How to Choose the Right Cable for Your Smartphone, Tablet, and Laptop
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1. Purpose
Most cables for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), laptops, and other gadgets are primarily used for charging.
The second important function is data transfer, which, in the era of wireless and cloud technologies, is not needed for everyone. But it is necessary if you need to transfer terabytes of files or achieve reference quality for video or audio signals.
A fully functional USB C cable can handle both tasks. However, not all our gadgets have the appropriate port. Sometimes it is there but with limited capabilities. That's why the cable's purpose should be considered in relation to specific devices and their ports, as well as taking note of additional nuances.
For smartphones or tablets
For mobile phones and tablets, the USB C port is the industry standard. Here, it usually allows both charging the gadget and data transfer. Accordingly, in such a situation, the choice is quite simple — you need to pick a type C – type C cable.
However, less progressive connectors can still be found on mobile gadgets, namely:
- Lightning. This is Apple's proprietary port. It was used on iPhones up to the 14th generation inclusive, iPad 2021 tablets, Air 2019, Mini 2019, and even earlier versions of Pro, as well as other gadgets, including wireless AirPods. Owners of these devices usually need a type C – Lightning cable or other cables, for example, USB A to Lightning (if your charger has a regular USB);
- MicroUSB. Already a rarely used connector found in older smartphones and tablets, as well as some other devices. The cable for them should have a MicroUSB and the port that your charger has (ideally type C).
Once you've figured out the connectors, you should clarify the power and supported fast charging protocols of your gadget. Based on this information, you can choose the wire. Cable power data is often indicated in the name itself or on the plug. If, in addition to charging a smartphone or tablet, you plan to transfer data frequently, you also need to specify the interface, which directly affects the bandwidth. Usually, data regarding Gbit/s is available on the packaging.
It is worth noting separately that those who prefer to listen to music with a wired connection to a phone or tablet may require an audio cable with a mini-jack, such as USB C – 3.5 mm. However, among wired headphones today, you can often find models with type C: they do not require additional cables.
For laptops
For laptops, various cables may be needed. If we are talking about a modern laptop with a USB C port and support for Power Delivery (PD) technology, then, in most cases, one cable can provide both power and data transfer.
To fully charge modern laptops, a cable with a power of 60W or more is capable. If you are interested in values starting from 100W, then a type C – type C model is a necessary requirement (along with a good charger with a similar port and appropriate wattage). Usually, these wires also offer good bandwidth (but this should be verified — by specifications or labeling).
In older laptops, a USB C socket can be present but might imply reduced functionality. The basic level type C port has little power: it may allow powering, for example, smartwatches or smartphones, but not a laptop battery, and data exchange is limited to a speed of 480 Mbit/s (or possibly not provided). To charge such a laptop, a DC port compatible with the "native" power supply is provided. If something happens to it, several solutions are possible:
- repair for minor damage (such as wire damage);
- replacement with a new power supply with the correct DC connector, suitable voltage parameters, and current strength;
- selection of a USB C – DC adapter with the correct connector, followed by the use of a powerful charger.
Note that in Apple laptops released before 2012, special wires with a magnetic connector — DC on MagSafe1 — are used for charging. However, the most current one is the MagSafe3 connector (used since 2021): although for such MacBooks power can also be provided by type C.
The third situation — USB C is missing entirely, which is found in even older laptops. Here for powering the laptop, you have a DC socket, and for data transfer — USB A with relatively low bandwidth. Accordingly, you may need adapters for charging (as described above) or USB – USB C cables or even type A – type A for data exchange. It is important to understand that performance will be low, but this is due to the capabilities of the old laptop, not the cable.
Additionally, laptop owners may need additional video cables, for example, to connect monitors or project an image on a projector. It might not be necessary to use them if both the display and the laptop are equipped with a type C port and support Alt Mode. In other situations, look at the existing video ports on the devices that need connection to each other. For instance, a laptop typically has a regular HDMI or miniDisplayPort, while monitors and projectors usually have the same HDMI, standard DisplayPort, or VGA. The most common accessories for video transmission are HDMI cables.
For other devices
Wires may also be needed for other gadgets such as smartwatches, wireless headphones, headsets, peripherals, and acoustic equipment.
In the case of wearable devices, the cable is most often combined with a proprietary connector or magnetic group for charging. So, in case of loss or damage to the original accessory, you need to look for an original replacement.
Many peripheral devices require various USB cables: type A or C, with MicroUSB rarely being used. Other wires are needed relatively seldom, although several examples can be provided:
- to connect an external hard drive to a PC or laptop, a USB may be needed;
- for data exchange with old 'apple' devices (pre-2012) — USB to Apple 30pin;
- to connect a camera or camcorder to a TV — microUSB – HDMI.
Let’s not forget about a separate category — audio cables. They can be needed to connect headphones to different devices (here, models with a mini-jack are usually required), e.g., for solving demanding audiophile tasks. By purpose, all audio cables can be divided into 3 groups:
- Interconnect. They are used for transferring audio signals between different elements of the system, for example, DVD player and amplifier;
- Acoustic. They serve to connect speakers to the amplifier;
- Subwoofer. Such cables allow the connection of active subwoofers.
2. Interface (Bandwidth)
The speed characteristics of USB cables are determined by their interface. In addition, the most progressive versions (revisions) of protocols are available exclusively in type C.
The relationship between interfaces, connectors, and bandwidth is shown in the table:
| Interface | Connectors | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | USB A, USB C, microUSB | 480 Mbit/s |
| USB 3.0 or 3.2 Gen 1 | USB A, USB C, microUSB | 5 Gbit/s |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB A, USB C, microUSB | 10 Gbit/s |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | only USB C | 20 Gbit/s |
| USB4 | only USB C | 20 to 80 Gbit/s |
| Thunderbolt 3/4 | only USB C | 40 Gbit/s |
| Thunderbolt 5 | only USB C | 120 Gbit/s |
More on USB4 can be read in the article "What's cool about the USB4 standard and why it has a bright future", and about Thunderbolt — in the article "All about the Thunderbolt protocol".
If you need the highest bandwidth, only a cable with type C can achieve it, as it is the only one that can be compatible with USB4 and the Thunderbolt protocol. On the other hand, chasing high Gbit/s values when choosing a cable is relevant only if the most progressive interfaces are supported by your gadgets or you are buying the cable with future prospects in mind.
3. Power
If you need fast charging, choose a cable that supports high power. Plus, we assume by default that your charger is powerful too. If no power data is available, you can focus on current strength, as there is a direct correlation. If this information is also missing, USB-IF specifications tied to the interface will come to the rescue:
| Interface | Minimum Current, A | Minimum Power, W |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 0.5 | 2.5 |
| All USB 3.X | 0.9 | 4.5 |
| Newer protocols based on USB C | 3 | 15 |
In practice, most manufacturers provide higher power, primarily through increased voltage. The safest way to achieve this is through fast charging technologies. Although other solutions are possible, such as Xiaomi adding an additional pin (fifth pin) to a regular USB A connector, resulting in higher speeds with proprietary wires and chargers than standard ones.
Fast charging protocols provide enhanced charging power when your device (for example, a phone), charger, and cable support the same standards. In such cases, safety for both gadgets and accessories is assured. More about Quick Charge, Power Delivery technologies and beyond can be read in the article "Fast charging in smartphones: versions and generations".
It is noted that manufacturers typically indicate the fast charging standard on the packaging, and occasionally, on the cable itself. But generally, power ratings from 30W and above are indirect confirmation of protocol support. For additional verification, special USB testers can be used.
4. Informative Labeling
The cable selection process can be more complex than it seems. First, USB C connectors are very variable. This applies to sockets on smartphones, laptops, and other devices, and the plugs on the wire. Both the socket (female) and the plug (male) can be fully functional — Full-Featured type-C, or trimmed or adapted to the USB 2.0 interface. Some USB Cs fall into the Power Only category (do not transmit data) — they usually have 9 connectors instead of 22.
Secondly, some manufacturers overstate the power and bandwidth for their products. To verify if there is support for at least 20W and 5 or 10 Gbit/s, you can check the number of pins on the cable plug — there should be at least 9 for USB A and 22 for USB C. But even here there might be a catch: pins can be present but might not be used in practice.
Thirdly, not all brands inform about power and data transfer speed. Therefore, the best way to verify bandwidth (if the manufacturer doesn't provide this information) is through practical testing.
All these nuances concerning type C apply to various devices — from smartphones to chargers and cables. To bring order and simplify the selection process for users, in 2022, the USB-IF consortium proposed a standardized labeling scheme, which was updated in 2025 to consider the current USB 4 interface. The idea is simple: buyers do not need to delve into interfaces and their versions (as it's easy to get confused with 3.2 Gen 1 and 3.2 Gen 2x2). Instead, both the packaging and the devices themselves (including cables) should indicate power in watts and data transfer speed in Gbit/s. Here's what it looks like:
Over time, many manufacturers will switch to this labeling. When it gains popularity, selecting cables will indeed become simpler. It is expected that Dell will be among the pioneers. Regardless, known brands still inform buyers about the key characteristics of wires.
5. Length and other features
Another important characteristic of a wire is its length. It directly affects ease of usage. For instance, a short cable is more comfortable for transportation and use on a desk, while a long one is needed when the connected devices are far from each other, and moving them is difficult. Moreover, length can affect power and bandwidth, as official specifications for USB-PD set limits tied to the interface:
| Interface | Maximum regulated length, m |
|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 4 |
| All USB 3.X | 2 |
| USB4 | 1 |
So if you are offered a 1.5-meter USB4 cable, either there is no interface support at all, or the speeds will be lower.
If an extremely short cable suits you, consider purchasing an adapter. Conversely, if devices are very far apart, an extension will be helpful. Its feature is the presence of a socket (female) and plug (male), so it works with a cable.
We recommend paying attention to other physical characteristics of wires:
- cable sheath material. Most often, polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic are used. They bend well but may crack over time. A slightly more reliable option is nylon, while the most durable is a metal braid. Both options are more expensive, and metal is heavier and less flexible;
- connector form factor. Besides the usual straight, there is an angled or L-shaped connector. It might simplify connection in tight conditions, prevent excessive wire bending, and more;
- Detachable magnetic connector . Another unique option of some cables. Such a design reduces wear on the socket and plug and enhances overall usage convenience. However, magnetic models are more expensive.
Additionally, some adapters and cables may provide lighting or LED indication. Due to such a feature, the operation process becomes more visual, and it’s easier to find the accessory in the dark.
6. Brands
Almost all manufacturers of smartphones, tablets, and laptops, including Apple, Samsung, Asus, Xiaomi, and others, produce their own cables. In many situations, getting a replacement similar to the original wire is a simple and logical solution. Sometimes, it is the only way to rely on maximum charging power. However, a downside is that branded accessories often cost more and/or offer fewer features than counterparts.
In addition, the products of recognized leaders in the accessory market deserve attention, including Anker, Ugreen, Cablexpert, and Viewcon. Among relatively affordable models are cables from brands like BASEUS, Hoco, and 2E.
A cable from a trusted manufacturer might cost more, but its features are not hidden, and/or the declared power and bandwidth correspond to the practice. That means with such a wire, there is no need to count pins (contacts), delve into interface details, and most importantly, worry about the durability of the smartphone, tablet, or other devices.
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