The Best Braided Lightning Cables
Without your charging cable, your phone or tablet would be nothing more than a paperweight once the battery dies. And with a first-party cable, you run the risk of it fraying and failing on you at a critical moment. That's why we prefer braided cables — they're highly resistant to breaking from constant bending, and they resist snags and scratches from sharp objects. But with the multitude of cable options out there, how do you know which Lightning cable to buy?
What to Look For
To help you choose a charging cable, we’ve done the digging and found the top braided Lightning cables on the market. We wanted to recommend only the very best, so we weeded out options with excellent durability, fast charging times, and fair prices. Our favorite was the five-pack of differently sized cables from Wacaur. They provide enough fast-charging, long-lasting cables for a whole family of Lightning users. And for the latest in cable technology, you can’t go wrong with a 10-foot, high-speed USB-C cable from ESR. No matter what you need one for, there’s bound to be a braided cable for you. Read on to discover more.
Takagi Six-Foot Braided Lightning Cables
Super speed
Us iPhone users know that the original cable usually doesn’t cut it. Furthermore, these days iPhones come without charging bricks, just one short USB-C to Lightning cable. Most people still use USB-A plugs, which is why we recommend this three-pack of braided cables for your Lightning-capable devices. With six feet of cable, you have more freedom to plug your phone in and use it while charging. The nylon braiding resists kinks and knots, making it easy to untangle after storage.
Pros:
- The sturdy connections on both ends keep these cables securely fastened.
- The slim profile lets you plug this in with most cases.
- It works perfectly with most fast-charging USB-A adapters.
Cons:
- Six feet might not be long enough for certain uses.
Wacaur Braided Lightning Cables
Different lengths, same strength
If you like to have a cable for every use, you’re probably looking to get a few different lengths of cables. With this five-pack of braided USB-A to Lightning cables, you could check every box for most uses. You get two three-foot cables, two six-foot cables, and a monster 10-footer. These cables also support fast charging, so you’ll be able to juice up your phone in a pinch. And best of all, these won’t get damaged and wear out like first-party rubber cables.
Pros:
- The Lightning and USB-A plugs stay connected securely. They won’t accidentally fall out of your phone or wall adapter.
- This is best for families or those who prefer different lengths. Everyone can get a high-quality cable that won’t break the bank.
Cons:
- You may find that you don’t need certain lengths. However, you can at least test them first to make sure.
Feel2Nice 10-Foot Braided Lightning Cables
Bring on the cable wear
If you’re like us, you love to have your phone charged up and ready to go, and with one of these 10-foot charging cables, you can have it charging and still use it nearby. Or maybe you have an awkwardly placed wall outlet that normal cables just can’t reach. Whatever your use, you’ll want a cable that lasts, and these MFi-certified braided cables from Feel2Nice are up to the task.
Pros:
- Even with their long length, these cables don’t get knotted easily. And if they do get a bit tangled up, it’s not hard to untangle them.
- Normally 10-foot cables lose some charging speed with their longer length. However, because of the high-quality materials used to make these cables, you won’t notice a drop in speed.
Cons:
- The cables are kind of stiff, though they loosen up a bit with use.
ESR 6.6-Foot USB-C to Lightning Cable
The new standard
These days, USB-C is all the rage. Power adapters with USC-C connectors can usually output more power, and USB-C cables also provide faster data transfer rates. That’s why we’re recommending this Apple-certified cable from ESR. Because it’s USB 3.0, the data transfer rate tops out at an impressive 4.8 Gigabits per second. And when paired with a PD power supply that can supply 18W or more, the fast charging power of this cable really shines. The nylon braiding feels sturdy. It’s a bit stiff, but the stiffness means the wiring inside stays well-protected.
Pros:
- We love how the braided cable doesn’t get snarled or develop those annoying curls that typically happen when storing cables.
- Both the USB-C and Lightning connectors can be used in either orientation.
- These are much more affordable for their quality than other brands while still maintaining top-tier quality.
Cons:
- Not everybody has a USB-C adapter, so you’ll have to make sure you nab one to use this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are braided cables better than rubber or plastic cables?
Nylon braided cables offer much more tensile strength than regular cables. That means you can pull on them, and they won’t stretch. The nylon braiding also provides strong structural support around the internal wires of the cable, protecting the wires from breaking.
Which Lightning cable length should I get?
Generally speaking, a six-foot cable should do you well. For those who like a bit more flexibility in their charging range, a 10-foot cable gives you that freedom. On the other hand, shorter cables around 12 inches or less work great for quick charging on the go or connecting to a laptop.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.