The USB-C standard was originally announced back in 2014. Initially, consumers weren’t completely sure about buying USB-C cables but things have changed drastically with the -C cables reaching a safer and more stable standard.
If you have a Nintendo Switch, iPad Pro, MacBook, Android phone, or any other device with a USB-C port, you need to some cables for transferring data, charging, and displaying video. Regrettably, when it comes to USB-C, cables that seem identical can perform in another way.
For instance, a cable that offers fast charging may turn out to be maddeningly slow when it comes to transferring data. Much to our relief, the market is teeming with all sorts of USB-C cables that are safe, as well as stable. Here’s our list of best USB-C cables in 2020 that don’t cost a bomb.
Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Cord
An ideal cable for charging USB-C devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones with up to 60W chargers, the Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Cord, but offers slower USB 2.0 data transfer speeds. WireCutter confirmed that it carries up to 60W power after testing.
Moreover, the Anker Powerline II is USB-IF certified and backed by a lifetime warranty from Anker. The 6-foot long cable comes in handy for charging even when you sit on a bed or couch. On the downside, it is not the best product to charge large laptops such as the MacBook Pro 15-inch or 16-inch model due to its limited data transfer speeds to USB 2.0.
Key Specifications:
- 6 feet long
- 60-watt charging
- USB 2.0 data transfer rates (up to 480Mbps)
Cable Matters USB C to USB C Charging Cable
It is a 6.6-foot cable carrying a 100 W rating. It delivers a performance similar to the MacBook Pro charging cable without emptying your pocket. Thanks to its 100 W charging rating, the cable can be used for recharging the MacBook Pro 16-inch model, which comes with a 96 W charger, at full speed.
Moreover, the Cable Matters USB C to USB C Charging Cable is USB-IF certified and is backed by the company’s one-year warranty. Its performance is as good as Apple’s 2-meter (6.6-foot) and 1-meter (3.3-foot) charging cables for MacBook Pro, but bear comparatively more affordable price tag than the aforementioned 60 W Anker charging cable.
On the downside, it supports only USB 2.0 data transfer speeds and is bulkier and thicker. The one-year warranty that it comes with isn’t as helpful as the lifetime warranty available on the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C 2.0 Cable.
Key Specifications:
- 6 feet long
- 100-watt charging
- USB 2.0 data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps)
Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable
If you are in the market for a cable that does everything, the Anker Powerline II is likely to fill the bill. It offers up to 10 Gbps transfer speeds for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and is a great choice for charging most USB-C laptops, including the MacBook Pro 16-inch model, at full speed.
Unfortunately, the Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable is too short for charging a smartphone. With the right charger, it offers up to 100-watt charging, meaning, it can charge any USB-C device at maximum speeds.
In terms of data transmission, the Anker Powerline II delivers USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds of up to 10 Gbps, which is as fast as a non-Thunderbolt USB-C port delivers. In short, it can transfer a full-length movie in HD format in just about three seconds.
While loaded with top-end features, Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable is more expensive than other USB-C cables available on the market. While it is just 3 feet long, the cable is designed to be used to connect to a storage device, a laptop or a monitor, and not trying to connect it from your bed or nightstand.
Key Specifications:
- 3 feet long
- 100-watt charging
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps)
Anker USB-C Thunderbolt Cable
There aren’t too many devices that are Thunderbolt 3 capable, but if you have restlessly been looking for top data speeds i.e. up to 40 Gbps. coupled with 100 W charging, you might want to check out the Anker USB-C Thunderbolt Cable. It is capable of charging a high-powered laptop including the MacBook Pro 16-inch model.
It is Thunderbolt 3 capable, so despite looking exactly like any other USB-C–to–USB-C cable, it is capable of transferring data at up to 40 Gbps between supported devices. On top of that, it is backed by Anker’s 18-month warranty, which is the best in this category.
The Anker USB-C Thunderbolt Cable is quite short, but for a practical reason. According to AppleInsider, Thunderbolt 3 cables that are longer than 1.6 feet do not deliver data transfer speeds and require you to shell out more money on a premium active cable. Moreover, it is designed to be used to connect a laptop to a portable SSD, which is usually placed next to it, which means the 1.6 feet length long enough.
Key Specifications:
- 6 feet long
- 100-watt charging
- Thunderbolt 3 data transfer rates (up to 40 Gbps)
Belkin USB-IF Certified 2.0 USB-A to USB-C (USB Type C) Charge Cable
When it comes to transferring data, this USB-A–to–USB-C cable seems to take forever, but it is 6-feet long and comes in handy for charging older batteries and chargers. This cable can be used to connect USB-C device to a USB-A charging port on a laptop, a wall outlet, a wall charger or a battery pack featuring legacy ports.
The USB-IF certified Belkin USB-A to USB-C Charge Cable comes with a lifetime warranty and has a solid built. Despite its 6-feet length, the cable is relatively thin and can compactly coil up. Unfortunately, it supports only up to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds i.e. 480 Mbps, making it a substandard alternative when it comes to transferring a lot of data between devices.
It is worth noting though that it is the fastest USB-IF certified cable that’s 6-feet long. According to a rep at Anker, the company’s engineers found that integrating full USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds with a 6-foot cable would make the cable too thick.
Key Specifications:
- 6 feet long ( 5 feet long variant available)
- 60-watt charging
- USB 2.0 data transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps)
