If you use Apple Car Play on your car, the default Apple Lightning cable is not the best option. It is delicate and short. If you are looking for a robust Lightning charging cable for your car, which can also double as the CarPlay cable, you have come to the right place. Here, we have curated the best iPhone Lightning cables for cars.
These cables are robust and will withstand high levels of heat and cold (when the car is parked outside). Moreover, some of these Lightning cables are long. As such, the folks in the rear seat can double as the DJ during log trips and commutes.
With that out of the way, here are the best iPhone Lightning cables for car chargers and Apple CarPlay. But first,
- Charge your phone wirelessly with these cool wireless car chargers
- Bring the Apple CarPlay advantage to your car with these Apple CarPlay head units under $500
- Going on a long trip? Here are some excellent car gadgets for road trips under $50
1. Maitron Nylon Braided Lightning Cable
- Available lengths: 6ft
- MFi-certified: No
The lightning cable from Maitron features a thick nylon sheathing on top, which prevents from breakage and frayings. The thickness ensures that it can handle its share of abuse. At 6ft, you can easily extend this cable anywhere in your car (unless you own a limo) so that the passengers in the back seat stay connected. More importantly, they cost less than $10 and have an 18-month warranty.
And that’s not the end of the story. These cables have equally strong end plugs. It can withstand its shares of bends without breaking.
This product has nearly 83% positive reviews on Amazon, with users complimenting the Maitron cables for their strength, durability, and price. The extra length surely doesn’t hurt.
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2. Syncwire Rose-Gold iPhone Lightning Cable
- Available lengths: 3.3ft
- MFi-certified: Yes
With more than 2,000 user ratings on Amazon, the Syncwire Lightning cable for iPhones is considered one of the most durable yet affordable cables. It’s affordable, and you’ll be surprised by the durability that this cable affords. Plus, they are MFi-certified and are safe to use with your iPhone.
It’s a 3.3ft cable. It won’t extend to the passengers at the back, but will be ideal for the front seaters. The nylon sheathing ensures that the cable can bear its share of twists and pulls. The company claims that its nylon-sheathed cables can withstand more than 12,000 bends and around 10,000 plug-ins.
Interestingly, these claims seem to be validated by the users who are impressed by the quality and durability, especially at high-stress points like the ends.
But, the Syncwire Lightning cable can’t transmit as much power as its USB-C counterparts. For now, it supports up to 2.4A. Your phone will charge much slower than USB-C to Lightning cables. However, it will connect your phone to Apple CarPlay or your car’s infotainment system.
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3. Native Union Belt Cable
- Available lengths: 4ft
- MFi-certified: Yes
The Native Union Belt Cable balances functionality with great looks. The cable has a neat herringbone weave in dual colors which gives the cable a chic look. They are extra tough and can bear the brunt of bends, twists, and knots, thanks to the reinforced material at the top. Even the strain relief joints are specially designed to absorb the brunt of bends.
Users seem to love the stylish looks and its durability. It also has a stylish leather strap that you can use to roll up the cable when not in use, thus increasing its lifespan.
Though it’s priced a little more than its peers, you will likely to get good results thanks to its premium pricing.
This cable is just 4ft in length and will do well for the front seaters. However, if you are looking for extra length, check out the Belt Cable XL from the same company.
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4. Arkidyn Coiled USB-C to Lightning Cable
- Available lengths: 1.48ft
- MFi-certified: Yes
The Arkidyn Coiled USB-C to Lightning cable is the perfect pick for you if want a cable to connect your phone to your car’s chargers. It has a USB-C end and the USB-C PD support gives you the benefit of fast charging. More importantly, the coiled cable ensures you do not have to deal with cable clutter. This USB-C to Lightning cable measures about 1.48ft in length.
At the same time, the coils extend for easier plug-ins whenever required. However, do note that you won’t be able to extend it to the back seat.
For the price, the cable is sturdy and will last you a long time, provided you do not stretch up to its maximum length. At the same time, it works as advertised and can charge your phone up to 50% in around 30 minutes (provided you connect it to a compatible car adapter).
Note that the Arkidyn coiled Lightning cable may not be as durable as some of its counterparts. That said, if you want a Lightning cable that doesn’t create a mess or gets caught up in gear shifts, this is the one for you.
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5. UGREEN USB-C to Lightning to Cable
- Available lengths: 3ft, 6ft, and 10ft
- MFi-certified: Yes
Another USB-C to Lightning cable you can consider buying is the one by UGREEN. Unlike the one above, this one is available in different lengths and goes up to 10ft. Secondly, the braided exterior ensures cable doesn’t fray or come loose in the long run.
Like its counterpart above, this one supports USB-PD (20W) and can charge the iPhone 14 up to 60% in around 30 minutes (depending on the adapter). Plus, the MFi certification means it’s safe to be used on your iPhone.
The UGREEN USB-C to Lightning cable is a well-loved cable on Amazon, and users have commended its solid build, material quality, and charging speed. If you are looking for a reliable iPhone charging cable for your car, you can’t go wrong with this one.
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6. Anker Powerline II USB-C to Lightning Cable
- Available lengths: 6ft
- MFi-certified: Yes
Last but not least, we have the trusted Powerline II USB-C to Lightning Cable from Anker. These are one of the best iPhone car charging cords from the build quality point of view. I have been using this cable for about a year now and can vouch for its durability and solid build quality.
The Powerline+ II is available in many lengths, with some going over 3.3 ft. As such, you can extend it to the back. And when not needed, you can use the built-in handy Velcro tie to reduce the extra length.
It’s highly rated by users on Amazon and users love the responsive customer service. If you end up with a defective product, they are quick to replace it with a working one.
The Anker Powerline II USB-C to Lightning cable is MFi-certified. So you do not have to worry about compatibility issues. Plus, it’s available in many colors, and you can pick one that sits well with the color of your phone and car’s interior.
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Ditch the Stock Cable
These were some of the best iPhone Lightning cables for cars. With such robust and resilient cables, your road trips (and overall experience) will be much better. Just don’t yank the cable by the wire and they will last you a long time.
So, which of these will you buy? Will you settle for a USB-A cable? Or will you opt for a faster USB-C cable?
Last updated on 25 July, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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