Are there good alternatives to Apple's USB-C to lightning adaptor?

FWIW, I have a number of adapters from Anker and UGREEN. Been using both for several years now and have not had any issues doing so.

The key is, when using these adapters with Apple gear, is to make sure that you choose ones that are Mfi-certified. Note; however, just being labeled as such does not guarantee that it actually is.

Ref:

• Mfi Licensed Accessories - Apple
• What is the Apple MFI Certification Program - paracable

Connecting Lightning (an Apple proprietary interface) to USB-C is not simply a wiring conversion exercise; the two interfaces are electrically very different - and use entirely different signalling and data protocols.

The Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter incorporates active electronics - and facilitates connection of accessories that feature a Lightning connector to an Apple iPad or iPhone that has a USB-C port. To clarify, this Adapter is an interface converter for Apple iOS/iPadOS devices to accept connection of legacy accessories that employ an Apple-proprietary Lightning connector. This adapter, while supporting power in addition to data, is not intended to facilitate device charging.

Being an active interface converter, this largely explains the significant cost disparity between this and simple Lightning to USB-C plug adapters. Simple plug adapters may support basic 5V USB power, but are unlikely to support the much more sophisticated USB PD (Power Delivery).

Continuing to use Lightning cables with USB-C equipped devices is perhaps a futile exercise. If nothing else, you will sacrifice all the performance and functional benefits of faster charging, high bandwidth data and additional flexibility in connecting peripheral devices. USB-C is an increasing widespread connection standard, over which many services and device protocols can coexist.

Third party cables are cheap because they're cheaply made. We have purchased a few such cables or converters (like USB-A to USB-C), but only after researching the company who makes it, and sifting through lots of reviews at Amazon and elsewhere.

But most of the time, I just get the Apple cable so I know it's high quality and perform as expected.

USB-C is a bit of a misnomer. It's a port/plug shape, not a protocol. USB-C can be USB, Thunderbolt or Lightning. It all depends on the wiring and the tiny circuit boards you can't see in the housing of the plug end.

But, there are all kinds of adapters and cables. I bought one of the Apple Lightning to USB-C cables so I could connect my iPhone 14 Pro to one of the front ports of my M4 Pro mini. And it's cheaper than the Apple adapter listed right below that. Not sure why anyone would want a $28 adapter when a 3 foot $16 cable does the same thing.

As far as off-brand stuff, Anker tends to be good (I've never had a problem with their hardware). But Amazon doesn't list a simple plug type adapter for them as you show here. There a lot of those to choose from where you get four adapters for only $8, and all with 4 or 4 and a half stars out of 5. But the price makes me wonder about the quality. A lot.

There was a post removed within the past 30 minutes or so linking to another third party brand that were labeled as Apple Certified MFi. But as you just noted, saying so isn't automatically the same as true.

That the hosts removed the post tells me they aren't.

Thanks! Yes, some third-party sources certainly know how to "game the system" ... especially, as you noted, their selling prices are "too good to be true." Why I typically stick with Apple accessories and only use the ones I mentioned when there was no Apple alternative.

+1