Why Your Garmin Charger Keeps Failing, And What to Buy Instead
If you’re a Garmin Forerunner user, you’ve likely run into the same frustrating issue that plagues many of us: charging cables that wear out too quickly. Whether it’s a loose connection, worn-out pins, or a cable that just won’t stay seated in the back of your watch, finding a reliable Garmin charger feels harder than it should be.
Over the years, I’ve tested multiple third-party Garmin Forerunner charging cables, and today I’m comparing three contenders: the EGK, Clolasa, and Itramax cables. After real-world testing, there’s a clear winner; but there’s also a solid runner-up, depending on your needs.
🔌 Why You Need a Better Garmin Charging Cable
The OEM cables that come with Garmin watches, like the Forerunner 965, are often short, wear out quickly, and start falling out of the back of the watch after a few months. Most replacement cables don’t do much better, particularly at the point where the cable meets the 4-pin connector, which is prone to weakening and losing grip.
So how do the top third-party cables stack up? Let’s break it down.
🥈 Solid Middle Ground: Clolasa Garmin Charging Cable
The Clolasa cable surprised me with how solid it felt, especially given its lower price point. While it lacks some of the polish of the EGK cable, it does the job well.
🔧 Key Features:
- Thicker cable: Feels more robust than many of the flimsy competitors.
- Secure click-in fit: Despite the 4-pin connector concerns, the cable fits the Forerunner 965 with an audible click.
- USB-C connector: Compatible with modern laptops and charging bricks.
- 3-Feet Long
👎 Drawbacks:
- Durability concerns: Like many Garmin-compatible cables, the plastic housing near the 4-pin connector may wear down and cause loose connections over time.
- No charging brick included: You’ll need your own adapter.
✅ Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Garmin charging cable that fits well, Clolasa is a strong runner-up. It may not last forever, but it provides good value for the price and a better-than-expected fit.
🥉 Disappointing in the Long Run: Itramax Garmin Charging Cable
At first glance, the Itramax cable looks like the winner. It’s thick, braided, and even includes a combo USB-A to USB-C adapter. But after some time, it revealed its biggest flaw.
🔧 Key Features:
- High-quality cable braid: Durable and premium feeling.
- Velcro strap included: Helps with cable management.
- 4-foot length: Better than the stock Garmin cable and the longest I’ve tried.
👎 Major Issue:
- Loose connection: After only a few uses, the connector started slipping out of the back of the Forerunner 965. This is exactly what you don’t want in a charging cable.
- Frustrating adapter: The USB-C insert is tough to remove from the USB-A port, which could wear it down prematurely.
❌ Final Verdict:
Despite its premium feel, the Itramax cable won’t stay seated reliably in your Garmin watch after minimal use. That’s a dealbreaker. For that reason, we can’t recommend it unless you only need a temporary backup.
🥇 Best Overall: EGK Garmin Charging Cable
If you want a cable that just works, the EGK Garmin charging cable is the top recommendation.
🔧 Key Features:
- Snug fit: The connector seats tightly in the back of the watch and doesn’t easily fall out.
- Longer cable (3ft): A welcome upgrade over the stock Garmin cable, especially for desk or bedside charging.
- Charging adapter included: Comes with a USB charging brick, an underrated convenience that most cables skip.
- Fast charging: No noticeable difference compared to OEM speeds.
- Durability: Though no cable lasts forever, this one feels like it’ll hold up for the long haul.
👎 Minor Downside:
- Like all Garmin cables, you’ll eventually see wear—but this one has lasted the longest in real-world use.
- The cable itself is a little thin, but functional. This isn’t typically the part that wears out.
✅ Final Verdict:
Highly recommended. This cable is reasonably priced, travel-friendly, and it performs better than most competitors. If you want reliability and convenience, go with EGK.
🧠 The Bottom Line: Which Garmin Charging Cable Should You Buy?
When it comes to third-party Garmin Forerunner charging cables, reliability and fit matter far more than flashy features or braided cords. Based on extensive testing:
- ✅ Best Overall: EGK – Best fit, included charging brick, longest lifespan
- 💡 Budget Pick: Clolasa – Good cable thickness, solid fit, affordable
- 🚫 Avoid: Itramax – Looks nice but gets loose quickly, defeating the purpose
⚡ Final Recommendation:
If you’re tired of your Garmin cable falling out, go with the EGK cable for peace of mind. If you’re on a budget or just need a spare, the Clolasa cable is a respectable second choice.
Avoid the Itramax unless you want a cable that looks great but likely won’t last. When it comes to Garmin charging cables, secure fit and durability are everything, and EGK gets both right.
Have you found a cable that works better than these? Drop a comment below, I’d love to test it.
Looking for a new band for your Garmin Forerunner 965 (or other 22mm Garmin Band)? This is the best one I’ve found.
Disclosure: I received these product for free from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I was not paid to write this post, and all opinions are my own.
