The Best Lightning Cables of 2021

If fancy-shmancy nylon braiding isn't as important to you as saving money, you could opt for a cable with no frills whatsoever. This 6-foot-long, 8-dollar Lightning cable from AmazonBasics is about as no-frills as you can get.

Sure, you might be tempting fate with an inexpensive cable made from materials that typically degrade with extended use, but perhaps you can get in front of this problem by buying a two-pack. Additionally, this basic cable can be purchased in additional lengths, making it a suitable option regardless of where you intend to do your charging.

This 3.3-foot Lightning cable from Syncwire is a decent option for iPhone users on a budget (though we still recommend AmazonBasics' standard Lightning cable for people looking to spend as little as possible on a reliable cable).

Although the cable held up well over the course of testing, the cable's casing doesn't seem to be well protected for years' worth of use. You can, however, spring for the rose gold or gray variants, which use a more durable nylon casing.

Hardware manufacturer Anker frequently finds its way into our product coverage due to the company's penchant for making affordably priced, reliable devices that don't sacrifice quality for cost. The Anker PowerLine+ Lightning cable is no different.

Several people in our editorial office swear by this sturdy, nylon-braided cable that offers both durability and six feet of length for a moderately low cost.

A nifty feature of the PowerLine+ Lightning cable is the included pouch, which harbors a sturdy, velcro strap so users can keep the ideal amount of slack unraveled depending on setting and situation.

Although it's around $5 more than the nylon-braided AmazonBasics cable of the same length, the Anker PowerLine+ is a fantastic option for folks who're looking for a long cable with a built-to-last design.