IKEA USB-C Cables Compared: 100W Rundhult vs 60W Lillhult Buyer’s Guide

Learn how to choose between the different USB-C charging cables sold at IKEA. If you have explored the IKEA tech section recently, you may have seen the older Lillhult cables hanging right next to the newer Rundhult 100W cable (see our full IKEA Rundhult 100W review).

In this simple comparison guide, I show you the real differences between these cords. We look at a digital kitchen scale weight test, compare charging speeds on popular smartphones, and break down which cable gives you the best value for your everyday charging needs.

The Competitors: Three Cables Side-by-Side

IKEA currently sells three main varieties of braided charging cables:

1. Lillhult USB-A to USB-C (1.5 meters, rated 3 Amps, up to 60 Watts)
2. Lillhult USB-C to USB-C (1.5 meters, rated 3 Amps, up to 60 Watts)
3. Rundhult USB-C to USB-C 100W (1.5 meters, rated 5 Amps, up to 100 Watts)

All three models share several nice qualities. They come in 100 percent recyclable paper packaging without plastic wrap. They all have durable textile braided jackets that resist tangling, and they all measure 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) in length.

The Kitchen Scale Test: Does the 100W Cable Have More Copper?

Many shoppers wonder if 100W cables are actually built better, or if the “100W” label is just advertising. To find out, all three 1.5-meter cables were placed on a digital kitchen scale:

• Lillhult USB-C to USB-C (60W): Weighs 43 grams.
• Lillhult USB-A to USB-C (60W): Weighs 44 grams (slightly heavier due to the large rectangular USB-A plug).
• Rundhult USB-C to USB-C (100W): Weighs 56 grams.

The 100W Rundhult is 13 grams heavier, which is about 30 percent more weight than the 60W cord. Because both cords have similar braided fabric outsides, that extra weight confirms that the Rundhult has noticeably thicker internal copper wires. Thicker copper is required by electrical standards to safely handle 5 Amps of current without overheating.

Build Quality and Connector Markings

To make everyday life simpler, IKEA stamped “100W” directly onto the metal casing of the Rundhult plugs. This is a very helpful detail for anyone with a drawer full of identical-looking cords. When packing your bag, you immediately know which cord can power your laptop at full speed.

Both the Lillhult and Rundhult lines also feature improved rubberized strain reliefs where the cord meets the plug. This flexible joint stops the wire from bending too sharply and snapping over time.

Real-World Charging Tests with Power Banks and Phones

To test real-world charging performance, the 100W Rundhult cable was connected to a high-capacity Xiaomi Mi 3 Pro power bank capable of 65W output:

• Sony Xperia 1 V: The cable connected firmly, and the phone battery settings confirmed that it was charging steadily without interruption.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: When plugged in, the Samsung Galaxy Android screen immediately recognized the fast charging protocol, showing “Fast charger connected” on the display and estimating a full charge in just over 20 minutes.

Crucial Limitation: Understand Your Data Speed

Before buying either cable for your computer desk, keep this in mind: all of these IKEA cables use USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mbps).

What does that mean for you?

• It means they are great for charging phones, tablets, laptops, and wireless earbuds.
• It means they are NOT suitable for plugging into external 4K monitors (no video signal).
• It means transferring hundreds of gigabytes of computer backup files will take a long time compared to a dedicated USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt cable.

Durability and Long-Term Reliability Update

There is one important caution for potential buyers. In real-world long-term testing over one full year, both tested Rundhult 100W cables experienced failure. One cable began overheating and charging so slowly that the connected battery lost charge while plugged in. The second cable died completely and refused to deliver any power.

By contrast, the simpler 60W Lillhult cables have been used by the creator for several years without failing.

Step-by-Step Buying Recommendation

Follow this simple guide when deciding which IKEA cable to buy:

1. For Everyday Phone and Tablet Charging: Buy the 60W Lillhult USB-C to USB-C. It costs less, lasts for years, and easily handles standard phone charging speeds.
2. For Older USB Wall Plugs: If your wall adapters (like the IKEA Sjöss fast charger) or car chargers still use the traditional rectangular USB port, buy the Lillhult USB-A to USB-C.
3. For Powering Laptops and Big Power Banks: If you need to recharge a MacBook, a Dell laptop, or a 65W to 100W portable power bank, buy the Rundhult 100W. Just remember that it is a budget-friendly cable, so keep a backup cord handy for important trips.