You’ll find two types of USB C cables—USB Type-A to USB Type-C and USB Type-C to USB Type-C. Just pick the one that matches the port available on your charging adapter. You can also use these cables with power banks.
As you would expect, different USB C cables come with different power handling capacities. While a Type A to Type C cable can typically handle up to 15W or 18W of charging with a maximum of 3amp current, the Type C to Type C cables can go all the way up to 240W. That said, you won’t find 240W capable Type C cables in the market just yet. But while buying a new USB C cable, you have to look for that particular cable’s power support. For example, some USB C to USB C cables can only support 30W charging, whereas others are capable of 60W or 100W charging.
So depending on your charging adapter and device’s capabilities, you can pick a cable that suits your needs. But even if you choose a 100W cord for your 30W or 60W charging needs, the cable will work just fine. However, your 30W or 45W charging cable won’t be able to pass more than its rated capacity even with a 100W charger. I hope all this is not too confusing. But if you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section, and I’ll be happy to answer.
Best USB C cables for charging
Best USB C to USB C cable | Best USB A to USB C cable | Best USB C to USB C cable with right-angle connector | Best USB A to USB C cable with right-angle connector | Best universal cable |
Cable Matters Type C to Type C cable | Cable Matter Type A to Type C cable | Ugreen Type C to Type C cable | Ugreen Type A to Type C cable | Belkin 3-in-1 cable |
Best USB C to USB C cable for up to 100W charging: Cable Matters 6.6 feet charging cable
The cable is also USB-IF certified, so you can be sure that it can do what it promises. USB-IF is a non-profit founded by the companies that have developed the USB specification. It’s reasonably durable and comes in two colors—white and black. In addition, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year replacement warranty if any issues arise.
> Buy Cable Matters 100W charging cable from Amazon
Best USB Type A to USB Type C charging cable: Cable Matters USB A to USB C cable
Cable Matter USB A to USB C cable also packs USB-IF certification and is available in 3.3 feet or 1-meter size. Unfortunately, you don’t get any color options, but that’s not a big deal for a USB cable.
> Buy Cable Matter 15W charging cable from Amazon
Best USB C to USB C cable with right-angle connector: Ugreen Type C to Type C cable
The Ugreen cable is nylon-braided for extra durability, and you can buy it in 3 feet, 6 feet, and 10 feet sizes.
> Buy Ugreen Type C to Type C cable from Amazon
Best USB A to USB C cable with right angle connector: Ugreen Type A to Type C cable
You can buy the cable in 3 feet, 6 feet, and 10 feet sizes. It’s also quite affordable.
> Buy Ugreen Type A to Type C cable from Amazon
Best universal charging cable: Belkin 3-in-1 Cable
Unfortunately, the cable has a Type A port on the host end, so you’ll only be able to use it with a power adapter with a Type-A port. Also, the cable can not be used for fast charging. It is available in a single 3.3 feet size.
> Buy Belkin 3-in-1 Universal charging cable from Amazon
All the above cable recommendations are best suited for charging, but they will still offer at least USB 2.0 speeds (up to 480Mbps) for data transfer. In addition, some of the recommended cables are capable of even faster data transfer speeds, and I’ve mentioned the same in their description.
Which USB C charging cable are you planning to buy? Let me know in the comments section. Also, do share your experience with USB C charging cables. If you are also looking for an HDMI 2.1 cable, I have handpicked some of the best Ultra High Speed HDMI cables you can buy today.