Are Cheap iPhone 5 'Lightning" Cables And Adapters Any Good? - Forbes

Question from the mailbox:

Apple charges some $20 for a 'Lightning" to USB cable for the new iPhone 5 (or iPad 4/iPad mini) and $30 for a "lightning" to 30-pin adapter. However, I've noticed that online stores such as Amazon have sellers that sell generic cables and adapters for a lot less. Do they work, or are they a scam?

I've a huge fan of Apple products, but even I believe that charging $20 for a cable or $30 for an adapter is pretty steep. The profit margin on these tiny bits of plastic much be incredible.

But, as you've noticed, a number of third-party sellers have come to our rescued, offering cables and adapters for the iPhone 5, iPad 4, and iPad mini — all three of which feature the new 'Lightning' connector — at a fraction of the price.

However, you're right to wonder though if a cable costing $5 is as good as one costing $20. In my experience, these cheap cables work just fine, but there are a few things to bear in mind.

• First, there are a lot of sellers out there. Buy only from sellers with good feedback
• While the cables work, the quality is not as good as a genuine Apple cable. The cable will be thinner, the plastic cheaper, and the joints not as well made.
• I wouldn't expect third-party cables to last as long as genuine Apple cables. I've owned a number of both genuine and third-party cables for a variety of Apple devices, and Apple ones seem to last a lot longer.

So yes, third-party cables and adapters are a great way to save money, but don't expect them to be as good as the genuine stuff from Apple.