#The 4 Best USB-C Video Cables for 2021 – Review Geek

Table of Contents

“#The 4 Best USB-C Video Cables for 2021 – Review Geek”

Illustration of USB-C Video Cables in front of a laptop on a shelf connected to a monitor. — Fasgear

What to Look for in a USB-C Video Cable

Before we jump into specific recommendations, let’s take a moment to talk about the specifics of USB-C video cables. There are some crucial things you’ll need to know before purchasing one.

Alt Mode: This is a necessary feature for a USB-C video cable, as not all USB-C cables can handle video signals. “Alt Mode” allows USB-C cables to transfer video signals using various interfaces such as DisplayPort. All the cables we’ve included here have this feature, of course, but if you’re looking for cables outside of this list, you’ll need to pay close attention to what the store’s product de scription says. Manufacturers may not advertise “Alt Mode” specifically, but they will usually mention video output as a signifier of this feature; just look for that wording and you should be fine.
Data Speeds: If you’re concerned with video quality, this is the main spec you’ll want to pay attention to. While 4K is fairly easy to achieve with a USB-C video cable, higher speeds can allow for higher resolutions, refresh rates, and also better support multi-monitor setups or daisy-chaining.
Length: This one is pretty simple, and while your options here are somewhat limited you can still find a lot of USB-C cords with varying lengths. We’ve included a range of cable lengths on this list so regardless of your needs, you should be covered.
Wattage: All of the cables on this list have a charging wattage of 100W, which is enough for most laptops. It’s useful to be able to rely on these cables as a charging cord as well, especially since they can also power the external monitor you’re using.

Best Overall: Cable Matters USB-C to USB-C Video Cable

Pros

✓ Can handle 4K
✓ Six feet long
✓ Quality construction

When it comes to balancing price, quality, and length, Cable Matters’ cord manages to balance all three well. It may only transfer data at 5GB/s, but it can still soundly handle 4K, 60Hz (although, it may run into trouble if you’re attempting to use multiple 4K monitors). And to wrap it all up, the cable measures at six feet even, so you’ve got some wiggle room for reaching it from your machine to your display.

Best Overall

Best Premium: Anker USB-C to USB-C Video Cable

Pros

✓ High data transfer speeds
✓ Can handle 8K

Anker’s always been praised for its quality cables, and its USB-C video cable promises that same great quality for a higher price. With a transfer rate of 40GB/s, not only can this cable handle multiple 4K monitors, it can even go up to 8K. Few monitors run at 8K right now, but if you want to be prepared for when 8K is more standardized, then this is a great future-proof cable. Just be aware it is on the shorter side—2.3 feet to be exact.

Best Premium

Anker USB-C to USB-C Video Cable

It may be short and pricey, but the fast transfer rates provided here are perfect if you’re after the highest quality possible.

Best Budget: Rampow USB-C to USB-C Video Cable

Pros

✓ Affordable
✓ Braided
✓ Can handle 4K

Cons

✗ Limited length options

If you’re not looking to drop a lot on a cable, Rampow’s delivers some impressive specs for a low price. The 20GB/s transfer rate easily handles 4K images—even on multiple displays—and it’s available in lengths of either 3.3 or 6.6 feet. The cable itself is also braided for an added level of durability.

Best Budget

Best for Length: Fasgear USB-C to USB-C Video Cable

Pros

✓ Multiple length options
✓ Can handle 4K

Cons

✗ Moderately slow speeds

All the other cables on our list have hovered around the same length range, but Fasgear’s cable goes further (literally). This braided cable features a transfer rate of 10GB/s and four options when it comes to the length: 1.6, 3, 6, or 10 feet. Whether you need a cable that’s super short to squeeze into your setup or one that can stretch across your entire desk, these options from Fasgear have you covered.

Best for Length

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