Which USB-C cable do I need?
Connector, watts, charging standard, and data rate: we explain what really matters.
USB-C initially only describes the connector. A USB-C cable can still differ significantly — among other things in supported charging power, current, USB Power Delivery, data transfer, USB standard, video/display functions, and electronic marking (E-marker). Not every USB-C cable can automatically do the same things.
USB-C isn't just USB-C
Charging
What power can be transferred?
Data
What data rate is supported?
Video
Are corresponding display/alt-mode functions supported?
Compatibility
What do the cable and connected devices actually support?
Not every USB-C cable automatically supports every function.
How many watts does my USB-C cable need to handle?
60 W
Base power class up to 3 A at 20 V — under current USB-IF cable labeling, an E-marker chip isn't strictly required for this.
100 W
Power level within a cable rated for 5 A and E-marked — the classic USB Power Delivery limit before the Extended Power Range expansion.
240 W
Highest power level (Extended Power Range, USB PD 3.1) — requires a cable certified for this, rated for 5 A and E-marked.
A capable cable alone doesn't say whether the charger and device actually make use of that power.
3 A or 5 A – what does that mean?
Amperes describe the current. However, how much power can actually be transferred doesn't come from current alone, but from voltage times current.
Simplified example calculation — real charging processes use different, negotiated voltages.
What is an E-marker?
An E-marker (Electronic Marker) is a small chip in the connector of a USB-C cable that reports the cable's electrical and functional properties to the charger and device.
An E-marker is especially relevant or required for cables that carry more than 3 A or support high USB data rates.
Not every USB-C cable strictly needs an E-marker — a simple 60 W charging cable without a high data rate usually doesn't require one.
Charging speed and data rate aren't the same thing.
A cable can be suitable for high charging power and still have a different data transfer performance. Conversely, a high data rate doesn't automatically indicate a particular charging power.
Charging
Watts / Power Delivery
Data
Mbit/s or Gbit/s / USB data standard
USB-C, USB 3, USB4 – what's the difference?
USB-C
Describes the connector shape — on its own, it says nothing about power or data rate.
USB data standards (e.g. USB4)
Determine which data transfer rates and functions (e.g. video) are supported.
USB Power Delivery
Governs power transfer and the charging protocol — independent of the data standard used.
These three levels are often blurred together under the term "USB-C speed", but describe different properties.
Why does my smartphone charge slowly despite a powerful charger?
A powerful charger is only one part of the charging chain. Possible causes for slower charging:
- The device supports a lower maximum charging power.
- The cable doesn't support the required power.
- Charger and device don't share a common charging standard.
- A multi-port power supply splits its power across several connected devices.
- A thermal or device-internal charging limit is possible.
No guarantee of diagnosis — the actual cause may differ in individual cases.
Which cable do I need for Samsung fast charging?
There's no blanket Samsung wattage — what matters is that the specific Galaxy model, charger, and cable all match.
For Samsung's 45 W fast-charging solution, Samsung officially specifies a USB-C cable rated for 5 A and E-marked — with a simple 3 A cable, the full power isn't reached.
Find Samsung Galaxy accessoriesWhich cable fits your everyday life?
Charging a smartphone
A standard cable up to 60 W is enough for most smartphones.
Fast-charging a smartphone
Depending on the supported charging standard, a cable rated for higher current and E-marked may be needed.
Charging a tablet
Tablets sometimes use higher charging power than smartphones.
Charging a notebook via USB-C
Compatible USB-C notebooks usually need a cable rated for higher power.
Charging + fast data transfer
Here, both the power class and the supported USB data standard matter.
Monitor / dock / workstation
Depending on the use case, video/alt-mode functions are additionally relevant.
Discover matching cables
The FRATU cable range is currently being built up. Until then, you can already find the right beclad. charger in the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Is every USB-C cable the same?
No. USB-C initially only describes the connector shape. Cables can still differ significantly in charging power, current, data rate, supported USB standards, video functions, and E-marker.
Can every USB-C cable fast-charge?
No. Whether a cable is suitable for fast charging depends on the supported current (3 A or 5 A) and the supported charging standard.
What do 60 W, 100 W, or 240 W mean for a cable?
These are power levels of the USB Power Delivery specification. 60 W is the base class up to 3 A; for higher values up to 240 W (Extended Power Range), a cable rated for 5 A and E-marked is required.
What do 3 A or 5 A mean?
Amperes (A) describe the current. The transferable power results from voltage times current (watts = volts × amperes), not from the current alone.
What is an E-marker?
An E-marker is a small chip in the cable connector that reports the cable's electrical and functional properties. It's especially relevant for cables above 3 A or with a high data rate.
Can a charging cable transfer data at the same time?
Yes, many USB-C cables can charge and transfer data at the same time — the data rate achieved depends on the cable's supported USB data standard, independent of the charging power.
What is the difference between USB-C and USB4?
USB-C is the connector shape. USB4 is a data standard that runs over a USB-C connector. A USB-C cable doesn't automatically support USB4.
Why does my smartphone charge more slowly with a particular cable?
Possible causes include a cable rated too low, a charging standard that isn't shared, a multi-port power supply, or a device-side charging limit — a blanket diagnosis isn't possible without checking the individual case.
Which cable do I need for 45 W fast charging?
For Samsung's 45 W fast-charging solution, Samsung officially specifies a USB-C cable rated for 5 A and E-marked.
Can I also use a 100 W or 240 W cable with a smartphone?
Yes — a more capable cable can usually also be used with a smartphone. The charging power actually used is negotiated automatically between charger and smartphone, and is based on the maximum power the smartphone supports.
Quellen & technische Referenzen
Stand: 2026Charger, cable, and device — the charging combination only fits together when they work as one.
Learn more about watts, GaN, USB Power Delivery, and PPS in the FRATU guide "Which charger do I need?".