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
CIO makes at least three USB-C cables that coil themselves up with built-in magnets. I bought all three in 1 m lengths and compared them. Charging and data specs are identical; the differences are how they coil and how big the plug housing is. For travel I would take the Flat. If your phone case has a narrow port opening, the Flex is the only one with a slim plug. For desk cabling, the Silicone.
What I tested
- CIO Flex Spiral Cable, USB-C to USB-C, 1 m (round, fabric-like finish)
- CIO Flat Spiral Cable, USB-C to USB-C, 1 m (flat ribbon)
- CIO Soft Spiral Silicone Cable, USB-C to USB-C, 1 m (coils into a cylinder)
- A leather iPhone case with a narrow port opening
How they compare
| Flex | Flat | Silicone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product |  |  |  |
| Weight (my scale, 1 m) | 60.2 g | 62.6 g | 53.0 g |
| Plug housing | Small | Larger | Larger |
| Kinks when straightened | Few | Keeps a curl | Few |
| Charging / data | Up to 240W / 480Mbps | Up to 240W / 480Mbps | Up to 240W / 480Mbps |
| Best for | Cases with narrow openings | Carrying several | Desk cabling |
What I found
- Flex: came coiled more loosely than I expected and does not pack down as small as the Flat. It straightens without kinks, and the fabric-like surface slides, so it is easy to loosen and re-coil. Its plug was the only one that fit my leather case — you cannot tell this from the product photos.
- Flat: the most compact when coiled and it stacks neatly, so this is the one I carry on trips. Surprisingly it is also the heaviest. It keeps a curl when stretched out, but it is designed so you still get the full metre.
- Silicone: the lightest and very soft. Spread it out and it springs back into a spiral on its own, so re-coiling is the easiest. Its grippy surface makes small adjustments slightly harder.
Who it’s for
If you want one cable that does everything, none of these is it — that is probably why CIO sells three. Pick by what you carry and which case you use. I would love to see the Flat with the Flex’s smaller plug.
Watch the video
The video is in Japanese. The coiling comparison starts around 4:50 and the plug-size check around 7:00.
Limitations
Weights are from my own scale. Plug fit was tested with one leather case. Prices I saw were ¥1,980 for the Flex and ¥2,180 for the Silicone on Amazon Japan at the time of recording, before a sale. CIO is a Japanese brand, so availability outside Japan may vary.
Products
CIO Flex Spiral Cable 1 m: on Amazon Japan
CIO Flat Spiral Cable 1 m: on Amazon Japan
CIO Soft Spiral Silicone Cable 1 m: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. 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.