Friday, April 26, 2024

Get a charging cable that’s as versatile as the device you’re charging

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Buying one of the best 3-in-1 USB cables is such a simple and effective lifehack, but unfortunately one that most people don’t think to take advantage of. Chances are that your various electronics rely on a mix of USB-C, Micro-USB and (for Apple users) Lightning chargers to stay running. Because of that, you probably have to bring one cable per device on road trips, when you could just rely on one multi-pronged USB cable that can fuel up any device that needs recharging. Avoid tangled wires and missing cables during road trips with just one of these 3-in-1 cables.

Trusted brand

Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable

Staff Pick

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Anker is one of the biggest names in the charging business, so it makes sense for the company to offer a 3-in-1 charging cable. The Powerline II cable includes a micro-USB, USB-C and a Lightning tip for you to swap between, so you can truly charge any device you own.

$18 at Amazon

All-around excellence

Spigen DuraSync 3-in-1 Universal Charger Cable

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Spigen’s DuraSync Cable ticks all the boxes you could want from a 3-in-1 charging cable. The three charging tips are always attached to the cable, along with being able to charge and sync, and measures at almost 5 feet. Plus, the DuraSync is rated to work with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 for those times you need to charge faster.

$17 at Amazon

Super fast speeds

Moshi 3-in-1 Universal Charging Cable

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Moshi takes a different approach to keeping the additional charging tips attached to the main cable. Instead of using plastic, this charging cable takes advantage of the braided cable to attach the tips to the main cable. Plus, you’ll get fast-charging and transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, along with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

$29 at Amazon

Premium pick

Native Union Belt Universal Cable

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This 3-in-1 cable from Native Union is made from a braided nylon jacket, making it possible for the cable to withstand even the most rugged use-cases. The company also includes a one-year “worry-free” warranty, but it’s important to note you won’t be able to use this if you want to transfer any data.

$40 at Amazon

Charge and sync

POWERADD Multi-Charging Cable

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POWERADD is another company focused on charging products that’s been around for a bit, and its multi-charging cable is a great option for those multi-device lifestyles. The cable itself measures in at just a bit more than 3 feet, and is made from a braided nylon jacket that won’t get tangled (unless you do it on purpose). POWERADD also throws in a two-year limited warranty if something goes awry.

$11 at Amazon

Cable management

Belkin Universal Cable

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Belkin’s 4-foot-long Universal Cable is perfect to throw in your bag and take with you anywhere. There are Micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors, with the latter sporting cable management hooks. Plus, you’ll be able to use this with any of your favorite devices that have different charging ports.

$20 at Amazon

Rotating power

Sinstar Magnetic 3-in-1 Phone Charger

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Having all of your charging ports at the ready is under-appreciated. With the Sinstar Phone Charger, the charging tips are magnetic and interchangeable, so it still supports data sync in addition to charging. Plus, the cable itself is made from braided nylon for improved durability.

$16 at Amazon

Magnetic versatility

Zrse Magnetic 3-in-1 Cable

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These magnetic cables are becoming more and more popular and the ZRSE cable is no different. The tips are interchangeable so you can quickly swap, or you can leave them in your favorite devices so you just have to move the cable itself and let the magnets do the rest of the work.

$21 at Amazon

Short and sweet

Nomad Kevlar Universal Cable

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Nomad’s line of products is known for being some of the more rugged options for devices. The Kevlar Universal Cable is no different, with its thick plastic cable ties and the reinforced kevlar cable material. This cable measures in at just under a foot in length, so you can toss it in your bag and go.

$35 at Amazon

Which 3-in-1 USB cable should you pick?

The EU may force phone manufacturers to use USB-C exclusively in the future, but in the meantime, there are a large number of microUSB- and Lightning-compatible devices that need their own special chargers. We find it deeply annoying to keep track of them all, making the best 3-in-1 USB cables worth buying.

The Anker Powerline II is a fantastic choice for those who have many devices but don’t want to carry around a slew of different cables. The cable comes from a brand you know and trust and includes a “hassle-free lifetime warranty” so your cable can get replaced in case something breaks or goes wrong.

Perhaps the most interesting 3-in-1 cable is the ZRSE Magnetic Charging Cable because you can just switch between devices easier than ever. The ability to just leave the charging connector in your device will help protect it against dust, and you can just rely on the braided cable without fumbling with tangled cables.

Of course, the major benefit of buying any of the best 3-in-1 USB cables is universal compatibility across iOS and Android devices. If you’re primarily an Android user and have no need for a Lightning cable, you should also check on the best 2-in-1 USB cables, which mostly offer dual Type C and Micro-USB connections. You may also want to consider one of the best USB-C hubs, which goes beyond universal compatibility, and actually lets you charge different devices simultaneously.

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