Lightning ports had been as soon as ubiquitous throughout Apple’s iPhone and iPad line-up. Apple is switching to USB-C ports for its iPads and from the iPhone 15 household, the Lightning port is now changed by USB-C.
However for iPhone variations 5 to 14, Lightning is the port you want a cable for.
For iPhones and older iPads that use the Lightning port, you should buy a cable that has a Lightning connector at one finish and both full-size USB-A or the smaller, reversible USB-C connector on the different to plug right into a charger.
In the event you nonetheless have a charger with a USB-A port, take into account upgrading to a USB-C charger as iPhone fast-charging solely works with a USB-C charger. The most effective setup for iPhones earlier than the iPhone 15 is a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. Try our exams for one of the best USB-C chargers for iPhone.
As most Apple customers will agree, one phone-charging cable is rarely sufficient. Whether or not it will get broken by means of put on and tear, or it’s misplaced, borrowed or stolen, you possibly can assure it’s by no means there once you want it.
Third-party Apple-certified cables are dearer than many on-line alternate options however we extremely advocate you purchase a licensed cable, as a result of low cost third-party alternate options have a nasty behavior of instantly deciding to cease working together with your gadget. Furthermore, they are often harmful—listed here are some good explanation why you shouldn’t purchase an inexpensive Lightning cable.
In the event you’re eternally shopping for new cables, you may also need to take into account a Qi wi-fi charger or for iPhone 12/13/14/15 a MagSafe charger, with conventional docks, stands and pads in addition to moveable wi-fi chargers with built-in batteries now accessible. All current-generation iPhones help wi-fi charging, however do notice that this can be a slower course of than charging through a cable (relying in your cable and adapter). Purchase a MagSafe model solely when you have an iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15.
iPhone 15 and USB-C iPad customers ought to go to our roundup of one of the best USB-C charging cables for iPhone.
Finest Lightning cables for iPhone and iPad
Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable – Apple’s personal USB-C to Lightning Cable
Professionals
- Made by Apple
- Quick cost
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
To unlock Quick Cost in your iPhone you want a USB-C to Lightning cable (and no less than an 18W adaptor). Apple’s variant is perhaps one of many dearer examples, however it’s additionally essentially the most reliable, hailing direct from Apple itself. That stated, Apple’s non-braided cables have a repute for fraying and shedding their pristine white colour over time.
The usual cable that ships with most Apple merchandise is the 1m cable, however it’s additionally accessible at double that size (2m).
Apple Lightning to USB-A cable – Apple’s personal USB-A to Lightning Cable
USB sort: USB-A
Size: 0.5m, 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
Not as iconic because the white earbuds, however white and helpful nonetheless, you may need to purchase your Lightning cable direct from Apple. As a USB-A cable it gained’t help Apple’s Quick Cost on iPhone, however it’s fairly useful none the much less should you personal a charger with the outdated rectangular USB-A port. We nonetheless advocate you improve to a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable.
It’s accessible at half or double the usual 1m size (0.5m is identical worth; 2m is just a little additional). Both manner, it’s nonetheless costly in comparison with some third-party Lightning cables.
Do notice that these Apple white cables typically are inclined to go a pleasant shade of murky grey fairly quick, relying in your utilization.
Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest funds USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tremendous powerful
- Inexpensive
- Quick Cost
- Colour choices
Value When Reviewed:
$19.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
Anker is among the most trusted Apple-accessory manufacturers, and it provides a variety of USB to Lightning cables. The Apple-certified, nylon-braided Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable is its funds providing however remains to be extra strong than Apple’s cables and accessible in a wider selection of lengths (from 1m to 2m) and colours (Black, Silver, Blue and Purple).
Anker claims that the 331 cable can face up to as much as 12,000 bends. The Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable ups that declare to 35,000 bends.
Amazon Fundamentals USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest fundamental USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- USB-C for Quick Cost
- A number of colours and lengths
Value When Reviewed:
$11.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
Merchandise within the AmazonBasics vary simply work and so they’re very low cost as well. Low-cost doesn’t imply dangerous although—Fundamentals’ 1.82m cable is affordable, and if yow will discover the shorter variant in inventory it’s even cheaper.
Amazon does notice that it really works with ‘practically all circumstances’, so it’s possible you’ll need to double-check, however we doubt this may be an issue for many equipment.
It’s accessible in a number of colour selections, together with white, black and purple, in most areas.
AmazonBasics Lightning cable – Finest fundamental USB-A to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- A number of colours and lengths
Value When Reviewed:
$11.69
USB sort: USB-A
Size: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
For older chargers, this can be a respectable reasonably priced USB-A to Lightning cable accessible in varied lengths and colours. It’s USB-A so not a Quick Cost possibility just like the USB-C model.
Fonemax Retractable USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest retractable Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tangle-free and tidy
- Inexpensive
Value When Reviewed:
$12.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: Stretches to 1.2m
MFi: No
Quick cost: Sure
If lengthy, messy cable snakes annoy you, then a retractable Lightning cable will prevent from tangles, and is far simpler to retailer and carry round.
This retractable USB-C to Lightning cable isn’t Apple licensed however labored nicely in our exams, and we will’t discover a licensed retractable cable on the market anyplace.
StarTech.com USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest coiled USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Compact and tangle-free
- USB-C for Quick Cost
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 0.5 m or 1m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
One other method to keep away from cable snakes is a coiled cable that takes up much less area in your desk or wherever you lay it.
This coiled Lightning cable from StarTech.com is out there with both USB-A or USB-C however USB-C to Lightning is healthier for Quick Cost, and in both 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths.
The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer model extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft.
StarTech.com USB to Lightning Cable – Finest Coiled USB-A to Lightning cable
Value When Reviewed:
$18.99
USB sort: USB-A
Size: 0.5 m or 1m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
This coiled Lightning cable with USB-A on the different finish matches older chargers however doesn’t help Apple’s Quick Cost just like the USB-C model does.
Like its extra fashionable sibling, it’s accessible in both 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths. The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer model extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft.
Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable
Value When Reviewed:
$14.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 0.3m (1ft)
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
You realize what? Typically you simply want a brief cable, fairly than a thin python snaking over your desk.
Top-of-the-line quick Lightning cables we’ve seen is from Anker, it’s only a foot lengthy, and it’s MFI licensed.
CableCreation Quick iPhone Charger Cable – Finest quick USB-A to Lightning cable
USB sort: USB-A
Size: 15cm
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
This USB-A to Lightning cable from CableCreation is MFI licensed however gained’t help iPhone Quick Cost because it has USB-A on the different finish.
It’s 15cm (6in) lengthy, and accessible in both black-&-white, black or rose gold relying on which Amazon retailer you’re shopping for from.
RapidX Lightning Charging Cable Stand – Finest Cable/Stand hybrid
Cons
- Panorama mode just for stand
Value When Reviewed:
$19.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 1.2m
MFi: No
Quick cost: Sure
Most cables simply do one or two issues: charging and information switch or each. The RapidX 2-in-1 Lightning Charging Cable can be used as a cellphone stand—nice for streaming motion pictures or making FaceTime calls whereas charging your cellphone. The stand works in panorama mode solely.
The 4-foot braided nylon jacket is produced from recycled supplies, akin to fishing nets and textile manufacturing waste. It has USB-C on one finish and Lightning on the opposite,
Value When Reviewed:
$17.99
USB sort: USB-A
Size: 6m (20ft)
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
This Lightning cable is a tremendous 6m (that’s 20-feet) lengthy. If the plug outlet in your room of selection is additional away out of your sprawling place of selection then that is the reply.
It’s additionally useful for passing spherical in a automobile. The thicker than Apple cable is extra sturdy and will final you some time.
In the event you actually should keep on with a slower USB-A charger, there’s a 20-foot USB-A to Lightning cable model.
USB-A vs USB-C: Which Lightning cable ought to I purchase?
Quick Cost on an iPhone (accessible on iPhone 8 and above) will be achieved solely when utilizing a USB-C to Lightning cable, and pairing it with both an 18W-plus charger (now accessible in 20W as much as 96W, with the 140W mannequin not beneficial for iPhone) or a third-party mannequin that helps Energy Supply. See our roundup of one of the best iPhone chargers.
A USB-A to Lightning cable will cost your iPhone extra slowly, no matter what adapter it’s paired with.
It’s true that there are additionally some variations between USB-C and USB-A in the case of data-transfer speeds, with solely USB-C capable of accommodate the most recent USB 4.0 customary, which might obtain Thunderbolt 3/4-equivalent speeds of 40Gbps. Regardless, Lightning can carry solely 480Mbps (akin to USB 2.0 pace), making this a moot level for this batch of cables.
An identical in design to Thunderbolt, USB-C is a conveniently reversible and future-proofed connector. However USB-A stays commonplace and, for that, it’s nonetheless wanted by iPhone and iPad customers.
