When it comes to plugging your smartphone into your Android Auto head unit, you want a cable that is more than just the one out of the box. The cable needs to be able to withstand bends, sudden removals, spills, and so much more. We have found some of the best USB-C cables that you can get for Android Auto.
Perfect option
Anker Powerline+ USB C to USB A Cable
Staff Pick
Anker’s charging cables are practically unmatched in terms of quality and value. The Powerline+ series of cables is extremely impressive with the braided nylon exterior, which is said to last six times longer than the competition.
$14 at Amazon
$14 at Newegg
Angled connections
AUKEY Right Angle USB C to USB A Braided Cable
Some times you can’t use the traditional charging cable, as it sticks out too far, and you need something that can fit into a tight space. AUKEY’s 90-degree Braided Cable will help solve that issue as both the USB-C and USB-A connections come in at a right-angle. This will allow you to plug your phone in, regardless of how tight the space is.
$13 at Amazon
$15 at Google Shopping
Get backups
AUKEY USB 3.0 USB Type C Cable
When it comes to charging cables, AUKEY ranks right up there among the best. This three-pack of USB-C cables are rated to last for more than 5000 bends, while also including a 56k Ohm Resistor to ensure that your phone does not get overcharged during your travels.
$10 at Amazon
$9 at eBay
Strain relief
Cable Matters Slim USB C to USB A Cable
If you want a no-frills, yet reliable cable to use with Android Auto, then Cable Matters is a great option. This cable offers “molded strain relief” to ensure that it will last through the bends and situations that may arise when plugging your phone in.
$11 at Amazon
$12 at Cable Matters
Short or long
CHOETECH USB C Fast Charging Cable
CHOETECH is another excellent company that specializes in keeping your phone charged and plugged in. This USB-C cable is capable of withstanding more than 5,000 bends, and over 100,000 insertions/removals from your smartphone. Plus, this two-pack of cables includes one 3.3-foot cable and a longer 6.6-foot cable, giving you options for every situation.
$10 at Amazon
Middle of the pack
AmazonBasics USB 3.1 Gen 2 Cable
The AmazonBasics Cable is more than suitable to connect your phone to the Android Auto unit. This works with just about any USB-C device you can think of and has the added benefit of offering 10 Gbps transfer speeds. Plus, it’s backed by the AmazonBasics 1-year limited warranty if anything happens to your newly-acquired cable.
$10 at Amazon
Extra durability
Uni Nylon Braided USB-C Cable
Durability is the name of the game, and the Uni Nylon Braided Cable is up to the task of being your go-to cable. In addition to meeting the USB-C v2.0 spec, this cable also features a nylon fiber jacket, along with tinned copper and aluminum foil for extra durability.
$12 at Amazon
$16 at Uni Accessories
From Google
Google USB-C to USB-C Cable
Since Google is firmly planted in the smartphone game, it only makes sense to include its own USB-C cable. This cable measures in at a little over 3-feet, which is plenty long for most users. On the durability front, you have a TPE material, which is a combination of plastic and rubber so that it will last longer than other OEM cables.
$20 at Google
$20 at Amazon
Shorter option
CableCreation Short USB C Cable
Sometimes you don’t need a cable measuring in at 6-feet, and just need something short that will get the job done. CableCreation is here to help with this 9.6-inch offering, as it is rated at lasting for more than 10,000 bends for supreme durability.
$8 at Amazon
Retractable and curly
Baseus Retractable Curly USB C Cable
For some folks, coiled cables are a thing of the past, but for others, they are still great options. The Baseus Curly USB-C cable is one of those great cables that won’t get tangled up, while also offering the ability to retract it between 0.8 and 3.3-feet.
$12 at Amazon
Alternative greatness
Anker Powerline III USB-C to USB-C
Anker’s new Powerline III USB-C cable is perfect for just about any situation, including getting on the road with Android Auto. This cable measures in at 3-feet, but there are also longer, or shorter, cable lengths available. Anker also has provides a “worry-free” lifetime warranty to go along with the rugged construction able to withstand up to 25,000 bends.
$16 at Amazon
$15 at Newegg
In the car or not
UGREEN Fast Charger Cable
UGREEN’s Fast Charger Cable is wrapped in nylon for added durability, comes in four different lengths, and is compatible with Quick Charge 3.0. The cable also a built-in chip designed to make sure that your phone is charging as fast as possible, regardless of the situation. And if you need to take it out of the car, it works great for data transmission with sync speeds up to 480Mbps.
From $6 at Amazon
One cable to rule them all
It can be tough to pick the perfect cable that will perform the best and keep your phone plugged in. However, the best option we have found is the Anker Powerline+ Cable thanks to its ultra-rugged design, which is rated to last six times longer than the competition. Plus, Anker offers a lifetime warranty on its cable just in case something happens, and you need a replacement.
Our next favorite cable would be the AUKEY 90-degree Braided Nylon Cable. This cable offers 90-degree angles on both the USB-C and USB-A connections, allowing for you to be able to plug in your phone, regardless of how tight the space is that you’re working with. Additionally, AUKEY offers a 45-day money-back warranty and a two-year product replacement warranty.
