Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, depending on their manufacturer, require a certain type of USB cable for their charging and data transfer. Android-based devices usually demand a high-quality micro USB or USB Type-C cable, in order to provide good quality performance, while on the other hand, Apple devices require the best Lightning cable.

All three cord types have their advantages and disadvantaged and are, as mentioned, determined by the manufacturer. In other words, if you are a fan of Apple gadgets, your only option is a Lightning cable. However, finding the one that will satisfy your every need isn’t as easy.

You need to know what you are looking for, which might present a problem if you are not too familiar with the subject and this guide is made for that reason in the first place: to give you some advice and make your purchase as successful as possible.

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How to Choose the Best Lightning Cable

Things you need to look for in a Lightning cable, in order to get the best one, are the following:

Durability

One of the most important aspects of any cable is its durability. No one wants a cord that will break or stop working after a month of use. Therefore, always go after the cords that can withstand a lot of abuse and save you both money and nerves.

Length

The last thing you need is not being able to connect your Apple device to the power source because the cable is too short. You don’t want to be forced to make the adaptations in your room or office in order to allow the connection.

For that reason, before any purchases, check what cord length you really need and buy a cable in accordance with that.

Certification

If you are looking for a trouble-free usage of your Lightning cable, Apple MFi certification is a necessity. Yes, none-MFi cords are usually cheaper and many of them will do a proper job. However, what if they “fry” some of your Apple gadgets?

The risk simply isn’t worth it. Therefore, play it safe and be sure that your cable comes with the required certification.

8 Best Lightning Cables

Anker Powerline+ II Lightning Cable

A High-Quality Lightning Cable

If you are looking for a top-quality lightning cable that will offer greater durability than the original Apple cables and cost less at the same time, Anker Powerline+ II Lightning Cable is the cord for you.

This cable is available in black, red, gold and silver color; it can withstand the impressive 30000 bends and comes with a tensile strength that allows it to bear about 80 kilos of weight. More importantly, it is fully Apple MFi certified and has a lifetime warranty that is more than a convincing argument of its quality.

Anker Powerline+ II Lightning Cable is 1.8m long and comes along with a travel zippered pouch, with the length-adjusting feature. Its build is a mixture of both 24AWG and 30AWG wiring and multiple protection levels that include aluminum, copper and nylon shielding.

Altogether, Anker Powerline+ II Lightning Cable offers a great value for the money and without a doubt presents one of the best-braided Lightning cables you can find on the market.

Pros:

• Durable
• Lifetime warranty
• It comes with a travel zippered pouch
• Available in multiple colors

Cons:

• A bit rigid design

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AmazonBasics Lightning Cable

A Cheap, but Efficient Lightning Cable

Products don’t have to be expensive in order to be good. Sometimes they can come with a great level of durability, offer more than a solid performance and on top of that have a bargain price, and AmazonBasics USB A Cable with Lightning Connector Premium Collection is an example of such a product.

With this cable, you are getting a decent level of protection that incorporates aluminum and Mylar shielding, as well as outside PVC shell. Also, this cable is Apple MFi certified and comes in a variety of colors (black, blue, red, gray and silver), lengths (10cm, 0.9m, 1.8m and 3m) and packages (one, two and 12-pack), which makes them perfect for a large base of users. Moreover, this cable can cope with up to 25000 95-degree bends and offers a lifetime warranty that will protect you from any possible issues with the cord in the future.

All in all, AmazonBasics USB A Cable with Lightning Connector Premium Collection is a good-quality cord that maybe isn’t the best Lightning cable according to performance, but certainly is when it comes to price and overall value.

Pros:

• A solid shielding
• Good durability
• Apple MFi certified
• Lifetime warranty
• Affordable

Cons:

• Questionable reliability

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Anker Powerline III Lightning Cable

A Cable that is Both Good-Looking and Efficient Lightning

A good look in a combination with excellent performance is always a winning combination, and Anker Powerline III Lightning Cable is no exception to that rule.

This cable is available in white color and 0.9m and 1.8m length, as well as packages of one or two cords. It offers good data transfer speed of 480Mbps and excellent durability that includes its ability to withstand up to 25000 bends and about 80 kilos of weight.

Also, this cord is MFi certified and it offers nice shiny looks that, along with its sturdy construction, make it a winning deal.

Overall, if you are after a good performance and attractive appearance in one, Anker Powerline III is definitely the best Lightning cable for you.

Pros:

• MFi certified
• Good tensile strength
• Pretty looking
• Slim

Cons:

• None

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Native Union Belt Lightning Cable XL

A Stylish Lightning Cable Perfect for Any Apple Devotee

Native Union Belt Lightning to USB Charging Cable XL is a cord that is stylish, top-performing and highly durable. It is 3m long, which will give you huge flexibility of use, and it is available in a variety of color schemes that include Cosmos, Indigo, Marine, Rose and Zebra pattern – we believe that is more than enough to satisfy any taste.

Native Union Belt Lightning to USB Charging Cable XL can withstand up to 10000 bends, it is MFi certified and comes along with a lifetime warranty. Moreover, it allows for charging at up to 2.4A and is equipped with a leather strap that prevents its tangling.

The cable itself has a reinforced structure that presents a combination of Nylon, Leather and DuPont Kevlar fiber that altogether make it very sturdy and as that very practical for everyday handling.

In other words, if you want a solid performing and attractive looking cable for your Apple devices, Native Union Belt Lightning to USB Charging Cable XL is one of the best Lightning cables you can find.

Pros:

• Durable
• MFi certified
• It comes with a lifetime warranty
• Available in a variety of color schemes

Cons:

• Lightning connector isn’t as durable as the rest of the cord

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UNBREAKcable Lightning Cable

Excellent Durability in Affordable Package

Owning a well-performing Lightning cable that can cope with a lot of “torture” is something that the most users are hoping for, and only a few products such as UNBREAKcable Fast Charging Lightning Cable can really deliver that.

This is a cable that comes in one and two meters length and is available and black and white color. More importantly, it is MFi certified; it can bear more than 20000 bends and, thanks to its great tensile strength, it can hold up to impressive 125kg.

UNBREAKcable Fast Charging Lightning Cable can deliver up to 2.4A of charging power and comes with a decent three-year warranty. Moreover, it is affordable, compact and very sturdy due to its highly-elastic TPE shell. In other words, one of the best-braided Lightning cables is here.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Durable
• It can withstand up to 20000 bends
• MFi certified

Cons:

• None

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Anker Lightning Cable Powerline+ II

High Quality and Durability in One

Anker USB C to Lightning Cable Powerline+ II, similarly to other Anker cables, offers excellent durability and great performance that ultimately make it a perfect companion of any Apple mobile device.

Double-braided, with an outer shell, made out of bulletproof fiber and altogether very sturdy, this cable is an ideal option for any user that is looking for longevity out of their products.

Anker USB C to Lightning Cable Powerline+ II is 0.8m long; it comes in black and red color and is available in packages of one or two cords. Also, this cable can hold up to 30000 bends and allow for a data transfer speed of up to 480Mbps.

All in all, a lot of value for a reasonable price, as you would expect from one of the best USB C to Lightning cable.

Pros:

• MFi certified
• Durable
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• The cable is a bit too stiff

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Apple Lightning to USB Cable

The Boss is Here

If you are sick of Apple wannabe cables and want the real thing that will offer reliable and good quality performance and the highest possible level of compatibility, official Apple Lightning to USB Cable is the only choice for you.

This cord is available in three lengths (0.5m, 1m and 2m) and only white color. It is highly reliable and durable and comes along with a two-year warranty.

More importantly, it offers fast charging and indisputable compatibility with a variety of Apple products. In other words, if you are looking for a trouble-free Lightning cable that will offer a traditional Apple quality and reliability, Apple Lightning to USB Cable is surely the best Lightning cable that can be found on the market.

Pros:

• Reliable
• Fast charging
• Decent durability

Cons:

• A bit pricey

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YUNSONG 3Pack Lightning Cable

A Cheap, but Solid Lightning Cable

YUNSONG 3Pack Nylon Braided Lightning Cable is a package of three 0.8m Lightning cords that deliver decent performance, and most importantly, are cheap.

These cables can withstand more than 8000 bends, transfer data with a speed of 480Mbps, and offer 2.1A power charging. Moreover, they are nylon braided and offer a decent level of durability and longevity.

However, they aren’t perfect and shouldn’t be observed like that. In other words, they deliver a good combination of price, performance and durability and altogether great value for the money, which makes them a great choice for the majority of mainstream users.

If you want a decent quality cord at a great price, YUNSONG 3Pack Nylon Braided Lightning Cable should be your choice.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Good performance

Cons:

• Questionable reliability

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Conclusion

If you are an Apple fan, you know that your devices need a good, proper cable that will withstand being carried around in pockets and purses, and still charge them in no-time. This list should help you pick the one that works best for your needs, so let’s go shopping!