This 3-in-1 USB-C cable is the one thing I refuse to travel without anymore – here’s why

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I recently got back from a month-long trip in Europe, and I realized I need to step up my charging cable game in 2026. I travel with an iPhone or iPad, and I have my Apple Watch and AirPods Pro, which require regular charging. When I’m home, I use a charging station on my nightstand, but I can never figure 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 joins two USB-C cables and an Apple Watch charging puck, but all have been disappointing. Some were dead on arrival, and others died after a few days of use.

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Then I found the ChubbyCable Tri-Flex 3-in-1 Cable, and this cable is exactly what I needed.

built like a tank

ChubbyCable is built like a tank. It’s 4.1 feet long and made of a soft, tangle-free, siliconed material that feels like a high-end audio cable. According to the manufacturer, the cable is designed to withstand over 10,000 bends, so it’s strong enough to handle the toughest life.

All USB-C connectors are protected by aluminum shields and yet streamlined enough to fit into USB-C ports protected by larger smartphone cases.

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There are two USB-C ends, one that supports 100W charging and data transfer at 480Mbps, and another that can handle 12.5W fast charging.

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 enough for overnight charging.

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Note that you’ll need a 100W-plus adapter to get the full charge capability from this cable, although it will work on lower-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 it didn’t overheat in the process.

It also has an integrated vegan leather cable, which I prefer over those that use Velcro, which have a habit of catching everything in a bag or luggage.

ZDNET’s shopping advice

ChubbyCable Tri-Flex 3-in-1 Cable is $40 And comes in orange, green, blue, black and all black. This is not a budget option, but it is a good solution for those who have enough capacity to carry a bunch of cables with them when they travel.