8 Best iPhone Charger Cables in 2022, Tested by Tech Experts

Oct 19, 2023

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Keep your iPhone charged up anywhere, anytime with the right cable.

IF YOU'RE a part of the Apple fam, you know that almost nothing in its catalog is cheap. The best version of the iPhone 14, in particular, runs north of $1,000, and that's before you add on must-have accessories like a good iPhone wallet case, a pair of AirPods (and a case for your AirPods Pro too!), and more. So, it's no surprise that you’ll want to protect your investment. That's why we recommend grabbing a good iPhone case and a screen protector before anything else.

But, there's one more way to protect your iPhone that most people never think of: a good charger cable. It might seem silly to spend $30 or more on a cable when $5 versions are available next to the Skittles at the checkout of your local drug store. Trust us, though: those cables are garbage and, over time, the inconsistent, uneven charging they deliver can damage your precious iPhone

We’re not saying you have to drop more than $100 on a premium iPhone charger cable. There are great models available for around $25, while even the best iPhone charger cables won't cost you more than $50. It's one of the simplest—and most affordable—ways to protect your new Apple iPhone. And you don't have to stick with Apple's "all-white everything" design ethos. There are iPhone charger cables available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and lengths. If you’re ready to upgrade your iPhone charger cable, we’ve done the research for you to compare the top-selling models. Here are the best iPhone charger cables worth buying in 2022.

About the Expert: I’ve spent most of my life hiking, kayaking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. For more than a decade, I’ve traveled the world, including all seven continents. I’ve covered outdoor and adventure travel, sharing my advice on Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. These days, I personally evaluate outdoor gear and tech gadgets (like the best iPhone charger cables) for Men's Health from my home base south of Boston. Yes, I’m a little gear-obsessed.

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Over the last few years, Anker has become a go-to favorite of ours here at Men's Health for electronic accessories, including everything from cables to smartphone chargers to backup batteries. The brand's flagship Nylon USB-C to Lightning Charging Cord is no exception. The ultra-durable construction blends a nylon exterior with a fiber core—a design that Anker says is good for up to 12,000 bends. Bottom line: it’ll outlast you, your phone, and the four iPhones you’re planning to get after that. It's also high-speed compatible, so it’ll work with 18W power supplies and higher for lightning fast (get it?) charging speeds. The latest iPhones can charge up to 50% in about a half hour. Plus, it's MFi certified (more on that below), so it's guaranteed to work safely with Apple's products.

Given this charger cable's long list of pros, we’re hard-pressed to find anything to dislike. In fact, it's one of the simplest, yet full-featured cables—with a durable, MFi-certified design, versatile length (6 feet), high-speed charging capability, and excellent brand backing with a hassle-free lifetime warranty to boot. Did we mention it's under $20? All of which is why this was an easy pick for this year's best iPhone charger cable overall.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 8,800 Amazon reviews, 94% recommend the Anker Nylon USB-C to Lightning Charging Cord with at least a 4-star rating.

Some of us are harder on our gear than others. If you’re the sort of iPhone owner who's on a first-name basis with their cell company's insurance department, you need iPhone accessories—up to and including the best iPhone charger cable—that can keep up with you. Nomad Goods’ Lightning Cable USB-C Kevlar features a rugged, double-braided Kevlar outer sheath that's damn-near-bulletproof. It's coupled with strong metal alloy connector housings for a design that's built to take a serious beating. It also supports up to 20W Fast Charging that's able to charge the latest iPhone up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Not surprisingly, it's MFi approved too. Plus, we love the included cable tie to keep this charger cable wrangled in your bag.

For sheer durability, this charger cable is our go-to pick this year. It's designed to be tougher than any other cable in our roundup. The only downside? Price. At around $45 (for the 1.5-meter version), it's among the most expensive on this list. But, if you tend to abuse your gear (accidentally or not), this will get you through at least a few years of use.

What do buyers say? "I have tried just about every option out there but I always come back to Nomad. It may be a little pricey but you see why as soon as it comes in the mail," said one NomadGoods.com reviewer.

Sometimes it's just easier to go with the official iPhone accessories. Sure, Apple's products are almost always more expensive. But at least you can eliminate any potential headaches that come with third-party hardware. Apple's Lightning to USB Cable is the company's standard cable that works with a wide variety of products in its ecosystem. There's nothing especially interesting or unique about this cable. It's a standard Lightning-friendly cable that comes in only stark white. However, it is available in several lengths, so you can choose from an ultra-short 0.5-meter cable or a more nightstand-friendly 2-meter version.

If you’re looking for a dead-simple cable that's guaranteed to just work, this Lightning cable from Apple is your man. If you don't care about fancy looks or a variety of available colors, it’ll get the job done. Plus, at under $20 (for both the 0.5-meter and 1-meter versions), it's surprisingly reasonably priced for an official Apple product. Our only gripe is that the longest available version is shorter than most third-party cables at just two meters (approximately 6.5 feet).

What do buyers say? Out of more than 79,000 Amazon reviews, 94% recommend the Apple Lightning to USB Cable with at least a 4-star rating.

Sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference. Another great offering from Anker, this USB-C to Lightning Cable features a unique 90-degree bend on the Lightning side. It's the perfect remedy for gamers sick of suffering with traditional cables that awkwardly stick out the side of their iPhone while trying to game in Landscape mode. Everything else about this cable is typical of Anker: a durable construction, MFi certification for guaranteed Apple compatibility, and available 3-foot and 6-foot lengths. Plus, it's all backed by Anker's hassle-free lifetime guarantee and the brand's famously excellent customer service.

This is a unique cable for sure. The 90-degree bent design isn't for everyone. But, if you’re a gamer or someone with a unique at-home charging setup, it can make charging your iPhone a whole lot easier. At around $13 (for the 6-foot version), we think it's a steal.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 1,000 Amazon reviews, 87% recommend the Anker USB-C to 90-Degree Lightning Cable with at least a 4-star rating.

Sometimes, it's hard to know at a glance whether your phone is actually charging or, more importantly, fully charged. Belkin's BoostCharge Smart LED cable makes sure you can always tell, even from across the room. The integrated LED lights up amber when your device is charging or solid green when fully charged. It's a minor convenience, but a useful one if you like being able to keep tabs on your phone's charge status from afar. Otherwise, this iPhone charger cable has all the features we’ve come to love from Belkin. The double-braided nylon sheath is extremely durable, and it's paired with aircraft-grade aluminum connectors for even better longevity. Lastly, it supports Power Delivery for the fastest charging and is MFi certified to boot.

It's a little pricey at more than $25, especially if the built-in LED isn't something you truly need. But, if you’re looking for extra utility from your iPhone charger cable, it's a potentially useful feature. Our only other quibble is that this cable is only able in a 4-foot length. We’d love to see the addition of at least a six-foot version into the mix.

What do buyers say? "The main selling point of this cable is the smart factor, aka an led light that changes color to let you know your phone is charging and when it's done," said one Amazon reviewer.

Another perennial favorite of ours here at Men's Health, Native Union offers next-level accessories for your iPhone and other gadgets. The Belt Cable USB-C to Lightning is a surprisingly stylish iPhone charger cable that comes in a half-dozen colors. From Cosmos (gray) and Indigo (blue) to Rose (pink) and zebra stripes, we like that you can coordinate a lowly iPhone charger cable with your personal style. Beyond the modern good looks, it boasts a braided nylon construction that's tangle-free and far more durable than typical Apple cables. The premium construction also supports Power Delivery with up to 20W of fast charging. Not surprisingly, this one is Apple MFi certified too.

At around $30, it's a little pricier than our most budget-friendly picks, but not by much. We think it's worth the premium for a cable that stands apart from more ordinary alternatives. Our only real complaint is that it's only available in a four-foot length which is probably too short for anyone who likes to charge their phone while relaxing on the couch.

What do buyers say? "From the packaging itself you can already feel the premium experience. It's very expensive of course, but seems excellently built and has worked perfectly so far," said one Amazon reviewer.

After a few decades, it seems more and more companies are finally starting to standardize their cables so many devices are using one common plug (USB-C). But, that's not always the case. For travelers who pack tons of gadgets (but hate packing all the required cables), there's Anker's Powerline II. The 3-in-1 design packs a USB-A male plug on one end and three inline cables on the other: Lightning, USB-C, and micro USB. So, no matter what you’re looking to charge, this cable can probably tackle it. It also features a reinforced construction that's more durable than most cheaper alternatives. Like many Anker cables, this one is MFi certified too, so it's guaranteed to work with all iOS devices.

At just over $20, this one of the best bang-for-your-buck options on our list. It ticks all the essential boxes for what we expect in a good iPhone charger cable, plus the added versatility of being able to charge just about any other device makes this infinitely useful, especially for travelers. The only downside? Again, we wish a 6-foot (or longer) option was available.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 3,400 Amazon reviews, 86% recommend the Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable with at least a 4-star rating.

In most cases, longer cables are better. But ultra-short cables have their place, too. This iPhone charger cable from CableCreation measures just six inches. It's the perfect length for connecting your phone with a battery pack and using both together on the go, especially while traveling or commuting. The cable also supports 2.4-amp charging and 480Mbps data transfers, plus it's all wrapped in a durable, braided nylon sheath for extra strength. There's not much else to this cable, except that with a MFi-certified, you know that it's guaranteed to work flawlessly with all iOS products.

At around $10, it's hard to find anything to complain about with this niche charging cable. Although it won't work in every situation, it's perfect for using in the car or with backup batteries on the go. Plus, it's available in three colors and boasts more than 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon alone. If you’re looking for a compact cable, this is easily our pick for the best short iPhone charger cable of 2022.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 5,700 Amazon reviews, 89% recommend the CableCreation 0.5-feet Short iPhone Charger Cable with at least a 4-star rating.

Some iPhone accessories, like charging cubes and charger cables, seem like an afterthought. But, in our experience, you really do get what you pay for. If you’re willing to drop a grand or more on a next-gen smartphone, it's worth spending a little extra on brand-name accessories to go with it. Skip the $5 drugstore cables and shop for the best iPhone charger cable you can afford. Here's what to look for:

DurabilityMost iPhone charger cables—especially from third-party brands—are made with cheap plastics that aren't designed to last beyond a year. Look for high-quality, reinforced plastic or rubber or, even better, braided nylon construction. These are built to last for years—especially useful in households with pets that like to chew. Plus, they look cool and are usually tangle-free to boot.MFi CertificationThe MFi Program is basically Apple's stamp of approval on the overall functionality of third-party products. MFi-certified accessories, like iPhone charger cables, are guaranteed to work safely with all iOS products. To save yourself any potential headaches—and the risk of damaging your iPhone—we recommend only using charger cables labeled as MFi-certified.LengthThe right length for your iPhone charger cable is entirely up to you. For travelers who like to pack light and who might frequently use their iPhone with a backup battery attached (in airports or on trains, for example), or for commuters who use Google Maps while plugged into their car, an ultra-short cable might be more convenient. For anyone who likes to relax on the couch or in bed while charging their phone from a wall outlet, a six-foot or longer cable is probably better. It's a matter of personal preference based on how you use (and charge) your phone.PriceThankfully, most iPhone charger cables are very affordable. There are some great models available from Belkin and Anker for around $20-25. For a premium upgrade to something more stylish, check out the best iPhone charger cables from the likes of Nomad Goods. Whichever option you choose, you never need to spend more than $50 on a decent cable.

Beyond the authentic Apple iPhone charger cables, there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of third-party options. We researched and personally tested dozens of top-selling models from the best accessory makers like Anker and Belkin, plus smaller shops that we love, like Native Union and Nomad Goods. We paid close attention to every feature and spec, including durability, materials, available lengths, charging reliability, and price. The list above represents our honest picks of the eight best iPhone charger cables worth buying in 2022.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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