Best Products Phones & Accessories 98 98 people found this article helpful The 9 Best iPhone Lightning Cables of 2021 Make sure your iPhone never runs out of juice with these Lightning cables by Alex Williams Writer Alex Williams is an experienced tech writer with an interest in wearable technologies. He focuses on everything from gaming headsets to headphones. our editorial process Alex Williams Updated on February 02, 2021 Phones & Accessories Accessories Tweet Share Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The Rundown Best Overall: Apple 6ft. Lightning to USB-A at Amazon "This reliable options acts as a universal charging cable for your favorite Apple devices." Best Official: Apple 3ft. Lightning to USB at Amazon "Gives you the same reliable charging power as its six-foot sister but at a more manageable size." Best Braided: YUNGSONG 6ft. Lightning to USB-A (3-pack) at Amazon "Each cable features a woven nylon sheath that resists fraying and has been rated to withstand over 8,000 bends." Best with Power Block: KOZOPO 6ft. Lightning Cable (2 pack) at Amazon "Comes with a two-socket adapter that is ETL and FCC certified for safety." Best Cheap: AmazonBasics Lightning Cable at Amazon "Apple-certified to be compatible with almost any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch." Best 90-Degree: Aukey 6ft. Lightning to USB-C (2 pack) at Amazon "Won't twist or tangle when you try to charge devices and work at the same time." Best Multi-Cable: Amuvec 4ft. Multi-Lightning to USB-A at Amazon "Features four different connections to power and sync both iOS and Android devices." Best Style: Hiway 6ft. Lightning to USB-A Cable at Amazon "A colorful woven nylon sheath prevents splitting and fraying for long-lasting durability." Best Fast Charger: Quntis PD Charger and Lightning to USB-C Cable at Amazon "Gives a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes." If you own an iPhone, you'll need a Lightning cable to charge your device and transfer data despite the push toward USB-C. There are a few objective differences separating one Lightning cable from another, however, some include multiple adapters for different charging standards, whereas some provide some additional slack or integrated cable management solutions. Some cables can be longer, reaching up to 10 feet or more, and there are also durable options that are less prone to kinking and breakages. If you want to take advantage of a fast-charging adapter for the latest iPhones, you'll also want to make sure your Lightning cable is MiFi certified for safety and standard reasons. If you're looking for charging solutions, you should also take a look at our list of the best charging stations, especially if you have multiple devices. Otherwise, read on to see the best Lightning cables to get if the one that came in your box just isn't cutting it anymore. Best Overall: Apple 6ft. Lightning to USB-A 4.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on Best Buy Buy on Walmart What We Like Long cable More durable-feeling than the 3-foot version Fast charging Reversible design Compatible with newer iPods and iPads What We Don't Like Expensive Dirties easily Apple Lightning to USB Cable (6-Foot) Review When choosing the best charging cable for your iPhone, the six-foot Apple Lightning cable should be your top consideration. This official Apple Lightning cable gives you a quick, reliable charge time after time. It uses a USB-A port to connect to a wall adapter to provide power or to your computer charge and sync your phone with your Macbook Pro, or Mac desktop, at the same time. The six-foot length gives you the freedom to use just about any outlet in a room, making it perfect to keep as your main charging cable in your home to use whenever your battery gets low. The durable rubber-plastic coating protects the internal wires from damage and prevents electrical shock. This Lightning cable also works with newer iPad and iPod Touch models to act as a universal charging cable for your favorite Apple devices. "It consistently took 2.5 hours to charge an iPhone 6S from fully drained to 100 percent full." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best Official: Apple 3ft. Lightning to USB 4.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Verizon What We Like Genuine Apple product Reversible port design Delivers consistent charging What We Don't Like Pricey Doesn't feel as sturdy as some rivals Cord could be short in some situations Apple Lightning to USB Cable (3-Foot) Review The three-foot Apple Lightning cable gives you the same reliable charging power as its six-foot sister but at a more manageable size. The three-foot length is perfect for keeping in your car, purse, or travel bag as a backup charger while you travel or commute to work. The cable length is also suited for syncing your iPhone or iPad to your Macbook or Mac desktop when table space is at a premium. The Lightning pin end will charge your Apple devices no matter how it is inserted into the charging port, eliminating the need to fumble with the connection when you need power in a pinch. Like its sister cable, the three-foot Lightning cable can be used with a wall adapter to charge your devices via AC outlet. "It’s natural to expect consistent charging from this official accessory, and this cord delivers." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best Braided: YUNGSONG 6ft. Lightning to USB-A iPhone Charger (3-pack) 4.2 Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay What We Like Durable build Comes in three-pack Cables are 6 feet long Affordable What We Don't Like Not MiFi certified No warranty YUNSONG iPhone Charger Review If you're looking for a charging cable that will be more durable than most others, check out the Yungsong Lightning cable three-pack. Each cable features a woven nylon sheath that resists fraying and splitting for long-lasting wire protection and is rated to withstand over 8,000 bends. They also have aluminum alloy connection housings that reinforce common stress points to prevent cracking and splitting near the phone and USB connections. Not only will these cables give you a quick, consistent charge, but they also give you data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, making syncing your devices fast and simple. Each cable measures six feet in length, making it ideal for when it is not possible to sit close to a wall outlet or your computer's USB ports are difficult to access. Yungsong also provides email support for customers to troubleshoot issues and refund and replace products, with responses coming in as little as 24 hours. "The charging results were consistent with what I see from the standard Apple Lightning cable." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best with Power Block: KOZOPO 6ft. Lightning Cable (2 pack) 3.7 Buy on Amazon What We Like Dual USB to Lightning cable ports Cables are 6 feet long Delivers comparably fast charging to Apple cables FCC certified What We Don't Like Not MiFi-certified USB heads don't fit flush into charger Power block is bulky KOZOPO 6-Foot USB to Lightning Cable (2-Pack) The two-pack of Kozopo Lightning cables is the best choice if you're looking for a charging cord that also comes with a wall adapter. The adapter that is included in this bundle features two USB sockets so you can charge multiple devices at once. The adapter is also ETL and FCC certified for safety, featuring protection from overheating, power surges, and short circuiting. This bundle comes packaged with two charging cables so you can use the first for your iPhone and the second for your other favorite Apple devices that use a Lightning charger. Each cable measures six feet long to give you a long reach from a wall outlet or USB port. The cables also feature a woven protective mesh underneath the rubberized plastic sheath to give them the durability and strength to stand up to daily use. The tinned copper wiring construction ensures a quick, stable charge and fast data transfer. This cable and adapter bundle is backed by email tech support. The 10 Best AUX Cables "I could consistently rely on an iPhone 6S from charging from dead to 50 percent in just about 30 minutes." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best Cheap: AmazonBasics 3ft. Lightning to USB-A Cable 4.8 Buy on Amazon What We Like Very affordable Great color options Solid durability What We Don't Like Overly simplistic package Unexciting design Cheap material AmazonBasics Lightning Cable Review If you need a charging cable for your iPhone but don't want to fork over a ton of cash for a decent product, the AmazonBasics Lightning cable is here to help. With a price point that will fit all but the tightest of budgets, this cable delivers consistent charging and data transfer that is comparable to official Apple products. At a length of three feet, this Lightning charge cord is perfect to keep as a backup cable if your main charger fails or is lost, keeping in your car for your commute to work, or to have at your desk to use just for syncing your devices and transferring files. This cable features a segmented rubber sheath near the Lightning connection to reinforce a common stress point and prevent the wire sheath from splitting or wire breakage. The AmazonBasics Lightning cable is Apple-certified to be compatible with almost any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It is also backed by a one-year limited warranty from Amazon to refund or replace damaged or dead cables. "The cable did feel solid, and we saw little-to-no differences from when we unboxed it and after a week of use." — Jason Schneider, Product Tester Best 90-Degree: Aukey 6ft. Lightning to USB-C (2 pack) 4.7 Buy on Amazon Buy on Aukey.com What We Like 90-degree charging heads Cords are heavy-duty Reversible USB-C design 6.6-feet of total cable 24-moth warranty What We Don't Like Not compatible with iPhones Won't fit some phone cases AUKEY 90-Degree USB-C Cable Review For folks looking to buy a charging cable that won't twist or tangle while they try to charge their devices and work at the same time, there is the Aukey Lightning cable. This cable features 90-degree bends at both the USB-A and USB-C connections to prevent twisting, tangling, and wire breakage. The cable also has a braided nylon sheath to provide protection against fraying and splitting. This bundle comes with two cables so you can charge or sync multiple devices at once. In addition to supporting both Adaptive Fast Charging and Quick Charge, each cable also enables data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps to make file sharing a breeze. Each connection is housed in a zinc alloy casing for enhanced heat resistance and durability. The cables measure over six feet long to give you plenty of room to work or browse your apps while charging or syncing devices. The 9 Best Charging Stations of 2021 "Another thoughtful design touch is that both the USB-A and USB-C heads are positioned at 90-degree angles." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best Multi-Cable: Amuvec 4ft. Multi-Lightning to USB-A 4 Buy on Amazon What We Like Four-in-one charger Compatible with most smartphones 12-month warranty What We Don't Like Length of each cord is short Simultaneous multiple device charging use awkward Not capable of data syncing Amuvec Multi USB Charging Cable Review If you tend to carry a lot of devices by different manufacturers, check out the Amuvec Multi-Lightning cable. This charging cable features four different connections to power and sync both iOS and Android devices: two Lightning connections, a Micro USB, and one USB-C. This eliminates the need to carry and keep track of multiple cables while traveling for work or with family. The cable itself features a woven nylon sheath to supply long-lasting durability and strength. It also has aluminum connection housings to help insulate against heat and reinforce common stress points to prevent breakage. The four-foot length is perfect for keeping at your desk, in your car, or in your travel bag. This bundle comes with two cables so you can keep one at home and one at work for power wherever you go. The cables are backed by a 30-day return policy, a one year warranty, and 24/7 tech support. "This charging cord retails for about $12, which is a steal if you think about the fact that you’re getting four charging cables in one—and double that since this cable comes in a two-pack." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best Style: Hiway 6ft. Braided Nylon Lightning to USB-A Cable (3 pack) 4.2 Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay What We Like Made of durable material Compatible with wide range of Apple devices Doesn't tangle easily Provides charging and syncing What We Don't Like Not MiFi certified No warranty coverage Hiway Nylon Braided Lightning Cable Review A reliable charging cable doesn't always require you to sacrifice style for function. This design will complement almost anyone's personal style and add a splash of color to your tech arsenal. The cable features a woven nylon sheath to prevent splitting and fraying for long-lasting durability. The connection housings are made of aluminum to resist heat and corrosion to provide strong and secure connections whether it's your first or 1,001st use. This bundle comes with three cables, so you can keep one in your bedroom, home office, and car to have a reliable charge no matter where you are. Not only do these cables supply your devices the power they need, but they also allow you to transfer data and sync your phone or tablet quickly and easily. Each cord measures six feet long to give you freedom of movement whether you're working, lounging on the couch, or relaxing in bed. The 11 Best Micro USB Cables of 2021 "In a few days with this Lightning cord, it held up to any bending and manipulation." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Best Fast Charger: Quntis PD Charger and Lightning to USB-C Cable (18W) 3.5 Buy on Amazon Buy on EBay What We Like Compatible with most Apple devices 18-watt wall charger provides fast charging Velcro strap keeps cord organized Good for charging and data syncing Long 6-foot cord What We Don't Like MiFi certification questionable Expensive Quntis PD Charger and Lightning to USB-C Cable Review When you need power in a hurry, the Quintis Lightning cable is here to help. This Lightning cable is designed specifically for fast charging your mobile devices. It's able to charge your iPhone or tablet to 50 percent in as little as 30 minutes so that you can keep working or having adventures without worrying about a dead battery. The cable is also Apple-certified for all iOS-based smartphones, tablets, and laptops so you won't get any annoying error messages. Quintis has received ETL safety certification to provide you and your devices with protection from overheating, short-circuiting, and overcharging. The USB-C connection allows you to connect older iPhones and iPads to current generation Macbook laptops and Mac desktops for syncing and file transfers. It comes packaged with a hook-and-loop cable tie for hassle-free storage and travel. It's also backed by a lifetime warranty that covers dead and defective cables and email tech support. The 6 Best Car Chargers of 2021 "One thing the Quntis PD Fast Charger and Cable does have going for it is performance." — Yoona Wagener, Product Tester Final Verdict It's difficult to say that one lightning cable is objectively better than the other, we've just presented you with a collection of solid picks that we'd heartily recommend. Apple's official cables are always a solid choice, but there are plenty of 3rd party cables that offer additional connectivity options or integrated cable management. About our Trusted Experts Alex Williams has been writing professionally for the past five years. He covers a range of tech topics and has reviewed everything from video games to wearable technologies. Yoona Wagener has been writing for Lifewire since 2019. She has a background in consumer technology, mobile devices, and technical writing. Jason Schneider has been writing for Lifewire since 2019. Boasting almost ten years' experience writing for tech and media companies, he's reviewed hundreds of products and specializes in mobile and audio devices. FAQs What is the best Lightning to USB cable?Most of the Lightning cables on this list are Lightning to USB cables, meaning you plug in with the USB-A side for the adapter and charge your iPhone/iPad with the Lightning end. You won't really go wrong with the standard Apple 6ft. Lightning to USB-A cable. You can rest assured that it's up to standard, it's more durable than the 3-foot version, and it supports fast charging. What is the best Lightning to HDMI cable?Lightning to HDMI cables are useful to get you a video output for your iPhone or iPad. We generally don't advise buying Apple's Digital AV Adapter because there's a better way to get your content onto a bigger screen through Airplay, but if that's not an option for you, the first-party accessory is a good choice. Otherwise, there is no shortage of Lightning to HDMI cables available from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers. Which Anker Lightning cable is the best?We like the Anker 3ft. Powerline Lightning to USB-A cable. It comes in a pack of three, each of which are 3 feet long. They're certified by Apple for consistent charging and feature an 18-month warranty. You can also get longer versions of Anker's Powerline Lightning cable, giving you plenty of options to suit your needs. What to Look for in an iPhone Lightning Cable Price - The standard Apple Lightning to USB cable costs $19, though it can cost as much as $35 depending on the length and configuration. In our opinion, it’s silly to pay that much when there are cheaper and better designed cables out there. You can get a perfectly good replacement for around $8, or pony up a little extra for cool colors or other features. Durability - If you have a hungry dog in the house, you might want to spring for a cable that has enhanced durability. Some cables have an additional layer of protection at both connector ends to prevent fraying, while others promise a 10,000+-bend lifespan. Length - The cable that comes included with your Apple device measures 1 meter, but there are plenty of options out there if you want to opt for something longer. Coming in different lengths up to six feet, these cords make sure you’ll never have to worry about reaching the wall again. And while Apple has a 2-meter cable available on its site, it’ll cost you a pretty $29. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit