USB-C to USB-C Cable 2-Pack vs 4ft USB-A to Lightning Data Cable: which is safer?

Tech21 4ft USB-A to Lightning Data Cable is our pick, better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable 2-Pack

Anker

USB-C to USB-C Cable 2-Pack

PFAS grade

Excellent 85/100

Overall grade

Good 73/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

PVC outer jacket, copper conductors, standard connectors

Confidence

78%

PossibleCopper conductor corrosion and oxidation

PossibleThermal degradation of PVC jacket

PossibleMicroplastic shedding from jacket wear

Our pick

Tech21 4ft USB-A to Lightning Data Cable

Tech21

4ft USB-A to Lightning Data Cable

PFAS grade

Excellent 85/100

Overall grade

Excellent 77/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 2

Material

Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) overmold, copper core

Confidence

72%

PossibleMicroplastic shedding from TPR jacket degradation

PossibleCopper leaching from exposed core

Where these two actually differ

  • We flag Copper conductor corrosion and oxidation, Thermal degradation of PVC jacket and Microplastic shedding from jacket wear on the Anker and not on the Tech21.
  • We flag Microplastic shedding from TPR jacket degradation and Copper leaching from exposed core on the Tech21 and not on the Anker.
  • The Anker is PVC outer jacket, copper conductors, standard connectors where the Tech21 is Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) overmold, copper core, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
  • These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.

Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More waterproof personal electronics cases, see the full ranking