USB-C to USB-C Cables

The cable for nearly every new phone

A USB-C to USB-C cable has the same small, oval plug at both ends, and either end goes in either way up. It is the cable for any phone with a USB-C socket: iPhone 15 and later, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, and most other Android phones of recent years. The other end goes into a charger, laptop, power bank or car charger with a USB-C socket. If your charger has the older, larger rectangular socket, you want a USB-A to USB-C cable instead.

What is here

The cables here today cover three ways of using one. There is an everyday woven cable listed for 60W USB Power Delivery charging, in several colours and in lengths up to 3m. There is a very short keyring cable, around 13cm, listed for 240W charging and fast data, which suits a power bank or a laptop bag. And there is a short, springy coiled cable for the car or a desk, in versions listed at 66W and 100W; its maker says only the 100W version will charge a laptop. All three carry data as well as power. More USB-C to USB-C cables are in braided, retractable and right-angle cables.

Watts, amps and the chip in the plug

USB-C to USB-C cables come in two power ratings. Most carry up to 3 amps, which at 20 volts is 60 watts, and that is more than most phones take. Cables built for more carry up to 5 amps and have a small chip in the plug, called an e-marker, that tells the charger they can take it; under the newest USB Power Delivery standard these go up to 240 watts. Cables certified by USB-IF, the body that runs the USB standard, show a 60W or 240W logo. For a phone on its own, a 60W cable is usually enough. It matters at the top end: Samsung says its 45W charging needs a 5A cable, and a laptop on a 100W charger needs one too. If a listing gives no rating, take it as 60 watts at most.

Choosing the length

About a metre suits a desk or a socket at worktop height. Two metres reaches from a wall socket to most beds and sofas. Under a metre suits a power bank, a car or a bedside dock. Measure the route the cable will really take with a piece of string and add a little slack, so the plug is not pulled tight at the neck every night. See short cables and long cables.

Questions people ask about USB-C to USB-C cables

Will it charge an iPhone?

Yes, iPhone 15 and later. Apple says they charge with a USB-C cable and a USB-C power adapter that uses USB Power Delivery. Older iPhones need a Lightning cable.

Do all USB-C cables fast-charge?

The cable is one of three parts: the phone, the charger and the cable together set the speed. A well-made 60W cable fast-charges most phones on a USB PD charger. The guide to fast charging explains.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• USB-A to USB-C cables
• Braided cables
• Short cables
• Long cables
• 20W to 45W chargers
• USB-C accessories
• Guide: Which charging cable does my phone need?
• Guide: Fast charging explained: watts, USB Power Delivery and PPS