Most Apple devices, from iPhones to Magic Trackpads, require the best lightning cable. However, iPhone charger Lightning Cable are notoriously fragile, and they are more expensive than many third-party cords—even those that Apple has guaranteed will operate as well as its own accessories. If you’re dissatisfied with the best lightning cable that came with your Apple iPhone or simply want a backup, we’ve evaluated dozens of best lightning cable to identify the finest solutions for a wide range of needs.
We believe that a USB-C–to– best lightning cable (in conjunction with a USB-C charger) is the ideal way for most consumers to charge their Apple devices. Although many people charge their phones and other small gadgets using USB-A connectors, USB-C charging is faster—and it is quickly becoming more ubiquitous. However, if you aren’t ready to make the jump to USB-C yet and don’t mind coping with slower charging speeds in the meantime, we have numerous USB-A–to– best lightning cable recommendations.
List of Best Lightning Cable
Best-rated lightning cable
With 13,000 five-star reviews, best lightning cable receives high honors for its excellent quality. “This is a superb charging cable & works perfectly with my new iPhone!” writes one reviewer. I enjoy how thick, solid, and long-lasting it is. I’ve gone through a lot of charging cables, and none of them are as thick and substantial as this one.” According to another, “a typical difficulty I experienced with the factory best iPhone charging cable was that it’s made of plastic and not flexible wires, and it’s also limited to the length of the wire that comes with.” This best iPhone charger cable, on the other hand, “way exceeded my expectations due to the quality, sturdiness, and for how little I paid.” “The last AmazonBasics charger I had lasted for 2 years, which I thought was long enough for the price, so I came back for a second one!” comments another AmazonBasics customer.
Best-rated (less expensive) lightning cable
“The contrast between those cheap knockoff cables and this Anker PowerLine II is like night and day,” says one reviewer who has used the best iPhone charger cable that fell apart almost instantly in the past. Others compliment the cable for being firm even after “constant use, packing, winding, and bending.” “They are not joking,” comments another reviewer. This item is long-lasting and well-made. It comes with a lifetime warranty. That is unbeatable.”
Best braided lightning cable
One reviewer says, “My adolescent daughter goes through charging cords like nobody’s business.” “When it came time for quarantine, she used her phone so much that the charging portion that goes into your phone broke off!
That was her seventh charger since the start of 2020.” But then they discovered this Anker cable, which they describe as “super-sturdy” – even in the hands of their daughter. “Wow, such a lifesaver! I’ll repurchase so that I always have one on hand and as a backup. I’ll also inform everyone I know about these chargers. I am overjoyed with my purchase.” Another reviewer, a self-described family geek, purchased this iPhone cable for the living room and states, “I now only buy Anker goods.” They’ve never let me down, and the red cables I purchased for the living room have been there for months, not weeks.”
Best (less expensive) braided lightning cable
Many reviewers expressed reservations about using a Syncwire iPhone charger cable instead of an Apple cord, but one, who was initially “afraid to step away from the official Apple device,” is now “extremely delighted with this cable.” Another reviewer says it’s “hands down the greatest charging cable I’ve found yet.” Another reviewer, who tried “countless other cables that usually fell apart after a few months,” is pleased with this lightning cable since it is “Durable. Durable. Durable.” Even at high-stress locations like the ends, the braided nylon holds up quite well.” This rose-gold iPhone charger cabler is also a recurrent best seller with Strategist readers — and because it’s rose gold, it sticks out among all the white.
Best reinforced lightning cable
One reviewer comments, “AmazonBasics best lightning cable have been the cheapest, most durable/long-lasting generic brand cords I’ve tried.” “An additional layer of protection has been added to the Lightning and USB ends to boost durability and avoid fraying,” according to the product description. Reviewers claim to be able to discern the difference: “Where it generally breaks by the end, theirs has extra material there so you can pull the plug out and know it will never crack exposing wires again,” one explains. While the braided version of this charger includes a similar type of reinforcement, reviewers prefer the smooth texture of this one. “My favorite feature of these is the smooth tapering “neck” between the cord and the main USB plug part: It’s soft in my fingertips while jamming into my phone because it’s tapered,” one user comments. Another observes that “the wire itself feels sort of like satin, and it’s not very thin either.” Furthermore, reviews claim that this charger is compatible with their iPhones. They also say that it charges quickly, however, this has a lot more to do with the base into which the best lightning cable is plugged than with the cable itself.
Best one-foot-long lightning cable
Many people bought this one-foot-best lightning cable to go with their portable charger. “At one foot, I can have the charger in my left front pocket and my phone in my rear pocket so I can continuously charge as I go through conventions,” one customer adds. Many reviewers were happy with the quality, with one saying that it is “certainly stronger than the original cord that came with my iPad.” Another user jokes, “Apple should take notes,” because “Anker manufactures fantastic things, has great presentation, and outlasts Apple’s more expensive cables hands down.” One reviewer quips that this best iphone charger cable is “the closest thing to love you can feel for a gadget cable,” praising how it’s “thoughtfully built for easy attachment with end portions that are flexible and yet tough enough not to get broken while bending, twisting, and stuffing into a laptop bag.”
Best ten-foot lightning cable
“There is nothing more inconvenient than a phone charger that is too short. Whether your outlet is too far away from your reclining chair or your phone is forced to rest on the edge of a countertop. One reviewer states, “These ten-foot chargers will make your life a lot easier.” “A damn best iPhone charger cable !” exclaims another. “The quality is readily noticeable right out of the box!” The texture is pleasant and soft, yet it’s still strong.” One reviewer, who claims to be obsessed with controlling their smart home, claims that they require long wires to avoid ruining their smart-home experience: “Having these long and reasonably priced cables around the house is a blessing,” they say. “Place one in the kitchen, one in the car, one in the workplace, and so on. There is always a place to plug in and charge.”
Best USB-C lightning cable
“This Anker iphone charger cable, when paired with my Anker Lightning IQ 3 Nano PowerPort, has proven to provide excellent rapid charging that has not diminished over time,” writes one reviewer, who was also able to take advantage of Anker’s generous 18-month warranty: “After 7 months of heavy use, a tiny crack in the outer rubber developed.” I contacted AnkerDirect’s customer service department. They instantly provided a replacement at no cost. Impressive!”
Best original lightning cable
Many customers note out that this is a genuine iPhone charger cord, not a knock-off, which many enjoy because, according to one reviewer, “the truth is legitimate Apple lightning cords last significantly longer and are far more trustworthy than any other cord I’ve purchased.” While this user acknowledges that it is the more expensive option, “I just can’t argue the quality and dependability of their products.” Another observes, “It’s the same quality as the one that came with my phone originally, and that one lasted three years.” Many others note out that even the original iPhone charger cord has an expiration date, but one claims that while it “may fray again, but at least it’s assured compatibility and standard length.”