USB-C Cables – For Charging and Data Transfers

USB-C to USB-C 2.0 | USB-C to USB-C 3.1 | USB-C to USB-A 2.0 | USB-C to USB-A 3.0  | USB-C to Lightning | Thunderbolt 3

Which USB-C Cable Do I Need?

The USB-C cable you want depends on what two things you’re connecting, and for what purpose. You can get a high end cable that’ll do everything. But that’s more expensive, especially if you are only charging a device.

Connecting Two USB-C Devices

• USB-C to USB-C 2.0: Best for charging a USB-C device with a USB-C charger.
• USB-C to USB-C 3.1: Best for data transfers between two USB-C devices. Can also charge, but costs more.

Connecting a USB-C Device to a USB-A Device

• USB-C to USB-A 2.0: Best for charging a USB-C device with a USB-A charger. And for data transfers involving a USB 2.0 port.
• USB-C to USB-A 3.0: Best for data transfers between a USB-C device and a device with a USB 3.0 port. Can also charge, but costs more.

Fast Charging iPhone 8/X/XR/XS

• USB-C to Lightning: Allows fast charging of newer iPhones with an 18W or better USB-C PD charger. Can also connect an iPhone to a Mac with USB-C.

Connecting Two Thunderbolt 3 Devices

• Thunderbolt 3: Connects two Thundertbolt 3 devices for high-speed data transfers. Some can also double as regular USB-C cables.

USB-C to USB-C 2.0

USB-C to USB-C 3.1

All cables listed are USB-IF Certified.

USB-C to USB-A 2.0

All cables listed contain the proper 56k Ohm resistor.

USB-C to USB-A 3.0

All cables listed contain the proper 56k Ohm resistor.

USB-C to Lightning

All cables listed are MFi certified by Apple.

Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt is a hardware interface standard created by Intel and Apple. Thunderbolt 3 cables use USB-C connectors, but are not the same as a USB-C cable. Passive Thunderbolt does supports USB 3.1 data transfers. Active Thunderbolt only supports USB 2.0 with USB-C devices.

All cables listed are Thunderbolt Certified.

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2019-10-15.