This 3-in-1 USB-C cable replaced every other cable in my travel bag - here's why
With one cable, I can charge my iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and another device - without worry.
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- One cable for two USB-C devices and an Apple Watch/AirPods
- E-Marker chipped and supports 100W charging
- The siliconized cable is soft, tangle-free, and tough.
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I recently came back from a month of traveling in Europe, and I realized that I needed to up my charging cable game in 2026. I travel with an iPhone or iPad, and I have my Apple Watch and AirPods Pro that all need regular charging. When I'm at home, I use a charging station on my nightstand, but I've never figured out the best way to charge everything when I'm away from home.
I've tried several 3-in-1 charging cables that are a single cable that struts off into two USB-C cables and an Apple Watch charging puck, but all have been a disappointment. Some were dead-on-arrival, and the others died after a few days of use.
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Then I came across the ChubbyCable Tri-Flex 3-in-1 cable, and this cable is just what I needed.
Built like a tank
The ChubbyCable is built like a tank. It's 4.1 feet long and made of a soft, tangle-free, siliconized material that feels more like a high-end audio cable. According to the manufacturer, the cable is designed to withstand more than 10,000 bends, so it's robust enough to handle the toughest life.
The cable is much thicker than a regular cable.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
All the USB-C connectors are protected with aluminum shields and are yet streamlined enough to fit into USB-C ports protected by chunky smartphone cases.
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There are two USB-C ends, one that supports 100W charging and data transfer at 480 Mbps, and another that can handle 12.5W fast charging.
The USB-C connectors are protected by aluminum shields but are still streamlined enough to fit into chunky smartphone cases.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
There's also a 2.5W Apple Watch charging puck, which is also compatible with AirPods cases that support wireless charging. It's not as fast as Apple's Magnetic Fast Charger cable, which can support up to 5W, but it's more than enough for overnight charging.
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Note that you do need a 100W-plus adapter to get the full charge capability from this cable, although it will work on low-power USB-C outlets.
Doesn't get hot
The cable is E-Marker chipped and can handle 100W of power in total, and I tested it heavily to make sure that it doesn't get hot in the process.
Handy vegan leather cable tidy.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
There's also an integrated vegan leather cable tidy, which I prefer over the ones that use Velcro, which has a habit of catching on everything in a bag or luggage.
ZDNET's buying advice
The ChubbyCable Tri-Flex 3-in-1 cable is $40 and comes in orange, green, blue, black, and all-black finishes. It's not a budget option, but it's a great solution for those who have had enough of carrying a bunch of cables with them when they are traveling.