Review: aLLreLi Nylon Braided Lightning USB Cable

Update: August 6, 2016: One of my allreli branded cables caught on fire, nearly destroying my iPad Pro. Avoid these cables!

For as much as Apple charges for its iPhone and iPad models, you would think that they would include a top-notch durable Lightning to USB cable in the box. And you would be wrong. Not only are Apple’s Lightning cables flimsy, they are prone to damage and fraying.

In my house, I handle all my gear (and cables) with kid’s gloves. I’m not what you would call “a normal user”; that distinction goes to my 8-year old daughter Sonia. She is a frequent user of the “family” iPad. (Because she monopolizes the device, neither my wife nor I have had much of an opportunity to use it.)

The Apple Lightning cable in my office is the go-to charging station for her device. Suffice to say, it gets a lot of use – to the point where the cable housing has worn, exposing the bare wire inside it.

ALLreLi’s Lightning cable comes in two sizes (3.3 feet and 6.6 feet). I received the 6.6ft cable for review, which retails for $40 but can be had for a mere $10 on Amazon. It comes well packed in an easy-to-open box.

The ALLreLi cable I received is rose gold in color, nylon braided and has a thicker diameter than the standard Apple cable. Below you can see the thickness of the ALLreLi’s cable compared to the frayed Apple cable. ALLreLi’s Lightning cable is fully Apple certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.

…and here’s the USB end of the cable for comparison purposes.

I tested the ALLreLi cable with our iOS devices (an iPhone 6s, iPhone6plus, and a 2nd generation iPad Mini). It works just as it should. Unlike the Apple cable, the ALLreLi’s thicker, braided exterior should be strong enough to survive rigorous use. I like this cable for its durability and its additional length. In my testing, the ALLreLi cable has no problem with devices adorned with protective covers or cases.

At $10, buying this cable is a no-brainer for me. I plan on purchasing another one for my wife’s iPhone, so she can charge it while using it in our bedroom. (The Apple Lightning cable we have barely reaches from the outlet to her side of the bed.)

ALLreLi’s Lighting / USB cable works as advertised and is reasonably priced. Its longer length and durable build are head and shoulders better than what Apple offers. In short, the ALLreLi Lightning cable is a must-buy, especially if you have kids or significant others who tend to be a little rougher with their cords.

Update: August 6, 2016: One of my allreli branded cables caught on fire, nearly destroying my iPad Pro. Avoid these cables!