What types of charging cords are there, and which one do you need?

Which cord pairs are common, and what does each one suit?

A charging cord is named by its two ends, one for the charger and one for the device. The charger end is usually USB-A or USB-C. The device end is usually USB-C, Lightning or Micro-USB. The table of cable types by their two ends sets out what each source page states, so you can find your pair in one line.

• USB-C to USB-C: Anker's guide says USB-C to USB-C cables support up to 240W³.
• USB-C to Lightning: Anker's guide says USB-C to Lightning cables are compatible with iPhone 8 and later⁴.
• USB-A to Lightning: Anker's guide says the USB-A to Lightning connector type is designed for Apple devices such as the iPhone 5 to iPhone 13⁵.
• USB-A to USB-C: Anker's guide says USB-A to USB-C cables are slower than USB-C to USB-C for charging and data⁶.
• USB-A to Micro-USB: Anker's guide says Micro-USB ends are now primarily used for older smartphones, cameras and accessories⁷.

Which cord does your phone or tablet need?

The port on the device you charge most decides the device end of the cord. Anker's guide says that starting with iPhone 15, the iPhone has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer¹⁰. Anker's guide says newer Samsung models, starting from the Galaxy S8 and Note8, use USB-C connectors¹¹. An iPhone with a Lightning port needs a cord with a Lightning end.

The charger end matters as much as the device end. Anker's guide says USB-A chargers can deliver power outputs up to 18W¹². Anker's guide says USB-C chargers support USB Power Delivery, enabling outputs as high as 100W¹³. Tricked Out Accessories' page says a USB Type-A cable can only be inserted one way into the port¹⁴. A cord's wall end should match the plug you own now, or the plug you plan to buy.

What do power ratings and data speeds mean on a cable?

Power rating and data speed are two separate numbers on the same cord. Anker's guide says USB-C to USB-C cables have transfer rates ranging from 5Gbps to 40Gbps⁸. Anker's page says the Anker 641 USB-C to Lightning Cable supports up to 60W of charging power²⁴. Anker's page says data transfer on the Anker 641 USB-C to Lightning Cable remains at 480Mbps (USB 2.0)²⁵. Tricked Out Accessories' page says Micro-USB cables can support a data transfer of 480 Mbps⁹.

Data speed decides how long a photo backup or a file copy takes over the cord. Adafruit's guide gives an example in which a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable takes 5 seconds at 10 Gbps²⁶. Adafruit's guide gives an example in which a USB 2.0 cable takes 1.7 minutes at 480 MBps²⁷. A cord you also use for backups is worth checking for its data rating, not only its power rating.

What should you check on a USB-C cable before you buy?

USB-C cables share one plug shape and still differ in power and speed. Adafruit's guide says all Type-C cables except the minimal combination of USB 2.0 and only 3 A must contain E-Marker chips²⁸. Adafruit's guide says the term Full-featured refers to speed and typically means USB 3.1 Gen 2²⁹. Adafruit's guide advises buying cables from the device manufacturer when in doubt³⁰. A label that states the speed saves you guessing from the plug alone.

• The plug at each end matches your charger and your device.
• The power rating covers what your charger can deliver.
• The data speed is printed on the label or stated on the product page.

Where does the Titan Smart Cable fit?

The Titan Smart Cable comes with a USB-A or USB-C wall end and a USB-C or Lightning device end. The store lists the cable in 4ft (1.2m), 6ft (1.8m) and 10ft (3.0m) lengths. The 90° connector gives a comfortable grip while charging, and the included cable tie keeps the cord neat. The cable's store record lists 480 Mbps data transfer. The cable is not made for a Micro-USB device, since its device end is USB-C or Lightning.

The Titan Smart Cable is made from aramid fiber, and its store record says the cable survives over 200,000 bends. The cable automatically disconnects once fully charged, to prevent overcharging, excessive heat and battery damage. Each order includes 24/7 customer support. The design lets the cable plug in both ways.

Titan Power Plus says Cable Pro supports up to 100W charging on USB-C PD¹⁵. Titan Power Plus lists USB 3.1 data transfer at 10 Gbps for Cable Pro¹⁷. Titan Power Plus says Cable Pro should be paired with the Titan PD Plug for full Power Delivery³¹. The Cable Pro page is the place to confirm the power rating and data speed of the version you choose. The table of the house's two cables sets these specs side by side.

Titan Power Plus says the 240W PrismCore Cable™ delivers charging with up to 240W of power¹⁶. Anker's guide says USB-C to USB-C cables support up to 240W³. Titan Power Plus says the 240W PrismCore Cable™ has a reinforced silicone and zinc alloy build³². The PrismCore page does not state a data speed, so confirm one there before relying on the cable for large file copies.