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.
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
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
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 240W 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. And if you want to get colorful, this one is available in seven colors.
Anker 643 100W USB-C to USB-C cable (6 ft.)
Anker 643 100W USB-C to USB-C cable (6 ft.)
100W of power • Long reach • Attractive design
MSRP: $22.99
Anker continues to sell some of the better USB-C cables on the market.
This Anker USB-C cable supplies up to 100W of power. It sports a soft silicone texture, and is promised to stay tangle-free, even if you stuff it into a backpack or laptop bag. There are several different color options to match your devices and decor.
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Belkin
Belkin is another popular pick if you want one of the fastest charging cables, with its BoostCharge cable making the list. It supports up to 240W charging speeds, meaning it can charge almost anything, including laptops and tablets. It’s also nicely built and tested for over 30,000 bends. You can pick between 3.3ft or 6.6ft lengths.
Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to USB-C 240W Cable
Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to USB-C 240W Cable
MSRP: $19.99
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. The Amazon Basics Aluminum Braided 100W USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 Cable tops out with maximum charging speeds of up to 100W, as the name implies.
Not only is it fast for charging, but it is also very fast at transferring data. The cable supports 5Gbps speeds. You shouldn’t have to worry about breaking the cable since the ends have been tested to bend 95 degrees up to 2,000 times. It also happens to look great.
Amazon Basics Aluminum Braided 100W USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 Cable
Amazon Basics Aluminum Braided 100W USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 Cable
MSRP: $15.52
Cable Matters
You may not be as familiar with Cable Matters, but the company’s cables are pretty outstanding, and usually have very competitive prices. Today, we have two cables for you, and which one you get will depend on what you value in a cable.
The Cable Matters 40Gbps Active USB4 Cable is better if you want the fastest transfer speeds possible. It can transfer data at up to a whopping 40Gbps. And it can also charge at 100W, which isn’t half bad, and may be more than fast enough for many of you.
Now, if you really care for faster charging speeds, the Cable Matters 240W USB-C Cable can handle blazing 240W charging speeds. Data transfer speeds are pretty limiting at 480Mbps, though.
Apple-only cables
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
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.
Those with more demanding needs will prefer picking up an Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable. It can also handle 40Gbps speeds and 100W charging, but it is also compatible with the Studio and Pro displays. They are rather pricey, though.
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 USB-A to Lightning cable
Apple USB-A to Lightning cable
MSRP: $16.32
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Apple USB-C to Lightning cable
Apple USB-C to Lightning cable
MSRP: $20.66
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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 Native Union USB-C to Lightning Night Cable is awesome. For starters, it looks very nice, has a braided design, and comes with a weighted knot so the cable doesn’t fumble around too much. The manufacturer claims it is six times stronger than regular cables. The unit measures 10ft, but it charges slowly at 20W.
FAQs
The latest version of the standard is Thunderbolt 4. It can handle speeds of up to 40Gbps and up to 100W charging speeds.
You may have noticed cables with more wattage tend to be shorter. This is because charging capabilities decrease as cables get longer, due to the loss in power current experiences as it travels through a cable.
Cables are only part of the fast-charging equation. The phone needs to support fast charging speeds, and so does the charging brick. If all aligns, common phones with super-fast charging speeds usually take 60-80W. Some can go up to 100W. Furthermore, some newer handsets are starting to support 240W.
How fast an iPhone charges depends on the model, the cable, and the charger. Max speeds are 27W, though.
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. You should also take a look at our list of the best charging accessories.
The best
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