A cable even Marie Kondo could love? That could happen with lūp, a magnetically-infused USB-C cable that enables it to be essentially self organizing. A simple flick of the wrist can fully extend a coiled cable, while a simple rotation of the wrist can rewrap the cable into a perfectly compact coil for storage (a lūp, if you will). And while we may not be organizing mavens, we have to admit we love it. Read on for our lūp cable review of the USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lighting versions. Or buy now on Amazon.
Lūp Review: Cable Mystique
Beyond the obvious organizing feature, there is simply something very satisfying about using Lūp. Obviously it’s perfectly content sitting on your desk while keeping your device charged, but it’s hard to resist the urge to unplug and just roll it up. Much of the allure is attributable to the magnetic properties of the cable, something the company refers to as “a novel blend of rare earth particles suspended in a proprietary elastomer, resulting in a magnet that is fiercely magnetic yet incredibly pliable.” That explains a lot.
We also think part of the appeal is due to the braided cloth sheath that surrounds a lūp cable⎯something Apple has started doing on its own cables for recent MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones. And the fact they are essentially tangle-free, a claim your current cables cannot begin to make.
Lūp Launch Video
Lūp Review: Cable for the Masses
All lūp cables are presently available in both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning configurations, meaning they can probably replace most if not all charging cables on your desk or in your backpack. The standard lūp is designed for charging only, handles devices up to 60W, and brings the flat magnetic design in a super-flexible braided housing measuring only 2.1mm thick. This version is 1.8m in length and sells for about $30 (comparable to what Apple charges you for one of their own cables). For most people, this is what you need for everyday charging.
Now, if you need a cable that transmits both power and data, lūp+ is the correct choice. Embedded with additional data wires, lūp+ powers up to 60W while also enabling data transfer speeds up to 480MB/s. Among the most likely applications here are wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, SSD drives, and other uses where a USB-C data cable are needed. Lūp+ is slightly thicker at 2.5mm and slightly less flexible than lūp. It is available in a 1m length and sells for about $25.
If you have older USB-A devices, you are not totally out of the loop. Simply purchase USB-A to USB-C adapters from Amazon or elsewhere to make the connection to a lūp cable. Just be sure to select the correct gender type on both ends of the adapter to fit your usage case.
Since all lūp cables are self-organizing, you will no longer have a need for Velcro wraps, whips, and twist ties to keep them tidy.
Lūp Review: At Home or Away
Certainly, frequent travelers and road warriors are ideal candidates for a lūp cable overhaul, since the cables roll up so quickly, compactly, and perfectly. A compact USB-C charger with enough power output and 2 or 3 ports, plus enough lūp cables to charge your laptop, phone, and noise-canceling headphones concurrently ensures you are ready for anything. When stored, you’ll find the lūp cables need less space and are easy to find in your bag.
But if your intent is to use them on your desk, go for it. We found them equally satisfying when arranged magnetically back-to-back on the desktop in graceful arcs. Or when neatly coiling up any unused portion of cable on the aft end rather than resorting to tie-wraps. The variations are endless, and the strong magnetic attraction ensures they’ll stay put.
Do keep in mind lūp and lūp+ cables can be arranged back-to-back in multiple layers for the ultimate in tidying up style, but there is a catch: You can’t beat the laws of physics. Due to the magnetic fields generated and the fact these are indeed magnets at heart, you may find a lūp repelled by another lūp as you try to arrange them side-by-side. In that case, just turn the cable over to get the proper magnetic attraction.
Similarly, if you are trying to stack coiled lūps and they repel each other, simply uncoil one of them and re-roll in the opposite direction. They will stack perfectly now.
One downside to these cables is they are slightly heavier and more bulky than your existing round cables. The standard lūp (1.8m length) weighs 90 grams, while lūp+ (1m length) weighs 60 grams.
Lūp Review: The Bottom Line
Lūp (for charging) and lūp+ (for charging + data) are magnetically-infused USB-C cables, a feature that enables them to be essentially self organizing. With a flick of the wrist you can fully extend a coiled cable, while a simple rotation of the wrist can rewrap the cable into a perfect coil for storage. Furthermore, they are a joy to use whether you are mobile or at home. We highly recommend them.
Manufacturer website: lupcable.com
