Lightning ports have 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 purchase 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.
If you happen to 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 very best setup for iPhones earlier than the iPhone 15 is a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. Take a look at our checks for the most effective USB-C chargers for iPhone.
As most Apple customers will agree, one phone-charging cable isn’t sufficient. Whether or not it will get broken by way of put on and tear, or it’s misplaced, borrowed or stolen, you possibly can assure it’s by no means there if you want it.
Third-party Apple-certified cables are dearer than many on-line alternate options however we extremely suggest you purchase a licensed cable, as a result of low-cost third-party alternate options have a nasty behavior of immediately 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 affordable Lightning cable.
There are exceptions, nevertheless, so just a few of the cables beneficial under have been examined by us however don’t have the MFi stamp of approval. These are clearly marked.
If you happen to’re endlessly shopping for new cables, you may also wish 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 transportable wi-fi chargers with built-in batteries now out there. All current-generation iPhones assist wi-fi charging, however do word that it is a slower course of than charging through a cable (relying in your cable and adapter). Purchase a MagSafe model solely when you’ve got an iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15.
iPhone 15 and USB-C iPad customers ought to go to our roundup of the most effective 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 at the least an 18W adaptor). Apple’s variant may be one of many dearer examples, however it’s additionally essentially the most reliable, hailing direct from Apple itself. That mentioned, Apple’s non-braided cables have a fame for fraying and dropping their pristine white shade over time.
The usual cable that ships with most Apple merchandise is the 1m cable, however it’s additionally out there 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 would possibly wish to purchase your Lightning cable direct from Apple. As a USB-A cable it received’t assist Apple’s Quick Cost on iPhone, however it’s fairly helpful none the much less in the event you personal a charger with the previous rectangular USB-A port. We nonetheless suggest you improve to a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable.
It’s out there at half or double the usual 1m size (0.5m is identical value; 2m is somewhat further). Both manner, it’s nonetheless costly in comparison with some third-party Lightning cables.
Do word that these Apple white cables usually are likely to go a pleasant shade of murky grey fairly quick, relying in your utilization.
Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest price range USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tremendous robust
- Reasonably priced
- Quick Cost
- Coloration choices
Value When Reviewed:
$19.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
Anker is without doubt one of 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 price range providing however remains to be extra strong than Apple’s cables and out there in a wider alternative 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.
Keep in mind that you want a USB-C to Lightning cable like this one for fast-charging iPhones older than the iPhone 15.
Amazon Fundamentals USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest primary USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- 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 besides. Low-cost doesn’t imply dangerous although—Fundamentals’ 1.82m cable is affordable, and if you could find the shorter variant in inventory it’s even cheaper.
Amazon does word that it really works with ‘nearly all cases’, so chances are you’ll wish to double-check, however we doubt this is able to be an issue for many equipment.
It’s out there in a number of shade selections, together with white, black and purple, in most areas.
AmazonBasics Lightning cable – Finest primary USB-A to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- 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, it is a first rate reasonably priced USB-A to Lightning cable out there in numerous lengths and colours. It’s USB-A so not a Quick Cost choice just like the USB-C model.
Fonemax Retractable USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest retractable Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tangle-free and tidy
- Reasonably priced
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 checks, and we will’t discover a licensed retractable Lightning cable on the market anyplace.
It’s a actual boon for holding your desk or cable drawer tidy. We’d like all our cables to be retractable!
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 technique 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 on the market 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.
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 suits older chargers however doesn’t assist Apple’s Quick Cost just like the USB-C model does.
Like its extra trendy sibling, it’s out there 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.
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 alternative is additional away out of your sprawling place of alternative then that is the reply.
It’s additionally helpful for passing spherical in a automobile. The thicker than Apple cable is extra sturdy and will final you some time.
If you happen to actually should follow a slower USB-A charger, there’s a 20-foot USB-A to Lightning cable model.
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 already know what? Typically you simply want a brief cable, reasonably than a thin python snaking over your desk.
Probably the greatest 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 received’t assist iPhone Quick Cost because it has USB-A on the different finish.
It’s 15cm (6in) lengthy, and out there in both black-&-white, black or rose gold relying on which Amazon retailer you might be shopping for from.
Wave Bio-Primarily based Lightning Charging Cable – Finest eco-friendly Lightning cable
Professionals
- USB-C for Quick Cost
- Eco pleasant
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 1m
MFi: No
Quick cost: Sure
The outside of those USB-C to Lightning cables is constructed utilizing plant-based supplies, thus decreasing a reliance on petroleum-based plastics like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
The packaging is recyclable (the bio-based cables are secured by a recyclable paper sleeve) and even the transport is carbon impartial, offsetting the CO2 produced.
Delivery outdoors the UK is an additional US$6.30 or €6, however in the event you worth the planet that’s not quite a bit to pay.
Wave additionally makes a USB-A to Lightning model of the cable, however keep in mind that this received’t assist quick charging just like the USB-C to Lightning cable.
The cables should not but MFi licensed however might be at a later date, relying on demand.
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 may also be used as a telephone stand—nice for streaming films or making FaceTime calls whereas charging your telephone. The stand works in panorama mode solely.
The 4-foot braided nylon jacket is constructed from recycled supplies, corresponding to fishing nets and textile manufacturing waste. It has USB-C on one finish and Lightning on the opposite,
USB-A vs USB-C: Which Lightning cable ought to I purchase?
Quick Cost on an iPhone (out there 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 out there 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 the most effective 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 in a position to accommodate the newest 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.