Choosing a Quality, Inexpensive Lightning Cable to Charge Your Favorite iPhone and iPad

The circus tent is back! Last time it was with micro-USB cables. But users and adherents of the true faith were upset that Lightning cables for Apple devices did not participate in circus performances. Only today and for the first time in Runet, sixteen cable artists will show your iPhone, iPad and iPod a performance with horses. After the performance, pride will overwhelm someone, and someone will throw their cable into the trash can out of anger, but no one will leave indifferent.

Someday you will find that your original Apple Lightning cable breaks near the Lightning connector with frequent use. Nothing personal just business. And the accessories business can be very lucrative. What could be easier than buying the same original Apple cable as a replacement? You go to a store or store website and see that an Apple cable costs from 1200 rubles ($19 in an official American store). This price will make someone wonder why a piece of wire is so expensive? At the same time, dozens of Lightning cables from other manufacturers, both famous and nameless, lie nearby, costing from 150 rubles to several thousand. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of manufacturers who produce such cables under different brands. Chinese shoppers will find that all major Chinese marketplaces offer Lightning cables from 50 cents per kilo. Hundreds of options. And there's no end to the "100% New Original Genuine Real Authentic Apple Lightning" package with all stickers from $3 each. And what to choose?

Let's go from afar ... The rights to the Lightning connector belong to Apple. Third-party manufacturers legally cannot simply take and release a cable with such a connector and sell it in the future. To do this, you need to get authorization MFi Manufacturing Licensees from Apple by fulfilling a number of requirements. Moreover, the manufacturer must pay Apple $ 4 for each connector Lightning, i.e. cable. It turns out that a certified MFi (Made for iPod, Made for iPhone, Made for iPad) cable cannot cost less than $4.

There are both certified and non-certified cables on sale. Moreover, the market is full of fakes for the most popular brands (for example, Apple, Belkin, etc.).

With non-certified Lightning cables, there is another caveat. An authentication chip is built into the Lightning connector, with which Apple tries to fight uncertified accessories. Previously, you could encounter the fact that the cable stopped working after an iOS update, the device reported an uncertified accessory. But Chinese manufacturers have long learned to get around this "problem", such messages have become rare. We will definitely check this in the review.

In the review, we will not be able to test all existing cables, there are hundreds or thousands of them. But a rough picture of the market will be possible. Let's try to formulate a general approach to buying Lightning cables.

Our test subjects...

Original cable from Apple (MFi)

Everyone is familiar with this cable. The cable is thin, medium rigidity. Length 1 meter. Let's call it "Apple".

A small recommendation for buying this cable. This is the most counterfeit Lightning cable. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more fakes sold than original cables. Sellers on eBay will be happy to sell you such a cable for $3 in branded packaging, given that it costs $19 in the official Apple store. You need to buy such a cable only in an authorized store to reduce the risk of buying a fake.

Original cable from Apple after a couple of years of active use (MFi)

Without a torn cable, the test will be incomplete. This picture was highlighted by many consumers of Apple products. The cable is absolutely working, but it does not look very nice. The test will show if the characteristics of the damaged cable change. Let's call it "Apple U".

One of the cheapest cables from Aliexpress

This cable was purchased on Aliexpress for $0.67 (40 rubles). He had a couple of tens of thousands of sales and a rating above 96%. By the time the article was published, the lot had been removed from the site (but there are plenty of similar lots). I met a similar cable with us offline. The cable is flat, very thin, even translucent. There are burrs on the plastic case. There are different colors. Length 1 meter. Let's call it Red.

We have already encountered a similar cable in the previous review, then it was the CN4 micro-USB cable - one of the worst cables in the test.

Cable KALUOS (MFi)

This cable is sold literally everywhere. It is present on all major trading platforms, even in popular and reputable non-Chinese online stores. It is found in our online and offline stores. It's cheap, I bought it for $3. The look and quality is just amazing. A thick cable of medium hardness, nylon braid, aluminum connector housing - when you take it in your hands, you get the feeling of a very high-quality and expensive product that you want to use. There are two colors: silver and gold. And two lengths. I specifically took the cable with the maximum length - 1.5 meters. Oddities arose with the MFi certification. MFi logos are indicated everywhere, but this brand is not in the Apple database. Let's call this cable "KALUOS".

Belkin cable (MFi)

The main problem with this cable is a huge number of fakes. Because the brand is incredibly popular, this cable has been hit by an army of fakes. It is very difficult to distinguish the original from the fake (even the packaging is completely copied). We cost from 500 rubles to several thousand. On different trading platforms from $2. In reputable online stores from $10. In the official store $ 19. I bought it on eBay for $4. Everything came in original packaging. The seller swore under an oath that the cable was original from Belkin. The cable is thick, medium hardness. Length 1.2 meters. Lightning connector as on MFi cables (cheap cables usually have a different connector). If it were not for the burrs on the body of the connectors, I would not have found a single reason (without knowing the price) to recognize this cable as a fake. Considering the price, there is no doubt that this is a fake cable. My recommendation - if you buy this cable, then only in branded and reputable stores. Otherwise, you can buy this cable for 1500 rubles, but in fact it will turn out to be a cable for $ 2, you will not be able to distinguish it yourself.

It is what it is. Let's call this cable "Belkin".

Cable Lemfo (MFi)

The cable is certified by MFi, is in the Apple database. And not just certified, but a complete copy of the original cable from Apple (the company provides a template). You can distinguish from the original Apple cable only by the lemfo logo and the absence of the inscription "Designed by Apple ..." on the cable itself. The same thickness, the same rigidity, the same connectors without differences. Length 1 meter. I bought it on JD for $10. The cable is sold in many other stores, for example, in Amazon it costs $8. Let's call it "Lemfo".

Cable from YourCharger

With cables from this manufacturer (seller on eBay) we have already met in the previous review. The long cable (2 meters) micro-USB was one of the best in the test. Now it's the turn of the Lightning cable. Length 2 meters. The cable is thick and very flexible. You can buy it only for $8. It is also available in white and different lengths, up to 5 meters. This cable is for charging only (all the wires inside are for power only), you cannot sync data with it. Let's call it "YourCharger".

SNOWKIDS cable (MFi)

Certified cable, present in the Apple database. The cable is thick, medium hardness. Connectors are massive. Length 1.3 meters. Feels like a quality product in the hand. I bought it from JD for $10. In China, you can buy it locally for $6. Included is a Velcro for cable management. Let's call it "Snowkids".

Nillkin cable

This cable has been recommended to me by many in the past. The brand is popular. Thousands of sales on many sites and a 100% buyer rating. I bought on Aliexpress for $4.5 from an authorized seller. I saw this cable offline in many places. High-quality packaging with a secret code to verify originality (like Xiaomi). The cable is flat, thick and flexible. There are slight burrs on the connectors, but in the hands it feels like a very high quality product. Length of cable 1.2 meters. The cable has a strap for cable management. Various colors are available. The cable does not have MFi certification, it is not written anywhere and there is no brand on the base. Let's call him "Nillkin".

triple cable

This cable was already in the previous review, where it showed amazing results (for the micro-USB “tail”). Nameless cable, 23 cm. Triple - microUSB, Lightning, Apple 30-pin. Fabric braid. The thickness is medium, flexible. I bought it a few years ago for less than a dollar on eBay. Let's call it "Triple".

ESK Cable (MFi)

Certified MFi cable, present in the Apple database. But there are no labels or logos on the cable itself. A complete copy of the original cable from Apple (made according to the template). It is impossible to distinguish, only by the absence of the inscription "Designed by Apple ..." on the cable itself. Length 1 meter. I bought it from JD for $10. Let's call it "ESK".

Biaze cable (MFi)

I bought this cable on Aliexpress for $6. It was unnamed, just "certified by MFi cable", there were photos of "confirmation". Buyer rating 100%. Upon receipt, the Biaze logo was found on the cable. I did not find this brand in the Apple database. At first glance, it may seem that this is a 100% copy of the original Apple cable (made according to the template), but when compared, it turned out that the Biase cable is thinner. Length of cable 1 meter. Let's call him "Biaze".

Just cheap cable #1

I bought this cable for $0.62 on Aliexpress. The main task was to find the cheapest cable that is similar to the Apple cable. The most popular Lightning cable on Aliexpress - over forty thousand sales, buyer rating is above 95%. Not a cable, but a dream :). It looks like an Apple cable, but the differences are immediately visible. The connectors are different in detail, the cable itself is thinner. Length of cable 1 meter. Let's call it "Fake 1".

Just cheap cable #2

I bought this cable in Moscow in some shop for 200 rubles. I was just looking for the cheapest cable offline: "Give me the cheapest cable, charge the iPhone." It looks like an Apple cable, but the differences are immediately visible. The connectors are different in detail, the cable itself is thinner. Length of cable 1 meter. Let's call it "Fake 2".

Long cheap cable

I bought this cable a long time ago for $1 on eBay. Length of cable 2 meters(bought only for the sake of length). This cable and YourCharger are the longest in the review. The cable is similar to the cable from Apple, but the differences are immediately visible. The connectors are different in detail, the cable itself is thinner. Let's call it "Fake 3".

LG micro-USB cable and Lightning adapter

The cable from LG is one of the best micro-USB cables from the previous review and a small micro-USB to Lightning adapter. There are many different adapters (including certified ones). In this review, we will use the cheapest non-certified adapter for $0.5. Let's call the cable "LG".

Output power test

In the test, we will use the Tronsmart TS-UC5PC charger.

Using the load module (dissipation power 10 W), we will check the output power of the cables. Connect the cable to the charger. Connect the Lightning to micro-USB adapter to the end of the cable. We connect the adapter to the tester, which has a micro-USB connector. This tester is not the best, but allows you to use the minimum number of adapters. Connect the load module to the tester itself.

The Lightning to micro-USB adapter will increase the resistance, but this is not important for us, because. All cables are tested under the same conditions.

The test results will show which cables have the lowest total resistance (wires themselves, connectors, soldering).

Connect the load module to the charger directly.

5.05 V, 1.89 A, i.e. 9.54 W.

Now let's connect the cables one by one and take measurements.

Apple: 4.52V, 1.69A, 7.64W.
Apple U: 4.41V, 1.65A, 7.26W.
RED: 3.6V, 1.34A, 4.82W.
Belkin: 4.18V, 1.57A, 6.56W.
YourCharger: 4.29V, 1.6A, 6.86W.
Nillkin: 4.40V, 1.64A, 7.22W.
Lemfo: 4.54V, 1.69A, 7.67W.
KALUOS: 3.95V, 1.47A, 5.8W.
Biaze: 4.21V, 1.57A, 6.60W.
Snowkids: 4.61V, 1.72A, 7.93W.
Fake 3: 3.2V, 1.19A, 3.81W.
Triple: 4.51V, 1.68A, 7.58W.
ESK: 4.20V, 1.56A, 6.55W.
Fake 1: 3.69V, 1.37A, 5.06W.
Fake 2: 4.09V, 1.52A, 6.22W.
LG: 4.38V, 1.63A, 7.14W.

Sort by output power and summarize in a single diagram. More is better.

Snowkids is the undisputed leader, he has the minimum resistance from those tested.

Measurements of the current strength when charging the iPad

We will use the iPad mini (third generation) and measure the current output from the charger. iPad is almost empty. In an ideal situation, it should consume a current of 2 A.

Only 4 out of 16 cables provide 2.01A of current. All the others do not allow the iPad to consume current limiting current. What does it mean? Roughly speaking, for example, with a RED cable your iPad will charge 2.25 times longer than with cables: Apple, Lemfo, Snowkids.

Current measurements when charging the battery pack

We will use a dead Yoobao battery pack and a Lightning to micro-USB adapter.

The more current, the better.

The picture with measurements of output power is completely repeated.

Compatibility test

I planned to make tables, but there was no need. During the entire testing period, there were no problems with any of the cables. Whichever side of the connector I connected them to the charger, neither the iPhone 6 nor the iPad reported that an uncertified accessory was connected. The devices were running iOS 9.2. The same was with the computer. iPhone and iPad were perfectly detected in iTunes and allowed to synchronize data. The only exception is the YourCharger cable, with it the computer did not see the device, because. The cable is for charging only.

conclusions

From our test, only 4 out of 16 cables provide the maximum current for the iPad mini. Our heroes: Apple(MFI) Snowkids(MFI) Lemfo(MFi), triple cable.

Does the presence of the MFi logo guarantee that you will receive the highest quality cable that will charge the device with maximum current? It does not guarantee, but the chances of acquiring a quality cable increase.

Does the lack of MFi certification guarantee problems with charging or data transfer? Absolutely all cables from the review charged iPads and iPhones with iOS 9.2 without any problems without any reports of uncertified accessories. Absolutely all cables from the review provided a connection to a personal computer for data transfer without warning.

If you need a cable and you are ready to easily part with 1500 rubles, then calmly buy the original cable Apple at any authorized store. You will get excellent quality (for a couple of years until it breaks again) without compromise.

If you want to buy a cable cheaper, then the general recommendations for buying are as follows (if you don’t clearly know which cable to buy):
- the MFi logo must be present on the package (Made for iPod, Made for iPhone, Made for iPad)
- make sure the brand is in
- the cable should cost more than $5 (including deductions and quality components)

Cable Snowkids is the absolute leader in the review. It outperformed all the cables in the review, including the original cable from Apple. With this cable, you can charge any Apple device with maximum power output, and with an adapter, you can easily charge any device without significant loss. The quality of the cable materials is excellent. The length is 1 meter 30 centimeters, which is longer than most Lightning cables. There is a Velcro for cable management. You can buy it on the site for $10.5 with express delivery to your door in Russia. I'm not a fan of JD, but now with coupon jd558, this cable can be bought for only $2.5. You will regret if you don't take advantage of this opportunity.

If you want to save some money, you can buy a cable Nillkin. It is not MFi certified. You will lose quite a bit in power output, but you will get a quality product. The cable is made of high quality materials, it is flat and does not get tangled. You can choose the color you like. There is a cable management strap. This cable costs from $ 4, we have from 300 rubles. It is sold simply everywhere (you can easily find it on Aliexpress or eBay, there are hundreds of offers).

If you want versatility, acceptable quality at the lowest price, then take the quality LG micro-USB cable from the previous review, it costs from $ 2, and the simplest uncertified Lightning adapter is cheaper than $ 1 (I have seen lots of 3 pieces for $ 1 ). There are complaints that such adapters are fragile and often break, keep this in mind.

If you need a long cable, then the situation is deplorable. More or less in the test, only the YourCharger cable coped, but the drawdown is significant. Considering its cost, it can be recommended.

Of course, it is worth mentioning the "penny" triple cable in a rag braid. This cable surprised me for the second time. I do not use it, but its performance is excellent (due to its small length). Through it, the test iPad was charged with the maximum current strength, as well as with high-quality MFi cables.

We should also mention the KALUOS cable. It is perfectly described by the proverb: "All that glitters is not gold." If I were offered to choose in appearance and tactile sensations, then I would certainly choose it. In fact, the cable turned out to be complete rubbish.

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