This is crucial, since cables that lack Apple’s certification may not work as well, and may even damage your device - so buying from a reputable, MFi Certified company is much preferred to the cables you get in the pharmacy checkout line. Most importantly, the Powerline II is also MFi Certified, which means it’s met Apple’s quality testing for the iPhone, iPad, AirPods and other products. The Lightning end is small enough to fit in the opening of all the phone cases we tried, and both ends fit snugly into their respective sockets, without wiggling or loosening in their housing. It’s flexible enough to easily coil loosely while also being stiff enough that it won’t fall apart and tangle in your bag as easily as some flimsier cables, and it even comes with a small Velcro cable tie.

We stress tested the cables with some hard tugs and some tight bends, and it felt like it would hold up well over time, where other cables might break down and fray at the ends. The Powerline II uses the same rubber shielding as most other cables, albeit a bit thicker than Apple’s offering, with stronger joints.

The 6-foot cable does come in three colors, though: white, green and black - alongside a 3-foot version that comes in white and black. Anker’s Powerline II is a basic cable that does everything well, without any bells and whistles that increase the cost.

Better than phoenix usb pro v.4.0