charge stream® 0.8M USB4 USB-C to USB-C
Summary
The $29.99 charge stream® Enduraflex™ silicon cable ships with a braided exterior for extra endurance. Unlike most 240W cables, the Mophie cable supports USB-4 at 40Gbps for data transfer. It also comes with reinforced connectors and a silicon strap for easier storage. Paper packaging is OK, but it still relies on a plastic retail hanger. Comes in black only.
HyperJuice® 1M Silicone USb-C to USB-C Cable
Summary
The $19.99 HyperJuice® 1M silicone USB-C to USB-C Cable makes for a tangle-free experience. Over-Temperature Protection (OTP) up to 90C/194F. Good strain reliefs. Only supports USB 2.0 at 480Mbps. Exemplary all-paper, FSC-certified packaging printed with soy ink. Comes in white or black. Not nylon wrapped. No storage strap.
240W USB-C Cables: Hyper and Mophie Deliver the Power, But Mophie Also Delivers Good Data Rates and Better Add-ons for a Price
Overall, the Mophie charge stream® 0.8M USB4 USB-C to USB-C cable is the superior product, albeit is at a $10 premium (at list price) over the Hyper cable. For pure full 240W charging, the Hyper cable may prove slightly better with its heat reduction features. The Mophie cable, however, offers more features, including high data rates, a wrapped exterior, and a storage strap that makes it more adaptive to use cases and packing situations. The final scores are close primarily because the Hyper cable packaging was industry-leading in its eco-friendliness.
Here are general thoughts on the Pros and Cons of this new breed of high-power USB-C cables.
240W USB-C Cables Pros:
- High Power Delivery: 240W cables can quickly charge devices using Power Delivery 3.1, making them ideal for high-power devices like gaming laptops and other hardware requiring a lot of power. While they will charge devices with lower power demands, they are usually overkill for most consumer devices.
- Broad Device Compatibility: They are compatible with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops, that employ USB type-C ports.
- Durability: Most 240W cables ship with molded strain-relief connectors designed to withstand constant bending and disconnection. They often also include other features like nylon-wrapped silicon to enhance cable flexibility and keep them from tangling, increasing cable durability.
240W USB-C Cables Cons:
- Data Transfer Speed: While the new fast-charging cables are excellent for charging, some 240W cables have a maximum data transfer speed of 480 Mbps, which is not suitable for tasks like video transfer. Check for data speed if you plan to use the cable for more than just charging.
- Price: High-wattage cables can be more expensive than standard cables, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious consumers.
- Compatibility with Older Devices: These cables are specifically designed for USB-C devices, so they will not work with older devices that use USB Type-A ports without an adapter. Even with an adapter, these cables will prove good only for low-speed data transfer from older devices.
Power Delivery 3.1
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the USB Implementers Forum introduced Power Delivery 3.1. which pushes charging capabilities beyond the previous 100W limit to 240W. That means gaming laptops should start shipping with much smaller, non-proprietary power supplies that leverage USB-C as the power conduit. With the inclusion of Extended Power Range (EPR), devices can now draw power at higher voltages—up to 48V—unlocking the potential for more powerful and versatile applications. PD 3.1 ensures that devices negotiate power intelligently, maintaining the integrity of the 5A current while dynamically adjusting the voltage to meet device demands. This innovation will enshrine Type C connectors as the universal choice for years to come.
These new high-power cables offer significant advantages in terms of charging devices, but limitations in data transfer speeds means those with USB 2.0 speeds are really intended for charging, though some do offer high data rates. They also cost more than other cables that, for many uses, may perform just as well, such as low-power charging.
Buyers who need Thunderbolt or other certifications should buy cables that meet their needs not assuming that because these cables are certified for high-power throughput they will also meet other specifications for data transfer, daisy chaining or video.
Zagg/Mophie provided the charge stream® 0.8M USB4 USB-C to USB-C for review.
Targus/Hyper provided the HyperJuice® 1M Silicone USb-C to USB-C Cable for review
Images courtesy of Zagg/Mophie and Targus/Hyper unless otherwise noted.
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