Both cables combine an Apple Watch charging puck with phone connectors. Choose the TOP-UP 4-in-1 for a mix of Lightning, Micro-USB and USB-C devices, or the 3-in-2 for an Apple Watch and two USB-C devices.

What the numbers mean

For these TOP-UP models, the names describe the connector options. Check the device ends and the power-source connection separately.

• 4-in-1 — four connectors on one cable: an Apple Watch magnetic puck, USB-C, Lightning and Micro-USB. One plug at the charger end.
• 3-in-2 — an Apple Watch puck plus two USB-C device connectors. One USB-C power input has an attached USB-A adapter, giving you a choice of power-source port.

Use one power-source connection at a time. Both models share available power between connected devices.

4-in-1: the widest coverage

A 4-in-1 is the cable for a mixed household or a travel bag. Lightning covers an older iPhone or AirPods case, USB-C covers a current iPhone or an Android phone, Micro-USB covers the older headphones, speakers and e-readers that never went away, and the puck covers the watch.

The trade-off is power. Everything runs through one input, and on our 4-in-1 cables that input is USB-A. When two or three devices are connected they share whatever that one port supplies. That is plenty for a watch and earbuds overnight. It is not fast charging for a phone, and it was never meant to be.

Choose a 4-in-1 if: you own devices with different connectors, you charge overnight, and you want a single cable in the bag.

3-in-2: an Apple Watch and two USB-C devices

The TOP-UP 3-in-2 has a magnetic watch puck and two USB-C device connectors on a 4 ft cable. It can charge up to three compatible devices together. Available power is shared; charging speed depends on the power source and connected devices.

The device ends are USB-C, so this model does not connect directly to Lightning or Micro-USB devices. At the power source, use USB-C directly or fit the attached USB-A adapter. A second charger port is not required.

Choose a 3-in-2 if: you carry an Apple Watch and USB-C devices, and want the option to connect to a USB-C or USB-A power source.

Side by side

What neither cable does

• Apple Watch fast charging. Apple's fast charge requires Apple's own USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable. The pucks on these TOP-UP models provide standard watch charging. Charging time varies with the model, battery level and power source.
• Data transfer. Multi-connector cables are built for charging. For wired CarPlay or moving files, use a dedicated data cable.

Which length

3.3 to 4 ft reaches from a wall socket to a nightstand. 6 ft is for sockets behind the bed or across the room. If you are unsure, measure from the socket to where the watch will sit and add a foot for slack.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 4-in-1 cable safe to leave plugged in with several devices?

Yes. Each device only draws what it asks for, and when the total available is lower than the total requested, each device simply charges more slowly.

Can a 3-in-2 cable charge an iPhone with Lightning?

No. A 3-in-2 built around USB-C suits iPhone 15 and later and USB-C Android phones. For a Lightning iPhone, use a 4-in-1.

Do these cables fit every Apple Watch?

Yes. Every Apple Watch from Series 1 to the current models, every SE and every Ultra uses the same magnetic puck. The full chart is in our Apple Watch charger compatibility guide.

What charger should I pair them with?

Use a suitable USB power source: USB-A for the TOP-UP 4-in-1, or USB-C or USB-A for the 3-in-2 using its attached adapter. Connect the 3-in-2 to one port at a time. See flat wall chargers.

Compare all multi-charging cables.

Apple, Apple Watch, iPhone, AirPods and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc. TOP-UP is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.