USB and charging cables

This category contains USB and charging cables with Lightning, USB-C and USB-A connectors, for charging phones, tablets and laptops or moving data to and from peripherals. It suits anyone replacing a worn lead or equipping a desk, bag or workshop. Brands in our range include Anker, Belkin, Sandberg and LogiLink.

How to choose a USB or charging cable

Connectors. Check both ends before anything else. In our range the first connector is Lightning on some cables, USB-C on others and USB-A on a few, while the other end is mostly USB-C, with USB-A also available. Lightning is the connector used by Apple iPhones, iPads and accessories, so it matters only if your device has one.

USB version. Most cables in our range are USB 2.0, which is enough for charging and for syncing photos or documents at up to 480 Mbit/s. A USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable (5 Gbit/s) is the better pick for external drives and other devices that move large files.

Charging power. The cable has to cope with the wattage of both charger and device. Phones charge happily on a thin lead, but laptops often need a USB-C cable rated for higher power, so read the rating on the product page instead of assuming any USB-C cable will do.

Length and plug shape. A short cable suits a power bank or a desk, a longer one reaches a bedside socket. Very long, thin cables can lose some charging speed. Straight plugs are the norm in our range, and an angled plug is available on some cables, which helps in tight spaces or when you use the device while it charges.

Certification and compatibility. For iPhones and iPads, look for a cable made under Apple's MFi programme, since uncertified Lightning cables can stop working after an update. Cables from scanner and mobile computer makers are usually meant for those specific devices, so confirm the model before ordering.

Brands of USB and charging cables we carry

• Anker: known for chargers, power banks and charging cables built around fast phone and laptop charging.
• Belkin: known for charging and connectivity accessories, including cables for Apple devices.
• Sandberg: known for computer and mobile accessories such as cables, adapters and chargers.
• LogiLink: known for IT cables, adapters and connectivity accessories for PCs and peripherals.
• Gembird: known for computer cables, adapters and accessories.
• Zebra and Honeywell: known for barcode scanners and mobile computers used in warehouses and retail, so their cables are generally meant for those devices.
• Logitech: known mainly for keyboards, mice and webcams, so check the product page for the devices its cable is made for.

Also in our range: MAXTRACK, eStuff, Techly and CoreParts.

Frequently asked questions about USB and charging cables

What is the difference between a USB 2.0 and a USB 3.2 cable?

The main difference is data speed. USB 2.0 transfers data at up to 480 Mbit/s, while USB 3.2 Gen 1 reaches up to 5 Gbit/s. For simply charging a phone, both work, but a USB 3.2 cable saves time when copying large files to an external drive.

Can I use any USB-C cable to charge a laptop?

Not always. Laptops often draw more power than phones, and some USB-C cables are only designed for lower charging power. Check the power rating of the cable against your laptop charger before buying.

Which cable do I need to charge an iPhone?

It depends on the iPhone model. Older models use a Lightning connector, which is available in our range, while newer ones use USB-C. Match the connector on your phone, then choose USB-C or USB-A for the charger end to suit your power adapter.

Does a longer cable charge more slowly?

Slightly, in some cases. A longer cable has more electrical resistance, so some power is lost along the way, and thin cables are affected more. For everyday phone charging the difference is small, but for laptops or fast charging a shorter cable is the safer choice.