The best Micro USB cables you can buy in 2022 | Digital Trends

Despite the rise in popularity of faster USB-C cable tech, Micro USB cables are still widely used for charging Android devices, phones, cameras, and more, especially for kits manufactured before 2015. To keep your lineup of devices juiced and ready to go, we suggest investing in a variety of charging cables, including the humble Micro USB. Below are our favorite Micro USB charging cable picks, each of which features reinforced fibers that won’t split or peel over time.

Anker Powerline+Micro USB (6ft) The Premium Durable Cable

Pros

• Integrated Kevlar fibres and reinforcement at stress points
• Supports fast charging and syncing
• Velcro ties for cable management
• Choice of three lengths

Cons

• Some reports of defective cables lasting just a few weeks

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 6 feet
• Warranty: 18 months

This Micro USB charging cable is our top pick. When it comes to smartphone accessories, like the best portable chargers, Anker is generally a name you can trust. It’s long and strong, with integrated Kevlar fibers and heavy reinforcement at the stress points to ensure longevity. It also supports fast charging and syncing speeds. This 6-foot cable is reasonably priced and ideal if your outlet isn’t close by. It comes with two Velcro ties, too, so you can coil any excess cable if needed. It’s also available in 3- and 10-foot varieties.

Anker Powerline+Micro USB (6ft) The Premium Durable Cable

Rampow Micro USB Cable 6.6ft

Pros

• Choice of lengths
• Nylon-braided, reinforced textile cable
• Rigorously tested
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Not the most durable option

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 0.66 feet to 10 feet
• Warranty: Lifetime

Supporting QC 3.0 fast-charging, this Micro USB cable from Rampow is one of the best you can find right now. Not only will it help charge your devices in barely any time at all, but it’s built to last. This is thanks largely to its use of a nylon-braided textile that has been reinforced by an aluminum shield. Impressively, its heat-resistant connector can withstand over 10,000 insertions before beginning to lose its integrity, while the cable itself has withstood more than 12,000 bends in Rampow’s own testing. It’s probably because it has been through such rigorous testing that Rampow is confident enough to sell it with a lifetime warranty.

Rampow Micro USB Cable 6.6ft

Deegotech Micro USB Cable

Pros

• Handy three-pack
• Quick-charging compatibility
• Extra-long and versatile
• Tested for over 4,000 bends

Cons

• Reports of it not working after a few weeks

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 10 feet
• Warranty: 12 months

Complete with a 12-month warranty, this Micro USB cable from Deegotech comes in a pack of three, so even if you’re out of warranty and one breaks, you’ll have two others to lean on. At 10 feet, it’s long enough to serve pretty much every purpose you might have for it, while its compatibility with quick charging makes it even more useful. As the pictures above illustrate, it has been covered with a braided material, making it more durable than the average plastic-covered specimen. It has been tested to provide more than 4,000 bends, so it will keep you and your devices going for quite some time.

Deegotech Micro USB Cable

Belkin MIXIT ChargeSync Micro USB Cable

Pros

• Reputable brand
• Minimalist design
• Compatible with most devices with a Micro USB port

Cons

• May not be as durable as some braided designs
• Only one length available

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 4 feet
• Warranty: 24 months

Belkin has been in the electronics industry since 1983. The Mixit Micro USB ChargeSync cable is a textbook Micro USB cable with a minimalist design. The Mixit branding comes from its compatibility with most, if not, all plugs — smartphones, laptops, video game controllers, and car outlets, to name a few. Backed by a two-year warranty and decades of customer service, this is a safe cable to buy if you want a no-hassle Micro USB cable.

Belkin MIXIT ChargeSync Micro USB Cable

JSAUX Micro USB Cable

Pros

• Supports fast charging and transfer speed
• Sturdy nylon braided design
• Rubberized strain relief reduces damage

Cons

• Connection can be a bit loose/intermittent

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 6.6 feet
• Warranty: 18 months

The Micro USB cable from JSAUX is a durable, lengthy, and powerful option. The cable is capable of transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, with a 2.4A charge so you can take advantage of devices that support fast charging. The outer hardware is just as impressive, with a sturdy nylon braided design throughout. Not only does this make it more durable than plastic variants, but it is tangle-free so you won’t have to worry about tossing the cable in bags and pockets. Rubberized strain relief is in place on both ends of the cable, helping reduce any damage caused when bending or plugging.

JSAUX Micro USB Cable

Monoprice USB 2.0 A to Micro Cable

Pros

• Super affordable
• Minimalist design
• Wide choice of lengths available
• Shielded connector head prevents external signal interference
• Quick-charging compatible

Cons

• May charge your phone slower than other cables

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 1.5 feet to 15 feet
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

It may look pretty generic, but this Micro USB cable from Monoprice is highly effective for its price. One of its most notable features is that its connector heads have been shielded to prevent external signal interference, making it capable of transmitting data and energy efficiently. It can also be bought at varying lengths, from 1.5 feet to 15, so it can serve numerous purposes. Comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and also happens to be compatible with quick charging, given its 24 AWG power conductor.

Monoprice USB 2.0 A to Micro Cable

NetDot Magnetic Charging Cable (three-pack)

Pros

• Handy three-pack
• Interchangeable USB-C and Micro USB connector heads
• Supports Android syncing and fast charging

Cons

• Magnetic end seems a bit fragile

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 3.3 feet
• Warranty: 12 months

NetDot offers an affordable pack of magnetic chargers. The three-in-one combo includes options for USB-C and Micro USB, which makes this an ideal option if you are juggling accessories that use both and want cables that are ready for anything. Simply detach the connector heads and replace them with the compatible version. The cables feature sturdy slots so the connector heads are less likely to slip off. Android syncing and fast charging are also supported.

NetDot Magnetic Charging Cable (three-pack)

Syncwire Micro USB Cable Android Charger

Pros

• Trusted brand
• Tough braided nylon cables
• Handy two-pack
• Choice of lengths available

Cons

• Some reviews say they’re not the most durable cables

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 3.3 feet
• Warranty: 36 months

These braided nylon cables are tough, with aluminum connectors that are built to last. You can snag two conveniently sized cables for a bargain price, and they’ll serve you well. These cables can handle up to 2.4A and support USB 2.0 standard at 480Mbps for data transfer. The 3.3-foot cables are ideal if you don’t want a lot of extra cable, but you can opt for 6.5-foot cables if you prefer, as they’re only an extra $3.

Syncwire Micro USB Cable Android Charger

Fuse Chicken Titan MicroUSB Cable (Android), 3 Ft

Pros

• Supports fast charging
• Pet-proof, industrial-strength steel casing

Cons

• Heavy, so not the most portable for travelling
• Need to bend the cord carefully to avoid stressing connectors

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 3.25 feet
• Warranty: 1 year

This is hands down the most versatile cable we’ve tested so far. Since it features an industrial-strength steel casing, you don’t have to worry about playful puppies or curious cats chewing through it. That added protection does have a minor drawback: It’s pretty heavy, so it may not be the most convenient cable to carry with you on the go. You can shift or bend this cable, so it stands on its own, but you will need to make sure you’re bending it in the right places. If you aren’t careful about how you bend a cord, the connectors could become stressed, which is a weak spot. These cables come in multiple sizes — if you’re traveling, we recommend choosing the shorter Titan cord because the longer version could get in the way while you’re on the road.

Fuse Chicken Titan MicroUSB Cable (Android), 3 Ft

Proxicast 8mm Extra Long Tip Micro USB Cable

Pros

• Deeper Micro USB connector for hard-to-reach ports
• Reinforced with 22 AWG-gauge material for durability
• Supports quick charging
• Handy two-pack

Cons

• Charging speeds too slow if using device while charging

• Quick charge: Yes
• Length: 6 feet
• Warranty: 12 months

High-quality phone cases should offer easy USB connections, but that’s not always the reality. If your case makes it difficult to connect your phone to your charger, favorite headphones, or more, try out the Proxicast’s cable. This 6-foot-long cable features a Micro USB male connector that is a little deeper than usual, helping it get to those hard-to-reach ports. This well-sized cable is ideal for ruggedized cases, smartwatches, and any other devices that may require a little extra to reach the plug. Manufacturers reinforced the cable with 22 AWG-gauge material, making it extra durable and able to withstand a bit of wear and tear. The latest version now allows for a quick charge. The product comes as a two-pack with a Micro USB male straight 8mm-long tip and a standard USB A male connector.

Proxicast 8mm Extra Long Tip Micro USB Cable

CableCreation Angle Micro USB Cable

Pros

• Angled connector helps prevent cable damage
• Nylon braided cable for durability
• Variety of lengths to choose from

Cons

• Selecting the right angle direction for your setup can be tricky
• Only one length available

• Quick charge: No
• Length: 10 feet
• Warranty: Lifetime

A right-angled connector could be just what you are looking for if you charge a lot of accessories and don’t want to risk cable damage when pulling the connector out carelessly (we’ve all been there). CableCreation’s option goes a step further with its nylon braided jacket, which offers even more protection. You can pick a variety of lengths, but make sure that the angle direction is what you need for your setup.

CableCreation Angle Micro USB Cable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is USB-C, and how does it differ from a Micro USB cable?

The two standards differ in data transfer speed, durability, compatibility, and charging speed. Micro USB is a connector that first appeared in 2007 as a miniaturized rendition to connect small devices like MP3 players, smartphones, and cameras. Micro USB is both plug-and-play and hot-swappable, designed with a five-pin group and two retractable locks, and it’s rated for 10,000 disconnect cycles.

USB-C or USB Type-C, an interface that debuted in 2014, is a connector featuring a 24-pin group with a two-fold, rotationally symmetrical — horizontally and vertically — design. This connector is popular for a variety of devices, from external hard drives to smartphone charging cables. It can be used to transmit data as well as deliver power in a single cable up to 100 watts and offers options like MTP file transfer, PTP photo transfer, and MIDI input.

How do Micro USB and USB-C data and charging speeds compare?

Data speeds are theoretical, based on maximum transfer speed through a USB port, but the data speed of USB-C compared with Micro USB also varies depending on the specific device — some USB drives are limited by their flash memory. USB-C uses USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 tech, providing a data speed rating from 5Gbps to 10Gps, whereas a standard Micro USB data transfer clocks up to just 480Mbps.

That’s no surprise, as USB-C is newer, faster, and more flexible than Micro USB, and USB-C provides a higher power supply than Micro USB. Micro USB is used on some older devices. The USB Type-C port has a fast-charging speed for phones of 18 watts and can charge laptops at a maximum of 100 watts. In constrast, the charging speed of Micro USB is on par with the ancient USB-A.

Why are there so many different USB cable types?

Manufacturers are constantly developing new ways to boost transfer rates and power delivery performance, and with those improvements come updated hardware. USB tech has evolved over many revisions such as USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and the current USB Type-C. USB 1.0 through 3.1 shared a connector type, while USB Type-C upgraded to a symmetrical connector. USB cables are specifically designed for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and hard drives that use the smaller Micro USB or Mini USB. Both smaller cables feature two connector types.

Editors’ Recommendations