The Best USB Adapter Cable

Buying Guide

USB cables have become a must-have item for every consumer. Used for everything from connecting your keyboard to your computer to charging your mobile device, you’ll probably need to have one on hand if you have a computer.

But when it comes to USB cables, not all are created equal. The first thing you’ll need to do is determine exactly the connectors you’ll need. A USB-to-USB cable has a male connector on one end and a female on the other. You’ll plug one end into your peripheral and another into your computer, your car’s USB port or whatever other source you’re using.

Another type of USB cable is a Micro USB-to-USB cable, which works with the small connectors found on a variety of portable devices. You’ll see these on chargers, as well as on Android devices, among many other items. There’s also the USB Type-C-to-USB connector, which you’ll need if you have an Apple computer.

As you start shopping, you’ll see speed also advertised. USB 3.0 is the current standard, although there are multiple generations of it. It boasts data transmission speeds up to 10 times faster than its predecessor, USB 2.0. USB4 debuted in 2019, bringing transmission speeds up to double what you’ll get from USB 3.2 Generation 2×2.

The biggest thing to understand about all these versions of USB is that they’re backward compatible. You won’t have to upgrade any devices to move to USB 3.0 or USB4. However, if you buy a device with a Micro USB or Type-C USB port, you’ll need an adaptor to go from the standard USB to this special type.

Each generation of USB strives to provide faster data transmission speeds for an overall better user experience. Although it may seem that special technologies like Micro USB or Type-C aim to force consumers to buy new cables, in truth, manufacturers simply want to provide the same functionality with a smaller port. As devices like smartphones and phone chargers became smaller, demand increased to have a way to shrink ports down. For Apple, the change allowed the company to shrink down the thickness of its laptops and have a port that works both to power the device and to communicate with external devices.

• The length of the cable is worth considering. A longer cable comes in handy if you want to be able to continue to use your device while it’s connected. But a good case can be made for a smaller cable, especially if you don’t want to deal with long cables around your desk.
• Like other cables, USB cables can wear out. They may be tossed into bags or accidentally trapped under a heavy piece of electronics. For that reason, some manufacturers will put their cables through bend testing to make sure they can withstand the most extreme circumstances.
• Some cables have connectors that tend to be tough to extract from the port. This not only becomes frustrating, but it can wear out the connector as you pull on it.
• Multiport USB connectors are available to make your life easier. If you have multiple devices you need plugged in at once, this is a great investment.
• Even if you choose a shorter USB cable, one that is at least a few inches in length will give you the wiggle room you need.
• As tempting as it can be to save money by buying inexpensive USB cables, when you’re dealing with heat and wires, it’s always best to be careful. For best results, stick with trusted manufacturers.
• You’ll likely want to take your USB cable on the road with you at some point. You may even want to carry it back and forth to work every day. If that’s the case, store it in a pocket or a pouch that keeps it safe from other items in your purse or bag.