Soon after we shared our affinity for short (1-ft or less) Lightning cables, many astute readers were quick to point how keychain cables are also a super convenient way to charge/sync your devices while on-the-go. And we couldn’t agree more!
Today we’re following up on last week’s post with a look at some of the most portable Lightning cables on the market. All of our top-picks attach directly to any standard key ring, but each one has a unique form factor and features. Continue on for the full breakdown:
It’s nearly impossible to avoid Lightning cables for anyone living in Apple’s ecosystem. Sure, you could get a wireless charging case and rely on iCloud for all your syncing and backup needs, but that’s not a feasible option for the majority of everyday users. That generally means you have to remember to toss a Lightning cable in your bag or stow an extra one in your car if want to keep our iPhone alive while traveling. But that doesn’t have to be the case! You could opt to put a specialized Lightning cable on your keychain so you never leave home without one again.
Just plug the short cable into any powered USB port (car, laptop, power bank, etc) to refuel your iPhone or iPad. These cables also allow you to sync and backup with iTunes as needed. Both scenarios are crucial to managing your mobile device while on-the-road.
All of our favorite keychain Lightning cables are from trusted companies and MFi Apple-Certified so you shouldn’t ever have any issues with reliability or compatibility.
Nomad Key $24.99
This 3-inch option is durable and flexible since it uses a “high-grade” polycarbonate. The Lightning and USB connectors are completely exposed, which Nomad says isn’t an issue because they are made of scratch-resistant metals, but it’s still something to keep in mind. Rated 4 out of 5 stars from 284 Amazon reviewers.
Native Union KEY Cable $29.99
Here’s one of the more unique designs we’ve seen from any keychain Lightning cable. Its 6.5-inch braided cable has a stylish knot hallway between its connectors and an integrated cap protects each end when not in use. Rated 4 out of 5 stars from 38 Amazon reviewers.
Belkin MIXIT from $20.99
A top-pick from an incredibly popular brand. The 2.9-inch Lightning cable rotates 360-degrees inside of a metal housing for added protection and portability. Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 76 Amazon reviewers.
Kero Nomad $14.95
This 3-inch Lightning cable sports a simple and won’t break the bank. It easily connects to your key ring using a secure cap. Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 336 Amazon reviewers.
Monoprice Keychain w/ Stowaway Lightning Cable $12.99
Not only is it the lowest priced option on our list, but at 6-inches in length it’s also the longest. The Lightning and USB connectors tuck into the keychain body so you don’t have to worry about damaging either end. One glaring downside is that it’s made of plastic, which could result in a shorter lifespan. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 22 Monoprice Reviewers.
Lead image via Nomad’s Facebook Page.
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