Beware bad USB-C cables, Google engineer warns—while naming names
Unfortunately, there’s no easy way for consumers to identify a non-compliant cable at the time of purchase. Leung has posted some instructions for Pixel users to run their own tests in developer mode, in case anyone wants to help with the campaign.
For now, it’s best to check Leung’s own reviews to weed out the bad actors. So far, he’s identified seven non-compliant adapter cables, from vendors CableCreation, Monba, Kupx, Juiced Systems, Orzly, and TechMatte. Leung has also been praising cables that meet the USB-C spec; those from Frieq, Belkin, and iOrange are safe bets.