They are among the most popular charging cables on the market, especially when it comes to mobile devices.
Some other key factors set USB-C and Lightning apart.
Overall Findings
Introduced in 2014.
Joined USB-A and USB-B as popular connector.
Used for connection, communication, and power supply.
Replaced Apple’s 30-pin dock connector.
USB-C is considered by many to be the current standard for charging and transferring data.
However, every iPhone and iPad since September 2012 has come with a Lightning cable.
The exception is the iPad Pro, which adopted USB-C starting with the 3rd generation models in 2018).
Data Transfer Rates: USB-C Is Significantly Faster
Transfer speeds up to 40Gbps.
Transfer speeds up to 480Mbps.
Comparable transfer speeds to USB 2.0.
USB-C is capable of supportingUSB4, the latest and fastest USB specification.
As a result, USB-C cables can transfer speeds up to 40Gbps.
By comparison, Lightning cables are much slower and transfer data at USB 2.0 rates of 480Mbps.
There are, of course, pluses to this.
As the numbers indicate, USB-C has a massive speed advantage over Lightning.
Used by iPads (not the 9th generation iPad).
Can be used in Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports.
Used by iPhones, AirPods, various Apple accessories.
USB-C support through USB-C to Lightning cable.
Lightning was a replacement port for Apple’s old 30-pin connector first introduced with the iPod back in 2001.
At the time, Apple said it was going to be their standard for the next 10 years.
It’s gone well beyond that.
Supports USB Power Delivery for fast charging.
Native power support for 12W/2.4A.
Fast charging requires USB-C to Lightning cable and 20W or higher power adapter.
USB-C offers a higher power delivery rate than Lightning and delivers a faster charge under the same voltage.
Whereas Lightning supports a maximum current of 2.4A, USB-C carries 3A with support for up to 5A.
This distinction makes USB-C much better for fast charging, as it supports the USB Power Delivery fast-charging standard.
Standard Lightning cables dont support fast charging, so Apple includes a USB-C to Lightning Cable with most products.
May last longer than Lightning.
Tighter physical connection than USB-C.
In terms of ease of use and durability, USB-C and Lightning are closely aligned.
Both connections have reversible ends, making them easier to plug into your devices.
They also include chips to help guarantee compatibility and control power supply for stabilized current and data transfers.
Anecdotally, there’s considerable debate over which cable offers better durability.
It offers wider compatibility, faster data transfer rates, and increased power delivery for better fast charging.
With a USB-C to Lightning cable, you might charge and sync your iOS devices.
Sometimes, however, the charger is the problem, not the cable.
Tofix a broken charger, test the wall socket and look for damage to the unit power port.
Different USB cable types have different maximum lengths.
USB 2.0 cables can extend to about 98 feet (30 meters).
USB 3.0 and 3.1 cables can extend only to about 59 feet (18 meters).
Your extension cables can only be as long as the original cable.
