The Best Charging Cables for Your Phone

Does it ever feel like it takes your phone eons to charge, especially when you’re in a hurry to get out the door? Have you ever thought that it’s not your phone’s fault, but your charging cable? Surprisingly, your cable could be making all the difference between your phone taking just a few minutes to get a full battery–or a few hours.

Different Types of Charging Cables

You probably know the basics, and can tell the difference between USB-C and Lightning cables (and might even remember Micro-USB cables), but each type of cable can differ from others of the same type. Identical-looking USB-C cables can behave completely differently depending on if they’re needed for charging or for transferring files.

Micro-USB

• Used to be widely used as the standard for phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. 

USB-C

• Bidirectional.
• Can provide power to a host device and receive power.
• Most Androids will use this type of cable. 

Lightning

• Most Apple products, like iPhones, use this type of cable.

What About Fast-Charging Cables?

With the rise in popularity of smartphones and the increased need for phones to be charged within minutes instead of hours, many cables offer basic fast-charging abilities.

To give you some background about fast-charging cables, here’s a quick refresher:

• Volts (V) are a measure of voltage, amps (A) are a measure of current, and watts (W) are a measure of electrical power.
• Greater currents and higher voltages will charge a battery faster.
• Because cables connect the battery to the power source, cables play an important role in charging your phone.

Standard chargers are usually around 5 V / 4.5 W, with a current strength of 1.0 - 2.2 A, while 18 W has become a basic standard for fast charging. Always check the specifications carefully to make sure that you’re using the right charger with the right cable to get the maximum performance.

Tips For Choosing Your Next Charging Cable

Now that we’re all on the same page, here are some extra things to keep in mind when choosing a charging cable.

1. Cheap is not always good. There might be a great deal going on for a new charging cable, but the risk of your charging cable becoming a fire hazard is always there. If the cable is poorly made, it could put you in a potentially dangerous situation.
2. Pick a cable with a higher bending test number. If your current cable is breaking near the connector, take a look at getting a charging cable with a higher bending test number. A higher number means a more durable cable.
3. Sometimes, you can do better. Just because you’ve bought a new phone that supports fast-charging doesn’t mean that the charging cable that came with it is the best you can get. If you do a little research, you’ll probably be able to find cables from reputable third parties that are made from higher quality materials and will last longer.

Best Charging Cables For Your Phone

The best cables will give your phone a sufficient charge, are durable, and won’t get tangled easily. Check out these options to find the best one for you.

Best Overall (for iPhone)

Anker PowerLine+ II Series

Anker’s PowerLine+ II series is a crowd favorite for iPhones and for good reason. Lasting longer than most other cables on the market, this series is really worth the money. The durability comes from the braided nylon covering that endures all the bending and stretching you could do to it, and if you don’t believe it’ll last you forever, you can always use the lifetime warranty. 

• Extreme Durability
• MFi Certified
• Comes in Different Colors

Best Universal Charging Cable (3-in-1)

Anker PowerLine II 3-in-1 Cable

Anker does not disappoint with this incredibly durable cable. With Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors built in, it’s the only cable you’ll ever need. Its versatility means that you can use it for virtually any phone or device you have at home and its compact size allows you to take it on the road for on-the-go charging. The extreme reinforcement keeps internal wiring protected from trauma and degradation from everyday use and has an MFi certification from Apple as well as a lifetime warranty,

• 3-in-1 Connector
• Extreme Durability
• MFi Certified
• Universal Compatibility

Also Recommended (USB-C)

Anker USB C Cable 

The nylon covering on the cable resists damage from everyday wear and tear while providing excellent flexibility. It can withstand thousands of bends, twists, and tugs, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. It supports high-speed USB charging for devices compatible with quick charge, providing about a total output of 3 A charging.

• Extreme Durability
• Lifetime Guarantee
• Universal Compatibility

Choosing the best charging cable for your phone doesn’t have to be complicated, but doing a little research goes a long way. Finding a high-quality, durable cable that can last you for years to come can be a positive experience and save you money in the long run. Broken cables can finally be a thing of the past.