| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports USB4 and 240W PD charging | Completely failed after bend test |
| Hit all charge protocols, including 15W | Only 1 out of 20 charge attempts worked post-bend |
| Above-average resistance and voltage drop | No data connection after bend test |
| Slightly longer than advertised | Thick and not very flexible |
| Affordable price for USB4 spec | No durability rating provided |
We’re usually fans of Amazon Basics products. They’re simple, affordable, and typically reliable. So when we saw a USB4 cable claiming 240W charging at a decent price, we were curious. And to be fair, out of the box, this one started strong. But after we ran it through our full durability tests, things literally fell apart. Here’s the breakdown.
Design
| Advertised Length | Measured Length | Cable Type | Charging Spec | Connector Material | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0m | 1.01m | USB4 | PD 3.1 (EPR) | Rubber | Moderately flexible |
Spec-wise, this cable looks great on paper. USB4 with support for 240W charging is still a rarity, especially at under $20. The cable itself is thick, rubbery, and not overly flexible, but not the worst we’ve seen. The connector is large and tough-looking, and we liked that the cable length slightly exceeded the claimed 1 meter (we measured 1.01m). At first glance, there’s really nothing to complain about.
Performance
| Test | Pre-Bend | Post-Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Drop | 0.59V | 0.74V |
| Resistance | 0.179 Ω | 0.160 Ω |
| Large File Write Speed | 239.0 MB/s | ❌ Failed |
| Large File Read Speed | 234.0 MB/s | ❌ Failed |
| 1GB Folder Write Speed | 235.0 MB/s | ❌ Failed |
| 1GB Folder Read Speed | 236.0 MB/s | ❌ Failed |
| 5GB Folder Write Speed | 239.0 MB/s | ❌ Failed |
| 5GB Folder Read Speed | 234.0 MB/s | ❌ Failed |
Charging performance out of the box was impressive. It passed nearly all power delivery objects (PDOs), including the elusive 15W protocol which isa rare success among the cables we’ve tested. Voltage drop came in at 0.59V (better than average), and resistance was low at 0.18 ohms. In data tests, large file transfers hit average write speeds of 238 MB/s and slightly above-average reads at 235 MB/s. Mixed file performance was similar: average writes at 158–170 MB/s, reads at 475–594 MB/s. Overall, this cable was consistent, fast, and dependable at least initially.
Durability
| Rated Bends | Bends Tested | Visible Wear | Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 11,000 | Tiny bulging at the head | ❌ No |
Amazon doesn’t list a durability rating, so we picked 10,000 bends as a minimum benchmark and ran it through our Master Bender 9000. The cable came out with just a minor bulge under the connector. But when we re-tested it, the problems began. Voltage drop jumped by 0.14V, power output dropped by over 25W, and data performance cratered. Write speed for a 5GB folder dropped by 829 MB/s, and read speed plummeted by over 400 MB/s. It failed to establish a proper data connection and only one out of 20 charge attempts succeeded. The cable was, essentially, bricked.
Value
This cable sells for $19.99, slightly below the $20.50 average for this class. And yes, it offers premium specs at a good price. But what’s the point if it doesn’t last? We’ve tested plenty of cables that cost the same and survive 10,000 bends without issue. This one didn’t even get close to acceptable post-test performance. There are no extras included either. It just the bare cable and nothing else.
Verdict
The Amazon Basics USB4 240W cable is a classic case of “good on paper.” It hits the right specs, charges well, and looks tough but the durability just isn’t there. After 10,000 bends, ours completely failed. So while the price is tempting, we’d suggest skipping this one unless you never plan to move it around. For everyday use, there are much better options that won’t quit under stress.