Who should get this: Someone who wants a long, durable cable to charge pre-2023
iPhones, AirPods, and other Lightning-powered devices as fast as physically possible.
Why it's great: First and foremost, the Anker
PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (10 feet) is great because it supports the fastest
possible charging speeds. When paired with a USB-C port providing at least 18 watts of power —
like those in many of our favorite laptops, power banks, and wall chargers — the
PowerLine II can charge most iPhones up to three times as fast as a USB-A-to-Lightning cable.
This cable is MFi-certified, which means Apple has confirmed that it will
perform optimally (in terms of charging and data transfer capabilities) with its
Lightning-powered devices. Lightning cables that lack this certification — such as the kind you
might buy at a gas station — aren't necessarily much cheaper, and with those, you run the risk
of experiencing slower charging or even damaging your devices.
The rubber sheath encasing the PowerLine II is smooth yet grippy, and it's quite durable, holding
up after more than a year of daily wear and tear in our testing. When we plugged both ends of
each cable into a variety of devices, we observed minimal sagging; that stability ensures a
solid connection for charging and data transfer.
Top pick
The best Lightning cable for USB-C ports
Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (10 feet)
This lightning cable is MFi certified, sturdy, and it comes with
a
lifetime warranty. Plus, is the only wall charger... for older iPhones as we mentioned.
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A small, but no less valuable, component of this cable is the hook-and-loop tie it comes with.
The tie is convenient and easy to use, meaning that the cable won't come uncoiled inside your
bag or become a tangled mess under your desk.
Unlike most Lightning cables, this one is a luxurious 10 feet long. If you frequently charge your
phone far away from an outlet — for instance, while lying in bed, lounging on the couch, or
killing time by your gate at the airport — the extra length is a game changer.
If you prefer a shorter cable, the 3-foot version of this cable
is slim and compact, and it can coil up small to fit in a pocket or purse. Likewise, the 6-foot version is well suited for carrying in a backpack or
briefcase, or for staying put in a desktop or bedside charging setup.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Our one complaint is that the Anker PowerLine III USB-C to Lightning Cable isn't quite as slim as
some others we tested, including Apple's Lightning cables. But since it's still one of the most
compact options, and it outdid the competition in every other way, we're okay with a little
extra bulk.
