I tested Beats Cables to see how well these $19 cords charge your stuff
When the announcement of Beats Cables hit my inbox, I did a double take. The next big drop from the brand behind some of the most iconic headphones and earbuds around is… a charging cable? Once the surprise wore off, however, I realized this was a pretty logical next step. The audio giant has already dipped its toes into the accessory game with phone cases, and it never hurts to have a spare cord or two for charging up those fancy Studio Pro cans on the go.
Available now for $19 individually or $35 for a two-pack, Beats Cables are more or less your standard braided cable with that signature lowercase 'b' stamped onto each end. But they certainly look good, and may have some advantages over the cable you're currently using to juice up your iPhone.
Beats USB-C to USB-C Woven Cable
The Beats Cable features a sturdy woven design and can charge at up to 60 watts. It's also available in USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to Lightning variations.
Beats USB-C to USB-C Woven Cable (Two-Pack)
If you want the best possible value, go with this two-pack that gets you two cables for a few bucks off. Like the single cables, the two-pack also comes in USB-A and Lightning options. Beats' USB-C cables don't look all that different from the litany of wires that are currently engulfing my workspace, but there are some small touches that help set them apart. The actual woven material feels satisfyingly sturdy and similar to Apple's braided cables, and they come in some nice colors including Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy and the company's signature Rapid Red. The latter is definitely the boldest, though I'm personally partial to the Nitro Navy — and not just because I was able to connect it to my orange Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds for a New York Knicks-inspired color combo.
I tested the 5-foot USB-C to USB-C version of Beats' cable, which gave me plenty of slack for connecting to my go-to electronics and is notably longer than the 3.2-foot cord that comes with most modern iPhones. More importantly, it performed just as well as Apple's stock cable, if not a little better. After using both cables to juice up my iPhone 16 Pro via Apple's 20W charging brick, the Beats Cable gave me 18% worth of battery compared to the 15% I got from Apple's cable. It's a small difference, but one that makes me confident about using Beats' cord with most of my gadgets.
Speaking of which, Beats Cables are available in a number of different configurations and lengths to suit whatever you might plug them into. There's USB-C to USB-C for all of your modern Apple and Android devices, USB-A to USB-C for connecting to legacy devices and USB-C to Lighting for those folks still using older iPhones, iPads and AirPods. You'll also have a choice of size between 1.5 meters (5 feet) and 8 inches, the latter of which is more ideal for use with your portable charger. However, I find it a bit odd that the shorter cable has the same $19 asking price as the longer one.
As far as specs go, the USB-C to USB-C version of Beats Cables supports fast charging at up to 60 watts as well as data transfers at modern USB 2.0 speeds. Compare that to a popular cable like Belkin's BoostCharge that charges at up to 240 watts, and Beats' cable is far from the fastest around. However, it is exactly on par with Apple's own USB-C to USB-C cable on wattage and transfer rates.
So, are these Beats-branded cables worth it? A $19 price tag might seem like a lot for a single cable, but you're getting a longer cord than Apple's first-party option for the same exact price. And when you compare it to some of our best USB-C cable picks like this $25 Nomad model, the cost is pretty reasonable. Still, there are certainly better values out there, like these cords from Belkin and Anker (two brands we've tested and trust) that are cheaper, faster and longer.
That leaves Beats Cables as a good pick for folks who just love the brand and want something that'll coordinate well with any of the best Beats headphones. And let's be real; it never hurts to have a spare cord lying around.
How much do Beats Cables cost?
How much do Beats Cables cost?
Beats Cables start at $19 for an individual cable, or $35 for a two-pack.
How long are Beats Cables?
How long are Beats Cables?
These USB-C cables come in two variations: a long 5-foot version that's perfect for use with a wall outlet, and a much shorter 8-inch cord that's ideal for your favorite power brick. Regardless of which dimensions better suit you, you're getting the same 60 watt charging speed and $19 asking price.
Are there any Beats Cables that are USB-C to Lightning?
Are there any Beats Cables that are USB-C to Lightning?
Yep! Beats sells a USB-C to Lightning version of Beats Cables in both 5-foot and 8-inch variations, giving you plenty of options for charging up your older Apple gadgets.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has been reviewing tech gadgets for more than a decade, and has tested nearly every modern Beats product from the brand's affordable earbuds to its highest-end over-ear cans.
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