iPhone and iPad cables have a habit of vanishing or breaking right when you need them. Whether you want a cheap spare, a more durable alternative, or to unlock faster charging, these are the best Lightning cables you can buy today.
Lightning ports were once ubiquitous across Apple’s iPhone and iPad line-up. Apple is switching to USB-C ports for its iPads and from the iPhone 15 family, the Lightning port is now replaced by USB-C.
But for iPhone versions 5 to 14, Lightning is the port you need a cable for.
For iPhones and older iPads that use the Lightning port, you can buy a cable that has a Lightning connector at one end and either full-size USB-A or the smaller, reversible USB-C connector at the other to plug into a charger.
If you still have a charger with a USB-A port, consider upgrading to a USB-C charger as iPhone fast-charging only works with a USB-C charger. The best setup for iPhones before the iPhone 15 is a USB-C charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable. Check out our tests for the best USB-C chargers for iPhone.
As most Apple users will agree, one phone-charging cable is never enough. Whether it gets damaged through wear and tear, or it is misplaced, borrowed or stolen, you can guarantee it is never there when you need it.
Third-party Apple-certified cables are more expensive than many online alternatives but we highly recommend you buy a certified cable, because cheap third-party alternatives have a nasty habit of suddenly deciding to stop working with your device. Moreover, they can be dangerous—here are some good reasons why you shouldn’t buy a cheap Lightning cable.
There are exceptions, however, so a few of the cables recommended below have been tested by us but don’t have the MFi stamp of approval. These are clearly marked.
If you’re forever buying new cables, you might also want to consider a Qi wireless charger or for iPhone 12/13/14/15 a MagSafe charger, with traditional docks, stands and pads as well as portable wireless chargers with built-in batteries now available. All current-generation iPhones support wireless charging, but do note that this is a slower process than charging via a cable (depending on your cable and adapter). Buy a MagSafe version only if you have an iPhone 12, 13, 14 or 15.
iPhone 15 and USB-C iPad users should go to our roundup of the best USB-C charging cables for iPhone.Best Lightning cables for iPhone and iPad
Apple Lightning to USB-C Cable – Apple’s own USB-C to Lightning Cable
Pros
Made by Apple
Fast charge
Cons
Expensive
USB type: USB-C
Length: 1m or 2m
MFi: Certified
Fast charge: Yes
To unlock Fast Charge on your iPhone you need a USB-C to Lightning cable (and at least an 18W adaptor). Apple’s variant might be one of the more expensive examples, but it’s also the most trustworthy, hailing direct from Apple itself. That said, Apple’s non-braided cables have a reputation for fraying and losing their pristine white color over time.
The standard cable that ships with most Apple products is the 1m cable, but it’s also available at double that length (2m).
Apple Lightning to USB-A cable – Apple’s own USB-A to Lightning Cable
Pros
Made by Apple
Cons
No Fast Charge
Expensive
USB type: USB-A
Length: 0.5m, 1m or 2m
MFi: Certified
Fast charge: No
Not as iconic as the white earbuds, but white and useful nonetheless, you might want to buy your Lightning cable direct from Apple. As a USB-A cable it won’t support Apple’s Fast Charge on iPhone, but it’s pretty handy none the less if you own a charger with the old rectangular USB-A port. We still recommend you upgrade to a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable.
It is available at half or double the standard 1m length (0.5m is the same price; 2m is a little extra). Either way, it’s still expensive compared to some third-party Lightning cables.
Do note that these Apple white cables often tend to go a nice shade of murky gray pretty fast, depending on your usage.
