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.
Some cables are only really good for charging as their data-transfer (bandwidth) rate is too slow to be practical. In the reviews below we note both charging power (measured in watts) and data-transfer rate—measured in either megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). If you are connecting the cable to a monitor, storage device, hub or docking station the minimum data speed should be 5Gbps but go higher if you can. If you just want to use it for charging an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, the data speed matters less.
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Best budget USB-C charging cable for iPhone and iPad Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable |
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Best hybrid charge cable for iPhone, iPad & MacBook Rolling Square inCharge XL |
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Premium hybrid charge cable for iPhone & iPad Native Union Belt Cable Duo USB-C to Lightning Cable |
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Best charge and data cable for iPhone and iPad Cable Matters 10Gbps USB-C to USB-C Cable |
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Best charge and data cable for iPad Pro Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4) |
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Best short USB-C cable for iPhone and iPad CableCreation Short USB-C to USB-C Cable |
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Best retractable short 60W USB-C cable Cable Matters Retractable USB-C 2.0 Charging Cable |
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Best single MacBook/iPad/Watch/AirPods cable Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable |
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Best single MacBook/iPad/Watch/AirPods cable Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch |
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Best budget long 240W PD, 20Gbps USB-C cable Cable Matters 6-foot USB-C cable |
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Best retractable short 100W USB-C cable Ugreen Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable 100W |
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Best retractable long 100W USB-C cable Baseus 100W 6.6ft Retractable USB-C Cable |
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Best short 100W PD Thunderbolt 4 cable CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Cable (0.8m) |
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Best long 100W PD Active Thunderbolt 4 cable Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable (2M, 6.6ft) |
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Longest 100W PD Active Thunderbolt 4 cable Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (3m) |
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Best budget 0.5m 240W PD Thunderbolt 5 cable CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable |
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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
- Best Thunderbolt cables 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.
Apple
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.
Apple 60W USB-C Charge Cable (1m) – If it must be Apple
Pros
- Made by Apple
- 60W Power Delivery
- Robust woven design
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- 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.
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
- 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.
Rolling Square inCharge XL – Best hybrid charge cable for iPhone, iPad & MacBook
Pros
- Charges USB-C, Lightning and MicroUSB devices
- 100W Power Delivery
- Pouch and cable tidy included
- Color options
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 0.5ft (15cm), 1ft (30cm). 6.6ft (2m), 10ft (3m)
- Colors: Urban Black, Glacier White, and Summit Yellow
- Best for: Charging all iPhones, charging all iPads, charging all MacBooks
- Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, syncing MacBook Pro
The inCharge XL a well-built clever cable that charges nearly everything as fast as is possible, is simple to use, and easy to keep protected with its tied cap and travel pouch. It’s a boon if you have older Lightning devices as well as USB-C Apple gear and even fiddly MicroUSB gadgets.
The older adapters slide from the USB-C connectors, and are protected when not in use by a protective tied cap. The custom nylon cable itself is braided with reinforced. The clever part is that the Lightning connector also works as the MicroUSB adapter. Remarkably, it stays reversible unlike the ultra-fiddly MicroUSB.0
There are six charging options: USB-C to USB-C; USB-C to Lightning; USB-C to MicroUSB; USB-A to USB-C, which I can’t see ever being used; USB-A to Lightning; and USB-A to MicroUSB. It can charge to 100W using the base USB-C to USB-C configuration, which is enough to fast-charge all but the 16-inch MacBook Pro. 100W is fine for the 16-inch but you need 140W (PD 3.1) for fast charging that particular model.
The Rolling Square inCharge XL might be all you need for charging, but look elsewhere for cables with a decent data-transfer rate.
Read our full Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1 charging cable review
Native Union Belt Cable Duo USB-C to Lightning Cable – Premium 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
- 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.
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
- 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.
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
- 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.
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
- 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.
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
- 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, and is also available in a two pack or pack of five.
If you need a sort cable but faster charging speed look at the 6-inch (15cm) Plugable Cable that offers 240W power but zero data transfer, which it claims as a data-security feature.
Also worth considering is the Nimble PowerKnit 3 Cable Travel Kit, available from the Apple Store. This is a three-pack of really short 5-inch 60W recycled USB-C cables with connectors for USB-C and Lightning connector, plus USB-A.
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
- 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.
We review two 100W retractable USB-C cables in the MacBook cable section further down. If you want to fast-charge your MacBook as well as your iPhone or iPad, investing in the 100W models makes more sense.
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
- 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.
Nimble PowerKnit USB-C to USB-C – Best long recycled USB-C cable
Pros
- Long cable
- 60W Power Delivery
- Robust braided design
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Charging: 60W to 240W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 3.3ft (1m), 6.6ft (2m), 10ft (3m)
- Colors: Black
- 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 cable is made from a BPA and PVC-free flexible knit recycled fabric derived from 100% recycled plastic bottles and recycled aluminum cable heads.
It feels lovely as well as robust, and is also available in a higher-charging 240W version—the equally recycled PowerKnit FLEX USB-C to USB-C Cable, sold in a three-pack of 1m, 2m and 3m lengths—meaning you can stay fully charged and environmentally conscious at the same time. Also available at the Apple Store for $59.99 / £49.99.
Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable – Best single MacBook/iPad/Watch/AirPods cable
Pros
- Medium-length 2-in-1 cable lanyard
- 60W Power Delivery
- Robust braided design
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Charging: 60W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 5ft (1.5m)
- Colors: Black, Sand, Desert Rose
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air
- Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro
Cables can do other things, too. This multitasking braided cable is a chic, durable and comfortable crossbody lanyard for your iPhone or office pass.
You don’t have to worry about being without a charging cable when you’re wearing this 2-in-1 lanyard. Detach the ends to reveal the USB-C connectors that will come in handy when you need to charge your iPhone, iPad or MacBook.
The 480Mbps transfer speed isn’t super-speedy but will get light work done when you need it.
QDOS
An alternative is the 1.2m QDOS PowerLoop 2 in-1 Lanyard & USB-C Cable that has a marine blue option (pictured above) if the Satechi colors are not to your liking.
Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch – Best single MacBook/iPad/Watch/AirPods cable
Pros
- Charges (nearly) everything Apple
- Premium quality long cable
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Takes up second port space on MacBook
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 5ft (1.5m)
- Colors: Black, White
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging and syncing iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Not for: Syncing MacBooks, charging 16-inch MacBook Pro
This special USB-C cable can not only charge a MacBook Pro at 100W but with a wireless Watch/AirPods charging puck on one end it can at the same time power up your Apple Watch or AirPods case. Note that when connected to a MacBook the wireless pad gets in the way of the adjacent Thunderbolt port. If you can live without one while charging, this need not matter but if you always use every port on your MacBook it could be a proble.
We like this a lot as we always leave our Watch chargeing cable in another room when hard at work on the Mac.
Read our full Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch review
Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best USB-C cable color range
Pros
- Color options
- Tough but flexible silicone
- 240W Power Delivery
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m)
- Colors: Misty Blue, Daffodil Yellow, Lilac Purple, Coral Pink, Lavender Grey, Mint Green, Cloud White, and Midnight Black
- Best for: Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro
If you want a touch of personality with your tech kit, Anker’s choice of eight mostly pastel colors gives you more options than the monochrome alternatives. Apple delights in offering its iPhones in various shades but religiously sticks to white for its charging cables. The color choice depends on charging speed and cable length plus where in the world you are based. Anker also sells a 100W version in the same range of bold colors in case the 240W versions are unavailable and in the same 3ft or 6ft lengths.
Anker claims that its 643 cable—with silicone covering a triple-layered system of copper wires—has a tensile strength of 220 lbs (100kg) and can withstand as many as 25,000 bends. We haven’t tested this as it would hurt our wrists, but it certainly feels tough enough to withstand more everyday rigors.
It supports 240W charging so is as powerful as any cable can get, although it’s not a data-transfer winner.
Casetify PowerThru USB-C to USB-C Cable – Prettiest USB-C cable
Pros
- Color options
- Robust braided design with rounded head
- 60W Power Delivery
Cons
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Charging: 60W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) or 6.6ft (2m)
- Colors: Cotton Candy, Light Mint, Lavender, Black
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air
- Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro
This quality USB-C cable, available in two lengths, is from the people at Casetify who create such fun phone cases. They have carried over some of the fun into the dull world of cables with four color options. The Cotton Candy USB-C cable is a real beauty, graduating from a cyan blue to a cute pink. Even the black version is nicely speckled.
You’ll pay more than usual but you will get a premium braided cable that will bring joy everything you connect it to your device.
Best USB-C cables for Mac
Only the original 12-inch MacBook used standard USB-C. Macs since the 2016 MacBook Pro have much faster Thunderbolt ports: either Thunderbolt 3, 4 or 5. Plain M1/M2 Macs (not Pro or Max) are listed as Thunderbolt/USB4 but can be regarded as the same as Thunderbolt 4 except for their one-screen limitation. Some of Apple’s latest Macs feature Thunderbolt 5, which has a potential data transfer rate of 80Gbps (120Gbps for video) and 240W charging power.
If you are buying today, we recommend you go for a Thunderbolt 4 or 5 cable, which are the most capable standards and fully backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. But they’re pricey, and if speedy data transfer is not a priority or you require the cable for charging only, a slower USB-C cable will suffice for fast charging. Below our list of recommended Mac USB-C cables we list our favorite Thunderbolt cables.
MacBooks require cables and chargers that support the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. PD 3.0 supports up to 100W. PD 3.1 goes up to 240W.
Check the maximum charging wattage supported by the cable. Smaller MacBooks require at least 45W, mid-sized 60W, and larger 100W. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W.
Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best budget 60W PD USB-C charging cable
Pros
- 60W Power Delivery
- Twin pack
- Robust braided design
- Length options
Cons
- Not suitable for monitor connection
- Slow data-transfer speed
- Charging: 60W
- Data transfer speed: 480Mbps
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m)
- Colors: Black, Red, Gray
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15 and 16, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air
- Not for: Syncing iPad, syncing MacBook Air, charging or syncing MacBook Pro
Just as we recommended the Anker 310 USB-C cable for iPhones and iPad charging, it’s hard to go wrong with this to charge small and mid-sized MacBooks, too. Buy the twin pack and use one for whichever Apple device that takes your fancy.
Suitable for all MacBook Air models and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, this 60W USB-C cable is able to supply the charge you need to keep those MacBooks powered up.
Its data-transfer speed is pretty feeble but as a charging-only cable, this is all you really need. It is not suitable for connecting a Mac to a USB-C monitor—that would require at least a 5Gbps cable.
Its braided design makes it tough—Anker claims it can be bent and unbent over 10,000 times. In this twin-pack, the Anker 310 USB-C cable is a very affordable option.
Cable Matters 6-foot USB-C cable – Best budget long 240W PD, 20Gbps USB-C cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- 20Gbps data
- 8K monitor support
- Long cable
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: 20Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging and syncing iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Not for: Syncing MacBooks at very fastest speeds
This jack-of-all-trades high-quality USB-C cable can charge at up to 240W, transfer data at 20Gbps, and connect a Mac to a 8K monitor.
It’s a premium build, but its thicker gauge wires make it tricky to roll up as easily or compactly as other cables.
It seems churlish to downplay this cable’s impressive 20Gbps bandwidth but if you need the fastest data transfer, look to a Thunderbolt 4 or better yet Thunderbolt 5 cable.
Another 6ft affordable 240W cable is the $24.99 EcoFlow RAPID Pro USB-C to USB-C Cable, which is all you need if you aren’t using the cable for data transfer. It’s hard to get better than the price on this 240W 20Gbps Cable Matters cable, though, and it is a powerhouse on bandwidth as well as charging speed.
Ugreen Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable 100W – Best retractable short 100W USB-C cable
Pros
- Retractable
- 100W Power Delivery
- Tangle free
Cons
- Not suitable for monitor connection
- Slow data-transfer speed
- 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 a 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 60W rivals, reviewed in the iPhone/iPad cable section above, by supporting 100W of charging power—enough for even the largest MacBook, whereas the Cable Matters and Baseus cables max 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.
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
- 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.
Plugable Charge-Only USB-C Cable (USBC-CC1M) – Best data-blocking cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- Data blocking
- Length options
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: n/a
- Monitor support: No
- Cable length: 6in (15cm), 3.3ft (1m) or 6.6ft (2m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging iPad, charging MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Not for: Syncing any device
This 240W USB-C cable is special because of what it doesn’t/can’t/won’t do, which is transfer any data between your connected devices. This becomes a feature as the impossibility of data transfer ensures security in public spaces.
Many charging cables retain minimal 480Mbps (USB 2.0) data lines, which is fairly useless anyway—if you want bandwidth go for something actually useful, such as the 20Gbps on the Cable Matters cable reviewed above or 40-80Gbps on a Thunderbolt cable. By removing any data delivery at the hardware level, Plugable eliminates potential data security risks with a design that is simpler than other data-blocking solutions that include bulky adapters. Each cable features a distinctive red connector so you can easily distinguish between other cables.
Plugable
Handily, it’s available in three lengths: a standard 3.3ft (1m), a longer 6.6ft (2m) cable, and a five-pack of very short 6-inch (15cm) cables, pictured above.
StarTech.com USB-C Charging Cable – Best cables for identification markers
Pros
- Quick Identification markers
- Up to 240W Power Delivery
- Up to 40Gbps data transfer
- Up to 8K monitor support
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: From 480Mbps to 40Gbps
- Monitor support: Up to 8K
- Cable length: 3ft (0.9m), 6ft (1.8m), 10ft (3m), 13ft (4m)
- Colors: Black
IT professionals are often dealing with tens or even thousands of mystery cables, and trying to identify which are charging cables, which are data transfer only, and which work with what video resolution is nigh on impossible unless the cables are labelled. Startech.com’s latest range of cables—USB-C, USB4, HDMi and DisplayPort— all feature Quick Identification markers printed directly onto the cables for at-a-glance asset management.
If you only own a few cables this might not be so important—if you have a whole office floor of them, it’s essential.
Best Thunderbolt cables
Macs use the Thunderbolt standard that is faster and more capable than USB-C. If all you require the cable for is charging, then the relevant USB-C charging cable should be fine, but for anything requiring fast data transfers go for higher-bandwidth Thunderbolt.
Standard “passive” Thunderbolt cables are also usually shorter as the data loses speed over longer distances. To get around this requires an “active” Thunderbolt cable that includes sophisticated engineering to push the signal along at the best speed, but you’ll see the price increase accordingly.
Thunderbolt 5 is superior to Thunderbolt 4 with doubled data/video bandwidth (80/120Gbps vs 40Gbps), improved PCIe 4.0 support (32Gbps vs 64Gbps), and enhanced power delivery (240W vs 100W). It’s backwards compatible all the way back to USB-C so—if you can afford it—it’s a more future-proof solution than Thunderbolt 3 or 4.
1. CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Cable (0.8m) – Best short 100W PD Thunderbolt 4 cable
Pros
- 100W Power Delivery
- 40Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
Cons
- 100W, not 240W
- Short
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: 40Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 2.6ft (0.8m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging and syncing MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro
- Not for: Charging 16-inch MacBook Pro
As a certified Thunderbolt 4 cable, this guarantees 100W charging and super-fast 40Gbps data transfer speeds.
If you just want to charge your MacBook, it’s probably overkill but if you need to use it to connect to a docking station or other device, we recommend you double-up on charging power and data speed.
CalDigit sells an active 2m version of this cable for $99.99. It’s so much more expensive because of the circuitry required to get 40Gbps over a longer distance. Belkin sells an equivalent 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable at a more affordable price, see review below.
Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, you can’t go wrong with a Thunderbolt 4 cable unless you need Thunderbolt 5’s 80-120Gbps and 240W strengths. If so, keep reading.
2. Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable (2M, 6.6ft) – Best long 100W PD Active Thunderbolt 4 cable
Pros
- 100W Power Delivery
- 40Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Long
Cons
- 100W, not 240W
- Expensive
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: 40Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 6.6ft (2m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging and syncing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- Not for: Charging 16-inch MacBook Pro
This certified “active” Thunderbolt 4 cable supports 100W charging and super-fast 40Gbps data transfer speeds over a greater cable length than normal “passive” Thunderbolt cables. The active part enables the longer cable but significantly increases the cost.
You can get longer from Apple, see its 3m active TB4 cable below, but the cost gets even higher!
3. Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (3m) – Longest 100W PD Active Thunderbolt 4 cable
Pros
- 100W Power Delivery
- 40Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Robust braided design
- Very long
Cons
- 100W, not 240W
- Expensive
- Charging: 100W
- Data transfer speed: 40Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 10ft (3m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging and syncing MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro
- Not for: Charging 16-inch MacBook Pro
It’s certainly expensive, but this active Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable is as long as you can get while maintaining 100W charging power and 40Gbps data-transfer speed.
It’s braided for strength and backward compatible with other Type-C connectors and ports.
4. Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1m) – Best 240W PD Thunderbolt 4 cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- 40Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Robust braided design
Cons
- Short
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: 40Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 3.3ft (1m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging charging and syncing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
To connect your 16-inch MacBook to a Thunderbolt 4 docking station, you need both top data bandwidth and as much charging power as a cable can support—so you need a cable that supports both 240W and 40Gbps data transfer.
240W, 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 cable doesn’t yet come in any thing longer than a meter (3.3ft). Both power and data speed are reduced as the cable gets longer. Active Thunderbolt cables help by pushing the data further but for now have the dual benefits of supercharging and fast data transfer means you’ll need to keep your Mac close by.
5. Apple Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable (1m) – Apple's own 240W PD Thunderbolt 5 cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- 80/120Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Robust braided design
Cons
- Short
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: 120Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 3.3ft (1m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging charging and syncing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Apple’s M4 Macs now boast a Thunderbolt 5 port, which can transfer data at up to 80Gbps (120Gbps for video using Bandwidth Boost that creates a unidirectional but fatter pipe)—twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4. While there aren’t many actual Thunderbolt 5 devices out there to connect to at that speed, Apple is right at the front of the technology race as usual. Thunderbolt 5 is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 4, 3 and USB-C so this Thunderbolt 5 cable will work with any USB-C-type device.
All Thunderbolt 5 cables support up to 240W charging. Some Thunderbolt 4 cables do the same but most max out at 100W.
6. CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable – Best budget 0.5m 240W PD Thunderbolt 5 cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- 80/120Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Robust braided design
- White color option
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: 120Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 1.7ft (0.5m) and 3.3ft (1m)
- Colors: Black, White
- Best for: Charging charging and syncing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Why should every Thunderbolt 5 cable be black? CalDigit sells one in White, although only in a 0.5m length. If that’s long enough for you, then rejoice as it’s also the cheapest Thunderbolt 5 cable we trust.
There is a CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Pro Braided Cable in black, and that is available in both 0.5m and 1m lengths.
7. Anker Thunderbolt 5 Cable – Best budget 1m 240W PD Thunderbolt 5 cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- 80/120Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Robust braided design
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: 120Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 1.7ft (0.5m) and 3.3ft (1m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging charging and syncing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Looking remarkably like Apple’s Thunderbolt 5 cable but priced significantly lower, the Anker Thunderbolt 5 cable is a wise choice as the new top-end MacBook comes with three such ports but not one TB5 cable.
This cable is available in two lengths but just one color, unlike the CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Pro Braided Cable, reviewed above, that dares to go white.
Also worth checking on pricing are Thunderbolt 5 cables from iVanky, Silkland and Cable Matters.
8. Plugable TBT4-240W-80CMR – Best right-angled Thunderbolt 4 cable
Pros
- 240W Power Delivery
- 40Gbps data transfer
- 8K monitor support
- Right angled
Cons
- Short
- Charging: 240W
- Data transfer speed: 40Gbps
- Monitor support: 8K
- Cable length: 2.6ft (0.8m)
- Colors: Black
- Best for: Charging iPhone 15/16/17, charging and syncing iPad, charging and syncing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Sometimes a cable plays hard to fit in tight spaces, and only a cunningly right-angled connector head will do the job. If that’s the case, then this is the most powerful and fastest right-angled Thunderbolt 4 cable that money can buy.
It will work at up to 240W, and as a Thunderbolt 4 cable of course offers 40Gbps data-transfer speeds. As mentioned above, Apple demands you use its own MagSafe power cable if you want to utilize PD 3.1 at 140W for its 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Know your cables
Not all USB-C cables offer the same capabilities, so we explain each factor you need to consider. Fear not, for basic iPhone charging most USB-C cables will be fine. But some are finer than others. Macs use Thunderbolt cables that have the same Type-C connector as USB-C so look the same but have faster data transfer and charging speed options. You can use a Thunderbolt cable to charge USB-C devices, too.
Apple ships a USB-C Charge Cable with the newest iPhones but Mac users need to buy a Thunderbolt cable to connect to a docking station or fast storage device. Having a spare cable or two hanging around the house or office is always advisable—and there are better, cheaper, and more colorful USB-C and Thunderbolt cables than just those sold by Apple.
We’ve focused on USB-C charging cables as most people need them just to attach to a USB-C charger, but cables offer both charging and data transfers, although at different capabilities, depending on your requirements.
Charging: All USB-C cables can carry a minimum of 60W (3A x 20V). Some support 100W (5A x 20V) charging, and some new Thunderbolt cables can charge at up to 240W. 60W is more than you need for a phone and is perfect for the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Go for at least a 100W cable for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. While 100W is fine for a 16-inch MacBook Pro, that model can be charged at up to 140W, although Apple restricts fast-charging for that model to its own $49/£49 USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable, which is included with all MacBooks.
Apple says that the iPhone 15 and 16 can be fast-charged from zero to 50% in 30 minutes using at least a 20W USB-C power adapter, which is the same speed the iPhone 14 got via Lightning. Tests have shown that newer iPhones can reach charging speeds of up to 30W so we think a 20W charger isn’t going to offer iPhone charging as fast as you can get. Check out our reviews of the best iPhone chargers.
Length: A long cable can be messy when your device is close to the charger, but a short one could leave your iPhone dangling out of reach. You may need different lengths of USB-C cable for each of your charging spaces. When it comes to transferring data, choose a cable that’s as short as you need as the longer the cable, the greater the risk of signal degradation—invest in a Thunderbolt 4 cable for 2m data-strength confidence.
Data transfer speed: iPhones with Lightning ports are limited to a slow USB 2.0 data transfer rate of just 480Mbps (480 megabits per second). Compare that to your Mac, whose Thunderbolt connection can reach up to 40Gbps on Thunderbolt 4 and 120Gbps on Thunderbolt 5. Data transfer speed doesn’t matter if all you are doing is charging a device but it is vital when connecting your Apple device to storage drives, docking stations, or monitors.
While the entry-level iPad is also limited to 480Mbps, the iPad Pro, like a MacBook, supports Thunderbolt’s 40Gbps maximum. The iPhone 15/16 and 15/16 Plus features USB-C that is limited to 480Mbps like with Lightning, but the iPhone 15/16 Pro and Pro Max’s USB-C can sync at 10Gbps—useful for backing up video or photos to a computer.
Note that the USB-C cable Apple supplies with the iPhone 15/16 families is a “Charge” cable and limited to 480Mbps for syncing. If you use the Pro or Pro Max model with a cable for data transfer, you’ll do better with a 10Gbps or higher bandwidth cable.
FAQ
Which USB-C cable do I need to connect to a USB-C monitor
DisplayPort Alternate Mode is a feature available to USB-C and Thunderbolt that handles video as if the USB-C cable was a DisplayPort cable. USB-C monitors can therefore connect directly to your laptop or via a USB-C hub or USB-C or Thunderbolt dock.
However, not every USB-C cable supports video transfer so you need to choose the right type of cable.
If your external display supports a direct USB-C connection, look for a cable that has at least a data-transfer rate of 5Gbps for 4K at 60Hz or 10Gbps for 6K. For 8K we recommend you use at least a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable or 80/120Gbps Thunderbolt 5 cable. The higher the bandwidth, the less risk of signal degradation.
Consider cable length, too. While compression technologies should kick in, the longer your cable, the more the signal can degrade so opt for as short a cable as you require when connecting from your MacBook or dock to a USB-C monitor. A fully featured C-to-C cable that is 1 meter or shorter will work just fine for 95% of what people need. The Cable Matters 10Gbps/100W 1m USB-C Cable is a recommended solution.
If you need a longer cable, a 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable, such as the Cable Matters 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable. See the reviews above for more options.
Some USB-C monitors can provide between 65W to 90W of passthrough power back to the laptop, so ensure your USB-C cable supports at least 100W if you want to use your USB-C monitor to power your laptop.
Can you convert a Lightning cable to USB-C?
Apple has released a Lightning–to–USB-C adapter—confusingly named the Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter ($29 at Apple’s U.S. store or £29 at Apple’s UK store) so you can convert an old Lightning cable into a USB-C cable for your new iPhone 15, but, as you might expect from Apple, it’s way more expensive than just buying one of the new and superior USB-C cables we’ve reviewed above.
What is the difference between Active and Passive Thunderbolt cables?
An “active” Thunderbolt cable contains built-in electronic chips that boost and repeat the data signal, allowing it to maintain stable, error-free full-speed (40Gbps) signals over longer distances compared to shorter “passive” cables that lack these chips.
Author: Simon Jary, Contributor, Macworld
Simon has over 30 years of expert experience testing and reviewing ever-smaller and more powerful tech accessories, from USB-C and Thunderbolt docks to chargers, batteries, hubs and adapters. A former Editor of Macworld, he has contributed to PCWorld, Tech Advisor and TimeOut, as well as national newspapers such as The Times, Independent and Telegraph.