The Best Charging Cables for Android

Make sure your smartphone never runs out of juice with these charging cables

By
Alex Williams
Alex Williams
Writer
  • Diablo Valley College
Alex Williams is an experienced tech writer with an interest in wearable technologies. He focuses on everything from gaming headsets to headphones.
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Updated on February 28, 2024

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We've rounded up a few of our favorite micro USB charging cables purely on price and aesthetics, so you always have a cable handy when you need to charge your Android.

Best Extra Long

Anker PowerLine

Anker PowerLine
PHOTO: Amazon
$10 at Amazon
Pros

  • Long cable

  • Multiple color options

  • Durable

Cons

  • Short warranty

  • Trouble staying plugged in

Measuring 10 feet long, the Anker PowerLine micro USB charging cable is a terrific selection for Android fans seeking a reliable name and lengthy cord. Available in five colors, the Anker boasts a strengthened construction with a bulletproof aramid fiber design, making it tougher and more reliable than standard cables.

Additionally, Anker tests the durability of the cables with over 5,000 bends during its lifespan, making it last on average nearly ten times longer than the cable that comes with your smartphone or tablet directly from the manufacturer.

With built-in fast charging, Anker reduced the resistance in the cable by 25 percent to allow for a steadier voltage and the fastest possible charging speed. On top of the already solid design, it worked to keep the cable size down to maximize compatibility with phone cases without affecting durability.

Best Connectivity

Rampow Cable

Rampow Cable
PHOTO: Amazon
$8 at Amazon
Pros

  • Lifetime warranty

  • High quality braid

Cons

  • Few color options

The ​​Rampow 6.5-foot braided micro USB cable is an ideal choice for Android users, built with superb durability and connectivity and compact enough to work with most standard cases. With a charging speed of 2.4A, the Rampow works faster than most micro USB cords on the market.

As for connectivity, the Rampow excels at data transfer between your Android smartphone or tablet and another device at speeds up to 480Mbps, capable of moving photos, videos, and other data with absolute ease. Beyond data speed, the Rampow offers a gray and red colored solution for a touch of personalization that hides the durable nylon jacket designed to avoid tangles and kinks.

To offset corrosion or heat that can be the pitfall of competitive cords, the Rampow was designed to resist damage with reinforced aluminum connectors.

What to Look For

With hundreds of branded and third-party options, choosing the right charging cable for Android can be overwhelming. We use three criteria to evaluate fast chargers: charging speed, compatibility with fast charging protocols, safety features, build quality, and type/number of ports.


Charging Speed

Not surprisingly, charging speed tops our list of criteria. Look for fast chargers with output between 45W and 65W, enough to power all smartphones and smaller laptops. Your typical 30-watt fast charger can charge a depleted iPhone 13 from zero to 80% in less than an hour. Remember, using higher wattage (e.g.,60W) on smartphones is safe, as your charging circuit regulates current so that it only uses what it needs. 


Compatibility with Fast Charging Protocols

Avoid standard fast charging and opt for super-fast charging technologies like USB Power Delivery PPS and Qualcomm Quick Charge. USB PD allows devices to optimize voltage levels and charging efficiency in real time,  with actual charging speeds depending on your Android device. Qualcomm Quick Charge is a proprietary charging technology powered by its Snapdragon processor, making it possible to charge at higher currents and voltages than standard USB charging. 


Safety Features

Look for a fast charger that supports current/short circuit protection and temperature control, which can prevent it from overheating due to power surges or related events. As a bonus, look for the UL symbol, which ensures it meets rigorous electrical manufacturing standards defined by Underwriter Laboratories (UL), one of the leading safety certification companies in the world. Lower-quality fast chargers will not mention "UL Listed" or "UL Recognized" anywhere.


Build Quality

Our preferred fast chargers are constructed using aluminum or reinforced plastic to minimize wear and tear. Bonus points for finding fast chargers with gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology--it helps prevent them from overheating (especially when charging multiple devices).


Type/Number of Ports

If you have multiple devices (e.g., phone, tablet, laptop), look for fast chargers that carry a minimum of two USB-C and two USB-A ports, which is excellent for topping up multiple devices without sacrificing speed. It also eliminates the need for multiple chargers, saving money and streamlining your charging routine.

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