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If you pay more than $8 for a simple USB, HDMI or Lightning cable, you’re doing it wrong

Published Dec 30th, 2015 5:30PM EST
Lightning Cable Discount

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We have to be frank with you for a moment — the amount of money electronics stores get away with charging for simple little cables is completely infuriating. It’s a matter of principle. There’s nothing wrong with paying a premium for convenience, and we totally understand that grabbing a cable off of a shelf while you’re in a store is simple and convenient. But people, please listen… you’re not paying a tiny premium for that convenience, you’re paying three, four, even five times more than you should be paying for those items.

If you remember only one thing you learn today, it should be this: never buy a simple USB, HDMI, optical audio, microUSB or Lightning cable in a store again. Instead, buy your cables from Amazon, get them shipped for free, and save a ton of cash in the process.

Here are just some of the popular cables on sale on Amazon for a small fraction of the prices you would find in stores:

AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable – 6 Feet: $6.49 with free Prime shipping

AmazonBasics Micro-USB to USB Cable – 6 Feet: $4.79 with free Prime shipping

AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning to USB Cable – 6 Feet: $7.99 with free Prime shipping

AmazonBasics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable – 6 Feet: $4.99 with free Prime shipping

AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Cable – A-Male to B-Male – 6 Feet (printer cable): $3.89 with free Prime shipping

We’ve seen some of the cables listed above in bog box electronics stores for $30 or even $40 a piece. Listen to us and don’t fall for this scam ever again.

Maren Estrada Deals Editor

Maren Estrada has been the Editor of BGR Deals since it launched in 2013. She has more than 20 years of experience testing more than 1,500 products, and reviewing a wide range of consumer electronics including mobile devices, smart home products, computers, and home appliances.

Previously, she was a leading consultant specializing in copywriting, product development, and new product launches.