Cables and adapters

Cables and adapters for phones, tablets, computers and other electronics: USB, USB-C, Lightning and HDMI cables, plus connector adapters. Our range has over 1,200 products, with brands such as Microconnect, Lenovo, Vention, Gembird and Samsung.

It suits anyone replacing a worn-out lead, connecting a device to a display or joining two different connector standards.

How to choose a cable or adapter

Connectors. Check both ends first: the device you are plugging in and the one you are connecting it to. Most cables in our range have USB A and USB C connectors, and there are also USB B, Micro-USB B, Mini-USB B, Lightning and HDMI Type A options. Note the gender too: a cable usually has plugs (male), while an adapter or extension may have a socket (female).

Data transfer speed. A USB 2.0 cable carries up to 480 Mbit/s. That is enough for a mouse, a keyboard or charging, but too slow for large files or an external SSD. For those, choose USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s) or Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s), and USB4 cables are available for the fastest devices. Speed is set by the slowest part of the chain, so both the device and the cable must support the standard.

Charging or data. Cables with the same connector can differ: some are made for charging only, others carry data, and some also carry video. If you need quick charging for a phone or laptop, check how much power the cable is rated for. Video over USB-C also depends on the device supporting it.

Length and plug shape. A longer cable is handy by the bed or a distant desk, but long USB leads find it harder to keep high speeds. Most of our cables have straight plugs, and some are angled. Those help when a device sits against a wall or is used lying flat, because the lead does not bend sharply.

Brands we carry

• Lenovo: known for laptops and the ThinkPad line, so its adapters and USB-C cables are often made for those computers.
• Samsung: makes cables for its own phones and tablets, including ones meant for fast charging.
• Apple: offers Lightning and USB-C cables for iPhone, iPad and Mac devices.
• Baseus: best known for phone charging cables and mobile accessories.
• Vention: makes HDMI and USB cables and adapters for everyday use.
• Gembird: focuses on affordable everyday cables and adapters for computers.
• Axagon: known for USB adapters, hubs and card readers.
• Lanberg: a Polish manufacturer known for network and data cables.

Also in our range: Microconnect, Unitek, Qoltec and LogiLink.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between USB-C and USB-A cables?

They are different connector shapes: USB-A is rectangular, while USB-C is oval and can be plugged in either way up. The shape does not tell you the speed, as a USB-C cable may be USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s) or the fastest USB4. Look at the USB version as well as the connector type.

Can I charge a phone with any USB-C cable?

Usually any working USB-C cable will charge a phone, but the speed can differ. Fast charging needs a cable rated for higher power and a phone that supports it. A thin cable made for data or slow charging can limit the speed.

Which cable should I use for an external SSD or hard drive?

Choose at least a USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable, which carries up to 5 Gbit/s. A fast external SSD works better with Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) or quicker. A drive will still work over USB 2.0, but copying files will be much slower.

Does an adapter reduce picture or data quality?

A digital adapter, such as USB-C to HDMI, generally does not change picture quality. What matters more is that it supports the resolution and refresh rate you need, and that your device can output video through that connector. You will find this in the product specification.