While Apple ships it's iPad mini 5 with the standard Lightning cable you get with every iPad and iPhone, if you've used them before, you know that those cables eventually show wear and tear. Nothing is more frustrating than going to charge your iPad only to realize your Lightning cable has crapped out on you. Not only will a high-quality replacement make your life easier, having extra cables will allow you to charge your iPad mini 5 in multiple locations too!
Lifetime warranty
The Anker Powerline+ II is the best cable I have used hands down. It's nylon braided, meaning it can get tangled, twisted, and tugged on without affecting its performance, and Anker even backs it up with a lifetime warranty. Plus, the cable is 10 feet allowing you to work more comfortably away from the outlet, computer, or other power sources you're using.
Future-proof
USB-C is slowly but surely becoming the standard for charging, so if it is time for an upgrade, then you might as well jump in with Native Union's Belt cable. This four foot MFi certified nylon cable not only features durable nylon construction; it includes a leather strap that makes it perfect for travel. The best part though, is that USB-C, just like lightning, is completely reversible.
Super tough
If you like to carry your Lightning cable with you everywhere, the flexible stainless steel wrapped Fuse Chicken Titan Travel Lightning cable is billed as the toughest cable around. It should never tangle, meaning you don't have to worry about it juggling around in your bag, and it's only 19 inches long, meaning it won't take up to much space when you're on the go.
Retractable for convenience
Although the AmazonBasics retractable Lightning cable is only two feet long, it can coil up for easy storage and can help you keep your desk tidy by cutting down on the number of cords and cables you have strewn about your workspace.
Low-cost nylon braided
Tougher, cheaper, and longer than Apple's included Lightning cable, the AmazonBasics nylon braided Lightning cable is perfect for people in need of an extra. This 6-foot cable is not only braided, making the cable itself stronger, but the ends are reinforced with rubber to prevent fraying and bending on the cable's weakest point.
Buy in bulk
Want a Lightning cable at work, by your bed, in your car, and everywhere else you can place one? The TNSO Lightning cable 5-pack gives you two 3-feet, two 6-feet, and one 10-foot nylon braided Lightning cables, so you can have tough cables that shouldn't fray anywhere you want to place them!
Built to last
You can't underestimate the value of a high-quality Lightning cable; it will make your life easier and certainly less frustrating. The Anker Powerline+ II (opens in new tab) is by far the one I recommend the most to friends and family. It's tough, long, and comes with a lifetime warranty, so if something ever happens to it, I know Anker has my back.
If you don't want to spend as much, but still want a durable cable, then check out the AmazonBasics Nylon Braided Lightning Cable (opens in new tab). This affordable nylon cable is rated to withstand 95-degree bends up to 4,000 times. Plus, this cable comes in a variety of sleek looking colors, making it a great all-around value.
Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit. If you wish to join him on his quest to automate everything, you can follow him on Twitter at @itschrisclose.
