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
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
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