In recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift toward USB-C as the go-to standard for device connectivity, and this trend has spurred a booming market for USB-C cables. Unfortunately, not all USB-C cables are created equal. Despite their appealing designs, many of the cheaper options available today fall short in terms of quality and performance. Recently, Benson Leung, an engineer from Google’s Chromebook Pixel team, conducted an extensive series of tests on these affordable USB-C cables. His findings revealed that numerous cables were incompatible with his Chromebook Pixel laptop.
This issue is particularly concerning given one of USB-C's key features: the ability to supply up to 3A of charging current. Most budget USB-C cables fail to meet this standard, posing serious risks to your devices. Charging currents that exceed safe limits can wreak havoc on hardware, as some devices aren’t equipped to handle such high currents effectively.
For instance, when using a USB-C cable with a USB 2.0 to USB-C adapter, the cable should include a 56kΩ pull-up resistor. This ensures the device recognizes the connected charger as a legacy device, thereby regulating the charging current to levels the device can safely handle—either 1.5A or 2.4A. However, many substandard cables lack this resistor, causing excessive current to flow into the device. Without the ability to regulate the current, the device might suffer damage, and in some cases, even pose security risks.
During his investigation, Leung discovered that some USB-C cables sold on Amazon featured cheap 10kΩ resistors—or worse, none at all. As a result, these cables couldn’t properly charge his Pixel device. In response, he released a detailed test report on USB-C cables, helping other users avoid similar issues when working with their Pixel laptops.
If you’re looking to sidestep these problems, purchasing a USB-C cable from a well-known, reputable brand is your safest bet. While these cables tend to come with a higher price tag, they offer peace of mind and reliability. Alternatively, buying the original cable directly from your smartphone manufacturer is another solid option, though it might cost a bit more.
The takeaway? When it comes to USB-C cables, cutting corners can have costly consequences. Investing in quality ensures both your devices and your peace of mind remain intact.
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