Some months ago (I can't remember when) I had to buy a new cable for my iPad. I managed to get a pack of three for a reasonable amount. I have just had to start using the third and last one.
They start to work loose just as the cable and the plug join up.
I'm going to have to search again for some more. I would have thought they should have lasted longer than a few months though.
I agree with Hopkirk. You get what you pay for. I know someone who also buys the cheap ones and they always break. Buy one from Apple, they will guarantee them also. I still use ( everyday) my original one after 5 years.
Same story here ....
I bought from Amazon prior and the plug charger.
Poor quality cable and even worse the plug got very very hot !
In fact it was a wake up call to pay the bucks and buy from Apple rather than burn down the house :-(