Don’t buy the wrong USB-C cable

Many devices now use USB-C cables to connect to other devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, external hard drives and games consoles. These cables are lighter, faster and – because they have the same shaped connectors at both ends – less fiddly than older USB cables. But not all USB-C cables are the same. They can differ in length and durability, the speed at which they charge your devices or transfer data – and, of course, they vary in price. In this feature, we help you find the best USB-C cable for your budget and needs.

Best short USB-C cable

The standard length of a). Both cables are nylon-braided for durability and, though they use the older USB 2.0 standard, which has a maximum data-transfer rate of 480Mbps, they’re fine for charging your gadgets on the go.