A610 Universal Waterproof Float Case 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.

Spigen A610 Universal Waterproof Float Case

Spigen

A610 Universal Waterproof Float Case

PFAS grade

Excellent 85/100

Overall grade

Good 59/100

Verdict

Skip

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) with waterproof sealing

Confidence

42%

PossibleTPE material degradation

PossibleMicroplastic shedding

PossiblePFAS in waterproofing coatings

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 TPE material degradation, Microplastic shedding and PFAS in waterproofing coatings on the Spigen 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 Spigen.
  • The Spigen is TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) with waterproof sealing 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.
  • We are less certain about the Spigen grade, at 42% confidence against 72%, because it discloses less.

Both products run through the same public rubric: 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