Whether we like it or not, our smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, intertwined with work and an integral tool in maintaining our interpersonal relationships. With how much time we spend on our phones, it’s often crucial to make sure your phone is charged. Unless you have one of the latest line of iPhone 15 models that takes a USB-C cord, chances are your iPhone still has a lightning port. USB-C to lightning cables allow for a faster charge and easy data transfer compared to their USB-A counterparts. The best lightning cables provides a fast charge without skimping on length, quality, or durability.
Considering that a recent study finds that one in eight people experience anxiety from a low phone battery, having a lightning cable on hand can ease some of those worries. If you’re in search of the best lightning cables to add to your arsenal to keep your phone powered and ready to go, StudyFinds found the most highly recommended options across 11 expert reviews. These cables will be sure to keep you powered through anything, with choices for every budget and need. Let us know which one you plan to try in the comments below!
The List: Best Lightning Cables, According to Experts
1. Anker Powerline II USB-C Lightning Cable
Ditch the frustration of frayed and broken phone chargers! Tech experts are raving about Anker’s Powerline II USB-C to Lightning cable, and for good reason. Reviewers at Tech Gear Lab say this cable is built to conquer daily wear and tear, thanks to its thick, bendy coating that holds its shape even when coiled up. The Powerline II USB-C to Lightning cable is MFi certified, meaning it is guaranteed to work with any lightning-enabled device. Anker’s version of this cable is so durable that it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Think all vinyl cables are created equal? Think again! Unlike its non-braided brethren that tend to split at the connector points, the Anker Powerline II boasts a special TPE inner shield that protects the internal wiring for a whopping 12,000 bends – that’s a lot of charging sessions! CNN Underscored is equally impressed, calling the Anker Powerline II “extremely affordable, super-fast charging, and more durable than Apple’s own cables.”
Looking for a reliable cable to connect your iPhone to your Macbook? Look no further! GQ magazine hails the Anker Powerline II as a “no-brainer choice,” letting you ditch the pesky dongle and get straight to juicing up your phone. So ditch the frustration and upgrade to a cable that can keep up with your busy life – your phone (and your sanity) will thank you!
2. Anker Powerline II USB-A Lightning Cable
Even if your phone’s rocking a classic charging port, Anker’s got you covered with their Powerline II USB-A to Lightning Cable. Who needs the latest bells and whistles when you can have a cable that simply works? LifeWire loves the matte-textured rubber connector ends, making those frustrating “fumbled unplugs” a thing of the past. This cable is built to endure, lasting up to 12 times longer than your average charging companion. Lab tests say it can handle 12,000 bends – that’s a lot of trips from your pocket to your charger!
For an affordable price, you’re getting serious muscle. Business Insider emphasizes the impressive durability, mentioning the cable’s internal wiring can withstand a whopping 175 pounds of force. Plus, there’s a lifetime guarantee, so you can charge with confidence (and maybe even hang a weight or two on it – but we wouldn’t recommend that!). Anker’s Powerline II is all about function, strength, and affordability, making it a clear winner in our book.
3. Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable
Sticking with the tried-and-true? Apple’s official Lightning to USB-C cable is a classic for a reason. MacWorld says it’s the perfect no-fuss option. While it won’t win any awards for speed with iPhones, it’s reliable and gets the job done.
XDA Developers loves the two-meter Apple Lightning to USB-C cable for its versatility. Charge your iPhone, iPad, or anything else that rocks a lightning port, all with one cable. So ditch the worries about tangled wires and missing adapters – with the Apple Lightning to USB-C cable, you’re good to go!
4. Nomad Kevlar Lightning Cable
Cable carnage got you down? Broken wires and frayed ends a constant source of frustration? Then you need Nomad’s Kevlar USB-C to Lightning cable on your side, according to Popular Science. This bad boy is built for battle, with a double-braided sheath made from Kevlar, the same stuff that stops bullets! That’s right, say goodbye to exposed wiring and hello to a cable that can handle even the most vigorous phone chargers (and maybe even the occasional rogue toddler). Plus, Nomad’s cable supports fast charging, bringing your iPhone back to life in just 30 minutes – perfect for those times you forget to plug in before bed and wake up with a dead phone.
Looking for some serious length? Nomad offers options stretching up to almost 10 feet, according to Wiki EZVid. No more couch surfing for the nearest outlet – this cable lets you stay comfortably sprawled while your phone gets the juice it needs.
GQ calls this cable “literally bulletproof,” and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it super strong, but it’s also MFi-certified, meaning it works flawlessly with all your Apple devices. Plus, it charges much faster than the standard Apple charger, so you can get back to gaming, browsing, or conquering your inbox in no time.
5. Belkin Boost Charge USB-C Cable
Break free from the three-foot charging struggle! Digital Camera World recommends Belkin’s BoostCharge cables, especially their four-foot option. Not only is it longer but, like Anker’s Powerline Plus II, it supports fast PD charging and boasts MFi-certification by Apple for guaranteed peace of mind. Plus, it’s clear Belkin puts quality first – this cable feels as good as it charges.
Need a color option or a different length? Belkin offers both black and white versions, and lengths ranging from three to six feet, according to CNN Underscored. They describe Belkin’s cable as another “premium” option, featuring a braided sheath for ultimate durability and unique speckled connectors at the ends for a touch of flair.
Whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or just need a reliable cable that gets the job done, GQ says Belkin’s USB-C to Lightning cords are a “reasonable alternative” to Anker. They consistently stay plugged in, transfer data and power quickly, and are built to withstand the everyday bumps and bruises of life.
Sources:
- Tech Gear Lab
- CNN Underscored
- GQ
- LifeWire
- Business Insider
- Reviewed
- XDA Developers
- ZDNET
- Popular Science
- Digital Camera World
- How to Geek
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.