10 factors affecting the cost of USB cable

In people's daily life, they need to use mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices to communicate, watch videos and consult files. What these electronic products need is the power to support the normal use, so the USB cable has become one of the essential items, and the demand is really high. USB cables has 5 kinds in the market: Micro USB cable, type C USB cable, Lightning USB cable, USB C to USB C cable, PD cable. Now Let’s take a look at the top 10 factors that affect the cost of USB cable.

1.Material of USB cable

PVC: PVC data cables are often cheap, but it feel hard. This cable is usually used with simple packaging for promotion, or with a phone. Most of the original USB cables for mobile phones on the market are made of PVC.

TPE: TPE material is soft and flexible, and the price is slightly higher than PVC, but it is cheaper than most braided cables. The design of TPE USB cable is also more diversified.

Braided cables: The braided USB cable is usually matched with an aluminum alloy or zinc alloy shell. Compared with zinc alloy, aluminum alloy is lighter and cheaper. 

2. Function

USB2.0, 3.0, 3.1 data cables have a huge difference in data transmission speed, so do price.

Is it support PD?

Is it support OTG?

Is it 3in1 USB cable or 2in1 USB cable? Is it supports data sync?

3. Length

The longer the length, the higher the price. In addition, The resistance is more bigger , the smaller for the current passing through.

The main length of the USB cable in the market is 1M.

4. Copper

1) The quality of copper wire

2) Number and diameter of copper wire

5. Quality of the connector

For example Lightning connector. Some supplier use 6 IC, some supplier use 5 IC.

6. Quantity of USB cable

The quantity of  USB cable directly affects the cost of material. This is an iron law that applies to all products.

7. Packaging method

More than 90% of OEM&ODM customers will require independent packaging for each USB cable. According to the customer's demand for the USB cable method, factory will add the corresponding labor cost. If it is a simple packaging method, we will provide the service for free, however if it is complex packaging, we will also increase labor costs appropriately.

8. Material and thickness of metal plating

The USB and Micro/ Type C/ Lightning connector, whether the surface treatment is nickel-plated or gold-plated, and the thickness of the plating directly affect the conductivity and salt spray test results.

9. Testing

Material function test, end USB cable appearance test, salt spray test, plug in/out test, gravity test, etc.

10. Craft

1)LOGO way : Laser or silk print

2) Aluminum alloy high gloss

Highlights make the product look more high-end, but one more highlight also adds additional cost.

3) Aluminum alloy shell craft

The aluminum alloy shell craft has oxidation, sandblasting and painting