USB-C has been gaining traction in recent years, thanks to much faster-charging USB Power Delivery (PD) standard capable of delivering up to 100W of power. But the older USB-A interface and corresponding USB-A to lightning cable has been around for years, albeit supporting low power output of up to 5W.
Now, Apple has taken a bold move towards the future of fast charging. The new iPhone 12 doesn’t come with a charging brick or earphones. Instead, it’ll come with USB-C to Lightning cable. You’ll then have to buy a USB-C power adapter separately to charge your new iPhone since the old 5W USB-A power brick won’t work with this cable. We have already recommended some great options for USB-C chargers — see the article linked below.
Read more: iPhone 12 doesn’t come with a charger; Here are 5 best USB-C Fast Chargers
If you happen to lose your USB-C to Lightning cable or want to have a second one as a backup, then you’ll have to hunt for USB-C to Lightning cable from Apple or trusted third-party accessory manufacturers. Look out for MFi-certified label which means “Made For iPhone/iPod/iPad” . The advantage of USB-C to Lightning cable over the older USB-A to Lightning cable is that it supports fast charging with compatible charging brick. If used with a 20W brick, you can charge your iPhone 12 to 50% in just 30 minutes according to Apple.
So here are some of the best USB-C to Lightning cables you can buy right now;
1. Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m)
This cable is sold by Apple itself for $19 on the Apple website for the 1-meter long version. You can use it to fast charge iPhone, iPad, or iPod using the 18W, 20W, 29W, 30W, 61W, 87W, or 96W USB‑C Power Adapter. You can also use it to sync or charge your iPhone with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port on your Mac.
3. Anker USB C to Lightning Cable
4. UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Cable
UGREEN is a Chinese company known for producing premium mobile accessories at a budget price point. Compared to regular chargers, this $12.99 MFi-certified 3-feet USB-C to Lightning cable will fast-charge your Apple devices for less time. It is nylon-braided and comes with over-voltage protection. The outer nylon-braided protection makes it pretty strong and durable; it is tested for up to 15,000 bends.
5. Ronymarx Apple MFi Certified Cable
This Ronymarx MFi-certified cable is the cheapest choice we’ve come across at just $6.58. With a compatible USB-C Power delivery charging brick, you can charge your iPhone to 50% in just 30 minutes. This cable is braided and subjected to 15,000 bend tests for durability. This cable comes in black, silver, rose colors.
6. AUKEY USB C to Lightning Cable Braided Nylon (3 Pack)
If you have multiple Apple devices, then your best option is this Aukey 3-pack cable worth $20.99. It consists of three cables of varying lengths (6-feet, 3-feet, and 1-feet). Aukey is a known brand in mobile charging accessories. This 3-cable pack is Apple MFi-certified ensuring compatibility with iPhone, iPad, and iPod. The cables are nylon-braided with aramid fiber, making them flexible and durable. If you are looking for a single cable, then you’ll pack with 3.9ft for $11.99 instead.
So whether you are looking for a second USB-C to Lightning cable for your new iPhone 12 or just want to fast-charge your existing iPhone models, you can always get choices from as low as $6 to as much as $19.
