IKEA USB-C 100W vs 60W USB Type-C Cable

New IKEA USB-C Cable 100W vs Old 60W USB Type-C Cable.

IKEA sells USB-C cables that are actually pretty good value for money. They have a few different types, and one of them is special because it can handle more power. I’ll show you the differences between the old cables and the new 100W option so you can pick the right one for your needs.

The Three Cables We Are Looking At

IKEA has three main USB cables that are all 1.5 meters long. Here is what they are:

• RUNDHULT USB-C to USB-C, 1.5m – rated for 100W
• LILLHULT USB-C to USB-C, 1.5m – the older version rated for 60W
• LILLHULT USB-A to USB-C, 1.5m – for older chargers with USB-A ports

All three come in paper packaging that you can recycle easily. No plastic, which is nice.

The Old LILLHULT Cables

The LILLHULT cables have been around for a few years. They last a long time and are well made. Both versions are USB 2.0, which means they transfer data at 480 megabits per second. That is fine for charging and basic file transfer, but not for high-speed data.

LILLHULT USB-A to USB-C

This cable has a regular USB-A plug on one end and USB-C on the other. It is useful if you have older chargers that still use USB-A ports. It handles 3 amps at 5 to 20 volts. That works out to about 60 watts max.

LILLHULT USB-C to USB-C

This is the older USB-C to USB-C cable. It also handles 3 amps at 5 to 20 volts, so about 60 watts. It is USB 2.0 just like the USB-A version. A few years ago, this cable was harder to use because not many chargers had USB-C ports. But now USB-C chargers are much more common.

The New RUNDHULT 100W Cable

This is the special one. The RUNDHULT USB-C to USB-C cable is rated for 100 watts. It handles 5 amps at 5 to 20 volts. To get watts, you multiply amps by volts. So 5 amps times 20 volts equals 100 watts.

The new cable is also USB 2.0 at 480 megabits per second. So the data speed is the same as the old ones. The difference is only in how much power it can deliver.

Physical Differences

The cables look similar at first glance. The connectors appear to be the same size and shape. But there are a few differences:

• The RUNDHULT cable has different embossing on the cable itself
• The new cable is heavier. It weighs 56 grams, while the old USB-C to USB-C cable weighs 43 grams
• The old USB-A to USB-C cable weighs 44 grams because the USB-A connector is bigger

The extra weight on the new cable comes from thicker wiring inside. Thicker wires are needed to safely handle more power.

Flexibility

One nice surprise is that the new 100W cable is actually quite flexible. It does not feel stiff at all. The older cables are also flexible, but the new one might be even better. IKEA seems to have thought about making the cable easy to use, not just powerful.

Price Difference

The 100W RUNDHULT cable costs more than the older LILLHULT cables. That makes sense because it has thicker wires and can handle more power. But for a 100W rated cable, it is still a pretty good deal compared to many other brands.

Which One Should You Get

Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide:

Get the LILLHULT USB-A to USB-C if:

• You still use older chargers with USB-A ports
• You only need basic charging for phones and small devices
• You want the cheapest option

Get the LILLHULT USB-C to USB-C (old 60W) if:

• You have USB-C chargers already
• You charge phones, tablets, or small laptops
• You do not need fast charging for big laptops

Get the RUNDHULT 100W if:

• You have a laptop that needs more than 60W to charge
• You want to be ready for future devices that need more power
• You need the fastest charging speed your devices can handle

Testing the Cables

When you plug the 100W cable into a phone that supports fast charging, like a Samsung S23 Ultra, the phone will show “fast charger connected.” The cable works as expected. If your phone does not support super fast charging, you will not see a huge difference. But the cable is ready for devices that do need that extra power.

Final Thoughts

IKEA makes solid cables at reasonable prices. The older LILLHULT cables are great for everyday use with phones and smaller devices. They last a long time and get the job done. The new RUNDHULT 100W cable is a step up for anyone who needs more power, especially for charging laptops. If you do not need the extra watts, save your money and stick with the basic ones. But if you have a laptop or want faster charging, the 100W cable is worth considering.

Thanks for reading. I hope this helps you pick the right IKEA cable for your needs.