Non-Apple USB-C cables

[aevan]

I only use Apple's USB-C cable to charge my MBP, because it's the one I trust the most to provide power. I also use only their USB-C to Lightning cables for iOS devices.

However, recently I decided to buy an USB-C cable for my Wacom Intuos Pro (it uses USB-C, but the supplied cable is USB-C to USB-A). I didn't choose Apple, I bought some cheaper Choetech cable after seeing ok reviews on Amazon. It woorks good, however, I dare not charge the MBP with it, only connect my Intuos.

I also got a shorter USB-C cable for external drives that supports USB-3 speeds, from AUKEY. Again, never heard of either of these companies, just read a few Amazon reviews. Also, I am aware that Benson Leung is doing all those reviews, but I found out about him only after I purchased mine.

With that said - what is your opinion on USB-C cables not made by Apple? I've heard horror stories of computers getting destroyed by bad USB-C cables, however, I believe this was due to wrong amperage or something (no idea, really) when connected to a wall charger.

My question is - is it safe to use any cable just to connect devices like tablets, mice, keyboards, etc. - or do you have to be careful there as well?

 

[Brookzy]

While the situation is certainly better than it was in terms of dangerous USB-C cables, it is still a bit of a minefield out there.

I also don't think it is worth the risk when there are some proven safe cables out there at very reasonable prices:

If you want a charging cable, you can't beat Apple's one - I don't think there are any other certified, 2 metre, 100W USB-C charging cables around, and if there are, they can't be much cheaper than the $19 Apple charges.

If you want a data cable, Belkin provides a 1 metre, 10 Gbps cable for a similar price, which Apple sells in its stores.

 

[aevan]

While the situation is certainly better than it was in terms of dangerous USB-C cables, it is still a bit of a minefield out there.

I also don't think it is worth the risk when there are some proven safe cables out there at very reasonable prices:

If you want a charging cable, you can't beat Apple's one - I don't think there are any other certified, 2 metre, 100W USB-C charging cables around, and if there are, they can't be much cheaper than the $19 Apple charges.

If you want a data cable, Belkin provides a 1 metre, 10 Gbps cable for a similar price, which Apple sells in its stores.

I agree, Apple's cable is the best. But this one seems to work fine. After all, there are a bunch of positive reviews for Choetech cables out there - I checked.

Apple's USB-C cable is $30 in my country, BTW, and this one was $18 - so I cheaped out, I guess, since connecting the Intuos Pro to the MBP will be its only use. I don't think there's a risk there, do you think? Thanks for the reply.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Go to http://www.usb.org/kcompliance/view to see voluntary list of compliant cables

Strangely Apple does not bother to list there's

 

[MrX8503]

This is the guide I use.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vnpEXfo2HCGADdd9G2x9dMDWqENiY2kgBJUu29f_TX8/pubhtml#

Apple's USB-C cable is the best long cable for charging.

 

[aevan]

I agree, but these are all for charging. I was more wondering is there any danger to use a random cable as a standard usb data cable - to connect a peripheral like the Intuos, or keyboard or mouse.
[doublepost=1494485940][/doublepost]Just learned something new - the cable that ruined Benson Leung Chromebook was USB-A to USB-C. These can be problematic, but USB-C to USB-C are generally always safe. Here's a quote from him:

"C to C cables do not have the same problem because they are required to be straight pass through and do not have a pullup built into the cable. If the other end of the cable is Type-C, then as long as you plug into a 3A charger (like the one you get with Nexus phones), you will get fast charging in a safe way."

So, if you're using straight usb-c to usb-c cable, it should - at least - be safe for you expensive computer

 

[SackJabbit]

This is the guide I use.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vnpEXfo2HCGADdd9G2x9dMDWqENiY2kgBJUu29f_TX8/pubhtml#

Apple's USB-C cable is the best long cable for charging.

That's a really excellent table! Good job on Nathan K. for testing the cables and compiling the data. Bookmarked!

I wonder if he's heard of StarTech.com. Their products are usually top quality, and they have a list of different Thunderbolt 3 cables with various lengths and Thunderbolt revisions:

https://www.startech.com/uk/Cables/thunderbolt-3-cables/