15 Best iPhone Charger Cables That Aren’t Made By Apple in 2023 | GQ
Durability: Over time, your cable will inevitably start to wear down and fray as you tug it and bend it and toss it into your bag. If you’ve used an Apple charger for more than six months, you know what we’re talking about. For extra durability, look for cables that come encased in Kevlar or braided nylon, which helps protect it from snags and fraying, while still ensuring that it’s flexible and easy to bend.
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The Best Lightning Cable, Overall: Anker Powerline II
Anker PowerLine II 3ft Lightning Cable
$17
at Amazon
Anker’s Powerline II USB- A cables are the perfect cord for someone who thinks, “I want the same cord that came with my phone, but cheaper.” Its Apple MFi certification means it’s fully compatible with Apple devices, and its lifetime warranty ensures that the only time this cord will let you down is if you lose it. The Anker Powerline II comes in a bunch of different lengths (more on that later), but if you’re just looking for the most direct replacement for the default Apple Lightning cable, buy the three-foot model. The cable also comes in three different colors, from basic black to red.
The Best Super Cheap Lightning Cable: AmazonBasics
Amazon Basics nylon USB-A to Lightning cable cord (3-feet)
$10
at Amazon
There are some cables you can pick up for cheaper than this guy, the AmazonBasics Lightning cable, but you should probably steer clear. The AmazonBasics cable has basically every feature we expect of a cable in this price and more—it’s MFi-certified, comes in four different colors, and has a lifetime warranty. We prefer the Anker Powerline II for its durability and charging speed, but for 10 bones, the AmazonBasics option is probably the cheapest cable worth buying. Throw it in your glove compartment or the bottom of your bag and you’ll never be without a backup.
The Best USB-C to Lightning Charging Cable: Anker Powerline II
Anker Powerline II 3 ft USB-C to Lightning cable
$14
at Amazon
If you’re looking for a USB-C to Lightning cable, the Anker Powerline II is another no-brainer choice. USB-C to Lightning cables are excellent for hooking up to your Macbook, since they let you juice up your phone without having to worry about pulling out a dongle. Plus, USB-C cables tend to transfer power a lot faster than conventional USB-A port cables and take advantage of fast charging, while still giving you all the same structural benefits. USB-C Powerline II cables are durable, MFi-certified, and even boast a lifetime warranty. They only come in white and black, but we don’t think that’s too big of a trade-off for a souped-up charge.
The Best Long Charging Cable: Native Union Belt
Native Union Belt 10 ft Lightning cable
$35
at Native Union
If you’d like a Lightning cable with just a little more curb appeal, look no further than the Native Union Belt cable. It’s MFi-certified, and boasts a limited lifetime warranty, which means that even if its fabric snags and the cable stops working, you should still be able to get it replaced. Plus, in its longest iteration, you get to appreciate whichever one of the three lovely colorways you choose at their fullest. Most people will be just fine with the Anker cable, but if you want something that looks slightly more like a natural extension of your furniture, this is the cable for you.
The Best Short Lightning Cable: Anker Powerline II
Anker Powerline II Lightning Cable (1ft)
$13
at Amazon
As established Anker Powerline II fans, it stands to reason that we’ll be recommending the shortened version of their lightning cable in this category, too. Not many people opt for a one-footer for obvious reasons: Primarily, that it’s so short. It probably won’t stretch between your outlet and your bedside table for overnight charges, but it’s great for hooking up to portable chargers when you’re out and about (or charging from your laptop) without you having to hassle with a super long cord. It’s also MFi-certified, fast charging, and durable, as you’d probably expect.
The Most Stylish Charging Cable: Native Union Night Lightning Cable
Native Union Night Lightning Cable
$40
at Amazon
The Native Union Night cable is a 10-footer that checks all the standard boxes, but with a handsome black and white chevron design. The braided fabric cable is extra durable, MFi-certified, and charges up in a flash. Another unexpected perk: It’s got a large, heavy knot right next to its Lightning connector that prevents the cord from falling off the table when not in use. Choose from five different colorways, including Zebra and Indigo, as well as three different connector types.
The Best Indestructible Charging Cord: Fuse Chicken Titan+
Fuse Chicken’s cords are coated in stainless steel and overprepared for whatever you throw at them. The brand says its cords can resist the teeth of a chainsaw, which we were not given the budget to test sadly, but we can attest that their cords do feel like they will last forever. You could pass it down to you grandchildren, but they’ll likely have no idea what a charging cable is. The indestructibility is a solid five-star plus, but even more practical is the sturdy cord that can hold itself up, not unlike a snake. Will you look like the laziest person in the world watching videos on your phone while the cord props it up on your couch? Sure. Should you stop doing so? Absolutely not.
The Best Lightning Cable Multi-Pack: Yefoot iPhone Charger (6-Pack)
If you’re not looking to spend a full $50 on a pack of Lightning cables, though, you could also take home this six-pack for a whole family (offering two three-foot cords, three six-foot cords, and one 10-footer) for only $12. The brand Yefoot isn’t a super recognizable name, but the specs are right: braided nylon for durability and looks, MFi certification for compatibility with a slew of Apple devices, and more than 18,000 positive reviews to back it up.
7 More Lightning Cables We Like
Belkin’s USB-C to Lightning cords are a reasonable alternative to those from Anker. They stay plugged in well, transfer power quickly, are MFi-certified, and hold up well to the wear-and-tear of daily use. The only drawback is they’re a bit more expensive than those from Anker. So unless you have a particular affinity for the Belkin logo (an admittedly adorable rendering of a person stretching out their arms), we think you should still stick with the Anker.
Anker PowerLine II 10ft Lightning Cable
$24
at Amazon
Imagine being able to doomscroll Twitter from either side of your couch. That life of luxury is within your grasp, as soon as you’re willing to embrace the long-ass cable lifestyle. This one is also part of Anker’s PowerLine II collection, but it’s super-long—10-feet long to be exact. The nylon braid adds a nice touch, but otherwise, it’s the same cable at a length (and price) that makes it an easy pick. Tuck one of these in the cushion of your comfiest piece of furniture and resolve to never leave your apartment at 48% battery again.
Anker Powerline III Flow USB C to Lightning Cable
$22
at Amazon
Anker’s powerline III MFi-certified USB C to lightning cable claims to be its softest texture-wise and the strongest for avoiding fraying and tears. That’s thanks to a combination of copper wires, flexible graphene, and a soft silicone gel exterior. Beyond functionality, it also nails the aesthetics, taking the millennial pastel route (so you might want to coordinate it with your new iPhone 14). Besides the standard white and black, Anker’s cords also come in the delicate grey purple seen here, seafoam green, and pink—all edged in rose gold.
This Lightning cable is made from a literally bulletproof material. Its braided wire is extremely sturdy, thanks to a tightly woven casing of reinforced Kevlar. It’s MFi-certified, so you’ll have no trouble using it with any of your Apple devices, and it charges much faster than the conventional Apple charger. The cable also comes with some useful built-in details, like a rubber cable tie that helps keep it wrapped when not in use. That’s ideal if you’re the kind of person who cannot fathom using a cable organizer—this cable organizes itself.
Now that we’ve sold you on every iteration of the Anker Powerline IIs, you might be ready to invest in a pack that comes in varying lengths for whatever outlet situations you find yourself in. This Ankerline Powerline II three-pack is our top pick for buying in “bulk,” with a three-foot, six-foot, and 10-foot version of the brand’s MFi-certified cables. The lifetime guarantee sweetens the deal, ensuring that you can easily replace them if something malfunctions down the line.
Anker USB-A to 90 Degree Lightning cable (3 feet)
$18
at Amazon
If you’ve ever wondered why your cables are always fraying and ripping, here’s your answer: You’re always bending it. Listen, this is not your fault, rather Lightning cables—and chargers in general—are poorly designed and naturally bend by default. Some brands, like Anker, knew the solution was to create a 90-degree angle so that the connector sits flush against the bottom of your phone to reduce any bending or twisting that occurs naturally while you use your phone as it charges. The cable is MFi-certified, and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
You’re probably familiar with Mophie’s line of portable battery packs, so it makes sense that Mophie’s tech purview also covers bang-up charging cables. Its Fast Charge USB-C cable is MFi-certified, plus compatible with Fast Charge PD to reduce the time it takes to actually charge your phone. Like any good charging cable, the braided nylon cable makes the whole thing fairly durable, but our only hesitancy about this charger is that it’s a bit pricier than even our top pick without offering anything beyond what the Anker Powerline II has.
