The best USB-C cables for your Android phone or laptop
The best USB-C cable overall
The best cheap USB-C cable
Amazon undercuts the competition with the high-quality cheap products it sells under the name AmazonBasics. If you just need a basic USB-C cable and you don't want to spend a premium, the AmazonBasics line of USB-C cables is excellent.
Whether you need a 6-inch, 3-foot, 6-foot, or 9-foot cord, Amazon has it. You can also get each of those cables in one of two formats: USB-C to USB-C (for when you need to connect two new USB-C devices) or USB-C to USB-A (for when you need to connect a USB-C device to an older USB-A device).
Every AmazonBasics USB-C cable offers up to 480Mbps data transfer, power output up to 5V or 3 Amp, and a one-year limited warranty. The cables are also certified by USB-IF as compliant with USB 2.0 standards.
In other words, these cables won't fry your devices by pumping out too much power, but they also don't meet the USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 standards, so they won't be as speedy as other cables. You may not get the full QuickCharge speeds on your phone, but AmazonBasics' USB-C cables are more than adequate.
Reviews on Amazon are positive, and you generally can't go wrong with AmazonBasics products. These cables also have a one-year warranty in case something goes wrong. If you're not happy with it, Amazon will let you return it up to 30-days after the date of purchase.
Pros: Cheap, meets USB-IF standards, available in various lengths, available as a USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to USB-A cable, supports fast charging, one-year warranty
Cons: Only comes in black or white and it's not as durable as others
Buy the 6-inch AmazonBasics Type-C to USB 2.0 Type-C cable on Amazon for $6.49 Buy the 3-foot AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB-C 2.0 Cable on Amazon for $6.99 Buy the 3-foot AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable on Amazon for $6.99 Buy the 6-foot AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB-C 2.0 Cable on Amazon for $7.99 Buy the 6-foot AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable on Amazon for $6.49 Buy the 9-foot AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB-C 2.0 Cable on Amazon for $6.95 Buy the 9-foot AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Cable on Amazon for $9.99The best long USB-C cable
Outlets are rarely where you need them to be, so having a long charging cord in your arsenal is essential. Native Union's Night Cables measure 10-feet long so you don't have to struggle to make your charging cable reach your device.
The insides of these USB-C cables are covered in a layer of aluminum, which is covered in braided nylon for added durability. The multiple layers also make Native Union's cables less prone to tangle. The stress points near the charging ends are pretty sturdy, too, and the cables come with a one-year warranty in case they're defective.
Like all the USB-C cables on our list, the Native Union cable conforms to the USB Type-C specifications and it's safe to use. This cable supports 2.4A charging, so it won't charge certain devices quite as quickly as other cables.
Pros: Super long 10-foot cord, sturdy braided design, supports 2.4A charging, connects USB-C devices with older USB-A ports
Cons: Doesn't match QuickCharge speeds for all phones
Buy the Native Union Night Cable on Amazon for $39.99The best USB-C to Micro USB adapter
If you've had an Android phone for the past few years, you probably have a bunch of Micro USB cables around your house. Now that you have a brand-new phone with a USB-C connection for charging, you're probably looking at your pile of Micro USB cables with deep sadness. The good news is, you don't have to start over and buy new cables. The Anker USB-C to Micro USB adapters turn your old Micro USB cables into USB-C cables.
You can get two-pack of the adapters for about $7 on Amazon when they're on sale, or $12.999 when they're full price. Here's how they work: You take your old Micro USB cable and plug it right into the adapter, and voila! You have a USB-C cable.ses 56K Resistor, Works with MacBook, Chromebook Pixel, Nexus 6P, OnePlus 2, and more.
The adapters have a 56K resistor inside to prevent any accidents, so don't worry about frying your devices. Anker offers an 18-month warranty and advertises that the adapter works with the USB-C MacBook, the Chromebook Pixel, the Nexus 6P, the OnePlus 2, and more, but it should work with any USB-C device you have — period.
The adapter supports high-speed Micro USB charging and uses the USB 2.0 standard, so it may not be as speedy as some other options, but it'll get the job done at 480 Mbps. Internet famous reviewer Benson Leung gives the adapters five stars in his review, too, so you're in good hands.
Pros: Adapters change old Micro USB cables into USB-C cables, USB 2.0 standard, affordable, comes with two
Cons: Not the fastest charge or sync speeds
Buy the Anker USB-C to Micro USB Adapter (2-pack) on Amazon for $6.99 (originally $12.99)The best universal USB-C cable
If you live in a multi-device household, you need this Universal Cable from Nomad. It has lightning, Micro USB, and USB-C ends to charge any phone and many other devices, too.
The core cable is USB A to Micro USB, and it measures 1.5 meters in length, so it's long enough to stretch a bit. You can also wrap up the excess cable with the included tie.
The cable itself is 10K Mil-spec flex tested, and its braided ballistic nylon covering keeps it strong and prevents fraying even with intense use. Nomad guarantees that the cable will last at least five years, which is pretty impressive.
We tried out one of these cables and loved it. It's the only cable you'll ever need. No matter what devices you, your friends, and your family carry, this cable can charge them — no questions asked.
Pros: Works with all phones, strong, five-year guarantee
Cons: A bit pricey
Buy the Nomad Universal Cable from Nomad for $36.95 Buy the Nomad Universal Cable on Amazon for $36.95Advertisement