while power supplies lot of attention, micro usb cable supplying power important, thought i'd take time share impressions , specifications of of best micro usb cables have used. have mentioned favorite monoprice premium micro usb cable, there other nice ones have tested.
note, in post use awg (american wire gauge) , "gauge" interchangeably. awg (gauge) of wire measurement of diameter or thickness. lower gauge number, larger diameter of wire. lower gauge, larger diameter wires have less resistance , pass more voltage , current through due lower losses. resistance increases distance, longer wires have more resistance , more power lost comparable shorter wires. ideally, want shortest, fattest wires can power delivery. realistically, difficult connect 2 gauge jumper cables raspberry pi, need bit more practical in our quest power our little computers.
typically, micro-usb cables have 28 gauge wires both data , power. cheap ones might go low 32 gauge. while thin wires don't have impact on data delivery (data wires can thin because don't use power), severely limit power delivery raspberry pi3, needs lot more power older models. better usb cables have 24 gauge power wires, , should enough people, if want more power, here micro usb cables recommend.
1. monoprice premium usb micro usb charge & sync cable
available lengths: 6 inch (0.5 ft), 18 inch (1.5 ft), 36 inch (3 ft), 72 inch (6 ft)
wire gauge: 23 awg power, 32 awg data, ofc (oxygen free copper) wire
100% compliant usb 2.0 specifications
gold plated connectors ensure smooth, corrosion-free connection
ultra-thin polycarbonate connector heads fit through phone/tablet cases
shielded protect against external signal interference
prefer monoprice premium cables because have small connector heads fit tight spaces better other cables. have thin, flexible jacket. flexible cables on list (except dcables bendy mentioned @ end), , in spite of larger 23 gauge power wires, more flexible cheap cables thinner wires. ones made premium ofc wire, has lower resistance normal copper wire.
micro-usb connector clicks firmly port on devices , stays in place, still easy remove when needed. can hang large samsung galaxy note 4 "phablet" phone monoprice premium micro usb cable , not disconnect, gentle shake.
2. iseeker micro usb cable, usb 2.0 nylon braided cords aluminum connector
available lenghts: 1 ft, 3.3 ft (1m), 6 ft, 10 ft (in bundled kits)
wire gauge: 21 awg power, 28 awg data
iseeker's cables designed ultra-thick 28/21 awg diameter tinned copper wires. description says have gold plated connectors, cables received did not. regardless, in experience high quality, durable cables.
connector heads on iseeker cables larger monoprice premium cables, still smaller most. large gauge wires , thick, nylon braided jacket makes relatively stiff cable compared monoprice premium cables, when compare them typical off-the-shelf usb cables, no worse many others. 1 of key differences in iseeker cables aluminum connector heads, which, combined nylon braided wire cover, give them premium , feel. these nicest looking cables in list, performance match looks.
micro-usb connector clicks place firmness comparable monoprice cables, harder remove. micro-usb connector longer monoprice connector, if have device seems need bit more reach in micro-usb socket (like western digital passport portable hard drive), these cables should help.
3. tronsmart 20awg micro usb charging cable
available lenghts: 1 ft, 3.3 ft (1m), 6 ft (in kits)
wire gauge: 20 awg power, 28 awg data
tronsmart cables have unassuming appearance, off-the-shelf usb cable you'd find @ local big box retail store. in spite of appearance, feature large 20 awg power wires , gold plated connectors. connector heads pretty compact, similar in size iseeker cables above. comparable iseeker cables in flexibility.
micro-usb connector clicks firmly port on devices , stays in place, still easy remove when needed (comparable monoprice cable, larger head bit easier grip). iseeker cable above, micro-usb connector longer monoprice connector, if have device seems need bit more reach in micro-usb socket, these cables should help.
4. volutz equilibrium series micro-usb usb cable
available lenghts: 3.3 ft (1m), 6.5 ft (2m), 10 ft (3m)
wire gauge: 19 awg power, 24 awg data
volutz cables have largest wire gauge have ever seen in power+data micro usb cable.
volutz cables have largest, easiest grip connector heads, due unique design, can still fit tight spaces (sometimes better tiny monoprice connector heads). should have no trouble plugging cable device thick case. note connector heads longer (almost twice long monoprice connector head), if need tight bend in wire near port, not cable choose. in spite of thick wires , nylon braided jacket, remarkably thin , flexible. not thin , flexible monoprice cables, better iseeker or tronsmart.
volutz cable works on wd passport hdd, has deep micro usb socket.
might thinking volutz cable 1 buy, not fast ... have tightest micro-usb connectors far. require lot of force insert plug (excessive, in opinion), , once plugged in, can difficult remove. if want cable connect , disconnect frequently, don't know if recommend extremely tight connections of volutz cable. however, leave plugged in of time, might way go.
length:
comparing actual length of 3 foot/1 meter cables found following.
monoprice 3 foot measured 37.5 inches (tip tip).
iseeker 1 meter measured 39 inches (tip tip).
tronsmart 1 meter measured 40 inches (tip tip).
volutz 1 meter measured 40.5 inches (tip tip).
note actual connected length shorter above measurements.
performance:
doubt there measurable performance difference in of cables mentioned above. in terms of durability, have had long-term experience monoprice , iseeker cables, time tell other two. being said, seem made, don't expect problems , feel comfortable recommending of them.
edit: have since done voltage loss measurements following results.
power supply used tests ravpower rp-pc002w output of 5.3v ismart port, , it's rated 2.4a. measurements below taken output of pi3 usb ports, doesn't represent voltage loss through cables themselves, loss of cable + pi3 system combined.
monoprice (3ft)=5.15v (-0.15v)
iseeker (1m)=5.15v (-0.15v)
tronsmart (1m)=5.15v (-0.15v)
volutz (1m)=5.15v (-0.15v)
additional results:
monoprice 1.5ft (18 inch)=5.17v (-0.13v)
monoprice 0.5ft (6 inch)=5.20v (-0.1v)
monoprice (6ft)=5.12v (-0.18v)
iseeker (6ft)=5.13v (-0.17v)
iseeker (10ft)=5.09v (-0.21v)
dcables bendy (7 inch)=5.07v (-0.23v)
hapurs cable switch (5ft)=5.08v (-0.22v)
suspected, there no real difference in cables above. of 3ft/1m cables had same results, less 3% voltage loss through system (remember, loss across both power input cable , pi3 computer itself). shorter 1.5ft , 6in monoprice cables reduced voltage drop 0.13 , 0.10 volts respectively, shorter cables better if can manage it, difference small it's negligible.
dcables beny, while short, has narrower wires offer more resistance flow of power, , shows in results above. bendy second shortest cable tested, had highest voltage drop @ 0.23 volts. illustrates how important larger wires when need maximum power delivery. being said, usb 2.0 cable we're talking about, , designed deliver 0.5a (500ma), not 2.5a (2500ma) pi3 might need. have used bendy cable wd passport portable hard drive , works fine. while may not choice pi3, still usb 2.0 cable.
hapurs cable switch suffered more voltage loss have expected, considering 10 foot iseeker cable outperformed it. seem length alone not entirely @ fault. switch might introducing additional resistance. whatever reason, performance disappointing. keep cable anyway, use pi-zero.
pricing:
monoprice premium micro usb cables purchased directly monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com), , @ time of post $2.78 3 foot length. available in 6 colors (black, white, blue, green, orange , pink).
iseeker micro usb cables purchased amazon (http://www.amazon.com) in package of 3 1 of each length (10ft/6ft/3.3ft) $9.59, , available in silver, black , gold colors in various bundle packages (the 3x1m kit $8.99).
tronsmart micro usb cables purchased amazon in 3 pack of 1 meter length cables $6.99, making them bang-for-the-buck bargain winner in group ($2.33 each). available in black or white in various multi-packs.
volutz micro usb cables purchased amazon well, , in 3 pack of 1 meter length cables $8.98. cables black colored accents on plug ends. 3x1m kit has 1 each of red, orange , yellow accented cables. there several packages volutz cables on amazon (even lightning cables apple fans).
in case wondering sample size, own dozens of monoprice cables, 6 of iseeker cables, , 3 each of tronsmart , volutz cables. have used both monorice , iseeker cables in harsh environment of cars , have held well.
honorable mention:
there 1 other cable i'd include sort of honorable mention, , dcables bendy & durable short micro usb charging cable, 7 inches long (tip tip). super flexible cable soft silicone jacket single molded cover plug plug. available in variety of colors amazon (click on picture below view product on amazon).
not best value @ $7.99 single cable, , not best specs (as far have been able determine) 26 awg wire. it's cool little cable looks in fun colors, , feels in hand. , due short length, should perform okay thinner gauge wire. mine has seen amount of use in 2+ years have owned it, , has worked me. not best choice power pi3, normal usb 2.0 duties should fine. have used western digital passport portable hard drive, , has worked well.
if looking short micro usb cable, , don't mind spending bit more, dcables bendy should on short list (pun intended).
note, in post use awg (american wire gauge) , "gauge" interchangeably. awg (gauge) of wire measurement of diameter or thickness. lower gauge number, larger diameter of wire. lower gauge, larger diameter wires have less resistance , pass more voltage , current through due lower losses. resistance increases distance, longer wires have more resistance , more power lost comparable shorter wires. ideally, want shortest, fattest wires can power delivery. realistically, difficult connect 2 gauge jumper cables raspberry pi, need bit more practical in our quest power our little computers.
typically, micro-usb cables have 28 gauge wires both data , power. cheap ones might go low 32 gauge. while thin wires don't have impact on data delivery (data wires can thin because don't use power), severely limit power delivery raspberry pi3, needs lot more power older models. better usb cables have 24 gauge power wires, , should enough people, if want more power, here micro usb cables recommend.
1. monoprice premium usb micro usb charge & sync cable
available lengths: 6 inch (0.5 ft), 18 inch (1.5 ft), 36 inch (3 ft), 72 inch (6 ft)
wire gauge: 23 awg power, 32 awg data, ofc (oxygen free copper) wire
100% compliant usb 2.0 specifications
gold plated connectors ensure smooth, corrosion-free connection
ultra-thin polycarbonate connector heads fit through phone/tablet cases
shielded protect against external signal interference
prefer monoprice premium cables because have small connector heads fit tight spaces better other cables. have thin, flexible jacket. flexible cables on list (except dcables bendy mentioned @ end), , in spite of larger 23 gauge power wires, more flexible cheap cables thinner wires. ones made premium ofc wire, has lower resistance normal copper wire.
micro-usb connector clicks firmly port on devices , stays in place, still easy remove when needed. can hang large samsung galaxy note 4 "phablet" phone monoprice premium micro usb cable , not disconnect, gentle shake.
2. iseeker micro usb cable, usb 2.0 nylon braided cords aluminum connector
available lenghts: 1 ft, 3.3 ft (1m), 6 ft, 10 ft (in bundled kits)
wire gauge: 21 awg power, 28 awg data
iseeker's cables designed ultra-thick 28/21 awg diameter tinned copper wires. description says have gold plated connectors, cables received did not. regardless, in experience high quality, durable cables.
connector heads on iseeker cables larger monoprice premium cables, still smaller most. large gauge wires , thick, nylon braided jacket makes relatively stiff cable compared monoprice premium cables, when compare them typical off-the-shelf usb cables, no worse many others. 1 of key differences in iseeker cables aluminum connector heads, which, combined nylon braided wire cover, give them premium , feel. these nicest looking cables in list, performance match looks.
micro-usb connector clicks place firmness comparable monoprice cables, harder remove. micro-usb connector longer monoprice connector, if have device seems need bit more reach in micro-usb socket (like western digital passport portable hard drive), these cables should help.
3. tronsmart 20awg micro usb charging cable
available lenghts: 1 ft, 3.3 ft (1m), 6 ft (in kits)
wire gauge: 20 awg power, 28 awg data
tronsmart cables have unassuming appearance, off-the-shelf usb cable you'd find @ local big box retail store. in spite of appearance, feature large 20 awg power wires , gold plated connectors. connector heads pretty compact, similar in size iseeker cables above. comparable iseeker cables in flexibility.
micro-usb connector clicks firmly port on devices , stays in place, still easy remove when needed (comparable monoprice cable, larger head bit easier grip). iseeker cable above, micro-usb connector longer monoprice connector, if have device seems need bit more reach in micro-usb socket, these cables should help.
4. volutz equilibrium series micro-usb usb cable
available lenghts: 3.3 ft (1m), 6.5 ft (2m), 10 ft (3m)
wire gauge: 19 awg power, 24 awg data
volutz cables have largest wire gauge have ever seen in power+data micro usb cable.
volutz cables have largest, easiest grip connector heads, due unique design, can still fit tight spaces (sometimes better tiny monoprice connector heads). should have no trouble plugging cable device thick case. note connector heads longer (almost twice long monoprice connector head), if need tight bend in wire near port, not cable choose. in spite of thick wires , nylon braided jacket, remarkably thin , flexible. not thin , flexible monoprice cables, better iseeker or tronsmart.
volutz cable works on wd passport hdd, has deep micro usb socket.
might thinking volutz cable 1 buy, not fast ... have tightest micro-usb connectors far. require lot of force insert plug (excessive, in opinion), , once plugged in, can difficult remove. if want cable connect , disconnect frequently, don't know if recommend extremely tight connections of volutz cable. however, leave plugged in of time, might way go.
length:
comparing actual length of 3 foot/1 meter cables found following.
monoprice 3 foot measured 37.5 inches (tip tip).
iseeker 1 meter measured 39 inches (tip tip).
tronsmart 1 meter measured 40 inches (tip tip).
volutz 1 meter measured 40.5 inches (tip tip).
note actual connected length shorter above measurements.
performance:
doubt there measurable performance difference in of cables mentioned above. in terms of durability, have had long-term experience monoprice , iseeker cables, time tell other two. being said, seem made, don't expect problems , feel comfortable recommending of them.
edit: have since done voltage loss measurements following results.
power supply used tests ravpower rp-pc002w output of 5.3v ismart port, , it's rated 2.4a. measurements below taken output of pi3 usb ports, doesn't represent voltage loss through cables themselves, loss of cable + pi3 system combined.
monoprice (3ft)=5.15v (-0.15v)
iseeker (1m)=5.15v (-0.15v)
tronsmart (1m)=5.15v (-0.15v)
volutz (1m)=5.15v (-0.15v)
additional results:
monoprice 1.5ft (18 inch)=5.17v (-0.13v)
monoprice 0.5ft (6 inch)=5.20v (-0.1v)
monoprice (6ft)=5.12v (-0.18v)
iseeker (6ft)=5.13v (-0.17v)
iseeker (10ft)=5.09v (-0.21v)
dcables bendy (7 inch)=5.07v (-0.23v)
hapurs cable switch (5ft)=5.08v (-0.22v)
suspected, there no real difference in cables above. of 3ft/1m cables had same results, less 3% voltage loss through system (remember, loss across both power input cable , pi3 computer itself). shorter 1.5ft , 6in monoprice cables reduced voltage drop 0.13 , 0.10 volts respectively, shorter cables better if can manage it, difference small it's negligible.
dcables beny, while short, has narrower wires offer more resistance flow of power, , shows in results above. bendy second shortest cable tested, had highest voltage drop @ 0.23 volts. illustrates how important larger wires when need maximum power delivery. being said, usb 2.0 cable we're talking about, , designed deliver 0.5a (500ma), not 2.5a (2500ma) pi3 might need. have used bendy cable wd passport portable hard drive , works fine. while may not choice pi3, still usb 2.0 cable.
hapurs cable switch suffered more voltage loss have expected, considering 10 foot iseeker cable outperformed it. seem length alone not entirely @ fault. switch might introducing additional resistance. whatever reason, performance disappointing. keep cable anyway, use pi-zero.
pricing:
monoprice premium micro usb cables purchased directly monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com), , @ time of post $2.78 3 foot length. available in 6 colors (black, white, blue, green, orange , pink).
iseeker micro usb cables purchased amazon (http://www.amazon.com) in package of 3 1 of each length (10ft/6ft/3.3ft) $9.59, , available in silver, black , gold colors in various bundle packages (the 3x1m kit $8.99).
tronsmart micro usb cables purchased amazon in 3 pack of 1 meter length cables $6.99, making them bang-for-the-buck bargain winner in group ($2.33 each). available in black or white in various multi-packs.
volutz micro usb cables purchased amazon well, , in 3 pack of 1 meter length cables $8.98. cables black colored accents on plug ends. 3x1m kit has 1 each of red, orange , yellow accented cables. there several packages volutz cables on amazon (even lightning cables apple fans).
in case wondering sample size, own dozens of monoprice cables, 6 of iseeker cables, , 3 each of tronsmart , volutz cables. have used both monorice , iseeker cables in harsh environment of cars , have held well.
honorable mention:
there 1 other cable i'd include sort of honorable mention, , dcables bendy & durable short micro usb charging cable, 7 inches long (tip tip). super flexible cable soft silicone jacket single molded cover plug plug. available in variety of colors amazon (click on picture below view product on amazon).
not best value @ $7.99 single cable, , not best specs (as far have been able determine) 26 awg wire. it's cool little cable looks in fun colors, , feels in hand. , due short length, should perform okay thinner gauge wire. mine has seen amount of use in 2+ years have owned it, , has worked me. not best choice power pi3, normal usb 2.0 duties should fine. have used western digital passport portable hard drive, , has worked well.
if looking short micro usb cable, , don't mind spending bit more, dcables bendy should on short list (pun intended).
i have tested usb-a micro-usb 2.0 cable looked promising, fell little short on delivery.
i'm referring 5 foot micro usb power cable built-in power switch. product available variety of vendors under different brand names, pretty same. particular cable tested came 3rd party vendor on amazon named, hapurs, , cable $4.99 when bought (with free prime shipping). cable has push button on/off switch, , specs has 22 awg power wires, good. 5 foot length , power switch introduce resistance, much?
initial testing raspberry pi3 looked good. system booted fine , digital multi-meter have attached pi3's usb port indicated on 5v. ran system through paces usual assortment connected pi3 usb, logitech unifying wireless keyboard/mouse dongle, 16gb lexar echo flash drive, magicforce 68 key wired, backlit mechanical keyboard, , multi-meter. fine, , power switch helpful convenience.
decided push system harder. hooked 2tb usb 3.0 portable hdd try , play hd media, drive struggled spin up, , when did mounted saw numerous low voltage warnings while playing media. in addition, media not play. have used drive pi3 , same power supply different micro usb cable in past, , worked.
tried less power hungry drive. usb 2.0 western digital passport 320gb. while drive didn't seem have trouble spinning , mounting, still seeing low voltage warnings while playing more demanding media, , again, media not play. same media plays fine nas file server or flash storage.
seems clear power cable not delivering power needed raspberry pi3. fair, description on amazon says, "can used power supply pi 2 amp." seems cable never designed work 2.5a limit of pi3. that's shame, because nice have power switch on cable.
usb 2.0 micro-usb power cable switch suitable raspberry pi models, a, a+, b, b+, pizero, , pi2. it's not enough pi3.
above, power supply used test 5.3v/2.4a ravpower.
i'm referring 5 foot micro usb power cable built-in power switch. product available variety of vendors under different brand names, pretty same. particular cable tested came 3rd party vendor on amazon named, hapurs, , cable $4.99 when bought (with free prime shipping). cable has push button on/off switch, , specs has 22 awg power wires, good. 5 foot length , power switch introduce resistance, much?
initial testing raspberry pi3 looked good. system booted fine , digital multi-meter have attached pi3's usb port indicated on 5v. ran system through paces usual assortment connected pi3 usb, logitech unifying wireless keyboard/mouse dongle, 16gb lexar echo flash drive, magicforce 68 key wired, backlit mechanical keyboard, , multi-meter. fine, , power switch helpful convenience.
decided push system harder. hooked 2tb usb 3.0 portable hdd try , play hd media, drive struggled spin up, , when did mounted saw numerous low voltage warnings while playing media. in addition, media not play. have used drive pi3 , same power supply different micro usb cable in past, , worked.
tried less power hungry drive. usb 2.0 western digital passport 320gb. while drive didn't seem have trouble spinning , mounting, still seeing low voltage warnings while playing more demanding media, , again, media not play. same media plays fine nas file server or flash storage.
seems clear power cable not delivering power needed raspberry pi3. fair, description on amazon says, "can used power supply pi 2 amp." seems cable never designed work 2.5a limit of pi3. that's shame, because nice have power switch on cable.
usb 2.0 micro-usb power cable switch suitable raspberry pi models, a, a+, b, b+, pizero, , pi2. it's not enough pi3.
above, power supply used test 5.3v/2.4a ravpower.
raspberrypi
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