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The Best USB Adapter Cable

Last updated on June 12, 2020

We looked at the top 14 USB Adapter Cables and dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best USB Adapter Cables.

Best USB Adapter Cable

Our Review Process

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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.

Our Picks For The Top USB Adapter Cables

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Cable Matters USB to USB Extension Cable

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Cable Matters

USB to USB Extension Cable

This cable is longer for extra reach, but you won't sacrifice signal strength for the convenience. USB 3.0 compatibility means you can use it with all your favorite peripherals, including keyboards and mice, as well as with items like external hard drives. Transfer rates go up to 5 Gbps, which is 10 times faster than you'd get with USB 2.0.

Overall Take

Extends USB ReachWith 10 feet of length, this cable lets you sit across the room while playing games or streaming to another device.

Pros
" Despite its extra length, this cable will give you the extra data transfer speed you expect to find with the USB 3.0 standard. High quality construction yields a cable that gives you long-lasting performance. Easy to plug in and unplug."
Cons
"If you need more than one USB port at the end though, you may want to consider adding a multiport USB 3.0 hub to the end of your cable."
 Runner Up

UGREEN Micro USB to USB, 2-Pack

UGREEN

Micro USB to USB, 2-Pack

This USB cable is built to take on the go, with a PVC build and a 4-inch size. Using this cable, you can turn your compatible Androids and Windows phones into PC hosts, hooking them up to your headphones, keyboard or game controller. If you have an additional USB charging cable, you can even use your phone to charge another phone.

Overall Take

PVC Provides Extra DurabilityThis USB cable is made from PVC, ensuring it will hold up through many uses.

Pros
" Made from PVC material, this UGREEN cable is quite durable. Supports high speed data rate up to 480Mbps."
 We Also Like

AINOPE Braided USB 3.0 Extension Cable, 10-Feet

AINOPE

Braided USB 3.0 Extension Cable, 10-Foot

This cord is built to last, with multiple layers of sturdy material that can handle being twisted, pinched and bended. At 10 feet in length, it's easy to sit back on the sofa and enjoy your favorite games while your phone is charging. You'll also get sticky buckles shipped with the cable to help you easily shorten the cable's length if necessary.

Overall Take

Bend-Resistant DesignAluminum foil shielding and a nylon braided jacket protects a tinned copper core, enabling this cord to survive bends and pinches.

 Portable Pick

Sabrent Easy On/Off USB Hubs

Sabrent

Easy On/Off USB Hubs

Equipped with four USB 3.0 ports, this small hub has a switch on each port so you can turn them on and off as needed. It can handle devices that don't need to charge, and built-in lights help you see which ports are active.

Overall Take

Another Great ChoiceThis USB hub lets you control individual ports and is small enough to comfortably use with most devices.

Pros
" A great budget Sabrent USB hub equipped with a couple of energy-saving features to prevent power waste."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
21

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the usb adapter cables available to purchase.
14

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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31

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, The Review Index, Which Adapter?, Best Reviews Guide, PProReviews.

614,899

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 14 USB Adapter Cables and also dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best USB Adapter Cables.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

UGREEN Micro USB to USB, 2-Pack

Our Expert Score

9.2
2 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.2
2,610 user reviews

Our Take

This USB cable is built to take on the go, with a PVC build and a 4-inch size. Using this cable, you can turn your compatible Androids and Windows phones into PC hosts, hooking them up to your headphones, keyboard or game controller. If you have an additional USB charging cable, you can even use your phone to charge another phone.

What other experts liked

Made from PVC material, this UGREEN cable is quite durable. Supports high speed data rate up to 480Mbps.
- Sweet Memory Studio

What to Look For

  • 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.

USB Adapter Cable Rankings

1. Cable Matters USB to USB Extension Cable

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 5

2. UGREEN Micro USB to USB, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 3

3. AINOPE Braided USB 3.0 Extension Cable, 10-Feet

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 2

4. Sabrent Easy On/Off USB Hubs

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 6

5. AmazonBasics USB Type-C to USB 3.1 Gen1 Female

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 6

6. Anker SuperSpeed Data USB Hubs

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 7

7. AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Extension Cable

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 3

8. OKRAY USB 3.0 A to A Male Cable, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 2

9. Syntech USB C to USB Adapter, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 4

10. Apple USB-C to USB Adapter

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 8

11. AuviPal 2-in-1 Micro USB to USB Adapter, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 4

12. BYEASY Linux Thermal Design USB Hubs

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 4

13. JSAUX USB Type C Cable 3A Fast Charging, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

It’s hard to remember a time before USB ports, but the technology didn’t come along until the mid-1990s. Prior to that, computers had ports called “serial” and “parallel,” which were considerably larger and located on the back of the computer. This technology had its limits—parallel ports could only transfer data at about 100 kilobytes per second and serial ports were stuck between 115 to 450 kilobytes per second. Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology was a collaboration between seven different companies that were leaders in computing at the time: Compaq, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, Northern Telecom, and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Just two years after those companies came together to bring the technology to market, more than 500 USB products were in development.

More to explore