Best Lightning Cables for Carplay: Top 5 - 2023

If you use a wired Carplay connection in your car, it's important to choose a good Lightning cable.

A quality Lightning cable will avoid all sorts of errors and maintain a stable connection between Carplay and the head unit. Of course you can use the Lightning cable that you bought with your iPhone, but it is important to check that it meets the necessary quality criteria. So, let's try to get to the bottom of this issue.

In this review, we will help you to choose a Lightning cable for Apple Carplay and what points you should pay attention to.

Moshi 3.2' USB Cable with Lightning Connector

Specs:

• Connector 1: USB Type-A Male
• Connector 2: Lightning Male
• Cable Length: 3.2' / 0.9 m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• Price: $24.95

This is a standard USB cable with Lightning Connector. The braiding material used is aluminum. This reduces electromagnetic interference, which is important when using a USB cable with Carplay.

The length of the cable is 3.2', which is also convenient and does not affect the possible distortion when transmitting Carplay data to the head unit. You can connect this cable either directly through the USB port of the car or using a dock station. However, it is not recommended unless you use wireless connection between dock and head unit for Carplay navigation.

Also, this cable is suitable for fast iPhone charging and data sharing between Apple devices.

Pros:

• Encased in Aluminum,
• Shielded to Reduce EMI

Fuse Chicken TITAN Lightning Charging Cable

Specs:

• Connector 1: USB Type-A Male
• Connector 2: Lightning Male
• Cable Length: 3.3' / 1 m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• Price: $25.00

TITAN Lightning Charging Cable differs from other Carplay cables by its reliability and durability. Above all, it can be recommended to motorists who frequently change USB cables and are dissatisfied with the short lifespan.

TITAN Lightning Charging Cable is not only MFi-certified, but also made of quality materials.

For example, industrial grade high-strength steel is used in its manufacturing. In addition, the cable is hermetically sealed with a one-piece housing. As a result, the cable does not wear out or break at the junction of the car's USB connector and the cable.

Thus, we recommend TITAN Lightning for Carplay to Car as one of the best quality and most durable USB cables.

Apple USB Type-A to Lightning Cable

Specs:

• Connector 1: USB Type-A Male
• Connector 2: Lightning Male
• Cable Length: 3.3' / 1 m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• Price: free

The official cable from Apple that comes with your mobile device. If you have purchased an iPhone, there is a 100% chance that this is the cable you have in your possession. You can use it to connect your iPhone / iPad to your car's head unit and then use Carplay. This USB Lightning cable is also great for transferring data to a Macbook and fast charging the battery.

If you purchased your iPhone from a certified retailer, rest assured that this cable will be so reliable and of high quality. It has passed MFI certification. According to user reviews, it is extremely rare to have problems when connecting Carplay to the car through this cable. All the errors are not related to the quality of Apple USB Type-A to Lightning Cable.

Thus, you can recommend the official cable to connect to the head unit and start Carplay.

Baseus Type-C - Lightning MVP Elbow Cable PD

Specs:

• Cable Length: 2m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• Model: MVP
• Plugs: USB Type C, Lightning
• Material: Nylon + TPE
• Current: 5V/3.5A
• Function: charging / data transfer
• Price: $20

This is one of the most popular cables that are suitable for 'Carplay - head unit' connection. It is most often available as USB-A, but there are also USB-C versions of the cable on the market in 2023.

This USB cable is convenient because you can use it in a horizontal position. It does not take up much space and behaves well in emergency situations. For example, if the iPhone falls down, the cable connection jack will not be damaged. So if you often have this kind of emergency in your car, it is better to play it safe and buy the L-shaped cable. It works perfectly with Carplay navigation. Even if you need to connect a wireless adapter, this cable will be very useful.

Pros:

• Comfortable shape factor
• Fabric sheath enhances reliability and durability
• Can connect iPhone to Carplay in landscape orientation

Hoco Elastic Cable

Specs:

• Cable Length: 0.8 m Reach 1.2 m After Stretching
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• CONNECTIVITY: Wired
• MATERIAL: Woven Fabric Braid
• DESIGN: Cotton Treasure
• Charger Type: Support For Charging & Data Transmission
• Price: $3.00

The main disadvantage of most USB cables for Carplay is that they cannot be stretched or bent. Therefore, iPhone connectors often wear out because the Carplay user cannot bend the USB cable.

The Hoco Lightning cable is very easy to use. It can be argued that it is the simplest in its design. At the same time, it is one of the cheapest USB cables for Carplay. The main feature - it is very compact, but it can be extended in length, if the distance from the iPhone to the head unit is large enough. However, this happens quite rarely, and only if all USB ports of the car are busy.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Good durability
• Compactness

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex braided Lightning cable

Specs:

• Connector 1: USB Type-A Male
• Connector 2: Lightning Male
• Cable Length: 9.8' / 3 m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• Variable Length: No
• Price: $29.99

This cable is one of the most popular cables used to connect to Carplay. We've tested and verified that it's MFi-certified, so it meets standards for safety, performance, and compatibility with Carplay navigation.

Supported iPhone 14 and below, the list includes all Carplay-compatible devices.

The manufacturing material is high quality silicone, which is not subject to active wear and tear. The developer assures that the cable can withstand about 30,000 bends, which is dozens of times more than other USB Lightning cables can withstand.

This is very important when using USB cable in the car where the mobile device can change location, cable can be pulled out at inopportune moment or by jolting in the car.

The cable length is 1 meter, which is the optimal cable length for the Carplay. Unfortunately, this manufacturer does not have shorter options, only 2 or 3 meter cables are available on the website. On the other hand, the cable comes with a handy clip, and it can be attached in any convenient place in the car, somewhere near the head unit.

The USB cable supports fast charging: this means that in 25 minutes your iPhone will be fully charged, with Carplay navigation running smoothly.

You can buy this cable on Amazon or Ebay.

Anker 321 USB-A to Lightning Cable (3ft 3-in-1)

Specs:

• Connector 1: USB Type-A Male
• Connector 2: Lightning Male
• Cable Length: 9.8' / 3 m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: iPhone, iPod and iPad
• Dimensions: 35.43 x 0.63 x 0.24 inches
• Price: $21.99

This product is one of the most versatile cables for iPhone navigation. However, it will be useful if the USB connection is used not only for Carplay, but also for charging other devices or for parallel connection of other cell phones, such as Android.

The cable length is 1 meter. (3 feet), which is plenty long enough for Carplay use in the car. Unfortunately, a shorter cable cannot be ordered from the manufacturer. On the other hand, this cable is claimed to be universal, so most likely it will be bought by those who use multiple devices at the same time.

Anker Powerline II 3-in-1, according to its name, allows you to connect up to three devices using Lightning, Type C and Micro USB ports. At the same time, all devices work without conflicts. Theoretically, you can connect both Android Auto and Carplay, switching devices through the head unit if necessary.

Of course, this USB cable has passed Apple MFi and meets reliability and safety standards. It is fully compatible with Carplay and can be used in Carplay-compatible cars (generally those manufactured after 2017).

Pros:

• Lifetime Warranty
• Apple MFi certification
• Universal cable

Cons.

• High price

Paraflex™ USB-C to Lightning (Carbon)

Specs:

• Connector 1: USB Type-A Male
• Connector 2: Lightning Male
• Cable Length: 9.8' / 3 m
• MFi Certification: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0
• Compatibility: All Apple Devices with a lightning port You can be assured that your Paracable USB-C to Lightning cable will work with any device with a lightning connector. Fast charge works on any iPhone 8 or newer.
• Output: 30W Max
• Speed: 480mbps
• Dimensions: 3 or 6 ft
• Price: $27.99

A unique Paracord braid of more than 30 strands is used to protect the USB cable. This gives it elasticity and durability. You can use the cable to connect the Carplay device to the head unit and not think that the cable will disconnect or will fail over time. In general, it is protected from mechanical damage. At the same time, the cable is MFI certified: this is especially important if you use Apple products on your devices.

The buyer within 2 years can apply under warranty and replace the cable in case of a claim, which in principle should not be expected. According to the technical specification, this USB cable can withstand 35,000 bends, this resource is more than enough for long-term use in a car with Carplay navigation.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty Paraflex braid with multiple cores
• Long life (35,000 bends)
• Fully charge your iPhone in 30 minutes

FAQ

What are the other requirements for the Carplay cable

In addition to providing a stable USB connection, you need the cable to be compatible with Apple's official power adapter. It will work best for Carplay on the iPhone 10, 11, 13.

Requirements:

• Lightning-USB-C type cable
• Make sure the cable is labeled USB-PD (Power Delivery)

Will a Lightning-USB-A cable work?

Yes, but only if you are not using an official Apple power adapter. Since you will be using a car charger when using Carplay. Please note what type of connection is supported.

How important is the MFi (Made for iPhone) marking?

Any manual will tell you that if you choose Lightning, make sure it's marked MFi (Made for iPhone).

MFi indicates that the USB cable meets Apple's security standards. This is really important. On the other hand, MFi can be put on any cable or packaging, even the cheapest and most reliable one, if the seller or manufacturer wants to deceive you.

With this in mind, let's conclude: you should pay attention to the MFi label, but you should not trust it, and you should pay attention to the other parameters of the USB cable as well.