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WhatCable

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Uncover the true capabilities of your USB-C cables and ports on macOS.

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Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked·1 press mention

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Paid plans only

Biggest pro

Provides highly detailed and accurate USB-C diagnostics directly from IOKit.

Biggest con

Only available for macOS 14+ and Apple Silicon Macs.

TL;DR - WhatCable

  • Diagnoses USB-C cable and port capabilities on macOS.
  • Identifies bottlenecks in charging and data transfer.
  • Provides detailed diagnostics for power users and engineers.
Pricing: Paid only
Best for: Enterprises & pros

What is WhatCable?

Editorial review
WhatCable is a macOS application designed to diagnose and understand the real capabilities of your USB-C cables, ports, and connected devices. It helps users identify bottlenecks in charging speeds and data transfer rates, providing clear insights into whether the cable, charger, Mac port, or device is limiting performance. The free version offers essential information like cable e-marker data, active transport identification, and basic charging details. WhatCable Pro expands on this with deep diagnostics, including live power metering, detailed Power Delivery (PD) contract inspection, port health counters, and signal-level diagnostics directly from IOKit. It's ideal for engineers, power users, and anyone needing to troubleshoot USB-C connectivity issues on their Apple Silicon Mac.

Available on: macOS

how we evaluateSourcewhatcable.uk ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Provides highly detailed and accurate USB-C diagnostics directly from IOKit.
  • Helps identify exact bottlenecks in charging and data transfer.
  • One-time purchase for the Pro version with free updates.
  • User-friendly interface with a menu bar app and optional detached windows.
  • Includes advanced features like CLI monitoring and desktop widgets for power users.

Cons

  • Only available for macOS 14+ and Apple Silicon Macs.
  • Many advanced diagnostic features are locked behind the Pro version.
  • May be overly technical for average users who only need basic information.

Key Features

Charging bottleneck identificationData-speed bottleneck identificationCable e-marker data decodingActive transport identification (USB 2, 3, 4, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort)Engineer mode for IOKit propertiesLive power metering (Pro)Power Delivery (PD) contract inspection (Pro)Cable resistance estimation (Pro)

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 28, 2026

WhatCable Pro

£4.99

  • One-time payment, no subscription
  • All 13 pro features unlocked immediately
  • Works on up to 2 Macs with one key
  • Licence key delivered by email instantly
  • 7-day offline grace period, no phone-home on every launch
  • macOS 14 Sonoma or later, Apple Silicon
Calculate your costView full pricing

Is WhatCable worth the price?

95/100

The WhatCable Pro tier at £4.99 for a one-time payment is exceptionally fair and generous, offering significant value for a utility application.

This pricing model avoids recurring subscriptions, making it a highly attractive option for users seeking a permanent solution. It's best for individual macOS users who frequently work with USB-C cables and ports and want a reliable diagnostic tool without ongoing costs.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later

Limited to Apple Silicon Macs

No free trial available

How WhatCable Compares to Competitors

WhatCable Pro stands out significantly with its one-time £4.99 payment, as many similar utility apps often adopt subscription models or higher one-off prices. For example, some system utility apps might charge £10-£20 or more for a perpetual license, or £2-£5 monthly. This makes WhatCable's offering highly competitive and budget-friendly compared to the general market for macOS utilities.

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WhatCable FAQ

How does WhatCable help identify performance bottlenecks?

WhatCable diagnoses the real capabilities of USB-C cables, ports, and connected devices on macOS. It provides clear insights into whether the cable, charger, Mac port, or device is limiting charging speeds and data transfer rates.

Which teams would benefit most from using WhatCable?

WhatCable is ideal for engineers, power users, and anyone involved in debugging, testing, or quality assurance of hardware and software on Apple Silicon Macs. It provides deep diagnostics necessary for troubleshooting USB-C connectivity issues.

What kind of information does the free version of WhatCable provide?

The free version of WhatCable offers essential information such as cable e-marker data, identification of active transport, and basic charging details. This allows users to get a fundamental understanding of their USB-C connections.

How is WhatCable Pro priced?

WhatCable Pro is available as a one-time purchase, which includes free updates. While a free version offers basic features, many advanced diagnostic capabilities are part of the Pro version.

What are the main limitations of WhatCable?

WhatCable is exclusively available for macOS 14 and newer, and it only runs on Apple Silicon Macs. Additionally, many of its advanced diagnostic features are only accessible with the Pro version, and its technical depth might be more than what average users require.

Can WhatCable provide detailed power delivery information?

Yes, WhatCable Pro offers detailed Power Delivery (PD) contract inspection and live power metering. This allows users to thoroughly analyze how power is negotiated and delivered through their USB-C connections.

Does WhatCable offer advanced monitoring tools for power users?

Yes, WhatCable includes advanced features for power users, such as command-line interface (CLI) monitoring and desktop widgets. These tools provide additional ways to access and visualize diagnostic data.

Source: whatcable.uk

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