With the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, Apple has done away with its trademark lightning port, replacing it instead with the more universally compatible USB-C. Investing in a lightning to USB-C adapter means you can continue to use your existing lightning devices with your new phone.
What to Look for With a Lightning to USB-C Adapter
If you're considering a lightning to USB-C adapter, you should know that they're not all alike in terms of their functionality. It's well worth taking the time to research what kind of use you can get from each adapter to find out whether it meets your requirements.
For instance, some adapters won't let you charge devices or transfer data and will only work with audio. There's nothing wrong with that if that's all you're looking for, but it pays to know what you're getting for your money.
Apple's own USB-C to Lightning Adapter lets you charge devices, transfer data, and enjoy audio. It comes at a premium price but caters to every iPhone 15 owner due to its versatility.
Other lightning-to-USB-C alternatives feature audio only or charging support but without audio. So knowing which one offers what is essential to choosing the best option for you.
|
How Did We Research | ||
|
Models Evaluated |
Hours Researched |
Reviews Analyzed |
|
20 |
5 |
15 |
How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts who have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »
Best Lightning to USB-C Adapter Overall: Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter
Pros | Cons |
Allows charging, data transfer, and audio | Expensive |
Durable | |
Works with CarPlay |
Apple's Lightning to USB-C Adapter provides the holy trinity of functions in a single adapter. With charging, data transfer, and audio, it allows you to use all your existing lightning devices with your iPhone 15. In addition, the Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter is compatible with CarPlay, making it a great choice for connecting your device to your car.
The adapter provides a maximum of 24W when charging your iPhone or iPad and transfer speeds that top out at 480Mbps. It comes with a braided cable which is good news for buyers, as this makes it significantly more durable than a regular cable.
However, for all its versatility, this Apple adapter does come with a fairly hefty price tag, being one of the most expensive that you can buy. And unless you're specifically looking for one cable to rule them all, you may not be too keen on spending this much.
Nevertheless, it does everything you could possibly want a USB-C to lightning adapter to do, and you can't quibble with the functionality that it provides. Coupled with its sturdy construction, and you have a premium USB-C to Lightning adapter that ticks all the right boxes.
Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter
With support for charging, data transfer, and audio, the Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter is the perfect one-stop shop for using your Lightning devices with your iPhone 15.
Best Lightning to USB-C Adapter for Durability: UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Adapter
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Supports high-quality audio | No support for charging or data transfer |
Works well for voice calls | Expensive |
Excellent Durability |
This USB-C to Lightning adapter from UGREEN doesn't support charging or data transfers but does allow you to connect Lightning headphones to your iPhone 15. With this adapter, you can listen to music as well as take calls. Containing a high-performance DAC chip, it supports 24-bit audio transmission, providing a high-fidelity listening experience.
Made from a high-quality aluminum alloy casing, the UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Adapter is both sleek and durable, with each plug connected by a braided cable that has been quality-tested for up to 15,000 bends and 10,000 insertions.
It offers solid protection against scratch damage and tangling. Extra durability is also provided by the reinforced connectors, which protect against fraying, making this adapter a good long-term prospect.
This adapter is an excellent choice if you're looking to enjoy distortion-free audio for your music and voice calls. The price point is on the steep side but considerably cheaper than replacing your headphones and cables.
UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Adapter
With a lifespan that can accommodate 15,000 bends and 10,000 insertions, the UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Adapter is one of the most durable audio adapter options for your iPhone 15.
Best Lightning to USB-C Adapter for Audio Only: Anker USB-C to Lightning
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Supports lossless audio | No charging or data transfer support |
Apple-certified product | Expensive |
Good durability |
Another worthy candidate if you're on the hunt for a USB-C to Lightning adapter for audio, is this Anker model. As with the UGREEN USB-C to Lightning Adapter, this one doesn't support data transfers or charging but does allow you to use your Lightning earphones with your iPhone 15.
The Anker USB-C to Lightning Adapter is an MFi-certified product that can be used with any Apple product and is a great way to enjoy lossless audio, with support for 24-bit transmission. It also retains the earphone mic and remote functions of your wired headphones, so it's also ideal for making and taking voice calls.
Featuring aluminum shielding and TPE insulation, it offers plenty of durability. Plus, it's been engineered to provide an impressive 12,000-bend lifespan, so you get a decent amount of bang for your buck here as well.
Priced similarly to the UGREEN alternative, the Anker USB-C to Lightning Adapter isn't the cheapest option. But with a shelf life that's estimated to be up to 12 times longer than other adapters and with high-quality audio performance, it's comfortably one of the best choices to use with your Lightning headphones.
Anker USB-C to Lightning Audio Adapter
With support for 24-bit lossless audio, the Anker USB-C to Lightning Adapter is one of the best ways to enjoy your Lightning headphones with your iPhone 15.
Best Lightning to USB-C Adapter for Charging and Data Transfer: Agvee USB-C to Lightning Adapter
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Support for charging and data transfer | No support for audio |
Durable design | |
More affordable than some alternatives |
If you don't need a Lightning to USB-C Adapter for audio and want something that for charging and data transfers instead, you should consider the Agvee USB-C to Lightning Adapter. It supports both and will save you some money compared to the pricier Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter, which provides audio support that you might not want.
Made with a durable aluminum alloy shell, this adapter has been plug and unplug-tested to last up to 15,000 uses, with a 15,000 times cable bend capability. Reinforced to minimize the chances of the Lightning tip from breaking, it's tough enough to last you a considerable time.
Depending on the connected device, the charging power provided can run up to 30W for devices supporting USB-PD fast charging or up to 12W for everything else. It's heat-resistant too, and provides a secure connection for reliable charging.
Price-wise, it's a far more affordable option that retails around the $20 mark for a 2-pack, which is more than reasonable for the charging and data transfer capabilities that it provides.
AGVEE USB-C to Lightning Adapter
Featuring support for charging as well as data transfers, the AGVEE USB-C to Lighting Adapter is an affordable and convenient way to use Lighting chargers with your iPhone 15.
Best Budget Lightning to USB-C Adapter: ARTEK USB-C to Lightning Adapter
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Charging support | No support for data transfer or audio |
Affordable | |
Heat-resistant |
If you're restricted by budget and simply want a cost-effective adapter to charge your iPhone 15, this ARTEK USB-C to Lightning Adapter makes a lot of sense. It can be used to charge USB-C devices with a lightning cable, and thanks to its one-piece design, you can leave it attached to your lightning cable for extra convenience.
As you might expect for the price, you're not going to be able to use this for data transfer or for audio. This is a strictly one-function adapter. It can be used with both 5W and 10W chargers, though it's not recommended for use with fast chargers.
It features a durable aluminum casing with a brushed metal effect and comes in a pack of two. Handy for when you inevitably lose one of them down the side of the couch. It's also heat-resistant and safe to use without the risk of overheating.
For less than $10 dollars for a pack of two quality adapters, there's very little to complain about here. Durable enough to stand the test of time and with a reliable charging performance, the ARTEK USB-C to Lightning Adapter is the best of the bunch when it comes to budget adapters.
ARTEK USB-C to Lightning Adapter
With two adapters in a pack and for less than $10, the ARTEK USB-C to Lightning Adapter represents unbeatable value for charging your iPhone 15.
FAQ
What is the difference between a USB-C and Lightning cable?
The main difference between USB-C and Lightning cables is that USB-C has a higher power delivery rate, and is able to charge faster using the same amount of voltage.
What is the difference between USB-A and USB-C?
USB-A connections are the more established connection type to a host machine, such as a PC or laptop, and feature a rectangular port connector. USB-C connections have a more compact design and support faster charging and transfer capabilities than their USB-A counterparts.
Can I charge my iPhone 15 with a Lightning cable?
You can easily charge your iPhone 15 with a Lightning cable, provided that you have a Lightning to USB-C adapter that supports charging capabilities.