I Phone Cable
Brand AILKIN
Connector TypeUSB Type C
Cable TypeUSB
Compatible DevicesCharging Adapter
Compatible Phone ModelsiPhone 14, 12 PRO Max, 12
Who should get this: Someone who wants a long, durable cable to charge pre-2023 iPhones, AirPods, and other Lightning-powered devices as fast as is physically possible.
Why it’s great: First and foremost, the Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (10 feet) is great because it supports the fastest possible charging speeds. When paired with a USB-C port putting out at least 18 watts of power—like those in many of our favorite laptops, power banks, and wall chargers—the PowerLine II can charge most iPhones up to three times as fast as a USB-A–to–Lightning cable.
With a sufficiently powerful wall charger, it can bring the battery of an iPhone 8 or newer from completely dead up to 50% in 30 minutes, whereas Apple’s standard cable and charger can get it to just 17% in the same time period (as we found in tests we ran with an iPhone XR). Batteries charge at an inconstant rate, but this figure roughly translates to a full phone charge in an hour, in contrast to three hours.
Unlike most Lightning cables, this one is a luxurious 10 feet long. If you frequently charge your phone far away from an outlet —for instance, while lying in bed, lounging on the couch, or killing time by your gate at the airport—the extra length is a game changer.
If you prefer a shorter cable, the 3-foot version of this cable is slim and compact, and it can coil up small to fit in a pocket or purse. Likewise, the 6-foot version is well suited for carrying in a backpack or briefcase, or for staying put in a desktop or bedside charging setup.
All three versions are available in black or white, and they’re backed by Anker’s lifetime warranty. Also, as of this writing, the 3-foot and 6-foot cables cost less than their Apple counterparts—and Apple doesn’t make a 10-foot Lightning cable.
