Cables & Plugs

The best charging cable for iPhone 15 and newer is a high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable that supports Power Delivery (PD). This new port means Lightning cables are out of a job. For solid speed and durability, choose a braided design with reinforced ends and a 60W rating or higher. Some brands offer lifetime guarantees or replaceable parts - worth a look if you’re tired of flimsy leads giving up the ghost.

A USB-C cable differs from other types by offering faster charging and data transfer, plus a reversible plug (no more fiddling the wrong way round). It replaces older USB-A and Micro USB for good reason - handling up to 240W of power and 40Gbps speed, depending on the model. It’s now the go-to for most modern devices, and a decent one can greatly reduce e-waste and cable chaos.

To tell if a cable supports fast charging, look for specs like Power Delivery (PD) and a rating of at least 60W. Many quality USB-C cables include an E-marker chip, which enables high-speed charging for phones and laptops. Pair it with a compatible fast-charging plug for best results. With a good setup, you’ll spend less time tethered to walls and sockets.

The most durable charging cables use braided sleeves, flexible joints, and strengthened tips to prevent fraying. Look out for bend-tested designs (over 10,000 bends is a good benchmark). Some offer lifetime guarantees or repairable parts, backing up their tough claims. For the full checklist, head to our guide on long-lasting charger cable features.

To keep your charging cables in good nick, avoid yanking them out by the cord or bending them sharply. Always unplug by the connector. Coil them loosely rather than knotting them into a spaghetti mess - velcro straps or organisers help. Keep them away from damp spots and heat. With a bit of gentle handling, a quality cable can last for donkeys' years.

For daily use, a 1–1.5 metre charging cable hits the sweet spot - long enough to reach most plug points without trailing everywhere. For travel or plugging into a portable charger, go shorter at 0.5 metres. Want to scroll from the sofa across the room? Try 2–3 metres. Just keep in mind that longer cables can slightly slow charging due to resistance.

Most EVs do come with a charging cable - usually a Mode 2 version for standard home sockets. But for faster, more convenient charging at home or out and about, you'll likely need a separate Mode 3 Type 2 cable. Not all cables are made equal, so consider browsing our tech accessories collection for something truly long-lasting.

We look for charging cables that are built to last - think tough materials, robust insulation, and thoughtful design. Our team researches repairability, warranties, and engineering features before adding anything to the shop. You can see what goes into those decisions here. In short: if it’s flimsy, forget it.