Take the stress out of shopping for good tech. Here’s how to choose the right USB cable for your needs.
Good news! In a bid to reduce e-waste and branded monopolies, EU legislation will make USB C charging cable the norm by the end of 2024. Until then, most of our devices have different charging ports, and if we keep them for years (which is best for the planet), then we need charging cables that fit.
“Even though USB cables can look the same, there are so many options. They can differ wildly and it can become complicated quickly. We want to simplify things for everyone.”
— Fabian Hühne, MD of Syllucid
After years of research and testing, our engineering experts walk you through the process so you can balance quality, budget and functionality.
10 things to look for when buying a new USB cable
Device compatibility
Charging power
Data transfer speed
Cable length
Durability
Guarantee
Price
Sustainability credentials
Certifications
Reviews
It’s safe to use USB cables for many different brands, even when they aren’t part of their ‘branded ecosystem’ of cables. However, do make sure to choose a cable that is compatible with your devices. Essential for that are the connectors. Make sure to check your devices and charging socket first before you buy a cable.
The connector is the metal part that goes into the charging port. The most common types of connectors are Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, Micro-B, Mini-B and lightning (Apple). When in doubt, google which connector your device uses.
USB charging cable types with different connectors including mini USB, micro USB, USB C and more. Source: Ifi Audio
A good option when you have multiple devices with different connectors is a modular cable so you only need one cable for your phone, laptop, e-reader, headphones and speakers.
Syllucid Charge: All-in-one
If you plan on using your USB cable to charge devices like your phone or laptop, make sure it has the ability to deliver enough power. Check the specifications of your devices to ensure the cable you choose has the necessary power delivery capabilities. 60W is ample for most devices. Modern cables often use Power Delivery (PD), a technology to allow for even faster charging up to 240W.
While it's important to make sure that your cable can deliver enough power to charge your device (a 30W cable will charge a laptop that needs 65W at a lower speed) - there is no need to worry about having a cable to that is too strong. A USB cable that can deliver 100W will also charge a phone that only requires 30W to be charged at top speed without any complications.
Power
Supported devices
10W
Smartphones, hard drives, headphones, small accessories
18W
Smartphones, tables, larger accessories
36W
Future smartphones, notebooks, displays, hubs
60W
Laptops, larger notebooks, hubs, docking stations
100 - 240W
Larger laptops, workstations, external graphic cards
Charging cable power (W) needed for different devices. Source: Manhattan Products
Every phone manufacturer has developed their own charging protocol using USB charging cables. Those include:
Qualcomm Quick Charge
MediaTek Pump Express
OPPO VOOC/Warp Charge (licensed to OnePlus as Dash Charge)
Huawei SuperCharge
Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
Even if your cable does not support the custom charging protocols it will still charge the device, however potentially at a slightly lower speed.
In most scenarios USB 2.0 is fast enough. USB cables come in different speeds. USB 3.0 cables are a distinctive blue colour. Say you’re a videographer creating 4K video and you need a fast transfer speed, make sure to choose a cable with a higher speed rating. Most data cables like HDMI are currently being replaced with USB.
USB Version
Speed Name SpeedUSB 2.0
High Speed
180 Mbps
USB 3.0
SuperSpeed (SS)
5 Gbps
USB 3.1
SuperSpeed+
10 Gbps
USB 3.2
SuperSpeed+
20 Gbps
The length of the cable is an important consideration. Make sure to choose a cable that is long enough to meet your needs. 1.2m should be long enough for desk use and charging your phone at night. You might want to go for longer, or a charger with an extension cord if you know your power socket is far away.
The longer our electronics work, the less harm they cause the planet. A good quality USB cable should be made of durable materials and have a sturdy construction. Look for cables made to last with design elements like braiding and bend protectors to ensure they can withstand frequent use. Another aspect of the cable to look out for is its thickness. A more hidden element of any cable is the conductive wire (usually copper) that is on the inside of your cable. How thick this wire is and how well protected it is, is important to determine how long it will last. As copper is very valuable, very cheap cables often use very thin wires to save costs. That also makes them break more easily. Be wary of cables that look very thin or are comparatively extremely cheap to avoid having to buy a new one in a short period of time.
If you’re intending to invest in a long life item, it’s always worth looking out for brands that offer a guarantee or warranty. That way, you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
USB cables can range in price. Determine your budget and choose a cable that offers the features and specifications you need at a price you can afford. Remember, if you buy cheap, you may buy twice! Cheap cables are made poorly and tend to break. If they have a single coat of plastic and no 'bend protectors', they're more likely to break. It's about a balance between quality and price. Note that the longer your electronics last, the better they are for the planet.
Electronics impact climate change because they have a large carbon footprint and can cause environmental damage, such as deforestation from mining metals and e-waste. The supply chain can also be linked to slavery, child labour, gang crime, poor working conditions and minimal pay.
Two in three of us consider ourselves as belief-driven buyers. Our buying decisions increasingly focus on sustainability, social impact, ethics and environmentalism. In which real ways is the brand you’re buying from reducing its impact on the climate and people making the products?
Check for recycled metals, recycled plastic coating, carbon offsetting, and collaborations with environmental and social impact projects. They might be part of the Greentech Alliance, support Fairtrade Gold, Stannol or an environmental organisation like PUR Project in the region their materials come from.
Trust badges are a good indicator of quality. For example, Qualcomm ensures fast charging. The recycling symbol is a good indicator, however it doesn’t mean the whole product is recycled. CE, RoHS, Reach, FCC and WEEE are all good certifications.
Last but not least, do other people like the product? Take a look at the reviews and make sure people are positive about the cables.
Here's a positive review from one of our happy customers
By taking these factors into consideration, you can find the right USB cable to meet your needs - and the planet. But if you have any questions about our products, don't hesitate to email us at support@syllucid.com. We always love to connect with people in the community.
Among all the smartphone users one thing is common: a USB data cable. A USB data cable is mostly used to charge a smartphone/device and move the data to and fro. But, not all data cables are the same. Data cables come in various shapes, speeds, and connector sizes. Picking the right data cable type for your device can enhance your experience, save you time, and avoid compatibility issues. In this blog, we will explore what data cables are, discuss common data cable types and their uses, offer valuable tips for usage and maintenance, and highlight their significance in modern-day living. Keep reading this article till the end.
A data cable, also known as a charging cable or connector cable, is a physical medium used to transfer data and provide power between electronic devices. It acts as a bridge, enabling communication and energy transfer between devices that might otherwise have incompatible ports or functions. Data cables are engineered with specific connectors at each end, ensuring secure and efficient data transmission and charging processes.
However, there are many types of data cable available on the market, and you may wonder how many types of data cable there are and which one is best for your device. Find the answers in the next section.
Data cables come in various types, each designed to cater to specific devices and functions. Let's explore some of the most common data cable types and their primary uses:
USB-A cables are one of the most familiar and widely used data cables. They feature a rectangular connector on one end (the USB-A connector), which is commonly plugged into computers, power adapters, and USB ports on older devices. The other end may vary, with options like Lightning, Micro USB, or USB-C connectors, allowing for compatibility with various devices like gaming consoles, portable hard drives, TVs, digital cameras, docking stations etc. You can only insert this cable in one way. USB-A cables also support different USB versions, i.e. from USB 1.1 (slowest) to USB 4.0 (fastest yet).
USB-C is the newest type of USB cable. It's a reversible connector that offers faster data transfer rates and higher power delivery capabilities. You'll see it on many modern laptops and smartphones, including MacBooks, Pixel phones, and controllers for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. We recommend getting the Anker 765 USB-C to USB-C Cable, which is one of the best USB-C (male to male connector) cables with a similar connector on both ends. It supports a maximum power delivery of up to 240W and can transfer data at a speed of 40Gbps.
Lightning cables, developed by Apple, are proprietary connectors tailored to enhance the charging and syncing experience for a range of Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods. One end of lightning cables features the Lightning connector, specifically designed for Apple devices, while the other end may have either a USB-A connector for traditional USB ports or a USB-C connector for modern devices, allowing users to charge and sync their iOS devices with ease and versatility. A great example is the Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable, a high-quality USB-C to Lightning, which is MFi certified and supports up to 18W of power delivery.
Micro USB cables were widely used in various devices in the past, including smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other electronics. However, they have been gradually replaced by USB-C due to the latter's superior capabilities. Micro-USB cables can support up to 15W of power delivery and up to 480Mbps of data transfer speed.
Mini USB cables were once popular but have largely been replaced by Micro USB and USB-C. They were commonly used in smaller devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and external hard drives. Mini-USB cables can support up to 2.5W of power delivery and up to 480Mbps of data transfer speed.
Thunderbolt cables are a proprietary standard developed and licensed by Intel. They use the same shape as USB-C connectors but have a lightning bolt symbol on them. Thunderbolt cables can support very high data transfer speeds (up to 40Gbps) and power delivery (up to 100W). They can also carry video signals for external displays (up to two 4K displays). Thunderbolt cables are mainly used for connecting high-end laptops and desktops with external monitors or storage devices.
To get the most out of your data cables, here are some tips for using and maintaining them:
Data cables are essential for connecting, charging, and transferring data between your devices. However, there are different types of data cables that have different features and functions. Choosing the right data cable type for your device can improve your experience and avoid compatibility problems. Anker's got whatever kind of cables you want. Check here: Anker Cable Collection>>
In this article, we have explained the different types of data cables and how to choose the best one for your device. We have also shared some tips about using and maintaining them. We hope this article has helped you learn more about how many types of data cable there are and how to use them properly.
Both the data cable and the regular cable are similar in appearance, but they have different functions. Data cable can be used to charge a device along with data transfer, while regular cable can only be used for charging purpose.
The USB-C cable is the most prevalent type of data cable in 2023. It has a symmetrical connector that is compatible with USB 4, USB 3.2, and USB 3.1 standards. It can provide up to 240W of power and up to 40Gbps of data transfer speed. Furthermore, it is extensively used for various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, monitors, and others.
Some USB cables are not data cables. They are only meant for charging and do not have the wires for data transmission inside them. These are called charge-only USB cables and they can be identified by a different color or symbol. Most USB cables, however, can perform both charging and data transfer.