USB-C cables look alike, but they differ in three ways that matter: how much power they can carry, how fast they move data, and whether they can carry a video signal. A cable can be excellent at one and limited at another.
Power: 60W, 100W and 240W
Standard USB-C cables carry up to 3A, which is 60W at 20V. To carry more than 3A, a cable needs a small electronic marker chip (an “e-marker”) and a 5A rating. With USB Power Delivery 3.1, 5A cables can carry up to 240W using new voltage levels up to 48V. Belkin notes that most cables rated above 60W include an e-marker.
USB-IF, the organisation behind USB, certifies cables and uses logos showing “60W” or “240W”. A 240W cable also works at lower power levels, so it is a safe choice for phones, tablets and laptops alike.
Data: why a 240W cable may still be slow
Many charging cables use USB 2.0 wiring for data, which is 480 Mbps, even when they are rated for 240W. USB-IF’s own logo guidelines include “USB 2.0” versions of the 60W and 240W charging logos. Apple, for example, says its 240W USB-C Charge Cable transfers data at USB 2 rates.
| Cable at Tronixis | Power | Data and video |
|---|---|---|
| Anker USB-C to USB-C (240W) | 240W, USB-IF certified | 480 Mbps (USB 2.0); video not supported |
| Belkin BoostCharge Pro 240W | 240W, USB-IF certified | Charging cable; check Belkin’s listing for data speed |
These are charging cables. For fast file transfers or an external drive, look for a cable labelled with a data speed such as “USB 5Gbps”, “USB 10Gbps”, “USB 20Gbps” or “USB 40Gbps”.
Video: connecting a monitor
Video over USB-C uses the cable’s high-speed lanes (for example DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4 or Thunderbolt), so a USB 2.0 charging cable cannot carry a display signal. You also need a port on your laptop or tablet that supports video output. The Anker 341 USB-C Hub, for instance, offers HDMI only when the host port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Rule of thumb: buy a 240W (5A) cable for charging anything, and a separately labelled high-speed cable for data or a monitor.
Browse chargers and cables, or read how to choose a charger.
Sources (checked 4 October 2026)