10 Best USB C Cables with Fast Data Transfer and Power
USB-C is fast becoming the universal standard for connecting and charging devices, thanks to the connector’s ability to support plenty of bandwidth, provide large amounts of power output, and transmit video. As a result of its growing popularity, many manufacturers have begun producing their own USB-C cables for a variety of different purposes.
So, with so many options to choose from, How do you decide which cable is right for you? Well, we’ve put together this guide to help you find out.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| UGREEN Right-Angle USB-C Cable |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| Low price, great construction. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| AINOPE USB-C Cable |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Connectivity: USB-A to USB-C |
| Good specs, reasonable price tag. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| UGREEN USB-C Cable |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Speed: 5Gbps |
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| The best all-rounder, fast speeds. |
| Check Amazon |
USB C Cables Comparison Table
| Make and Model | Connectivity | Speed | Length | Construction | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker USB-C Cable | USB-A to USB-C | 480Mbps | 3-foot, 6-foot | Connectors: plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
| JSAUX USB-C Cable | USB-A to USB-C | 480Mbps | 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot, 10-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
| Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 USB-C Cable | USB-C to USB-C | 40Gbps | 1.6-foot | Connectors: plastic Cable: rubber | Check Price |
| UGREEN USB-C Cable | USB-C to USB-C | 5Gbps | 3.3-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
| AmazonBasics Double-Braided Nylon USB-C Cable | USB-C to USB-C | 480Mbps | 1-foot, 3-foot, 6-foot, 10-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: double-braided nylon fiber | Check Price |
| Akoada USB-C Cable | USB-C to USB-C | 480Mbps | 10-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
| Anker USB-C to Lightning Cable | USB-C to Lightning | 480Mbps | 6-foot | Connectors: plastic Cable: aluminum/TPE | Check Price |
| AUKEY USB-C to Lightning Cable | USB-C to Lightning | 480Mbps | 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
| AINOPE USB-C Cable | USB-A to USB-C | 480Mbps | 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
| UGREEN Right-Angle USB-C Cable | USB-C to USB-C | 480Mbps | 3-foot, 6-foot | Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon | Check Price |
1. Anker USB-C Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.5/5
This Anker USB-C Cable is currently one of the best sellers on the market, with the product receiving rave reviews on platforms such as Amazon, as well as various tech websites. The cable is also very well priced, as you would expect from an Anker product.
The cable comes equipped with a USB-A connector at one end and a USB-C connector at the other. This makes it a great option to use as a charging cable. However, it also allows you to connect a modern Android device, such as a smartphone, to your laptop or PC for file transfers.
As for the speed of the cable, you can expect any file transfers to take place at a rate of up to 480 Mbps, which isn’t slow but compared to some other USB-C cables in this guide, it also isn’t particularly fast. Compared to the likes of a MicroUSB cable, the speed of this cable is notable, but if you plan to do a lot of large transfers between devices, there are better alternatives available.
The cable comes in two different sizes, which include a 3-foot option and a 6-foot option. The best cable to go for out of the two will depend on your needs, but it’s good to see that Anker has given us some choice when it comes to cable length. Having said that, a 10-foot variant would have been appreciated, especially for those who don’t have a plug socket located close to their beds.
The construction of this cable features a braided nylon wrap, complete with plastic covers for each fo the connectors. It isn’t the most durable cable we’ve come across, but the sleek styling certainly makes it one of the better-looking options on the market. The cable also comes in red or grey, depending on your preference, allowing you to add a little bit of customization to the product.
The Anker USB-C Cable is a good-looking cable that offers decent performance and a solid construction. The cable doesn’t excel in any particular area, but its overall performance makes it a competent all-rounder compared to the competition.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-A to USB-C |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 3-foot, 6-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with a variety of different devices |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be smooth |
| Multiple sizes available |
| Durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not as fast as some of the other options in this guide |
| No 1-foot option |
| No 10-foot option |
| Metal connectors would have been preferred |
2. JSAUX USB-C Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The JSAUX USB-C Cable is somewhat of a lesser-known entity compared to many of the other options in this guide. However, the cable still holds its own against its competitors, thanks to some useful construction features and versatility.
Like the Anker cable above, the JSAUX cable comes equipped with a USB-A connector at one end, and a USB-C cable at the other. This makes it a great option to use as a charging cable, as well as a useful connector for tethering different devices together.
The JSAUX cable is also capable of speeds of up to 480Mbps, which isn’t overly fast, but it is to be expected, considering it features a USB-A connector. The cables speed may cause issues if you do a lot of large file transfers, but for the most part, its performance shouldn’t cause much of a problem.
The cable comes in three different sizes, including a 3.3-foot option, a 6.6-foot option, and a 10-foot option. This is great to see, as it means there should be a variant available to suit most needs. Be aware, however, that longer cables can produce slower charging speeds, as well as latency issues if used for gaming.
When it comes to construction, the JSAUX cable really shows its worth. It might not be the best-looking cable we have come across, but its aluminum connectors and braided cable make it a durable and reliable prospect. The cable also includes plastic protectors at either end to provide an extra layer of protection in the most vulnerable areas of the product.
Not the fastest cable you can buy, but if you are looking for something you can rely on for the long-term, the JSAUX cable is a decent option to consider.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-A to USB-C |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot, 10-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with a variety of different devices |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be smooth |
| Multiple sizes available |
| Includes a 10-foot option |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| Metal connectors provide a premium finish |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not as fast as some of the other options in this guide |
| No 1-foot option |
| Not the best looking cable |
3. Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 USB-C Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 USB-C Cable is one of the fastest options in this guide, thanks to its support of Thunderbolt 3 technology. As a result, it also happens to be one of the pricier options as well, making it a less attractive option if you are working with a tight budget.
The cable features a USB-C connector at both ends, which is necessary to achieve the speeds of Thunderbolt 3. This does mean its use cases are somewhat limited currently, as many products are yet to adopt this technology. However, in the years to come, Thunderbolt 3 will likely become far more mainstream.
With speeds of up to 40Gbps, this cable blows most of the other options in this guide completely out of the water. Provided your devices support Thunderbolt 3, file transfers with this cable will be lightning-fast, and transferring large content such as video files and other graphical media will likely feel smooth and effortless.
The one major downside to this cable is that it is only available in one size. The 1.6-foot option is fine for tasks carried out between devices at your desk, but for anything more than this, a larger cable will likely be preferred. Having only one size option isn’t the end of the world, but it certainly limits the cables use cases.
As for the construction, the cable features plastic connectors and a rubber-housed cable. This isn’t the most durable design for a cable, but considering the length, it is unlikely to endure a lot of punishment from day-to-day use. Due to its high price-tag, however, a braided cable would have been appreciated.
Despite the cable’s impressive speed, it lacks a little versatility compared to many of the other options in this guide. It is also available in only one size and commands a high price-tag, making it a somewhat niche product in today’s market.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| Speed: 40Gbps |
| Length: 1.6-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: plastic Cable: rubber |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Supports Thunderbolt 3 |
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used for one cable setups |
| Superfast speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Relatively durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can only be used with devices that have a Type-C connector |
| The cable is very short |
| Only one size available |
| No nylon braiding |
4. Top Pick: UGREEN USB-C Cable
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The UGREEN USB-C Cable is a high-quality option that offers decent speeds and a premium construction. It also happens to be one of the better-looking cables available, making it an excellent option to consider if you are looking for form as well as functionality.
The cable features a USB-C connector at both ends, making it a decent option for fast charging, as well as one cable setups via a hub. Unlike the Anker cable, however, it doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3, meaning its performance will be somewhat limited by comparison.
Despite the difference in speed compared to Thunderbolt 3 cables, the UGREEN cable is still able to produce speeds of up to 5Gbps, making it one of the faster USB-C cables in this guide. The reason for this is because the cable uses USB 3.1, which allows it to perform over ten times as fast as its USB 2.0 counterparts.
Unfortunately, the cable is only available in a 3.3-foot variant, which is disappointing, especially considering how many people now opt for 6.6-foot cables instead. Regardless, 3.3-foot is still a popular choice among desk users. However, you might run into issues if you plan to use this cable at your bedside, such as for charging your smartphone.
As mentioned, the UGREEN cable has a high-quality construction, featuring aluminum connectors and a stylish braided cable. It is by far one of the best-looking cables in this guide, oozing quality at every angle, which is impressive for a cable.
Thanks to its premium appearance, solid construction, and impressive speeds, the UGREEN USB-C Cable is by far one of the better options in this guide, all things considered. It might lack options in the size department, but overall, this is a great cable, offering reliable performance as well as plenty of style.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| Speed: 5Gbps |
| Length: 3.3-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used for one cable setups |
| Great speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Available in a popular size |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can only be used with devices that have a Type-C connector |
| Does not support Thunderbolt 3 |
| Only one size available |
5. AmazonBasics Double-Braided Nylon USB-C Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
AmazonBasics has become a popular brand for many tech enthusiasts in recent times, due to the quality products it offers and the reasonable price-tag most of them come with. The AmazonBasics USB-C Cable, in particular, has been a big hit for the brand, and it’s clear to see why, thanks to its quality construction and stylish design.
The cable features USB-C connectors at both ends, making it suitable for several modern fast chargers, as well as docking stations and hubs. The cable’s use cases will likely increase as USB-C technology becomes more popular too, making the cable a futureproof investment.
The cable is capable of speeds of up to 480Mbps thanks to AmazonBasics’ decision to make the cable USB 2.0 compliant. The 2.0 protocol is beneficial for use with older technology that doesn’t support USB 3.0 or 3.1, but it hinders the cable’s overall performance in favor of backward compatibility.
One of the best things about this cable is the fact that it comes in four different sizes, including a 1-foot option, a 3-foot option, a 6-foot option, and a 10-foot option. This means that no matter your use case, there should be a version of the cable that suits your needs.
The AmazonBasics USB-C Cable might not have the best performance specs, but it is hard to argue with its construction features, with the product boasting aluminum connectors and a double-braided nylon fiber cable. The cable is also one of the more stylish options in this guide, thanks to its sleek aesthetic.
The cable might be nice looking and well put together, but it, unfortunately, lacks the performance you would expect from a modern USB-C cable. It does, however, remain a good option for anyone on a budget.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 1-foot, 3-foot, 6-foot, 10-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: double-braided nylon fiber |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used for one cable setups |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Multiple sizes available |
| Includes 10-foot option |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can only be used with devices that have a Type-C connector |
| Does not support Thunderbolt 3 |
| Not as fast as some of the other USB-C to USB-C options in this guide |
6. Akoada USB-C Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Akoada USB-C Cable is another lesser-known entry in this guide. However, despite its less recognized manufacturer, the cable offers quite a lot in the way of construction and styling, making it a worthy addition to this list.
The cable features a USB-C connector at both ends, making it not only futureproof but also a great option for fast charging and one cable setups. The cable isn’t suitable for video output, however, which is something to keep in mind depending on your needs.
The cable is able to produce speeds of up to 480Mbps, thanks to its compliance with the USB 2.0 protocol. This isn’t ideal if you intend to do a lot of large file transfers, but it does at least allow you to get optimal performance from older technology that features a USB-C connector.
The cable is only available in a 10-foot variant, which is great for bedside use, but arguably overkill if used at a desk. The long length will also likely affect performance, which is something to consider if you are looking to max out the capabilities of the cable on a regular basis.
One area of the cable that is difficult to criticize is its construction. Boasting aluminum connectors and a braided nylon wrap, the Akoada cable is comparable to the best in this guide from a durability perspective. It is also a fairly stylish looking cable, despite its bold branding.
A stylish cable with decent durability features and decent performance specs. Its long length will likely cause issues for some, but when used as a simple USB-C cable for charging and transferring files, it does the job pretty well.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 10-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used for one cable setups |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Comes in a long length |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can only be used with devices that have a Type-C connector |
| Does not support Thunderbolt 3 |
| Not as fast as some of the other USB-C to USB-C options in this guide |
| Only one size available |
| Longer cable can affect performance |
7. Anker USB-C to Lightning Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Anker USB-C to Lightning Cable has been designed to allow for connections between iPhones and MacBooks without the need for a dongle. It is also Apple-certified, meaning you can rest assured you are getting a quality product.
As its name suggests, the cable features a USB-C connector at one end and a Lightning connector at the other. This makes it a rather niche product compared to the alternatives in this guide. However, it remains a great solution for Apple users tired of their growing adapter collections.
The cable is able to produce speeds of up to 480Mbps, which, to give you some context, allows it to transfer around 100 songs every 5 seconds. This makes the cable a great option for simple file transfers. However, you may require more power if you will be regularly moving large amounts of data between your devices.
The cable is 6-foot long, making it versatile enough to satisfy a lot of use cases. A shorter option may be preferred, however, if you do the majority of your computing at your desk, depending on your setup.
The cable is protected by an aluminum shielding and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), giving it decent durability and allowing it to support advanced charging protocols. The connectors are made from plastic, which isn’t the most stylish material, but it does add a degree of shockproofing to the more vulnerable areas of the cable.
The cable isn’t overly fast compared to some of the other options in this guide, and its niche market makes it somewhat limited in its use cases. It does, however, provide some decent construction features, making it a reliable cable for the right person.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to Lightning |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 6-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: plastic Cable: aluminum/TPE |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used to connect modern iPhone’s to modern MacBook Pro’s |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Available in a popular size |
| Fairly durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Limited uses |
| Not as fast as some of the other options in this guide |
| Longer cable can affect performance |
| Metal connectors would have been preferred |
8. AUKEY USB-C to Lightning Cable
View on AmazonEditor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Aukey is a company that has been producing quality tech accessories for a while now, with many of them often showcasing its ability to blend both form and functionality to create excellent all-round products. Its USB-C to Lightning Cable is a fantastic example of this, thanks to its stylish construction and impressive performance specifications.
The cable, of course, features a USB-C connector and a Lightning connector at the other, making it very much an accessory for Apple users rather than the tech community as a whole. This isn’t a problem if you own Apple devices such as a modern iPhone or MacBook, but it does make the cable pretty much redundant if not.
The cable is able to transfer data at a rate of up to 480Mbps, putting it on par with the other USB-C to Lightning cable in this guide. It means you can expect light file transfers to be taken care of easily. However, you might want to go for something faster if you plan on regularly transferring large amounts of data.
You have two options when it comes to cable length, including a 3.3-foot option, and a 6.6-foot option. This is good to see, as these two options should cover most use cases. However, a 10-foot option would have also been appreciated.
Like many of the other products in this guide, the Aukey USB-C Cable features aluminum connectors and a braided nylon wrap. This means it will be durable enough to handle a fair amount of punishment, making it yet another reliable option to go with. Both connectors are also placed at a right angle, giving the ends of the cable extra protection against bending.
This cable doesn’t do a lot wrong. However, its score is impacted by the fact it is targeting a niche market. It’s a decent cable for the right user, but it lacks the versatility of some of the other options on this list.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to Lightning |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used to connect modern iPhone’s to modern MacBook Pro’s |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Available in popular sizes |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Limited uses |
| Not as fast as some of the other options in this guide |
| No 10-foot option |
9. Best Value: AINOPE USB-C Cable
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
AINOPE might not be the first name that comes to mind when it comes to cables, but the company certainly knows how to put them together, with its USB-C cable, in particular, receiving decent reviews. It is also very reasonably priced, making it a good budget-friendly option as well.
The cable comes equipped with a USB-A connector and a USB-C connector, making it rather versatile and allowing it to fulfill a number of different use cases. This does mean, however, that it can’t support dash charging as it is not C to C.
The speed fo the cable is comparable to the other USB-A to USB-C options in this list, giving you up to 480Mbps to play with. This makes it perfectly fine to use for most file transfers. However, large transfers will still take time to complete.
The cable is available in two different sizes, including a 3-foot variant and a 6-foot variant. This means at least one of the options should be able to suit your needs, regardless of whether you plan to use the cable at your desk or bedside. Nonetheless, a 10-foot option would have still been appreciated.
The AINOPE cable is yet another option in this guide to be constructed using aluminum connectors and nylon braiding. The cable has also been tested to withstand over 12000 bends according to AINOPE, making it another reliable option to consider.
With its reasonable price tag, versatile setup, and solid construction, it is difficult to pick fault in this cable. However, the lack of a 10-foot option is somewhat disappointing, and the USB-A connector also limits the cable’s performance in certain areas.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-A to USB-C |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with a variety of different devices |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Available in popular sizes |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not as fast as some of the other options in this guide |
| No 10-foot option |
10. Best Budget: UGREEN Right-Angle USB-C Cable
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The UGREEN Right-Angle USB-C Cable shares many of the same characteristics as the other UGREEN option in this guide. However, there are a few key differences between the two, which we will now get into.
The cable features a USB-C connector at both ends, making it suitable for fast charging, as well as one cable setups. Unfortunately, the cable doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3, however, which means its performance is somewhat limited.
The transfer speed of the cable is 480Mbps, putting it on par with many of the other cables we have featured. This means simple file transfers such as songs and photos will be handled quickly, but larger files such as high-resolution videos may still take time to move between devices.
The cable comes in two different sizes, including both a 3-foot and a 6-foot option. This allows the cable to cover most use cases. However, an additional 10-foot option would have been good to see.
The construction of the cable follows the same trend as most of the other options in this guide, meaning you can expect to find an aluminum casing for each of the connectors, as well as a braided nylon wrap around the cable. This gives the cable plenty of durability as well as a stylish look that suggests a premium level of quality. The 90-degree angle of each connector is also a bonus in terms of longevity, as it reduces the amount of bending the cable is likely to incur.
Another impressive C to C cable with the added durability of angled connectors. It isn’t the most impressive cable from a performance perspective, but from an aesthetic point of view, it has a lot going for it.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Connectivity: USB-C to USB-C |
| Speed: 480Mbps |
| Length: 3-foot, 6-foot |
| Construction: Connectors: aluminum/plastic Cable: braided nylon |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Can be used with fast chargers |
| Can be used for one cable setups |
| Decent speed |
| File transfers should be completed quickly |
| Available in popular sizes |
| Very durable |
| The cable should last a long time |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Can only be used with devices that have a Type-C connector |
| Does not support Thunderbolt 3 |
| Not as fast as some of the other options in this guide |
| No 10-foot option |
Contents
- USB C Cables Comparison Table
- 1. Anker USB-C Cable
- 2. JSAUX USB-C Cable
- 3. Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 USB-C Cable
- 4. Top Pick: UGREEN USB-C Cable
- 5. AmazonBasics Double-Braided Nylon USB-C Cable
- 6. Akoada USB-C Cable
- 7. Anker USB-C to Lightning Cable
- 8. AUKEY USB-C to Lightning Cable
- 9. Best Value: AINOPE USB-C Cable
- 10. Best Budget: UGREEN Right-Angle USB-C Cable
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