Gbps. Check your iPad’s data transfer rate before choosing a new cable.

For charging only, any of the USB-C cables reviewed below will be fine as 20W should be enough to charge even an iPad. But if you are connecting to other devices or syncing via cable, we recommend cables that support faster data transfers. A 10Gbps USB-C cable, such as the Cable Matters cord below, is an excellent option if you don’t want to spend a bundle on Thunderbolt.






1. Apple 60W USB-C Charge Cable (1m)















Pros

Made by Apple

60W Power Delivery

Robust woven design


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 60W

Cable length: 3.3ft (1m)

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Colors: White

Best for: Charging iPhone 15-17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro

If you want every iPhone accessory you own to be made by Apple, go with Apple’s own USB-C Charge Cable as a spare USB-C iPhone charging cable—at 60W it’s powerful enough to charge even a MacBook Air. At $19 / £19 it’s a fine, if comparatively expensive, solution.

Unlike Apple’s rather feeble plastic USB-C to Lightning cables, this 3.3ft (1m) charging cable has a robust woven design that means it is far less likely to fray or break with frequent winding and tugging. Apple also sells a $29 2m USB-C Charge Cable that is now also woven—it’s rated at up to 240W, overkill for an iPhone but top-end charging for any Apple USB-C device.

Its USB 2.0 data-transfer speed is super slow compared to 5Gbps or faster USB-C cables but it’s the same as Lightning. That doesn’t make a difference when charging your iPhone but if you are syncing an iPad or Mac via cable, transfer speeds will be frustrating. As the iPhone 15/16/17 Pro models boast 10Gbps data transfer, this cable’s low bandwidth is a bit of a disappointment if you use the cable for syncing.

It’s available in only white. If you fancy a color that matches your new iPhone or your soft furnishings, you need to read on for one of the third-party USB-C cables that we recommend.







2. Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best budget USB-C charging cable for iPhone and iPad















Pros

Twin pack

60W Power Delivery

Robust braided design

Length options


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 60W

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Monitor support: No

Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m)

Colors: Black, Gray, Red

Best for: Charging iPhone 15 and 16, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro

This 60W USB-C charging cable is available three colors, which can be useful if you need to distinguish between cables—or know who in your household “borrowed” your charging cable… Available in two lengths (3ft or 6ft) the Anker 310 is top quality, with a tough braided construction that’s super affordable—especially in this twin pack.

Its data-transfer speed is slow (480Mbps) but, for charging an iPhone or small MacBook, it’s just what you need at a price that significantly undercuts Apple. And, as you’ll read later in this feature, it’s perfectly good for charging iPads and mid-sized MacBooks, too.







3. Native Union Belt Cable Duo USB-C to Lightning Cable – Best hybrid charge cable for iPhone & iPad















Pros

Charges USB-C and Lightning devices

60W Power Delivery

Robust braided design

Color options


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 60W

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Monitor support: No

Cable length: 5ft (1.5m)

Colors: Cosmos, Kraft, Slate Green, Zebra

Best for: Charging all iPhones, charging all iPads, charging MacBook Air

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro

This 60W USB-C charging cable is a great choice for people who own a pre-15 USB-C iPhone or a later phone but still have Apple devices with a Lightning charging port—think older AirPods or pre-USB-C iPad. It has USB-C on one end to plug into your charger but at the other there’s a fixed choice between USB-C and Lightning. You can’t charge two devices at the same time but you won’t need to have two cables near you at all times if you still own some Lightning devices

It’s available in three unique colors and patterns, which should also make it easier to distinguish in your crowded cable drawer, and it’s braided for durability.







4. Cable Matters 10Gbps USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best charge and data cable for iPhone and iPad















Pros

100W Power Delivery

4K monitor support

10Gbps data transfer

Available in Black and White








Price When Reviewed:

€17,99



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Charging: 100W

Data transfer speed: 10Gbps

Monitor support: 4K

Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) and 6ft (1.8m)

Colors: Black or White

Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging and syncing iPad, charging MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro

Not for: Syncing MacBooks, charging 16-inch MacBook Pro

Apple has increased wired data transfer bandwidth to 10Gbps on the iPhone 15/16.17 Pro and Pro Max—20x faster than the USB-C of the plain iPhone 15/16’s 480Mbps (0.48Gbps). If you want to take advantage of this significantly increased wired bandwidth, you’ll need a cable like this one from Cable Matters that also supports 10Gbps, as the USB-C cable that Apple includes with all the iPhones is really for charging only and rated at 480Mbps.

It can also charge at up to 100W—more than enough for an iPhone but also enough for even the 14-inch MacBook Pro. It’s fine for a 16-inch Pro but fast-charging that laptop requires a 240W cable.

MacBook and iPad Pro owners may prefer a Thunderbolt cable with 40Gbps data transfer.

It’s available in black or white and 3ft or 6ft lengths.







5. Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4) – Best charge and data cable for iPad Pro















Pros

240W Power Delivery

40Gbps data transfer

6K monitor support for iPad Pro

8K monitor support for Mac


Cons

Short








Price When Reviewed:

€35.99



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Charging: 240W

Data transfer speed: 40Gbps

Monitor support: 6K (iPad Pro) 8K (Mac)

Cable length: 3.3ft (1m)

Colors: Black

Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging and syncing iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

For ultimate iPad Pro data transfer bandwidth, choose a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable. This USB4 can be used with the iPhone 15/16/17 and any MacBook—even the mighty 16-inch MacBook Pro—as its 240W/40Gbps specs are broadly Thunderbolt 3 compatible. Anker notes that it is not a fully Thunderbolt 4 cable so if you need that, keep reading.

This Anker 515 USB4 cable is overpowered from a charging point of view but therefore offers some Apple tablet and laptop future-proofing. Remember, you won’t harm your iPad or Mac using a premium higher-wattage cable.

Where it wins is its 40Gbps data bandwidth, the maximum you’ll get from any USB-C cable, and capable of connecting an iPad Pro to a 6K USB-C display at 60Hz. Via a Mac, it could support an 8K display.







6. Anker 333 USB-C Cable (10ft) – Best long USB-C cable for iPhone and iPad















Pros

Long cable

100W Power Delivery

Robust braided design

Color options


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 100W

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Monitor support: No

Cable length: 10ft (3m)

Colors: Black, Red, Silver

Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

Sometimes you just need a very long charging cable. Maybe your wall socket is on the other side of the sofa or desk—or even in another room—and you need your iPhone to hand for calls and messaging. This 10-foot (3m) USB-C cable should be long enough for you.

Sometimes you need a more colorful charging cable. Ok, you don’t really need a more colorful charging cable but it’s nice to have the option. If you want even more color variations, but at a shorter cable length, keep reading…

Available in black, red or silver, this USB-C cable can charge at a fast 100W—more than enough for an iPhone or iPad and plenty for a MacBook.







7. CableCreation Short USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best short USB-C cable for iPhone and iPad















Pros

Short cable

60W Power Delivery

Robust braided design


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 60W

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Monitor support: No

Cable length: 0.8ft, 9.6in (0.24m, 24cm)

Colors: Black

Best for: Charging iPhone 15 and 16, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro

There are times when you don’t want a long cable snaking all over your desk or tabletop. All you need is a short cable to charge your device. While we have seen shorter than this 9.6-inch USB-C to USB-C cable, some that we’ve tested have been flaky at charging so we prefer to go with a brand that we trust.

It is too short to tangle but long enough to dangle from a wall charger.

It is also available in a two pack or pack of five.







8. Cable Matters Retractable USB-C 2.0 Charging Cable – Best retractable short 60W USB-C cable















Pros

Retractable

60W Power Delivery

Tangle free

Two pack


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed

Short














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Charging: 60W

Cable length: 4 inches (0.1m) to 3.5ft (1m)

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Colors: Black

Best for: Charging iPhone 15 and 16, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro

A long trailing cable is just about excusable if hidden behind a desk but is wholly inappropriate in a handbag or stuffed in your pocket. Most of us find it helpful to keep a tangle-free charging cable in a car, briefcase or backpack. This cable takes up only a few inches of space when fully retracted. You pull the cable from both ends to extend it to five set lengths: 1ft, 1.5ft, 2.2ft, 3ft and 3.5ft.

Data transfer is slow but at 60W it will charge even a mid-sized laptop if connected to a suitable wall charger.

It’s not braided by feels strong and will be protected in its winding shell. Look out for the two-pack for extra value.




Baseus

The Baseus Free2Pull Mini, pictured above, is an alternative 60W retractable USB-C cable. It’s not a two-pack like the Cable Matters set but is available in four colors: black, blue, purple and white. Pull the cable from both ends to extend it to five set lengths: 1.1ft, 1.9ft, 2.7ft, 3ft and 3.3ft.







9. Ugreen Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable 100W – Best retractable short 100W USB-C cable















Pros

Retractable

100W Power Delivery

Tangle free


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed

Short














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Charging: 100W

Cable length: 1ft (0.3m) to 3ft (0.9m)

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Colors: Gray

Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

Ugreen offers another tangle-free retractable USB-C cable that is a compact, carry-in-your-pocket cable that, as soon as you hold it, declares itself a must-have. Who doesn’t get annoyed by a drawer full of loose snaking cables? Pull the cable from both ends to extend it to four set lengths: 1ft, 1.8ft, 2.5ft and 3ft—a touch shorter than Cable Matters.

It beats its rival by supporting 100W of charging power—enough for even the largest MacBook, whereas the Cable Matters cable maxes out at 60W. Data speed, as with the Cable Matters alternative, is a slow but usable 480Mbps USB 2.0. It will transfer data but its main function is charging.

Again, Baseus has a similar length 100W retractable cable that’s available in a more exciting range of colors: Black, White, Blue and Purple.







10. Baseus 100W 6.6ft Retractable USB-C Cable – Best retractable long 100W USB-C cable















Pros

Retractable

100W Power Delivery

Long

Tangle free


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 100W

Cable length: 1.9ft (0.6m) to 6.6ft (2m)

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Colors: Black, White, Purple, Blue

Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

If you need a longer cable but still want it in neat transportable/storable shape, this cable takes up hardly any space when fully retracted. You pull the cable from both ends to extend it to seven set lengths: 1.9ft, 3.1ft, 4.1ft, 4.9ft, 5.7ft, 6.2ft and 6.6ft.

It can charge at 100W so will power up any MacBook when connected to the right USB-C charger, and it comes in four colors just for the fun of it.







11. Wave Bio-Based Charging USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best eco-friendly USB-C cable















Pros

Eco friendly

60W Power Delivery


Cons

Slow data-transfer speed














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Charging: 60W

Data transfer speed: 480Mbps

Monitor support: No

Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) or 6.6ft (2m)

Colors: Speckled recycled white

Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air

Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro

The exterior of this sustainable USB-C to USB-C cable is constructed using plant-based materials, thus reducing a reliance on petroleum-based plastics like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

The packaging is recyclable (the bio-based cables are secured by a recyclable paper sleeve) and even the shipping is carbon neutral, offsetting the CO2 produced.

Shipping outside the UK is an extra US$6.30 or €6, but if you value the planet that’s not a lot to pay.







12. Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch – Best single MacBook/iPad/Watch/AirPods cable















Pros

Charges (nearly) everything Apple

Premium quality long cable


Cons