Just because a USB charging cable has the right connections doesn't mean it will give you optimum performance. There's a big difference in how much power they can carry, which translates into how fast they can charge your power-hungry device, and whether they are able to deliver the proper USB Power Delivery standard to power and run a laptop.

Most devices have made the transition to USB-C or will be doing so soon. USB-C cables are easy to connect, and one single cable can support charging and transmit data. But all devices aren't there yet. So here are a few cables to choose from, each with specific features for different needs and a variety of charging outputs.

Raycon has two new innovative all-in-one solution cables that solve many needs, eliminating the need for multiple cables. The Magic Flex Cable 6-in-1 is designed to be the one cable that does everything. As the name states, the single cable supports six connections with three outputs and two inputs.

The cable has USB-C connections on either end, a removable USB-A cover on one end, and an Apple Lighting connection on the other. It also includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter. According to Raycon, the Magic Flex cable can charge at speeds up to 100W, and Apple's fast charging speed is up to 27W.

The cable tips have hinges to keep the caps safe while they are needed or to snap them on for use or storage. Both tips' endpoints are magnetic, snapping and locking in place for safekeeping. The flat solid cable is available in 6 inches ($19.99) and 6.6 feet ($29.99).

The Magic Spin Cable ends with connection ports that rotate 180 degrees to eliminate cable fraying and ensure a perfect connection no matter what angle you keep the device at. When the device turns, the connected Magic Spin Cable turns.

It's available in two models: one with USB-C ports on both ends for 100-watt laptop power and the other with USB-C on one end and Apple Lightning on the other for 30 watts of smartphone charging.

A durable military-grade braided nylon cable connects the ports and can withstand over 20,000 bends. Both are available in 3-foot ($14.99) and 6-foot ($24.99) lengths in black or blue.

https://rayconglobal.com

Chargeasap's Connect Pro magnetic date cable charges just about every power connection with one cable.

Out of the box, the Connect Pro Magnetic cable has USB-C tips on both ends, but that's where the magnetic aspect comes in. On one end, the tip is interchangeable. Take the USB-C off and replace it with the included Apple Lightning and Micro USB tips to have one cable for all charging needs.

With USB-C, power delivery charging is supported for 100 watts, and Apple Lightning supplies 27 watts of Apple fast charge. For data transfer, the Connect Pro is rated by Chargeasap with two-way full-speed USB 2.0 data transfer at 480 Mbps between any USB devices.

When attached, the pinky nail-sized tips are secure with N52-grade neodymium commercial-grade magnets. A built-in power reader is on the strong, woven, tangle-free cable. Chargeasap touts the in-line reader as the first of its kind to feature an LED screen displaying real-time power.

They have a 15-year guarantee and are available in 3.9-foot and 6.5-foot options in black and gunmetal. After a recent successful Kickstarter campaign, Connect Pro is still available for purchase through Kickstarter for $23. It will be available on the Chargeasap site in October, after all the pledges have been shipped out to early backers.

https://chargeasap.com

Mophie has launched an exclusive limited-edition gold-colored edition of the powerstation mini and fast-charging premium charging cables.

The pocket-sized Powerstation Mini ($39.95) has a rechargeable 5,000 mAh internal battery. It supplies smartphones and tablets with up to 20W of USB-C power. It has a bead-blasted gold finish on an aluminum body.

Mophie's gold-colored tangle-free 39-inch limited gold USB charging cables ($19.95) are durable with a braided exterior and Enduraflex silicone interior. It has been tested to withstand 30,000 bends. They are available USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C and are compatible with PD chargers for fast charging and data transfer.

www.zagg.com

The 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 TWS Active Noise Canceling Earbuds have been in and out of my ears for the past few months. Low-cost earbuds often only get a playlist or two with me, but I keep returning to the Q30s, so they must make a good impression.

With a current cost of just $39.99, I'd say the stem-styled true wireless earbuds are well worth the cost. But don't think you're getting a low-budget product because the well-built true wireless earbuds are packed with features and deliver a clear and well-balanced sound with a good amount of bass.

Among the other features are a 10mm dynamic driver inside each ear, proprietary QuietMax ANC technology, and a 30-hour battery life when combined with the portable storage/charging case and the ANC off. The Q30s should run about 7.5 hours before a charge is needed. With the ANC on, it's about 20 hours total, with 5 hours of house use after each charge.

There are six microphones total for wireless hands-free calls, with an algorithm to help eliminate ambient noise. They run on Bluetooth 5.3 and have a waterproof rating of IPX5, ensuring water and sweat resistance. The stem-styled earbuds stay in place with their ergonomic oblique-angled design and soft silicone ear tips. For smart playback, built-in sensors detect if the earbuds are on or off to start and stop playback.

For personalized sound, they also have their own companion app, the 1MORE Music App. It has easy-to-use features for customized sound for playlists and 12 studio-grade EQ settings for tailored sound based on the user's personal preferences.

Listening modes are accessible with tap controls to enable the sound to adjust to ambient environment sounds. The Wind Noise Resistance mode will do the obvious: adjust and adapt to unwanted wind noise with the use of wind-induced microphones. The low-latency Gaming Mode is ideal for gamers.

https://usa.1more.com/products $39.99, available in black or white

©2024 Gregg Ellman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.