Lightning ports have been as soon as ubiquitous throughout Apple’s iPhone and iPad line-up. Apple is switching to USB-C ports for its iPads and from the iPhone 15 household, the Lightning port is now changed by USB-C.
However for iPhone variations 5 to 14, Lightning is the port you want a cable for.
For iPhones and older iPads that use the Lightning port, you should purchase a cable that has a Lightning connector at one finish and both full-size USB-A or the smaller, reversible USB-C connector on the different to plug right into a charger.
For those who nonetheless have a charger with a USB-A port, think about upgrading to a USB-C charger as iPhone fast-charging solely works with a USB-C charger. The most effective setup for iPhones earlier than the iPhone 15 is a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. Try our checks for the finest USB-C chargers for iPhone.
As most Apple customers will agree, one phone-charging cable is rarely sufficient. Whether or not it will get broken by means of put on and tear, or it’s misplaced, borrowed or stolen, you’ll be able to assure it’s by no means there while you want it.
Third-party Apple-certified cables are dearer than many on-line alternate options however we extremely suggest you purchase an authorized cable, as a result of low-cost third-party alternate options have a nasty behavior of all of a sudden deciding to cease working along with your machine. Furthermore, they are often harmful—listed here are some good the reason why you shouldn’t purchase an inexpensive Lightning cable.
There are exceptions, nevertheless, so just a few of the cables advisable beneath have been examined by us however don’t have the MFi stamp of approval. These are clearly marked.
For those who’re perpetually shopping for new cables, you may additionally need to think about a Qi wi-fi charger or for iPhone 12/13/14/15 a MagSafe charger, with conventional docks, stands and pads in addition to transportable wi-fi chargers with built-in batteries now accessible. All current-generation iPhones assist wi-fi charging, however do notice that it is a slower course of than charging through a cable (relying in your cable and adapter). Purchase a MagSafe model solely when you’ve got an iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15.
iPhone 15 and USB-C iPad customers ought to go to our roundup of the finest USB-C charging cables for iPhone.
Greatest Lightning cables for iPhone and iPad
Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable – Apple’s personal USB-C to Lightning Cable
Professionals
- Made by Apple
- Quick cost
Worth When Reviewed:
£19
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
To unlock Quick Cost in your iPhone you want a USB-C to Lightning cable (and at the very least an 18W adaptor). Apple’s variant is likely to be one of many dearer examples, however it’s additionally essentially the most reliable, hailing direct from Apple itself. That mentioned, Apple’s non-braided cables have a fame for fraying and shedding their pristine white colour over time.
The usual cable that ships with most Apple merchandise is the 1m cable, however it’s additionally accessible at double that size (2m).
Apple Lightning to USB-A cable – Apple’s personal USB-A to Lightning Cable
Worth When Reviewed:
£19
USB kind: USB-A
Size: 0.5m, 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
Not as iconic because the white earbuds, however white and helpful nonetheless, you would possibly need to purchase your Lightning cable direct from Apple. As a USB-A cable it gained’t assist Apple’s Quick Cost on iPhone, however it’s fairly helpful none the much less for those who personal a charger with the previous rectangular USB-A port. We nonetheless suggest you improve to a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable.
It’s accessible at half or double the usual 1m size (0.5m is similar value; 2m is a little bit further). Both manner, it’s nonetheless costly in comparison with some third-party Lightning cables.
Do notice that these Apple white cables typically are inclined to go a pleasant shade of murky grey fairly quick, relying in your utilization.
Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable – Greatest funds USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tremendous robust
- Inexpensive
- Quick Cost
- Colour choices
Worth When Reviewed:
£19.99
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 1m or 2m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
Anker is likely one of the most trusted Apple-accessory manufacturers, and it gives a variety of USB to Lightning cables. The Apple-certified, nylon-braided Anker 331 USB-C to Lightning Cable is its funds providing however continues to be extra strong than Apple’s cables and accessible in a wider selection of lengths (from 1m to 2m) and colours (Black, Silver, Blue and Crimson).
Anker claims that the 331 cable can face up to as much as 12,000 bends. The Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable ups that declare to 35,000 bends.
Do not forget that you want a USB-C to Lightning cable like this one for fast-charging iPhones older than the iPhone 15.
Amazon Fundamentals USB-C to Lightning Cable – Greatest fundamental USB-C to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- USB-C for Quick Cost
- A number of colours and lengths
Worth When Reviewed:
£9.99
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
Merchandise within the AmazonBasics vary simply work and so they’re very low-cost as well. Low cost doesn’t imply dangerous although—Fundamentals’ 1.82m cable is reasonable, and if yow will discover the shorter variant in inventory it’s even cheaper.
Amazon does notice that it really works with ‘practically all instances’, so it’s possible you’ll need to double-check, however we doubt this is able to be an issue for many equipment.
It’s accessible in a number of colour decisions, together with white, black and purple, in most areas.
AmazonBasics Lightning cable – Greatest fundamental USB-A to Lightning cable
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- A number of colours and lengths
Worth When Reviewed:
£9.99
USB kind: USB-A
Size: 0.3m, 0.9m or 1.8m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
For older chargers, it is a first rate reasonably priced USB-A to Lightning cable accessible in varied lengths and colours. It’s USB-A so not a Quick Cost possibility just like the USB-C model.
Fonemax Retractable USB-C to Lightning Cable – Greatest retractable Lightning cable
Professionals
- Tangle-free and tidy
- Inexpensive
Worth When Reviewed:
£12
USB kind: USB-C
Size: Stretches to 1.2m
MFi: No
Quick cost: Sure
If lengthy, messy cable snakes annoy you, then a retractable Lightning cable will prevent from tangles, and is far simpler to retailer and carry round.
This retractable USB-C to Lightning cable isn’t Apple licensed however labored nicely in our checks, and we will’t discover a licensed retractable Lightning cable on the market wherever.
It’s a actual boon for maintaining your desk or cable drawer tidy. We’d like all our cables to be retractable!
Professionals
- Compact and tangle-free
- USB-C for Quick Cost
Worth When Reviewed:
£19.99
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 0.5 m or 1m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
One other method to keep away from cable snakes is a coiled cable that takes up much less area in your desk or wherever you lay it.
This coiled Lightning cable from StarTech.com is offered with both USB-A or USB-C however USB-C to Lightning is best for Quick Cost, and in both 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths.
The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer model extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft.
Worth When Reviewed:
£17.99
USB kind: USB-A
Size: 0.5 m or 1m
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
This coiled Lightning cable with USB-A on the different finish suits older chargers however doesn’t assist Apple’s Quick Cost just like the USB-C model does.
Like its extra trendy sibling, it’s accessible in both 50cm/20in or 1m/3ft lengths. The shorter cable extends to 50cm/20in and contracts to 32cm/12.5in. The longer model extends to 1m/3.3ft (1m) and contracts to 38cm/1.2ft.
Worth When Reviewed:
£16.99
USB kind: USB-A
Size: 6m (20ft)
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
This Lightning cable is an incredible 6m (that’s 20-feet) lengthy. If the plug outlet in your room of selection is additional away out of your sprawling place of selection then that is the reply.
It’s additionally helpful for passing spherical in a automobile. The thicker than Apple cable is extra sturdy and may final you some time.
For those who actually should keep on with a slower USB-A charger, there’s a 20-foot USB-A to Lightning cable model.
Anker New Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cable
Worth When Reviewed:
£12.49
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 0.3m (1ft)
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: Sure
what? Generally you simply want a brief cable, relatively than a thin python snaking over your desk.
Top-of-the-line quick Lightning cables we’ve seen is from Anker, it’s only a foot lengthy, and it’s MFI licensed.
CableCreation Brief iPhone Charger Cable – Greatest quick USB-A to Lightning cable
Worth When Reviewed:
£12.99
USB kind: USB-A
Size: 15cm
MFi: Licensed
Quick cost: No
This USB-A to Lightning cable from CableCreation is MFI licensed however gained’t assist iPhone Quick Cost because it has USB-A on the different finish.
It’s 15cm (6in) lengthy, and accessible in both black-&-white, black or rose gold relying on which Amazon retailer you might be shopping for from.
Wave Bio-Based mostly Lightning Charging Cable – Greatest eco-friendly Lightning cable
Professionals
- USB-C for Quick Cost
- Eco pleasant
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 1m
MFi: No
Quick cost: Sure
The outside of those USB-C to Lightning cables is constructed utilizing plant-based supplies, thus decreasing a reliance on petroleum-based plastics like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
The packaging is recyclable (the bio-based cables are secured by a recyclable paper sleeve) and even the delivery is carbon impartial, offsetting the CO2 produced.
Transport outdoors the UK is an additional US$6.30 or €6, however for those who worth the planet that’s not lots to pay.
Wave additionally makes a USB-A to Lightning model of the cable, however keep in mind that this gained’t assist quick charging just like the USB-C to Lightning cable.
The cables will not be but MFi licensed however might be at a later date, relying on demand.
RapidX Lightning Charging Cable Stand – Greatest Cable/Stand hybrid
Cons
- Panorama mode just for stand
USB kind: USB-C
Size: 1.2m
MFi: No
Quick cost: Sure
Most cables simply do one or two issues: charging and knowledge switch or each. The RapidX 2-in-1 Lightning Charging Cable may also be used as a cellphone stand—nice for streaming films or making FaceTime calls whereas charging your cellphone. The stand works in panorama mode solely.
The 4-foot braided nylon jacket is made out of recycled supplies, similar to fishing nets and textile manufacturing waste. It has USB-C on one finish and Lightning on the opposite,
USB-A vs USB-C: Which Lightning cable ought to I purchase?
Quick Cost on an iPhone (accessible on iPhone 8 and above) could be achieved solely when utilizing a USB-C to Lightning cable, and pairing it with both an 18W-plus charger (now accessible in 20W as much as 96W, with the 140W mannequin not advisable for iPhone) or a third-party mannequin that helps Energy Supply. See our roundup of the finest iPhone chargers.
A USB-A to Lightning cable will cost your iPhone extra slowly, no matter what adapter it’s paired with.
It’s true that there are additionally some variations between USB-C and USB-A with regards to data-transfer speeds, with solely USB-C in a position to accommodate the newest USB 4.0 customary, which might obtain Thunderbolt 3/4-equivalent speeds of 40Gbps. Regardless, Lightning can carry solely 480Mbps (akin to USB 2.0 pace), making this a moot level for this batch of cables.
An identical in design to Thunderbolt, USB-C is a conveniently reversible and future-proofed connector. However USB-A stays commonplace and, for that, it’s nonetheless wanted by iPhone and iPad customers.