Short Lightning cables are more useful than you’d think, here are the best MFi options

Apple’s been shipping iPhones, iPads, and iPods plus a few accessories with Lightning connectors for nearly 4 years. By now you’ve probably amassed a trove of Lightning cables, especially if you keep up-to-date with all the latest deals. While you most likely have a couple super long options, I’d be willing to bet you don’t have an extra short cable in your arsenal. And that’s a shame, because a mini Lightning cable adds a significant layer of convenience to charging or syncing all of your Apple devices.

Continue on for a look at the best short Lightning cable’s currently on the market…

Apple bundles a 3-ft Lightning cable with most of its devices, which naturally makes it the most popular length. It’s a nice universal size: long enough to reach your nightstand but not too long that it’s unwieldy to use with your laptop. However there are many times when a short cable (1-ft or less) would likely get the job done better. For instance, when your traveling and your only desk space is your lap or when you’re plugging into a car’s dashboard USB port. Perhaps the most pertinent example is when you’re juicing up your iPhone from a power bank. A petite Lightning cable allows you to fit both devices in your pocket at the same time and remove them with ease. Just make sure you pick a slim battery pack!

Sure, you could use some Velcro cable wraps to wrangle longer cables, but that’s just another expense and item to lose. What’s more, shorter Lightning cables are less susceptible to physical damage and snags.

Here are the best short Apple-certified MFi Lightning cables:

• AmazonBasics 4-inch Lightning Cable: $5.99
• Anker 1-ft Nylon Braided PowerLine+ Lightning Cable: $12.99
• dCables 7-inch Bendy & Durable Lightning Cable: from $11.99
• F-Color 8-inch Nylon Braided Lightning Cable: $11.99
• Cambond 1-ft Nylon Braided Lightning Cable: from $11.49
• Anker 1-ft Durable Lightning Cable: from $6.99

Looking for more Lightning cables? We’ve also covered the best ultra tough and unique options.

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