USB-C cables vary significantly in power and data speeds

While USB-C cables appear identical externally, they possess significant internal differences regarding power delivery and data transfer speeds. The USB-C designation refers only to the connector shape, not the performance capabilities. Basic cables may be limited to USB 2.0 speeds of 480 Mbps, whereas high-quality USB 3.2 or certified USB4 cables can reach speeds between 5 and 40 Gbps.

Charging performance also varies. High-power cables often include an electronic chip known as an ‘e-marker’ to communicate safe power limits to the charger. Without this chip, charging speeds may be automatically reduced for safety. To identify the specific capabilities of various cables, tools such as the WhatCable app can provide details on charging, throughput, and display quality for connected devices.