2023-10-25 09:40:00
Guide From A to C: These are the differences between USB cable types
With so many types of USB cables, consumers quickly lose track
© Roman Mykhalchuk / Getty Images
There are few things more annoying than not having the right cable to hand in the heat of the moment. The guide explains which USB cable types there are and how they differ.
How nice it would be if every electrical device used the same plug. It actually works European Union is committed to enforcing the USB-C connector as a uniform charging standard by the end of 2024. The rule will apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, earphones and portable navigation devices and laptops.
This definitely makes sense, as the law avoids electronic waste and consumers unnecessary costs for cables and/or chargers. Until then, we still have to deal with different types of USB cables. The most common in 2023 are:
USB-AUSB-B 2.0USB-B 3.0USB-MiniUSB-Micro 2.0USB-Micro 3.0USB-C
Important: There are of course different subtypes of each presented USB-Mini-A. But they are extremely rare.
USB cable types: These are the differences
The different USB types at a glance.
© Tymofii Malynovskyi / Getty Images
The cable types differ in their appearance and were originally designed for different purposes. Probably the best known type of USB is USB-A. This is the chunky, square USB connector that is still often found on laptops and computers.
The USB-B-Typ is now installed less frequently. It is usually found on monitors that have a USB hub. The monitor connects to the computer and passes on the data from the USB hub.
Important The distinction here is between USB-2-B and 3-B because the fit is different. Very old external hard drives or printers still work USB-2-B.
USB-Mini is a smaller version of USB Type-B. It was developed for smaller products such as cameras or game console controllers because a normal USB port on these devices would be too bulky and large. USB Mini-B only supports the USB 2.0 protocol and is therefore outdated.
An even smaller form of USB connection is USB-Micro. Compared to Mini-USB, Micro-B also supports the USB 3.0 protocol. USB Micro-B can be found primarily on older Android smartphones, e-book readers or cameras.
Although Micro-USB supports the USB 3.0 protocol, it looks different: This USB-Micro-3.0-Kabel is a bit chunkier than its 2.0 counterpart.
USB-C is the latest USB type that combines the strengths of its previous generations. The connector is oval and flat, making it suitable for laptops, computers, tablets and smaller devices such as smartphones and cameras. In addition, USB-C supports every USB protocol and newer Thunderbolt sockets also use the guise of the USB-C connection.
USB cable types are not the same as USB protocols
A common misconception about USB connections is the assumption that USB-C is generally faster than USB-A or B. It is true that USB-C is the newest USB type. What is wrong is that the latest USB type always works with the latest USB protocol. Because only the USB protocol determines how quickly computers and external SSDs, for example, exchange data.
A USB-A socket, for example, can work with the USB 3.2 protocol and a USB-C socket can only have USB 3.1. Although the protocols are all compatible, they can slow each other down: A USB-A stick with USB protocol 2.0 also transfers data to a USB-A 3.0 socket – but this is significantly slower than a USB 3.0 Stick would do. The table reveals how much slower.
Protocol
Transfer rate
USB 2.0
480 Mbit/s
USB 3.1 (or 3.0)
5 Gbit/s
USB 3.1 x2 (3.1 Gen. 2):
Dual Lane, 2 x 5 Gbit/s
USB 3.2 (Gen. 1)
10 Gbit/s
USB 3.2 x2 (Gen. 2):
Dual Lane 2x 10 Gbit/s
USB 4
40 Gbit/s
USB connections are not just for exchanging data. The interface also charges mobile devices or forwards image signals from the laptop to the monitor. Unfortunately, not every socket can do everything, which is why manufacturers sometimes mark the inputs. A double “S” on the socket indicates that it can supply power to an end device.
“DP”, on the other hand, stands for Display Port and means that image signals can be forwarded. Unfortunately, manufacturers are free to mark their USB ports and very few do. For example, if you are looking for a USB-C monitor that both charges the laptop and transmits image signals via its USB-C socket, you have to look carefully before buying.
Tip: Magnetic USB-C charging cable
If you’re just looking for a charging cable for your smartphone, there’s one magnetic USB-C cable an. Danger: Such a cable does not transmit data! It consists of a magnetic head part, which is plugged into the USB-C socket of the device to be charged, and the cable, which finds its place in the charger. The advantage of this is that the cable and smartphone come loose if you trip over them, for example. Apple users are familiar with the magnetic charging connection from the MagSafe port on their MacBooks.
Sources:European Parliament, heise.de, usb.org
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