The 5 Best USB

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Increase compatibility of laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more with these handy, inexpensive accessories.

Apple may be known for making fantastic products, but it's also infamous for frustrating the heck out of customers when it comes to compatibility. The brand's most recent major overhaul in this department was in 2012, with the release of the iPhone 5 and a new eight-pin Lightning connector to replace the 30-pin dock connector. That move made roughly a decade's worth of earlier Apple chargers obsolete—and spawned a market of adapters to charge up and transfer data from older devices.

So, here we are a decade later, with USB-C rapidly becoming the universal standard and Apple still married to its proprietary port (unless you live in the EU). And again, another bunch of adapters, this time to convert USB-C to Lightning and vice versa. But, of course, there's no one-adapter-fits-all situation. Some are solely for charging whereas others can also handle audio or data transfers.

Whether you're looking to connect a new Chromebook to an iPhone or move your vacation photos from your digital camera to a MacBook, we've handpicked the very best USB-C-to-Lightning adapters to meet a range of needs.

A USB-C to Lightning adapter connects Apple Lightning-compatible devices to USB-C peripherals. There are a few scenarios that warrant this: to transfer data from, say, a camera to your iPad or phone; to connect audio, like headphones, for music and calls; or to plug into on-the-go programs like Apple CarPlay. Rather than carrying a Lightning cable to charge your iPhone and a USB-C to charge your headphones, a low-profile adapter means you can carry one USB-C cable to charge all your stuff.

Apple uses the MFi-certified ("Made for iPhone/iPad-certified") badge to confirm the quality of third-party adapters, but there are plenty of great options that don't have this certification, so it isn't a must. Consider the size of the adapter and whether you need it to have any other dongles on it, like a USB-A or micro USB adapter. If it'll always be plugged into your charging cable, opt for a smaller option. If you'll use it on occasion for heavy data transfers, prioritize transfer speed and quality over size.

These USB-C to Lightning adapters are compatible with a wide range of devices and cords. We also consulted with senior technology editor Stefan Vazharov and took into account reviews from other expert sources, such as Wired and Wirecutter. To make our final selection, we considered options from well-established companies such as Apple, Anker, and Belkin for a variety of use cases, and zeroed in on details like durability, portability, warranties, and compatibility certifications.

Looking for more ways to keep your devices charged and connected? Check out our stories on the best fast chargers, the best USB-C hubs, and the best USB car chargers.

This adapter supports fast charging up to 30 watts and data sync up to 480 Mbps. The USB-C to Lightning adapter has an aluminum alloy shell and short wire covered with a durable nylon fabric to safeguard against splitting or breaking. (It's been tested to bend and plug in and out more than 15,000 times.)

To charge iOS devices with this adapter, you need a USB-C cable and a compatible wall plug. Note that this adapter isn't compatible with audio or daisy chains (i.e., plugging the adapter into another device or adapter), so you can't plug a set of wired headphones into this adapter, for instance. You can, however, use it to sync your Apple devices with your computer using a USB-C cable.

This mini, highly portable USB-C to Lightning adapter is for fast charging up to 18 watts, compatible with a wide range of Apple products, including the iPhone 14 and iPads.

There are two per pack, which makes it a great value, featuring an aluminum surface for heat distribution and durability. There's also an attached strap for carrying or connecting to a cable.

Keep in mind that this adapter doesn't support data syncing or OTG, like Apple CarPlay, headphones, or card readers.

Anker is a trusted name in chargers, power banks, and other accessories because its devices are simple, effective, and made to last. This USB-C to Lightning adapter for audio is Apple MFi-certified and supports seamless audio for even the highest quality audio monitors and headphones.

The adapter has a 12,000-bend lifespan and also comes with a lifetime warranty. Just keep in mind that this USB-C to Lightning adapter is for audio only, so it doesn't support charging.

For a USB-C to Lightning audio adapter and charger in one, this option from Belkin is your best bet. The brand is known for turning out earbuds, cables, chargers, and other accessories that offer solid quality at a reasonable price point.

This adapter is great for the car, with two ports to charge your phone while listening to music. It supports lossless audio with full 48KHz/24-bit transmission. Note that it doesn't support data syncing.

If you've invested in a new Apple Pencil, you'll need a USB-C to Lightning adapter to pair and charge it from any iPad that's 10th-gen or later. One of these adapters comes inside the Pencil's box, and this is an inexpensive backup to keep at home or elsewhere.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.

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