Even Ajay Bhatt, the inventor of USB, believes that the port’s reversibility is the biggest annoyance. Let alone that, the USB standards today will give you a mild headache if you set out to find a proper cable for your gadgets. There are USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 in the queue.
Yes, the names are quite baffling. Even the generations change. USB 3.2 Gen 1 belongs to USB 3.0 generation, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 (also known as USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 sometimes) belongs to USB 3.1 generation. Confusing? Join our club.
We thought to remove the confusion and make it a bit easy for you. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the best USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (previously, USB 3.1 Gen 2) cables you can buy.
What Is USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
So, what is USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C standard? The madness started in 2017 when the forum announced changes to how manufacturers marketed these cables.
For now, there are three different tiers with different speeds.
USB 3.1 Gen 1 is now known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 and can push 5 Gbps of data, while USB 3.1 Gen 2 has now been rechristened USB 3.2 Gen 2 (also known as USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 cables) and has a speed of 10 Gbps. Hence, do not be surprised if you see some cables still being marketed as USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2.
And it doesn’t end there. There’s a new USB specification (aptly and confusingly) named USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which can carry 20Gbps of data. The x2 indicates two lanes of data that can carry the speed earlier.
| Marketing Name | Name | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Name | Name | Speed |
| SuperSpeed USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 5 Gbps |
| SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 10 Gbps |
| SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 20 Gbps |
It’s the mid-tier USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cables that we will be focusing on today. These cables can charge your devices and transfer data at up to 10Gbps – theoretical speeds. And if the situation calls for it, you can hook an HDMI adapter to plug it into a monitor, and reap the full advantage of a secondary display.
Now, that we have the confusion regarding the names settled let’s see some of the best USB 3.2 Gen 2 cables out there. But before that,
- Looking for a power strip with a USB-PD port? Here are the best power strips out there.
- Jazz up the look of your work desk with these stylish vertical laptop stands.
1. QCEs USB 3.2 Gen 2 Cable
If you don’t care much for the cable brand, you can give the one by QCEs a shot. As expected, it meets the USB 3.2 Gen 2-speed expectations. So yeah, you get 10 Gbps of bandwidth, and the 100W PD support means you can easily juice your MacBook smartphone. That said, it has a solid build, all thanks to the braided exterior.
It works as advertised and provides the needed speed for transfer. However, when it comes to charging, this one can deliver power up to 20V/5A. At the same time, you can use it as a connecting cable to link your laptop to a webcam, monitor, or your laptop to a USB-C hub.
There are four lengths that you can pick from. However, picking up the 10ft option means your setup will need considerable usage of cable clips or sleeves for a clean look.
Why should you pick it: The solid build quality and braiding will prolong the cable’s life. A good pick if you are solely looking to transfer data from one place to the other.
2. Fasgear Fast Charge Cable
The Fasgear cable is designed to charge MacBooks and other USB-C compatible laptops at full speed apart from the capability to deliver 100W of power. It also doubles up as an effective cable to connect to a USB-C monitor and supports 4K display at a refresh rate of 60Hz. Cool, I must say. The extended strain relief is cleverly designed and has nice grips along the body. Naturally, this design makes it easy to plug and unplug the cable.
The cable is nice to look at, all thanks to the stunning red and black combination. Even though the cable is braided, it’s smooth and flexible.
Why should you pick it: This cable brings the best of both worlds. You get rapid charging as well as fast data transfer speed. The stunning color combination of red and black makes sure that you do not easily lose sight of the cable.
3. Anker Powerline II
If you want to go with a trusted brand, the Anker Powerline II is a good buy. This USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable carries the same transfer speed specification and has a power output of 100W, making it apt to be used for charging both your MacBook Air (see best USB‑C to HDMI Cables) and your USB-C tablet. Even though the exterior is not braided, you can expect the cable to last a long time.
The Anker PowerLine II cables are quite popular on Amazon, thanks to the quality they bring to the table and their excellent customer service. The company is quick to replace any cable that isn’t up to the mark, and several user reviews on Amazon have backed that claim.
Why should you pick it: Anker is a well-known name in electronic accessories, thanks to its quality and the Anker Powerline II is no exception. It’s a well-built cable that is built to last a long time. Plus, Anker cables are USB-IF certified, which is for their performance and safety. Do note, that you won’t find extra grips on the strain relief, like the Fasgear cable.
4. UGREEN USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C To USB-C
The UGREEN USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable will allow you to charge your devices as easily as it will let you transfer data. It’s a frills-free cable without coated connectors or rubbery plugs. However, it has a sheathed exterior which does its job to increase the life of the cable. More importantly, it works as advertised and has a maximum power rating of 100W.
As such, you can refuel laptops like the MacBook Air and USB-C tablets. At the same time, you can use it to transfer data, and the 10Gbps speed means you can do so quickly. Further, you can also use it to hook your laptop to a compatible 4K external monitor and stream 4K video at 60Hz, if your laptop supports DisplayPort AltMode.
Many users have praised this cable. At the time of writing, it had an average user rating of 4.7 stars on Amazon, with users speaking highly of its sturdy build and fast charging power.
Why should you pick it: Don’t let the humble appearance of the UGREEN cable fool you. If you have a MacBook, this cable with 100W PD will be your perfect companion.
5. Cable Matters USB-IF Certified Cable
Cable Matters offers a sturdy no-frills cable priced midway between expensive and cheap. It can deliver power up to 100W and is apt for charging USB-C laptops and phones, while data sync speed at 10 Gbps will let you transfer data from one device quickly. But if you want real proof of future-proofing, the company claims that this cable can run 8K video at 60Hz. Now, that’s something.
The cable is a little thicker, so bending it can be problematic. Moreover, the ends are wide, and you might have issues plugging it into your phone, especially if it has an armored case.
Why should you pick it: The Cable Matters is a highly-reviewed USB 3.2 Gen 2 cable. It can do them all without breaking a sweat – from transferring data between external drives and your computer to charging it.
Alternatively, you can check out the Fasgear C to C 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Cable. It’s a 10-ft USB Type-C cable with 20Gbps speed.
Buy Fasgear USB C to USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 Cable
The Future Is Here
Gone are the days when you had to buy a bunch of different cables for charging phones and laptops, transferring data, or connecting to an external display. These new-age USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 cables do them all. All you need to do is check for compatibility with your laptop or the wall charger and that’s about it.
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Last updated on 29 May, 2023
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