USB cables

How to choose a USB cable

Every USB-C cable looks the same, yet one charges a laptop at 240 W and carries 4K video while another gives a phone 15 W and data at USB 2.0 speed. The difference is inside the cable — the e-marker chip, the number of wires and the length.

• Connectors. USB-C to USB-C is the new standard from phone to laptop. USB-A to USB-C links a new device to an old charger or PC, Micro-USB lives on in speakers and cameras, USB-A to B is the printer and scanner cable.
• Charging power. A regular USB-C cable carries 60 W (3 A). 100 W and 240 W (5 A, EPR) cables have an e-marker chip inside — without it the charger caps power at 60 W, however powerful the adapter.
• Data speed. A USB 2.0 cable gives 480 Mbit/s and is for charging only. USB 3.2 Gen 1 offers 5 Gbit/s, Gen 2 10 Gbit/s, Gen 2x2 20 Gbit/s; USB4 up to 40 Gbit/s. An external SSD wants at least 10 Gbit/s.
• Video. To connect a monitor or dock you need a full-featured USB 3.2 or USB4 cable — a USB 2.0 charging cable carries no picture even though the plug is identical.
• Length. A passive cable holds 10 Gbit/s up to 2 m and 40 Gbit/s up to 1 m. A 3–5 m cable is fine for charging and USB 2.0 data; above 5 m choose an active (repeater) extension.

USB cables in our range

The bulk is USB-C to USB-C cables: Vention and AXAGON PD 60 W cables at 0.6–2 m, AXAGON BUCM32 100 W cables with 20 Gbit/s and 4K video, and 240 W USB4 cables from Lindy and AXAGON BUCM4X (0.5–1.5 m) for laptop charging and Thunderbolt docks. Club 3D offers USB4 Gen 2x2 cables and colourful 1–2 m models. USB-A to USB-C cables (Vention, Gembird, Lindy Anthra Line, AXAGON HQ braided 3 A) run from 0.1 to 3 m, Micro-USB and USB 3.0 Micro-B cables serve older devices and external drives. Long cables of 4–15 m USB-C from Club 3D and Lindy and up to 25 m USB-A to C suit meeting rooms and cameras; extension cables are passive at 0.5–3 m and active at 5–20 m (AXAGON ADR, Logitech USB-C 5 m). There are also USB-A to B printer cables of 2–10 m, A-to-A link cables and an OTG adapter. Filter on the left by connector, length and USB version.

Brands

Lindy is a German cable maker whose Anthra Line and Black Line ranges are an office standard and whose long active cables are dependable. AXAGON labels speed and wattage clearly on every cable — the braided HQ series is good value. Club 3D is the USB4 and 240 W specialist and the only one with a 15 m USB-C cable. Vention offers the cheapest PD 60 W and shielded cables, Gembird covers printer and Micro-USB leads, Intenso and Rivacase colourful charging cables.

Related products

A cable is only half of charging — add a matching charger or power bank. For more ports see USB hubs and docking stations; the full selection is in peripherals.

Frequently asked questions

Does every USB-C cable charge a laptop? Up to 60 W, yes. For a 65–100 W laptop pick a 100 W cable, for 140 W and above a 240 W EPR cable — otherwise it charges slowly or not at all.

Why is my external SSD slow? Most likely the cable is USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s). Swap it for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) or USB4 cable — same plug, 20 times the speed.

Does a long cable charge more slowly? A quality 2–3 m cable does not. On a cheap 5 m cable the voltage drops and the phone may switch off fast charging — for long runs pick thicker wires or an active cable.

Does a USB4 cable work with a Thunderbolt dock? Yes, a 40 Gbit/s USB4 cable supports Thunderbolt 3 and 4 devices at up to 1 m. For Thunderbolt 5 speed check the cable's marking.

How is the cable delivered? To a parcel locker (Omniva, DPD) or by courier within 1–2 working days.