Fastest charging cables: Which one is best for you?

Fast charging is designed to do one vital thing — spend less time charging. Nobody wants to wait around tethered to the wall, and Qualcomm does its best to help out. The company’s famed Quick Charge is now on version 5, but you need a powerful cable to achieve peak speeds. Here are the fastest charging cables you can buy right now.

See also: How fast charging really works

It may seem like all cables are the same, but some offer more features and speeds than others. Qualcomm isn’t the only player in the game, though, as different companies have their proprietary fast-charging technologies. Make sure to double-check your needs before you grab a cable. We’ve split the list by manufacturer, and all top names make appearances.

The fastest charging cables:

• Anker
• Belkin
• AmazonBasics
• Cable Matters
• Apple-Only Cables

Editor’s note: We’ll update this list of the fastest charging cables as we test new options.

Anker

Anker sits at the top as one of the leaders in the charging game. The company does everything from power banks to cables, and it does the job well.

Look no further than the Anker 765 cable to see just what we mean. It’s a USB-C to USB-C cable that comes in a convenient six-foot length. If you’re talking speed, the Anker 765 supports 140W Power Delivery 3.1 charging. Even better, the cable is nylon-wrapped from one end to the other and can endure 35,000 bends and tugs.

Another high-speed cable offering from Anker is the 643 Flow cable. It tops out at speeds of 100W. You can also pick between three and six feet in length. It isn’t braided, but it’s still pretty resistant and is estimated to live through 25,000 bends.

Belkin

Belkin is another popular pick if you want one of the fastest charging cables, with its Thunderbolt 3 cable making the list. You might notice multiple Thunderbolt 3 cables on the list, as the technology supports 100W fast charging and 4K display resolutions. While 100W is more than most of the fastest phones can handle, it should also be a reliable speed for all of the latest USB-C charging laptops. Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 cable is a more convenient length at 2.6 feet overall.

AmazonBasics

Does a product exist if Amazon doesn’t have a more affordable option on the market? The retail giant has jumped into the fastest charging cable game in a big way, with a very enticing option available. This aluminum-braided USB-C to USB-C cable tops out with maximum charging speeds of up to 100W. You shouldn’t have to worry about breaking the cable since the ends have been tested to bend 95 degrees up to 5,000 times. It also happens to look great.

Cable Matters

You may not be as familiar with Cable Matters, but the company’s USB-C to USB-C is one of the most affordable options on this list of the fastest charging cables. The Cable Matters option only supports data transfer up to 480Mbps. That’s not too impressive, but it can charge at up to 100W, which is really nice. It’s also 10 feet long.

If you need the premium charging speed, though, Cable Matters was also one of the first manufacturers to push a Thunderbolt 4-certified cable, complete with 100W charging. It measures 6.6 feet long, and you’re looking at up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds. Of course, you’ll pay dearly for this power, but sometimes it helps to have top speeds at your fingertips.

Apple-only cables

Apple excels at complicating things, and its charging options are no exception. The cables in this section are specifically designed for Apple’s connectors, including Lightning and USB-C options. Many of them come from the manufacturer itself. Unfortunately, that means there’s a bit of Apple Tax to account for with these options.

Apple’s USB-C to USB-C Thunderbolt 3 charging cable is your go-to if you’re charging one of the latest iPads or MacBooks. The cable comes in white — after all, it’s an Apple product — and there are no reinforcements for bend protection. They are pretty fast, though, supporting 100W charging and 40Gbps speeds.

If you’re looking to recharge your iPhone or any other device with a Lightning port, you’ll want to check out either the USB-A to Lightning option or the USB-C to Lightning. These are the two fastest charging cables for most Apple devices, and both options are available in one-meter and two-meter lengths. The USB-C to Lightning cable is compatible with the company’s 29W, 61W, and 87W adapters, and it has become the standard option with all new iPhone devices.

Apple cables are great. They perform well and look super minimalist. It’s also true some of you might want something a little nicer-looking and more durable. The Belkin Boost Charge is one of the fastest charging cables for those who need a Lightning connector. It’s not amazingly fast, but it can charge your Apple devices pretty quickly at 18W. It also has a braided design and a nice strap for easy carrying.

Next: The best phone charging accessories

FAQs

Having one of the fastest charging cables isn’t enough. Aside from your device having to support higher speeds, it would be best to pair your cable with a charger that can handle the fastest charging speeds around. Check out some of our favorite chargers to see what you can get.