Beats’ new $19 charging cable is my favorite Apple accessory — here’s why
Beats’ massive stake in the wireless headphones market has given the company free rein to venture into whatever product category it desires. I just never thought it would be accessories. Charging cables at that.
I envisioned something innovative like an ear hook attachment to use mid-range Beats earbuds as workout buds. That seems more ideal for the audio company that helped revolutionize headphones. Then again, such an accessory would have made the flagship Powerbeats Pro 2 less appealing, especially at their steep MSRP of $249.
Nonetheless, Apple and Beats fans have a charging cable to call their own. Several, actually. So, is the upgrade worth it, or should you stick with your worn-down iPhone connector that’s hanging by a thread?
I’m sold on it. In fact, Beats’ USB-C to USB-C cable is my favorite Apple (and Android) accessory right now. Here’s why.
Practicality is everything
Beats gained a bad rap in its early days for focusing more on style than substance. However, performance has substantially improved with every new brand release. Place these charging cables on the list as well.
They come in two lengths (1.5m and 20cm) that are suitable for pairing with your favorite portable chargers or smartphone. Beats sent me the shorter USB-C to USB-C cables, which were fine for juicing up my Google Pixel 7 at my work desk. The longer cables come in handy for charging devices in your car or on a nightstand.
Expect these cables to deliver a little more charging power than the stock iPhone cable. My wife’s iPhone 15 saw a noticeable boost in charging compared to Apple’s alternative. The USB-C to USB-C version also supports fast charging up to 60 watts. Apple does sell a Thunderbolt cable that produces higher-speed transfers, but it is three times more expensive.
What’s most important is that Beats’ cables are compatible with all modern electronics. Not just current Apple devices. The multiple configurations — USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C, and UBC-C to Lightning — mean you can have a cable connected to a Microsoft-run desktop, portable DAC, and a ninth-gen iPad. Those are just a few examples.
The most fashionable charging cable you can buy
Anker, Native Union, and UGreen all have trendy charging cables, but none of these brands can compete with Beats’ mainstream aesthetic. Signature elements like the B logo and vibrantly bold colorways remain irresistible. The braided design demonstrates sturdiness; a hard tug won’t rip the cable. This accessory is neatly packaged into a chic and tiny box that sits handsomely next to all Beats products. Furthermore, the cable gives flair to minimalist-looking audio releases like the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WH-1000xM5.
Two hidden features that extend functionality
Reverse charging (aka device-to-device charging) isn’t talked about much with Apple products. This feature lets you transfer battery power from one device to another. Beats’ proprietary cables support this. Plugging one of them into a Mac will transform the machine into a power bank that can juice up your iPhone or Pill portable speaker. I tried this with two iPhones at the same time and witnessed the model with more battery life serve as a portable charger.
The other major feature that deserves serious attention is lossless audio. Yes, Beats charging cables allow for lossless playback on compatible headphones, including the Solo 4 and Solo Pro. The AirPods Max seem to apply as well. It won’t work on all headphones. I had no luck with the all-new Sony WH-1000xM6.
Is the Beats charging cable worth it?
Affordability alone makes these charging cables a smart pickup for any Apple or Android user. They sell for $19, and the black USB-C to USB-C version (20 cm) can be had for $17.69 on Amazon. The various colorways leave room to accessorize all forms of electronics, including headphones, smartphones, and even handheld gaming consoles (*wink* Nintendo Switch 2 *wink*).
Adequate lengths, fast charging times, and the inclusion of lossless audio add to their value. The smart move is to keep one in your travel bag and another at your work desk. You’ll also want to consider gifting a few as stocking stuffers this upcoming holiday season.
Alex Bracetti is a freelance product reviewer and journalist covering gadgets and men's grooming products. An experienced consumer tech writer, he has bylines at Mashable, Complex, SPY.com, Thrillist, AskMen, CNN Underscored, and Tom's Guide. In addition to writing about the latest tech trends and gadgets, he's also covered men's fashion, sports, and gaming. For Mashable, he primarily covers headphones/wireless earbuds, party speakers, smartphones, and mobile accessories.
