Not all Lightning cables are equal. They are available with several different USB connectors, for example, and only some support fast charging. We've rounded up the best Lightning cables to suit all needs and budgets.
How to Shop for a New Lightning Cable in 2024
Shopping for a new Lightning cable sounds easy. After all, the principal philosophy is often just finding a wire with a Lightning connector on one end and some type of connector on the other. That's usually good enough for some, but there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Apple has moved away from using a Lightning port in favor of a USB-C port, starting with the iPhone 15. Macbooks and iPads also use USB-C charging, so if you upgrade your iPhone soon, a cable with only a Lightning connector might not be the most cost-effective long-term option.
For one, not every Lightning cable is created equally. While they all share similarities, some use cheaper parts than others and can wear down over time more quickly. In addition, some will only last so long before they shrug their shoulders and decide to stop working one day. You don't want that, which is why it's always best to buy from well-established and trustworthy brands that use quality materials like nylon to protect their cables.
It's also important to shop for a Lightning cable with the right connector. You'll want to make sure the cable you buy can connect to the power adapters you own, regardless of end quality. Some have the more recent USB-C connector on their opposite end, while others have an older USB-A connection. You may need another type of connector entirely, such as HDMI or AUX.
Finally, consider exactly what kind of Lightning cable you want. Do you need a super long one? How about one that can let you connect to an external monitor? Want an all-in-one cable that can charge every device in your bag, including your iPhone? Planning ahead will make sure you're not disappointed in the future.
Below, we've rounded up the best Lightning cable to get based on your budget, needs, and preferences.
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How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »
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Pros |
Cons |
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Durable nylon design |
Price is a bit steep |
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Versatile length |
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USB-C and MFi certification |
Our pick for the best Lightning cable you can get is Anker's USB-C to Lightning Charging Cord. It's covered in a durable nylon finish with aluminum-housed Lightning and USB connectors.
The cable supports Power Delivery for optimal charging performance and is Made for iPhone certified. It's also a terrific length at six feet and is available in three colors. USB-C is also the standard for most power bricks, so this Lightning cable will be compatible with the best chargers and power bricks.
Anker's cable is a bit pricey, but it's well worth it for a cable that'll undoubtedly last you a long time without fraying.
Best Lightning Cable Overall
Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Charging Cable
Anker's USB-C to Lightning nylon cable is a terrific option if all you need is a good, all-around charger for your iPhone and iPad.
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Pros |
Cons |
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10-foot length |
Expensive |
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Very durable design, with a leather belt |
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USB-C with Power Delivery and MFi certification |
Sometimes, you just need a really long Lightning cable, and for that scenario, we recommend picking up the Native Union Belt Cable XL. This USB-C to Lightning cord is 10 feet in length, so you'll have plenty of flexibility. Any extra cord can be wrapped up with a pre-attached leather belt. It's available in a decent number of colors and finishes, too.
The best part about this cable is its durability. Like many other cables, it's coated in a nylon finish, but what makes it unique is its ultra-strong reinforced structure, which can withstand 2 times more stress and last up to 6 times as long as normal Lightning cables.
Admittedly, this cord is a bit costly. For the price, however, you do get a very robust Lightning cable for Apple devices that'll last you a long time.
Best Long Lightning Cable
Native Union Belt Cable XL USB-C to Lightning Cable
$35 $40 Save $5
Native Union's extra-durable 10-foot Lightning cable is a great option for those who need a lot of cord.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Short 3-foot length |
Not as durable as nylon cables |
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USB-C with fast charging |
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Made for iPhone-certified |
For those who need a shorter, more basic Lightning cable, check out the Anker Powerline II. It's Made for iPhone-certified and supports Power Delivery for fast charging your iPhone. It's three feet in length, which, while short, still offers enough cord not to be inconveniently short. It also has a USB-C connector.
While its rubber finish makes it less durable than other Lightning cables, this is a solid option if you need a short, feature-rich cable.
Best Short Lightning Cable
Anker Powerline II USB-C to Lightning Cable
Anker's three-foot Powerline II Lightning cable makes for a great pick if you need a cable that isn't too long.
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Pros |
Cons |
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USB-A connectivity |
The price may be a bit high for some |
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Durable braided nylon design |
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Made for iPhone certified with fast charging support |
If you've been an iPhone user for a long time, you probably have a few spare USB-C to Lightning cables lying around or stuffed into a drawer. That might not be the case for USB-A to Lightning cables. USB-A to Lightning is probably not something you will use every day, but when you do need it, it makes sense to use a good one.
The Belkin BoostCharge is just such a cable. It has been tested and certified to withstand 10,000 bends before splitting or breaking, so it should last a good while. Three lengths, ranging from 3.3ft to 9.9ft, and two coatings—braided nylon or PVC—are available.
Belkin is generally a good and well-respected brand, and this cable is MFi-certified and supports fast charging. Unless you are dead set on only buying Apple accessories at inflated prices, it's well worth a look.
Best USB-A to Lightning Cable
Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-A to Lightning Cable
$16 $20 Save $4
If you want a reliable and well-made cable for connecting from a Lightning port to USB-A, the Belkin BoostCharge is a great choice.
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Pros |
Cons |
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First-party solution for HDMI connection |
Not a proper cable |
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Separate power port |
A bit pricey |
If you want to connect your iPhone to a projector or external display, we recommend picking up Apple's Lightning to Digital AV Adapter. It connects directly to the Lightning port on your device and gives you access to an HDMI connector. It also has a separate power jack to keep your phone juiced up.
It's not cheap, but it's your best option if you need to put your iPhone screen on something larger for a presentation or media consumption.
Best HDMI to Lightning Cable
Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter
$45 $49 Save $4
Apple's adapter for connecting to HDMI is a great solution for those who need a dedicated HDMI to Lightning cable.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Durable braided nylon and aluminum design |
Relatively expensive compared to similar cables |
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Available in different lengths |
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Made for iPhone-certified |
The ability to connect through Bluetooth has largely removed the need to carry an AUX cable around, but in some situations, a wired connection still makes better sense. With that in mind, the UGREEN AUX Cord for iPhone is a well-made and reliable option for connecting your Apple device to a speaker, headphones, or other audio accessory.
Available in 3.3 and 6.6ft lengths, the cord has a braided nylon outer to help ensure it can withstand plenty of use. It has been tested to withstand 15000 bends, which is impressive. Additionally, both the AUX and Lightning connectors are housed within aluminum cases, which offer good protection from damage and help dissipate heat.
This isn't the cheapest AUX to Lightning cable you can buy, but if you want something built to last and that has MFi certification, the slightly higher price will be money well spent.
Best AUX to Lightning Cable
UGREEN Aux to Lightning Cable
Although this cable might not be from an instantly recognizable brand such as Anker or Belkin, it has been built to last and is certified for use with iPhones.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Lightning, USB-C, and microUSB connectors |
USB-A connector on the opposite end |
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Made for iPhone certification |
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Fast-charging support |
If you need a cable that can serve triple duty, you'll want to pick up Spigen's DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable. This cord has three interchangeable connectors that support Lightning, USB-C, and micro USB to charge your devices.
It has a nylon finish for durability, is Made for iPhone certification, and supports Quick Charge 3.0 so long as you have a compatible adapter. It's also fairly priced.
The biggest downside is that it only supports a USB-A connection on the opposite end. That being said, if you need a Swiss army knife of a Lightning cable, this is the one to get.
Best 3-in-1 Cable
Spigen DuraSync 3 in 1 Universal Charger Cable
Spigen's ultra-versatile DuraSync is perfect for those who want Lightning, USB-C, and microUSB all-in-one cable.
FAQ
What is a Lightning cable?
Apple uses its own proprietary Lightning ports to charge some of its products. A Lightning cable is what is used to connect those devices to a charger in order to charge these devices up.
What is a USB-C to Lightning cable?
A USB-C to Lightning cable has a USB-C connector on one end of the wire, and a Lightning connector on the other end. They are typically used to connect your Apple device to a wall charger or other device.
Does the iPhone 15 use Lightning cables?
The iPhone 15 does not use Lightning cables for charging or data transfer. After more than a decade of sticking with the Lightning port, Apple has switched to using USB-C on the iPhone 15. This will likely be the case for all future iPhone models.
Can you charge an iPad with a Lightning cable?
With the exception of the 9th generation standard iPad, all iPad models are charged via USB-C. You will not be able to use a Lightning cable to charge them.