X
Tech
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

Anker PowerLine III Flow: Super-soft, super-strong iPhone charging cable

No tangles, soft to the touch, and super tough!
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor

I'm hard on my charging cables, so I tend to gravitate towards tough cables. Problem is, tough cables tend to be hard, inflexible, and a pain to pack away.

The new Anker PowerLine III Flow cables change all that.

Must read: Switching to Signal? Turn on these settings now for greater privacy and security

Anker PowerLine III Flow USB-to-Lightning cables

  • The silica gel finish gives this cable a remarkably soft yet durable finish
  • The PowerLine III Flow has a 25,000-bend lifespan, and can withstand a  220lbs (100kg) load
  • Remains tangle-free even when stuffed into a bag or pocket, or wrapped around a portable charger
  • MFi certified 

Manufactured from silica gel with a graphene lining, the cable feels soft to the touch, and actually sort of flows through the hand. This isn't just about aesthetics, but it allows it to be curled up tight, and fold and flow around things on your desk.

Also, to keep it looped for storage, there's a nice silica gel tag, which is far superior to the Velcro ties used on other cables as it doesn't get caught on stuff and make a huge mess.

But combined with the softness is strength. This cable is rated to withstand 25,000 bends and 220lbs (100kg) of weight, way more than it's going to see in normal use.

The ends are nicely molded to be anti-snag, and the connectors are of the highest quality.

Short of abuse from sharp edges or fire, these cables will give years of service.

They're also competitively priced.

The cables come in 3- and 6-foot lengths and are offered in an array of what I'd describe as standout pastel colors: Midnight Black, Cloud White, Coral Pink, Mint Green, and Lavender Green.

The 3-foot Anker PowerLine III Flow cables are priced at $21.99, with 6-foot cables costing only an extra $3.

Doogee S96Pro: Android 10 + night vision

Editorial standards