Best USB-C cables for Android Auto | Android Central

You need a durable USB-C cable with fast data transfer so it keeps chugging along with your car.

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When you want to run Android Auto in your car, you may need a USB-C cable to plug in your phone. Before you buy one, it's best to look at the best options, particularly those that don't bend out of shape, suddenly unplug, or lose their connection. Faulty connections can sometimes cause Android Auto bugs, so if you've noticed something's off while driving, you just might need a good replacement or backup cable for your next road trip.

To fix that, we looked and found some of the best USB-C cables available to get the best out of Android Auto. They're all affordable, durable, and high-quality picks, and that's what makes them the best USB-C cables for your vehicle.

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Staff pick

Best overall

Belkin knows how to make good charging cables, and this long and braided one is perfect. The BoostCharge USB-C cable is a quality cable, including the 240W power that should charge your phone faster when you plug into your vehicle.

Most durable cable

If you want a no-frills yet reliable cable to use with Android Auto, Cable Matters is a great option. This 6.6-foot cable offers "molded strain relief" to ensure that it will last through the bends and situations that may arise when plugging your phone in. It comes in black or white and shorter lengths as well.

Most affordable cable

The AmazonBasics Cable is more than suitable to connect your phone to run Android Auto. In fact, it works with just about any USB-C device you can think of and has the added benefit of offering 10 Gbps transfer speeds.

Best short cable

Sometimes, you don't need a cable measuring 6 feet long, but prefer something shorter for a neater set-up. CableCreation is here to help with this 0.8-foot offering that, while short, is still supremely durable, rated to last for more than 10,000 bends. Plus, it comes in funky color options.

Best coiled cable

For some folks, coiled cables are a thing of the past, but are still great options for those who dig the retro look. The Baseus Curly USB-C cable totally fits the bill without getting tangled up, while also offering the ability to retract between 0.8 and 3.3-feet.

Best branded cable

Anker's Powerline III USB-C cable is perfect for just about any situation on the road. This cable measures 3 feet long, but there are longer or shorter cable lengths available. Anker also provides a "worry-free" lifetime warranty to go along with the rugged construction able to withstand up to 25,000 bends.

Best quick charge cable

UGREEN's Uno gives you USB-C on both sides, wrapped in nylon all the way for added durability, and comes in three different lengths. It supports PD100W for quick charges — all confirmed by the LED smiley face at the end. Take it out of the car, it works great for data transmission with sync speeds up to 480Mbps.

Best right-angled cable

Sometimes, you need to come in at the right angle, and a right-angle twist gives this gold-plated cable a better chance to fit just right (pun intended) at a 45-degree right angle at the USB-C end. Made with tough nylon braiding and multiple color options, you can get the cable super short or super long, too. Plus, with two in the pack, you can use one and keep a spare in the glove compartment.

Best two-pack cables

A threaded nylon-braided cable looks nicer already, not to mention it won't get easily tangled in your car. It can handle temperature variances, providing great throughput for Android Auto to run smoothly. Pick from any of the slick colors available to add a little flavor to your in-car wired setup. It comes in a 2-pack, so you can always use the second as a way to charge a second phone or another mobile device.

A growing list of cars support Android Auto, so it's only getting easier to use the platform while driving. With so many good options to choose from, it can be tough to pick the best USB-C cable to keep your phone plugged in, stay connected, and charge up all the same time. The best of the group is the Belkin BoostCharge 240W USB-C cable, thanks to its longer length and braided design that avoids tangling and still gives you a fast charge.

Still, you can always try something else. Plenty of other options suit different needs, whether you want a USB-C-to-USB-A design, like the Cable Matters Slim. Or maybe something super-short that won't get in the way, like the CableCreation Short USB-C Cable. Perhaps speed and USB-C on both sides like the UGREEN Uno.

It's not just having the right cable in the car, there are many great Android Auto apps you can download to make your next road trip a breeze. Why not make it easier with with all the information and entertainment you need as you travel from Point A to Point B? Still not totally sure how the basics work yet? Check our guide on how to use Android Auto.

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Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is collecting different headphones, even if they all end up in the same drawer.

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