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.
Should you nonetheless have a charger with a USB-A port, contemplate 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. Take a look at our exams for the greatest 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’ll be able to assure it’s by no means there if you want it.
Third-party Apple-certified cables are costlier 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 all of a sudden 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, nonetheless, so a couple of of the cables really helpful beneath have been examined by us however don’t have the MFi stamp of approval. These are clearly marked.
Should you’re eternally shopping for new cables, you may also wish to contemplate 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 observe that it is a slower course of than charging by way of a cable (relying in your cable and adapter). Purchase a MagSafe model solely you probably have an iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15.
iPhone 15 and USB-C iPad customers ought to go to our roundup of the greatest 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 costlier examples, nevertheless it’s additionally essentially the most reliable, hailing direct from Apple itself. That mentioned, Apple’s non-braided cables have a popularity for fraying and shedding their pristine white shade over time.
The usual cable that ships with most Apple merchandise is the 1m cable, nevertheless 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 gained’t assist Apple’s Quick Cost on iPhone, nevertheless it’s fairly useful none the much less in case 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 out there at half or double the usual 1m size (0.5m is similar worth; 2m is a bit of additional). Both method, it’s nonetheless costly in comparison with some third-party Lightning cables.
Do observe that these Apple white cables typically are likely to go a pleasant shade of murky grey fairly quick, relying in your utilization.
Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable – Finest finances USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tremendous powerful
- Reasonably priced
- Quick Cost
- Coloration choices
Worth 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 gives a variety of USB to Lightning cables. The Apple-certified, nylon-braided Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable is its finances providing however remains to be extra sturdy than Apple’s cables and out there in a wider selection of lengths (from 1m to 2m) and colours (Black, Silver, Blue and Crimson).
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 fundamental USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- USB-C for Quick Cost
- A number of colours and lengths
Worth 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 they usually’re very low-cost besides. Low-cost doesn’t imply unhealthy although—Fundamentals’ 1.82m cable is reasonable, and if you will discover the shorter variant in inventory it’s even cheaper.
Amazon does observe that it really works with ‘practically all circumstances’, so you might wish to double-check, however we doubt this might 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 fundamental USB-A to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- A number of colours and lengths
Worth 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 inexpensive USB-A to Lightning cable out there 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
- Reasonably priced
Worth 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 effectively in our exams, and we are able to’t discover a licensed retractable cable on the market wherever.
It’s a actual boon for holding your desk or cable drawer tidy. We’d like all our cables to be retractable!
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 approach 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
Worth 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 fashionable 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.
Wave Bio-Based mostly 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 case you worth the planet that’s not lots to pay.
Wave additionally makes a USB-A to Lightning model of the cable, however keep in mind that this gained’t assist quick charging just like the USB-C to Lightning cable.
The cables should not but MFi licensed however may very well be at a later date, relying on demand.
Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable
Worth When Reviewed:
$14.99
USB sort: USB-C
Size: 0.3m (1ft)
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
You recognize what? Generally you simply want a brief cable, reasonably than a thin python snaking over your desk.
Probably the greatest brief 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 brief 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 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.
RapidX Lightning Charging Cable Stand – Finest Cable/Stand hybrid
Cons
- Panorama mode just for stand
Worth 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 knowledge switch or each. The RapidX 2-in-1 Lightning Charging Cable can be used as a telephone stand—nice for streaming motion pictures or making FaceTime calls whereas charging your telephone. The stand works in panorama mode solely.
The 4-foot braided nylon jacket is constituted of recycled supplies, corresponding to fishing nets and textile manufacturing waste. It has USB-C on one finish and Lightning on the opposite,
Worth When Reviewed:
$17.99
USB sort: USB-A
Size: 6m (20ft)
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
This Lightning cable is an incredible 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 may final you some time.
Should you actually should persist 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 (out there on iPhone 8 and above) may 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 really helpful for iPhone) or a third-party mannequin that helps Energy Supply. See our roundup of the greatest 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 with regards to data-transfer speeds, with solely USB-C in a position to accommodate the newest USB 4.0 normal, which may obtain Thunderbolt 3/4-equivalent speeds of 40Gbps. Regardless, Lightning can carry solely 480Mbps (akin to USB 2.0 velocity), making this a moot level for this batch of cables.
Equivalent 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.
