Cables and adapters for connecting computers, phones, monitors, storage and peripherals, suited to home users, offices and IT installers. Our range of over 1,000 products covers USB data and charging cables, adapters between USB-A, USB-C, USB-B, Micro-USB and Lightning, and extension leads, from brands such as Microconnect, Lenovo, Vention and Logilink.
How to choose cables and adapters
Connector types. Check the port on each device before anything else. In our range the most common ends are USB-A and USB-C, with USB-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB and Lightning for printers, older devices and iPhones.
USB version and speed. A USB 2.0 cable tops out at 480 Mbit/s, which is fine for charging and keyboards but slow for external drives. For backups and video transfers look for USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s) or Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s). Some cables here also support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and USB4.
Data or charging. A cable that charges a phone will not necessarily carry data at full speed, and a thin cable may not handle the power a laptop needs. If you plan to charge a laptop or transfer large files over USB-C, choose a cable that states both its data speed and its power rating.
Male and female ends. A male end plugs into a port, a female end is the socket. Most products in our range have male connectors on both ends. Choose a female end only if you need an extension lead or a port adapter.
Length and shape. Shorter cables keep high-speed connections stable, and very long passive USB cables can lose speed. Most of our cables have straight plugs, while angled plugs help in tight spaces behind a monitor or beside a desk.
Brands we carry
- Microconnect: the largest brand in this category in our range, with a catalogue focused on IT and connectivity cables and adapters.
- Lenovo: makes adapters and cables designed to work with its own ThinkPad and ThinkCentre computers, including USB-C connection accessories.
- Vention: known for affordable everyday cables and adapters, including USB, audio and video connections.
- Baseus: focuses on charging and USB-C accessories for phones, tablets and laptops.
- Apple: supplies the Lightning and USB-C cables made for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Logilink, Gembird, Unitek, Goobay: broad IT accessory brands covering USB cables, adapters and extension leads for office and home setups.
- Lanberg: a Polish brand best known for network cabling and connection accessories.
- Axagon: a Czech brand with a focus on USB adapters and PC connectivity products.
Also in our range: Qoltec.
Frequently asked questions about cables and adapters
What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 cables?
USB 3.2 cables transfer data much faster than USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is limited to 480 Mbit/s, while USB 3.2 Gen 1 reaches 5 Gbit/s and Gen 2 reaches 10 Gbit/s. For charging or a mouse the difference does not matter, but for external SSDs it does.
Will any USB-C cable charge my laptop?
No, not every USB-C cable can charge a laptop. Some cables are built only for low-power charging or slow data, and the connector looks the same. Check that the cable lists its power rating, and match it to your laptop charger.
What do male and female connectors mean?
A male connector has the pins or the plug that goes into a port, and a female connector is the socket that receives it. A standard cable has male ends. An extension cable or adapter has a female end so you can plug another cable into it.
Do I need a cable or an adapter?
Choose a cable when both devices already have matching ports, or when the cable has the right connector on each end, such as USB-A to USB-C. Choose an adapter when you want to keep an existing cable and change its connector type. A direct cable usually means one less connection point and a tidier setup.
