Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-C cable led the field in Consumer Reports’ bend-test, surviving more than 11,500 bends and estimated to last over six years at a typical usage rate of about five bends per day.

While Anker and Belkin performed well, they were outlasted by Amazon Basics, with roughly 6,500 and 6,300 bends respectively and estimated lifespans around three years under the same usage assumptions.

CR notes the findings remain relevant to buyers, with guidance from outlets like WireCutter, PCWorld, and TechGearLab highlighting these brands.

Two other tested brands, Walmart Onn and Samsung, along with Bytech, showed poorer durability, each recording lifespans under 1,700 bends for Onn and under 1,000 bends for Samsung and Bytech.

The test focused on USB-A to USB-C cables conducted in December 2023, and results may differ for newer USB-C to USB-C cables, which likely have improved durability since then.

The top Amazon Basics cable is non-braided, costs about $4.50, and carries USB-IF certification, supporting 15W charging and USB 2.0 data transfer.

All three top performers—Amazon Basics, Anker, and Belkin—offer USB-IF certification and similar 15W charging with USB 2.0 speeds, though price and durability influence consumer choice.

Consumer Reports conducted a stress test focusing on durability under repeated bending and twisting of USB-C cables.

Even though braided sleeves are often seen as more durable, the non-braided Amazon Basics cable showed superior bend resistance in this test.