This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I tried two “4-in-1” charging cables that combine USB-C, Lightning and USB-A in one: a cheap retractable one from MINLU and a heavy-duty one from LISEN rated up to 240 W. The MINLU is the better travel cable; the LISEN is sturdy but its spare connector gets in the way while charging. In the end I went back to a magnetic USB-C cable from CIO plus a small Lightning adapter.
What I tested
- MINLU retractable multi-charging cable (sold as 5-in-1, with a phone-stand reel)
- LISEN 4-in-1 multi-charging cable, rated up to 240 W
- For comparison: the CIO magnetic USB-C to USB-C cable (1 m) I carry every day
- Charging an iPhone 17 Pro Max in a case with a narrow port opening, and in Apple’s own case
What I found
| Price (at time of recording) | Max output | Weight (measured) | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 MINLU retractable | about ¥1,500 | about 60 W | 57.9 g | 1.16 m |
 LISEN 4-in-1 | about ¥2,000 | 240 W | 75.5 g | about the same |
MINLU: light and cheap. It feels plasticky, but at 57.9 g it is easy to throw in a bag, and the reel doubles as a phone stand. The connector head is small enough to fit through a tight case opening. USB-C and USB-A both charged fine; I could not test Lightning because I no longer own a Lightning device.
LISEN: solidly built. The cable is thick but supple, and the connector housings are metal. Despite their size, the tips are slim enough to reach deep ports, and it worked with Apple’s case. The connector lights up while charging.
The catch with the LISEN: the connector you are not using hangs off the end, and it is stiff. If you use your phone while it charges, it pokes into your hand. Fine for overnight charging in a hotel, annoying for everyday use.
Why I stayed with the CIO cable. It weighs 63 g, so it is not light, but it snaps flat with magnets, rarely tangles in my bag and stretches out like a normal cable. Retractable reels always feel a bit awkward when extended. Now that iPhones use USB-C, a few of these plus a Lightning tip covers everything I need.
Who it’s for
- MINLU: travellers who want one cheap cable for every device, including older Lightning ones
- LISEN: people who also want to charge a laptop from the same cable
- Neither: if all your devices are USB-C, a good single USB-C cable is simpler
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. Useful points: around 02:40 weighing, 05:00 charging tests, 06:40 the LISEN’s dangling connector, 10:40 my conclusion.
Limitations
I did not measure charging speed, and I could not test the Lightning connectors. Prices are rough figures from Amazon Japan at the time of recording.
Products
MINLU retractable 5-in-1 charging cable (with stand): on Amazon Japan
I could not find current Amazon Japan listings for the LISEN 4-in-1 cable or the CIO flat magnetic cable, so they are not linked.
The Amazon Japan link above is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Chargers & Cables (29) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.