What is the BEST USB C to Lightning cable?
This is a question that many people are asking themselves these days, especially those who have recently bought new computers or phones with USB type C ports.
There are plenty of cables out there for sale on Amazon and other sites, but not all of them will work well with your devices. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about every USB C/Lightning cable on the market so that you can find the one that’s right for you!
If you have a USB-C device, such as a MacBook or other compatible laptop, an iPad Pro, a Nintendo Switch, or an Android phone, you will need a cable to charge it and transfer data to and from other devices.
USB type C is new so many people are confused about what these cables do, which makes them difficult to shop for online. That’s why we’ve put together this article: it will help clear up any confusion over different types of cables and show you how to find the right one that’ll work with your devices!

Best For Charging USB C Phones, Tablets, And Laptops:
Here are a few examples:
- Anker PowerLine+ USB C to Lightning Cable
- Google Pixel USB Type C cable
Best for transferring data from PC:
- Apple Thunderbolt Display (older model) or Dell U2718Q 27″ QHD Monitor with MiniDisplayPort and HDMI ports, plus a third adapter you already own.
Best for charging low power devices like iPhones or Android phones:
USB A to micro USB cables that have multiple functions such as syncing photos between your phone and laptop, carrying files back and forth, or even powering up some older laptops without needing an external charger.
These are the best because they’re both more affordable than dedicated chargers while still providing the versatility of having multiple uses so you can choose which one works for you.
Best for charging higher power devices like iPads:
- Apple USB C to Lightning Cable or Anker PowerLine+ II Type C cable if your device supports fast charge. The cost of these cables is a lot more expensive than regular cables, but they support faster data transfer and provide the extra juice needed to keep your iPad running smoothly on the go without needing an external charger that can be bulky and heavy in comparison.
If you have any questions about what kind of cord might work best with your needs please let us know! We’re happy to help answer anything we can.
Apple Thunderbolt Display (older model) or Dell U2718Q 27″ QHD Monitor with MiniDisplayPort and HDMI ports, plus a third type of connection for the camera or other USB C peripheral
Best for monitors and fast data transfer (USB-C and Thunderbolt 3)
You can also use the same cable to charge your Mac by connecting it to a laptop power adapter. The USB C connector supports many types of data transfer and is reversible so you don’t have to worry about which way is up or down when plugging in any device that has this type of connection.
That’s not true for all connectors! The Thunderbolt port on Apple computers uses an even wider band spectrum than USB C connections and offers speeds that are faster than traditional video cables as well as being able to provide extra juice for charging devices like iPads with low battery life without needing an external charger.
It’s worth noting here too however, if you’re using older monitor technology (like VGA) then these won’t work at.

1. Nekteck USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen. I Cable
- USB C to USB-C Data Sync Charging Cable (Qualcomm Quick Charge Compatible) The BEST USB C Cable.
Why you might like it: Nekteck’s Lightning cables are made with top-quality materials and can withstand up to 10000+ bends without breaking or coming apart!
The Nekteck USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable can handle everything. It meets USB-C specifications, as do all of the cables we considered for this category (cables that violate those specs can potentially damage devices). It can charge any USB-C device, including a 16-inch MacBook Pro, at maximum 100 W speeds as long as you use the correct charger.
It also moves data at the same rate as a non-Thunderbolt USB-C port, namely USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds of up to 10 Gbps. That’s fast enough to transfer a full-length HD movie file in less than three seconds.
The cable’s housings are well-made, with plenty of room for gripping. Furthermore, at the time of writing, it is only about $10. They may take a little longer than other lightning cables but it is WORTH IT as we GUARANTEE our products because you deserve the best for what you spend your money on.
This also means that if anything goes wrong then just let us know about it in less than 12 months of purchase and we’ll send out a new cable free of charge – no questions asked! So why not go ahead now? Order one today Gen 2 Cable
Key specs:
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 data-transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps)
- 100-watt charging
- 3.3 feet long
2. Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable
- Amazon.com price: $19.99
- Best Buy retail price: $34.00
As of this writing, it has a high rating on Amazon – at least four out of five stars from more than 600 reviews, with only six reviewers giving it three or fewer stars for various reasons like the cable not working well with all USB-C devices and its thickness being unsuitable to connect side by side charging ports in some cases because the head too big to fit through both openings at once.
The vast majority of people though have given it rave reviews! Why you might like it: If you need to transfer data quickly (10 Gbps) as well as charge phones, tablets, laptops, and other USB C devices that require up to 100 W of power, Anker’s PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable is a great option.
This Anker cable, like the Nekteck version, is sturdy and well-made, and it is USB-IF certified. It also includes a handy Velcro fastener to keep your cable neatly coiled, as well as a lifetime warranty backed by a company we know and trust.
In addition, we prefer the sleeker-looking housings on this cable over those on the Nekteck. Anker’s PowerLine II Cables are so thin that they’re perfect for connecting two MacBooks together when one is plugged into power.
Anker’s PowerLine II USB-C to USB-C (Gen. II) Cable is a great option because it can transfer data quickly at up to 100 Mbps as well as charge phones, tablets, and laptops that require up to 100W of power with its 60W capability.
It also includes a handy Velcro fastener for neatly coiling the cable or wrapping around your bag strap for easy access on the go without tangling cables together in your bag and has an 18-month warranty backed by one of our favorite companies, Anker who we know and trust after many happy
Key specs:
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 data-transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps)
- 100-watt charging
- 3 feet long
3. Anker USB C Thunderbolt 3 Cable
Why you might like it: The Anker USB C Thunderbolt cable is perfect for charging and syncing your MacBook Pro or other devices with a Type C port.
This Thunderbolt cable supports up to 40 Gbps data transfer rates that are twice as fast as the speed offered by USB Gen II cables, making this one of the fastest at transferring large files such as video footage shot on an iPhone Xs Max.
The Lightning end has a braided nylon weave which provides durability while also being tangle-free when you don’t want to take time untangling it before using it again. These lightning cables have their ends labeled so there’s no more guessing about what side goes where!
This cable could be considered the “professional” option, but it is most likely overkill in most homes. The Anker USB C Thunderbolt 3 Cable has a charging capacity of 100 W and can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro or any high-powered laptop.
The USB C device end has a plastic coating which is more durable than the nylon weave on the other two cables.
- Best to buy: It really doesn’t matter what you get, they’re all great and will last for quite some time! But if I were forced to choose one, it would be this Anker cable because of its durability and charging capacity. And while these might not seem like necessities now, when your laptop or phone is out of juice halfway through an important project – you’ll wish that you had purchased them earlier!
Key specs:
- Thunderbolt 3 data-transfer rates (up to 40 Gbps)
- 100-watt charging
- 1.6 feet long
Best for iPhone, iPad, and other Lightning devices
Let’s consider a few cables for iPhones, Ipad, and other lightning devices.
1. Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable
Why you might like it: When paired with a high-speed USB-C fast charger, USB-C-to-Lightning cables allow you to charge iPhones (8 or 8 Plus or later) and most iPad Pros (excluding the newest models, which charge via USB-C) at much faster speeds than USB-A chargers and cables that come with most Apple devices.
This USB-C to Lightning cable also has a double-braided nylon exterior and lightning connector. And Anker’s exclusive PowerLine technology ensures that the cable is durable enough to withstand heavy use, as well as being fast and reliable.

Although our testing equipment does not allow us to test the internal capabilities of any USB-C-to-Lightning cables, we did conduct a head-to-head comparison of several options certified under Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) program.
The Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 feet) is ideal for on-the-go charging, while the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (6 feet) is ideal for keeping at your desk or nightstand.
The Anker cables are MFi-certified, which means they meet Apple’s standards for optimal charging and data-transfer performance with the company’s devices, ranging from iPhones to Magic Trackpads.
Although unlicensed third-party options are available, we chose not to consider them because they may not be fully compatible with Apple devices, and you risk the cable fitting incorrectly or overheating, damaging the cable, your device, or both.
Key specs:
- USB 2.0 data-transfer rates (up to 480 Mbps)
- 18 W USB Cable Power Delivery (USB-PD) fast charging
- 3 feet and 6 feet long
2. Nomad USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 meters)
Why you might like it: The 3-meter Nomad USB-C to Lightning Port is as fast as any other cable we tested, and it’s protected by the most durable sheath we’ve seen.
The housing is made of a thick, double-braided Kevlar that appears to be less prone to wear and snag than the more common nylon. The cable’s plastic housings are strong, and it has ridges along the collar for added flexibility.
Key Features:
- Nomad USB-C to Lightning Cable (3 Meter)
- Anker Ultra High-Speed 18W USB Wall Charger – PowerPort+ with PD Wireless Charging Pad Compatible
- Slim Design for Travel or Home Use, Weight 12 ounces.
- Apple iPhone Xs Max 256GB Unlocked Smartphone (GSM + CDMA) 11-inch Display, A12 Bionic chip, Dual Rear Camera: 12MP Wide & Telephoto F/12 MP and Front Camera Selfie Flash
- Apple Magic Mouse and Trackpad 2018
It’s also the longest cable we tested, at nearly 10 feet, allowing you to reach farther away outlets more easily. The Nomad, like the Anker PowerLine II cables, is Apple MFi-certified to work with an Apple device.
And, while Nomad’s five-year warranty does not match Anker’s lifetime warranty, it is longer than the coverage period of most cables we tested. Finally, the Nomad’s rubber cable tie is more robust than any we’ve seen, with thick ridges fastening it closed, keeping your cable securely coiled.
Key specs:
- USB 2.0 data transfer speed (up to 480 Mbps)
- 18 W USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) fast charging speed
- 10 feet long (also available in 5 feet)
Best for headphones and other accessories (USB-A and Micro-USB)
1. Belkin Boost Charge USB-C to USB-A Cable
Why you might like it: For charging a phone, tablet, or another small USB-C device on a USB-A port, the Belkin Boost Charge USB-C to USB-A Cable is your best bet.
Because many older wall chargers, car chargers, and laptops only have USB-A ports, having at least one cable like this on hand can be beneficial. The Boost Charge cable isn’t as powerful as most of our other choices, but we confirmed in testing that it can charge devices at up to 15 W of power, which is the maximum for this type of cable.
When we plug and unplugged, the plastic housings looked nicely rounded and comfortable to understand and were firmly attached to the body. The cable itself is also thin and flexible and easy in a bag or pocket to spray and store.
The length between the outlet and a bedside table or desk is 6.6 feet, but the version also comes with 3.3 feet when a shorter cable is preferable. Furthermore, it is USB-IF certified, supported by a two-year warranty, and priced at just 10$.
Highlights:
- Data transmission rates USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps)
- Charge of 15 watts
- Length 6.6 feet (also available in 3.3 feet)
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 Cable
Why you might like it: A very unusual USB-C-to-USB-TV cable with fast transmittal functionality up to 10Gbp is the Anker USB C Powerline II to USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 cable.
If a cable such as this is required for example to charge a USB-C phone on the USB-A port of a laptop and transfer files between them-this is what you will be able to get.
Our test results reached full transfer speeds and can charge small devices with up to 15 W power, just like our main pick in this category. The cabin body is nice to be thin and flexible, and the boxes on both ends are made from a solid plastic piece, a design that makes the box lengthy, and unbroken, compared to the rubber collar.
The main disadvantage of this cable is that it is short-only 3 feet long-but that is the maximum length that a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable can be without adding a lot of bulk. And, while it is reasonably priced, it is slightly more expensive than the $10 Belkin.
Key specs:
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 data-transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps)
- 15-watt charging
- 3 feet long
CONCLUSION On The Best USB C To Lightning Cable
This is our highlight of the BEST USB C to Lightning cable. We hope you will review the specs and benefits and make the best buying decision. Out pick is the Anker PowerLine II.
FAQs About Best USB C To Lightning Cable
Is USB-C to Lightning cable faster?
USB-C can support USB4, the most recent and fastest USB specification. As a result, USB-C cables can now transfer data at speeds of up to 40Gbps. Lightning cables, on the other hand, are much slower and transfer data at USB 2.0 rates of 480Mbps.
Are all Lightning to USB-C cables the same?
The majority of Apple products use Lightning connectors, whereas Android devices and newer iPad models use USB-C connectors. Micro USB connectors are commonly found on smartphones, headphones, battery packs, and other portable devices.
Can I use a USB-C to Lightning cable?
You can charge and sync your AirPods, AirPods Pro, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, as well as charge a Siri Remote, with a USB-C to Lightning cable. When connected to a USB-C port, a USB-C to Lightning cable can charge your AirPods, AirPods Pro, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.