Apple’s MacBook line-up brings with it some of the most powerful and sought-after laptops in the market. Consisting of the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro laptops, the MacBook series represents for many the pinnacle of on-the-go computing. So if you’re planning to buy yourself a MacBook or own one already, consider these best USB-C fast charging cables for MacBook to charge your device right!
The latest MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Pro with either the M2, M2 Pro, or M2 Max chips are brilliant machines. Backed by Apple’s chipsets, these can handle pretty much every task you throw at them. But raw power is not all they bring.
MacBook Air M2, much like the MacBook Pro, Windows laptops and thousands of Android phones support the USB-C standard which offers fast transfer speeds and equally fast charging. This makes them multifunctional, and capable of being used across many devices.
As such, it makes sense to invest in a good USB-C fast charging cable that doesn’t only act as an alternative to Apple’s USB-C cable but can also be used with other devices around your house. But before we get to our list of the best USB-C to USB-C charging cables, consider checking out these posts as well!
- Jazz up your MacBook with these Apple MacBook M2 Air accessories.
- Check out these keyboard covers for MacBook Air M2.
1. YBMTIGICS Apple USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Max charge speed: 60W
- Length: 6.6 feet
- Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C
The most affordable option on our list offers a wide range of support for fast charging multiple devices. These include MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13, 14, 15, and 16-inch models released between 2018 and 2023. There’s also support for all iPad Pro models and Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, 7, 6a, 6 Pro, and 6.
This fast-charging cable can offer a maximum charging speed of 60W and is also capable of high-speed data transfer at 480Mbps. It’s claimed to be crafted out of a hard-wearing exterior and fiber core, making it more durable than competing cables. Further, it’s also tested for withstanding up to 12,000 bends.
It’s only available in a single 6.6 feet size. However, you get two units in the pack, making this a great value-for-money option. While this product does have mostly positive reviews on Amazon, a few reviews do raise concerns about its durability in the long term.
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2. AINOPE USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Max charge speed: 100W
- Length: 10 feet
- Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C
The AINOPE 100W USB-C to USB-C Cable can be a great replacement cable for your MacBook Air M2. It offers fast charging support over Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 and Qualcomm Charge (QC) 3.0. This makes it a good choice for not just MacBooks but also Android devices as well.
It is compatible with USB-C PD adapters with as low as 18W output and ones that go up to 100W. It is also good for data transfer as it offers speeds up to 480Mbps. It also comes with an E-Mark chip, which brings added protection while USB PD fast charging. This not only protects the adapter but also provides protection to the device’s battery.
The AINOPE USB-C cable is 10 feet long and uses an interesting 90 degrees “L” design for added ease of use. This makes it more convenient and comfortable to use if you want to charge your device while playing games, watching videos, or reading e-books.
This cable also comes with a special SR joint, which is claimed to last 30x longer than ordinary cables. Further, it is also rated to withstand 40,000 bends and has a tensile strength capable of withstanding 175 lbs. However, some user reviews do claim that the cable provides unreliable charging. But despite this, it’s one of the USB-C fast charging cables for MacBook Air.
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3. AINOPE USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Max charge speed: 240W
- Length: 10 feet
- Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C
100W is more than enough for your MacBook Air M2’s charging needs. However, if you need a USB-C to USB-C cable carrying a little more juice for your spare Android device, then this one’s a good bet. This 10 feet cable is as fast as a USB C cable gets and is completely future-proof thanks to its 240W PD support.
While it can operate at a blistering 240W energy transfer speed, when connected to a MacBook Air M2, it operates at a more modest speed of around 65W for safe usage. This one also uses a 90 degrees “L” design connector which is user-friendly and more convenient for using devices while charging them.
Much like the option above, it also uses a reinforced 90-degree connector with the cable using special SR joints for improved durability. However, in this one, AINOPE has used the updated EMARK 2.0 chip which maximizes safety and protects connected devices from overcharging.
However, it’s important to note that some isolated reviews for this product do raise concerns about its long-term durability. But these appear to be cases of manufacturing defects which shouldn’t be much of an issue. On the bright side, the cable comes with a 180-day warranty.
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4. JSAUX USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Max charge speed: 240W
- Length: 10 feet
- Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C
The second 240W USB-C to USB-C cable in our list is from JSAUX. This one provides pretty much the same performance as the AINOPE cable above. As such, it offers support for up to 240W fast charging through USB PD 3.1.
It also uses the PD-certified E-Mark 2.0 chip for intelligently handling the power needs of the device connected to the cable. This promises more stable and safer charging for your devices. However, that’s where the similarities end between the two cables.
Unlike the AINOPE cable, the JSAUX USB-C cable does not come with an L-shaped connector and instead uses a regular-shaped connector. Now depending on the user’s preference, this may or may not work in JSAUX’s favor.
Apart from this, the JSAUX cable also uses aluminum for its connector. The company also claims to have used an exclusive laser welding technology to ensure the connector doesn’t break. The rest of the wire is created using premium nylon braids for improved durability.
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5. SOOPII USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Max charge speed: 100W
- Length: 10 feet
- Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C
This is the most expensive cable on the list and for obvious reasons. The SOOPII cable comes with a cool smart display fitted over the connector which displays real-time charging power. It can also show the charging status for ease of use.
All these features make it one of the good picks for a USB-C cable for your MacBook. It also comes with a built-in smart chip for monitoring the charging power and adjusting current and voltage automatically. This, the company claims, helps avoids damage to the battery in case of a voltage surcharge.
This SOOPII USB-C cable can support up to 100W charging speed, so that’s also the max number the display on the charging cable will show. Apart from this, it’s also claimed to be quite durable. The company claims each cable goes through 36,000+ strict bend tests, to ensure quality and durability. While the bend tests may have been a good idea, some user reviews on Amazon suggest the LED maybe needed more tests.
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FAQs About USB-C Fast Charging Cables
There are many types and standards of fast-charging Type-C cables available. However, if you want to fast charge your MacBook Air M2, then choose a cable that offers at least support for 60W fast charging.
In terms of data transfer, the fastest that a USB-C to USB-C cable allows at the moment is 10 Gbps transfer speed. This is up to 20X faster than USB 2.0 480Mbps and 12x faster than FireWire 800.
Not All About the Speed
While buying a cable for fast charging may suggest the buying choice should be all about speed. However, the reality is very different. If you’re in the market for the best USB-C fast charging cable for MacBook, then know you’ll have to do your research and make a choice based on many factors, including the durability of the cable. However, if you’re not in the mood for it, then go ahead and buy the AINOPE cable. It is future-proof, feature-rich, and also priced competitively.
Last updated on 25 July, 2023
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