The 4 Best iPhone Lightning Cables to Buy in 2017

Sometimes Apple's lightning cables conk out and you need a replacement. So we’ve compiled a list of the four best lightning cables that aren’t Apple branded, but still get the job done. However, despite these cables getting Apple’s MFI certification (meaning, they’re compatible with Apple devices and the company recognizes it), there can be occasional hang-ups with the hardware. With that said, some of these third-party lightning cables have better designs, more unique colors and stronger durability than you would normally find with an Apple one, so they wind up to becoming a better investment in the long run.

Best Overall: AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning to USB Cable

The AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning to USB Cable comes in three different sizes for your convenience: four inches, three feet and six feet. It’s an Apple MFi certified cable, so it has no problem with charging and syncing with your Apple devices. A lot of lightning cables will often produce an “unlicensed hardware” popup that shows up on your iDevice – this one won’t. The lightning cable is compatible with the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, 5s, 5c, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini and numerous other iDevices going all the way back to 5^th generation. Most Amazon users report no connectivity issues.

The lightning cable is designed with a compact lightning connector head that works with nearly all cases, so you won’t have trouble fitting it in. It has an additional layer of protection added to both the lightning and USB ends to improve durability and reduce fraying – the cables have been tested to bend 95 degrees, over 4,000 times. The cable’s long-tested durability, compatibility with numerous Apple devices, and affordable price make it the best lightning cable on the list. It comes with a one-year limited warranty in case you break it. Colors come in black and white.

Best for Durability: Anker PowerLine+ Lightning Cable (6 feet)

By far one of the strongest lightning cables on the market is the Anker PowerLine+ Lightning Cable. It’s impressive six-foot long cord, 1.9-ounce weight, and durable design makes it the strongest lightning cable on the list.

The Anker PowerLine+ lightning cable has reinforced stress points and has been tested with a 6,000+ bend lifespan which makes it one of the most durable lightning cables on the list. It’s made of a double-braided nylon exterior, toughened Kevlar fiber core and laser-welded connectors to assure superior toughness form end-to-end. It comes with an adjustable pouch, which allows you to neatly adjust the cable length for any situation, and protects the cord when transporting it.

Due to its high-end outer casing, this is one of the more expensive lightning cables on the list. It is MFi certified, so you won’t have to worry about connectivity issues, as the device is compatible with most iDevices with a lightning cable port. Despite this, some Amazon users reported that it does occasionally cause their Apple product display incompatibility issues, and that it takes time working with it to assure a sync and charge. Ideally, the Anker PowerLine+ lightning cable is for users who put their cables under high stress, like pulling, stretching and yanking without the worry of breaking it.

Other Amazon users have reported that this lightning cable does a great job with delivering a quick charge to your iPhone. One user reported that it delivers a 1.38 to 1.44mAh charge to their iPhone 7, which means that it goes a little bit faster than Apple’s standard lightning cable with a 1.3 to 1.4mAH output.

The lightning cord comes with an 18-month warranty along with customer service. Colors come in gray, red, white, and golden.

Best Budget: RAVPower 4-Pack

It’s hard to come by a lightning cable that is literally five times less than the brand name. It’s even harder to find a lightning cable that this cheap and is Apple MFi certified. Fortunately, that’s why the RAVPower lightning cable exists, and it’s one of the most affordable lightning cables on the market.

The RAVPower Lightning to USB Cable is 100 percent compatible with charging and syncing with your iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6, 6S Plus, 6 and other lightning-enabled Apple devices. Despite the low price, it’s one of the shortest lightning cables on the list, measuring only three feet long and weighing .8 ounces. The company advertises its lightning cable as a good backup, just in case you need a spare for your home or office. Its outer jacket has TPE coating, with aluminum foil shielding underneath, and has been bent-tested up to 5,000 times to assure its durability.

On the downside, despite being MFi certified, Amazon users have reported that the device doesn’t always charge or sync with your iPhone. Some users have experienced compatibility issues, while others say it’s a matter of working with the lightning cable to assure that it works and charges. Like the company says, it’s good as a quick backup cable.

Best for Budget Protection & Warranty: Swiftrans Nylon Braided

Looking for a more stylish and strong-designed lightning cable with one of the longest warranties?

The Swiftrans Apple MFI Certified Nylon Braided Lightning Cable comes in a sleek gold color and weighs 1.4 ounces. It comes in a 3.3-foot version or a 4.9-foot version. It’s Apple MFi certified and comes with a unique, verified serial number and an authorization chip used by Apple to ensure 100 percent compatibility with your iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, 5, iPad Air, Air 2 (and other multiple other iDevices that have a lightning port).

This lightning cable is made of a heat-resistant nylon braid that's been tested with a 4,200+ bend life span. This means, under vigorous testing, the lightning cable only broke after it was bent more than 4,200 times. It’s not as well-made as the Anker Powerline+, but if you don’t want to pay more than $10 for a decent and durable lightning cable, than The Swiftrans is the one for you. If you happen to break the cable, the company will replace it under its 18-month worry-free warranty.