The humble cable is often the simplest and fastest way to charge your devices or move files from one device to another. But these ostensibly straightforward power and data conduits come in many shapes and sizes. Various connectors, specifications, charging rates, and data transfer speeds make for a confusing, messy scene.

Not to worry, though. I confronted that dreaded box of cables, untangled the cords, and identified the ones you need for various scenarios. Below, you'll find some advice here on USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB connectors, as well as a primer on everything you need to know about cables.

Updated June 2026: I’ve added cables from Cable Matters, Satechi, Beats, Statik, Baseus, and TwelveSouth, plus a cable tidy from Oakywood. I’ve also slimmed down my picks, reorganized the entire guide, and updated prices throughout.

Other USB-C Cables I’ve Tested

There are so many cables out there, and plenty of solid options did not make the cut as a top choice. Here are a few honorable mentions I’ve tested and liked. Statik MagStack Pro for $25: I quite like the automatic magnetic coiling this cable features, as it stays neat, and the colors could be handy if you want something that stands out (I tested the bright orange version). But performance is distinctly average at 100W for charging and 480 Mbps for data transfer. It is 6.6 feet and comes with a two-year warranty.

Baseus 2-in-1 Charging Cable for $25: I love the idea of a single cable that splits into two, allowing you to charge both devices from one USB-C port, but I found this cable’s performance to be unpredictable. You can get up to 140 watts for a single device, but when you split it between two devices, the charging rate drops well below that as a combined total. It’ll work fine if you use it for overnight charging a laptop and a phone, or a pair of phones.