The best Lightning cables will reliably fast charge an iPhone and provide long-lasting use.
Alyssa Powell/Insider
While USB-C will eventually replace Lightning as Apple’s charging standard, the Lightning cable isn’t going anywhere in the immediate future.
The 9th-generation iPad, our reigning pick for the best budget iPad, is the last Apple tablet that will feature Lightning charging. But all of the best iPhones you can buy (and all iPhones currently available from Apple) still require a Lightning cable to charge.
For proper iPhone charging, then, we’ve compiled our favorite Lightning cables for USB-C and USB-A ports, along with 3-in-1 cables that include a Lightning charger, from trusted brands like Anker, Nomad, Spigen, and more.
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Best iPhone Lightning cables for USB-C ports
Best iPhone Lightning cables for USB-A ports
Best 3-in-1 cables for iPhone with Lightning charging
FAQs
Is Apple discontinuing the Lightning cable?
Apple will eventually discontinue the Lightning cable, as its products are set to transition to the USB-C charging standard in the coming years.
The Lightning cable will still be around for quite a while, though, as the charging standard exists in all iPhones currently available from Apple and in one currently available iPad model.
It’s possible the USB-C charging standard may not hit new iPhones until 2025, as Apple could announce its 2024 iPhone series before the EU law mandating a USB-C charging standard goes into effect in the fall of 2024.
What is an MFi-certified Lightning cable?
“MFI,” which stands for “Made For iPhone, iPad, or iPod,” is Apple’s designation for authorized in-house and recommended third-party charging cables.
Each of the cables above is MFI-certified, which means each can properly fit and charge your Apple products without damaging them.
Any cable without MFI-certification is liable to either break easily, damage the device you’re charging, or not properly fit the device’s charging outlet.
Is it safe to use cheap Lightning cables?
If an affordable Lightning cable has authentic MFI certification, you can consider it safe to use.
Many cheap cables available online are not MFI-certified, however, and are liable to damage your Apple device. Make sure to double-check the product listing for MFI-certification before making a purchase.
What should I look for in a Lightning cable?
First and foremost, you should ensure that a Lightning cable is MFI-certified, so that it can properly charge your Apple device without risking damage.
Cable durability is another paramount factor to consider, and cable length and aesthetic considerations will depend on your preferences and charging habits.
If you’re looking to take full advantage of an iPhone’s fast-charging capability, you’ll need to get a Lightning to USB-C cable and an accompanying USB-C charger with at least 20W. Lightning to USB-A cables and 3-in-1 “universal” cables, which are meant for USB-A charging ports, will not fast charge an iPhone.