The cable required to charge an iPad depends on the port type of your iPad model. Typically, two types of cables are needed:

Lightning cables: Apple's older iPad models typically employ the Lightning ports, which means you’ll need a cable with a lightning connector on one end such as the Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable (3ft / 6ft Nylon) to charge your iPad.

USB-C cables: Newer versions of iPad typically support USB-C charging ports and USB-C portable chargers, necessitating the need for cables with USB-C connectors like the Anker 765 USB-C to USB-C Cable (140W Nylon).

No, iPad charging cables are not created equal. Variations among iPad charging cables exist in terms of charging speed, compatibility, quality, durability, and so on. This is why it is essential to choose a high-quality cable from reputable brands like Anker to ensure maximum compatibility and performance.

It is perfectly okay to use third-party charging cables for your iPad, as long as the cable is from a reputable brand and is compatible with your iPad. For example, if your iPad utilizes a lightning port, the MFi-certified fast-charging Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable (3ft / 6ft Nylon) might be one of your optimal choices.

Of course. The versatile nature of an iPad charger cable enables it to serve the dual purpose of both charging your device and facilitating data transfer between your iPad and a computer. However, the transfer speed varies among cables, and choosing a cable with high-speed transfer functions like the Anker 762 USB-C to Lightning Cable supporting 480Mbps of data transfer is vital for enhanced syncing efficiency.