Not all USB-C cables are equal. The new Beats USB-C to USB-C Braided Cable is a 3 meter charging cable with support for up to 240W USB Power Delivery, a reinforced braided finish and the kind of colour options Beats is known for.
All four of Beats’ electric colours — Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red, are available.
From first impression, these cables feel different. They have weight.
As the name states, they are braided and actually feel nice. Not plasticky.
These also support fast charging up to 240W – that is USB Power Delivery Revision 3.1 — Extended Power Range, better denoted as USB-PD 3.1 EPR.
As it stands, very few devices actually require the full capability of this cable. Just a handful of high powered gaming laptops.
As an aside, to actually hit 240W, you need:
- a 240W EPR charger
- a 240W EPR cable
- a device supporting USB-PD 3.1 EPR
This is end-to-end. If any one of those is lower, charging falls back.
This means the Beats USB-C to USB-C Braided Cable will be able to support your charging needs for the foreseeable future.
But … this is there you need to be aware of limitations.
This cable is only for charging, basic data sync and audio.
If you are looking to hook up Thunderbolt docks, external monitors or high-speed SSDs, this is not the cable you are looking for.
On the other hand, despite the Beats branding, a three meter braided cable and 240W support for a very reasonable A$44.95? That is a pretty sweet deal. A branded 3m Thunderbolt cable will set you back a lot more.
The cable is sold in over 50 countries and available to order now at apple.com.
DRN would like to thank Beats for providing the review units.
| Ports | Length | Colors | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C to USB-C | 3 m (10 ft) | Bolt Black | Surge Stone | Nitro Navy | Rapid Red |
| 1.5 m (5 ft) | Bolt Black | Surge Stone | Nitro Navy | Rapid Red | |
| 1.5 m (2-pack) (5 ft) |
Bolt Black | ||||
| 20 cm | Bolt Black | ||||
| USB-A to USB-C | 1.5 m (5 ft) | Bolt Black | Surge Stone | Rapid Red | |
| 1.5 m (2-pack) (5 ft) |
Bolt Black | ||||
| 20 cm | Bolt Black | ||||
| USB-C to Lightning | 1.5 m (5 ft) | Bolt Black | Surge Stone | Rapid Red | |
| 20 cm | Bolt Black | ||||
