It is essential to find the best iPhone lightning cable to charge it as fast as possible. Apple includes a single charging cable in the box, but if you’re on the go or want a spare, we’ve got you covered.

Some of these cables come directly from Apple. Others come from third parties and are Apple-certified.

Our top pick comes directly from Apple. The general rule of thumb, especially when dealing with Apple products, is to go with the manufacturer’s accessories. Apple can build these cables, so they work perfectly with their products. From the power outlet on your wall to the phone, Apple can design these cables, so they work in the best possible way.

Best Overall

Apple 2m Lightning to USB Cable

  • Long cable

  • Durable

  • Comes directly from Apple

  • Hard to keep clean

  • Difficult to manage

The cable is made from a durable rubberized coating that quickly picks up stains, which is unfortunate. It’s 6 feet long, so it’ll be able to reach just about anywhere you might need it. Longer cables are also great for using your phone while it charges. You have more freedom of movement. However, 6 feet cables can get easily tangled and be harder to manage.

Cable Length: 2 meters | Cable Casing: Plastic | Connections: USB-A to Lightning | MFi Certified: Yes

This cable is the same as our top pick, but it’s half the length. Making the cable shorter can make it easier to manage but at the cost of versatility. A 1-meter cable is best suited for your nightstand or your desk. The shorter length means less play when using the phone while charging.

Best Official

Apple 1.0m Lightning to USB Cable

  • Durable

  • First-party cable

  • Hard to keep clean

Like our top pick, this cable’s rubberized casing gets dirty quickly and is not easily cleaned. Unlike the top pick, there isn’t the length to worry about, so it will probably stay off the floor (and perhaps stay cleaner for longer). But you still get all the same benefits having been designed and sold by Apple. It will work with your iPhone perfectly or iPad, just as Apple wants it to.

Cable Length: 1 meter | Cable Casing: Plastic | Connections: USB-A to Lightning | MFi Certified: Yes

YUNSONG has a three-pack of iPhone lightning cables if you want to save a few bucks. These cables are not MFi certified, but they are inexpensive and sturdy. They are made with an aluminum alloy sheathing and braided nylon and feel super strong. Our reviewer found them to feel sturdier than official iPhone cables in their feel and the connectors on each end.

Best Braided

YUNGSONG 6ft. Lightning to USB Nylon Braided Cables

  • Inexpensive

  • Durable build

  • Three-pack

  • Not MiFi certified

  • No warranty

It’s hard to ensure durability since the cables are missing MFi certification, and YUNSONG doesn’t offer a warranty. They charge as well as the official iPhone cable, which is good news. But if you want more assurance from your purchase, you might look elsewhere.

Cable Length: 6 feet | Cable Casing: Braided nylon, aluminum alloy | Connections: USB-A to Lightning | MFi Certified: No

Best Budget

  • MFi certified

  • Reinforced connectors

  • Inexpensive (for MFi cables)

  • Grip texture on the connectors

  • Not very flexible

One nice touch is in the grippy pattern etched into each end. It makes it easier to properly unplug the cables by grabbing the connector instead of the cable, which is how you should always unplug cables. If you don’t, this cable is thicker and a little more reinforced, making it a little hard to bend and maneuver. Still, extra protection is essential and will help keep your phone safe from shorts and cable damage.

Cable Length: 6 feet | Cable Casing: Plastic | Connections: USB-A to Lightning | MFi Certified: Yes

If you have multiple devices you need to charge, this multi-cable charger from USAMS might be a good solution. Near the end of the cable, it splits into four different cables—two lightning cables, one USB-C, and one micro USB. You can charge any phone or accessory with this one cable. Each of the ends is a little on the short side, so your devices will have to be near one another, but aside from that, it’s convenient.

Best Multi-Cable

USAMS Multi-Charging Cable (2-pack)

  • Four chargers in one

  • You can charge any smartphone

  • Not MFi certified

  • Cables are short

This is an excellent cable if you often travel or have many devices. You can charge your Android phone, iPad, and even an accessory that uses micro USB all at once. The cable doesn’t sync data, which is essential to know. This is just for charging. You’ll also want a power brick to charge four devices simultaneously.

Cable Length: 4 feet | Cable Casing: Braided nylon and aluminum alloy | Connections: USB-A to USB-A to 2x Lightning, 1x USB-C, and 1x microUSB | MFi Certified: No

Best Fast Charger

Quntis Fast Charger and 6ft. Lightning to USB-C Cable

  • Included 18W wall charger

  • Fast charging and data

  • Questionable MFi certification

The cable uses the less common USB-C to lightning connection, so if you need a cable that also works with your computer, be sure that your computer has a USB-C port. Of course, the included wall charger will work, but if you’re looking for data transfer, that’s an important consideration. Overall, this is a pretty decent deal for the price, and it comes in black or white.

Cable Length: 6 feet | Cable Casing: Plastic | Connections: USB-C to Lightning | MFi Certified: Unknown

What to Look for in an iPhone Lightning Cable

MFi Certification

MFi stands for “Made For iPod,” It was first set up in 2005 when iPods were ubiquitous. These days, the MFi program ensures all cables that get the certification meet Apple’s exacting standards for construction, durability, and safety. We have a full explainer article about the MFi program, but the gist is that MFi certification ensures that the cable will remain structurally sound, will not be tampered with or hacked, and will work well for power and data.

Durability

If you go with a cable that is not MFi certified, you’ll want to check on the build quality and materials the cable uses. Braided nylon is excellent for stretching and pull resistance. Plastic and PVC can fray over time. Most cables will say how many bends they’re rated for. You’ll want a number in the thousands or higher.

Length

Of course, length is a critical factor in your cable choice. If you want a cable for your bedside, longer is probably better. If you need a cable for your desk, a shorter one will probably be OK. Most of the cables in this list are 3 or 6 feet long, so be sure you choose one that’s appropriate for your situation.

About Our Experts

Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he’s not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he’s playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he’s a cyclist and geocacher and spends as much time outside as possible.

Yoona Wagener has been writing for Lifewire since 2019. She has a background in consumer technology, mobile devices, and technical writing. She tested several of the iPhone cables on this list.

  • Can you use the same cable to charge and to transfer data to your computer?
  • In most cases, yes. MFi certification is important here, since that will ensure the cable is data ready. You’ll read more about MFi certification down below, but suffice it to say it’s important. Most cables will work for both data and power, but not all of them. Pay attention to reviews if you’re not sure.
  • Can you use any of these cables to get your phone’s video on a TV?
  • For the most part, these cables will not help you get your iPhone’s picture onto a TV. For that, you’ll want to use a wireless protocol such as Airplay if your TV is compatible. Otherwise, for a wired solution, you can use Apple’s Digital AV adapter, but there are better ways to spend your money. There are a number of less expensive lightning to HDMI adapters you can pick up as well.
  • What wall outlet should you use to charge?
  • Any wall plug that has the right kind of connector will charge your phone. The real question is speed. You can use the USB-A ports on your computer, or pick up any third-party wall plug to charge up your phone. Some wall outlets also have built-in USB-A ports. Bottom line, if you have a plug with the right kind of connector, you’ll be able to charge your phone.

In most cases, yes. MFi certification is important here, since that will ensure the cable is data ready. You’ll read more about MFi certification down below, but suffice it to say it’s important. Most cables will work for both data and power, but not all of them. Pay attention to reviews if you’re not sure.

For the most part, these cables will not help you get your iPhone’s picture onto a TV. For that, you’ll want to use a wireless protocol such as Airplay if your TV is compatible. Otherwise, for a wired solution, you can use Apple’s Digital AV adapter, but there are better ways to spend your money. There are a number of less expensive lightning to HDMI adapters you can pick up as well.

Any wall plug that has the right kind of connector will charge your phone. The real question is speed. You can use the USB-A ports on your computer, or pick up any third-party wall plug to charge up your phone. Some wall outlets also have built-in USB-A ports. Bottom line, if you have a plug with the right kind of connector, you’ll be able to charge your phone.