The problem is that "good" cables are also really expensive. And thick.

Sometimes I just want to charge my matchbox sized flashlight from Aliexpress. I really don't want to use the full-on 120W + network + 8k video capable cable for that. It's so thick that the weight of the flashlight can't hold it down =)

Maybe they'll figure out some kind of markings for the cables eventually.

I'd mostly use three categories: Charge Tiny Device (5-10W enough), Charge Medium Device + data (20-30W, phones and tablets), Charge Big Device (laptops, power banks - as much as the spec can handle)

So there is an external way to check it-thickness

BUUUT for example the USB-C cable that comes with Apple's laptops is relatively thin and can still handle around 80-100W, can't remember exactly.

And my 3rd party kinda_known_name -cable does the same but is at least twice as thick and really hard to wrestle in tight corners. =)

I think generally throwing away all of Apple’s sh**y plastic, USB2.0-at-best USB-C cables is the first step to take. (Ok I don’t literally, but I just leave them in the boxes in case I sell the device later).

But that laptop cable is also visually distinct