How do I understand the different USB cable types?

Let’s be honest: even in 2024, working out the different USB cable types can be a nightmare. From charging your phone to connecting a laptop and monitor, knowing exactly what you need can be tricky.

That’s why understanding the different types of USB connectors and cables is essential for ensuring device compatibility. Whether you're charging a phone, transferring data, or connecting peripherals, each USB type, from the classic USB Type-A to the modern USB Type-C, has a specific role to play.

Luckily, Maplin are on hand to help you out! Read on to learn more about the different USB cable types.

Flat and rectangular in shape, these are the classic and original USB connectors. They just need to be the right way up… (trust us when we say this: everybody has got it wrong at least once. Or twice. Okay, maybe even more than that…)

Ideal for charging devices and transferring data, they often connect to laptops, desktops, TVs, and wall chargers.

USB-A, part of the universal serial bus (USB) standard, is also compatible with earlier versions of USB, including USB 1.1, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. These connectors are widely used for USB connections in laptops, desktops, and wall chargers.

USB 2.0

• Data Transfer Rate: USB 2.0 supports data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps, making it suitable for high-speed devices such as external hard drives, digital cameras, and flash drives.

• Backward Compatibility: USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.x devices, allowing users to connect older peripherals to newer computers and vice versa.

• Improved Power Delivery: USB 2.0 introduced enhanced power delivery capabilities, enabling devices to draw more power from the USB port for charging and operation.

USB 3.x

1. USB 3.0: Also known as SuperSpeed USB, USB 3.0 boasts data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps (gigabits per second), ten times faster than USB 2.0. This increased speed makes USB 3.0 ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as HD video streaming, gaming peripherals, and external storage devices.

2. USB 3.1 Gen 1: USB 3.1 Gen 1, formerly known as USB 3.0, maintains the same data transfer rate of 5 Gbps as USB 3.0. However, it introduces new features such as enhanced power delivery and improved protocol efficiency.

3. USB 3.1 Gen 2: USB 3.1 Gen 2 doubles the data transfer rate to 10 Gbps, providing even greater speed and performance for demanding applications such as 4K video editing, virtual reality (VR), and external SSDs.

4. USB 3.2: USB 3.2 further pushes the envelope with data transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps, achieved through multiple lanes of data transmission. This blazing-fast speed makes USB 3.2 suitable for ultra-high-speed storage devices and future-proofing for emerging technologies.

SHOP ALL USB-A CABLES

USB Type-B connectors, often referred to as Type-B plugs, are square-shaped and commonly used in devices like printers and external hard drives. They ensure a reliable USB connection and support various USB versions, including USB 2.0 and USB 3.0.

Note: Be careful not to confuse them with Micro-USB and Mini-USB, which we’ll describe in more detail later in the guide.

1. Connecting Peripherals:

USB Type B cables connect a wide range of peripherals to computers, including printers, scanners, external hard drives, audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and more. These cables enable devices to communicate with the computer system. This connection allows for functionalities such as printing documents, scanning images, and accessing external storage.

2. Audio and Music Production:

USB Type B cables are commonly used in audio and music production setups to connect audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other equipment to computers. These cables facilitate the transfer of audio signals, MIDI data, and control messages between devices, allowing users to easily record, mix, and produce music.

3. Data Storage and Backup:

USB Type B cables are used to connect external hard drives, flash drives, and other storage devices to computers for data storage and backup purposes. These cables enable users to transfer files, photos, videos, and other data between devices, ensuring data security and redundancy.

SHOP ALL USB-B CABLES

Mini-USB connectors are not a common sight anymore and are usually found on older electronics like classic MP3 players, retro digital cameras, or gaming peripherals such as the PlayStation 3 controller (yes, we just felt terrifically old, too).

Mini USB cables, specifically USB Mini-B connectors, were a standard USB option before the rise of micro USB. They offered decent data transfer speeds for or portable devices and accessories.

1. Charging Portable Devices:

Mini USB cables are commonly used to charge smartphones, digital cameras, GPS devices, and other portable electronic devices.

They can be connected to USB power sources such as wall chargers, car chargers, power banks, and computers for convenient charging on the go.

2. Data Transfer and Synchronization:

Mini USB cables facilitate the transfer of data between devices and computers, allowing users to sync files, photos, videos, and music.

They can be used to transfer data from digital cameras to computers, backup device contents, and update firmware or software.

3. Connecting Peripherals and Accessories:

Mini USB cables are used to connect a variety of peripherals and accessories to smartphones, digital cameras, and other devices. These accessories may include external hard drives, keyboards, mice, game controllers, and printers, expanding the functionality and versatility of portable devices.

SHOP ALL MINI-USB CABLES

Micro-USB used to be the go-to option for charging portable devices like smartphone and tablets, but they are still used by plenty of devices today as a cheaper alternative to USB-C.

Just like USB-A, they can transfer data and keep your devices charged. They can either look rectangular in shape or (more commonly) like a trapezoid.

1. Charging Smartphones and Tablets:

Micro USB cables are commonly used to charge smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and other portable electronic devices. They can be connected to USB power sources such as wall chargers, car chargers, power banks, and computers for convenient charging on the go.

2. Data Transfer and Synchronization:

Micro USB cables facilitate data transfers between devices and computers, allowing users to sync files, photos, videos, and music.

They can be used to transfer data from smartphones to computers, backup device contents, and update firmware or software.

3. Connecting Peripherals and Accessories:

Micro USB cables are used to connect a variety of peripherals and accessories to smartphones, tablets, and other devices. These accessories may include external hard drives, keyboards, mice, game controllers, cameras, and printers, expanding the functionality and versatility of portable devices.

Micro USB cables, including Micro-B connectors, are still widely used in many USB devices. Although USB Type-C has largely replaced them, Micro USB remains a cost-effective option for certain gadgets.

SHOP ALL MICRO-USB CABLES

USB-C is a modern choice representing the latest USB standard, offering unparalleled versatility. They support faster data transfer speeds, backward compatibility with USB versions like USB 3.0 and USB 3.1, and can even handle video output through alternate modes like DisplayPort.

This makes USB-C the ultimate connector for modern USB ports and devices.

You’ll find USB-C ports on most new devices like smartphones, gaming peripherals, and laptops. Plus, its reversible, smaller oblong design means you never have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way up!

• Reversible Connector:

USB Type-C connectors are reversible, meaning they can be plugged in either orientation, eliminating the frustration of trying to insert the connector the "right" way.

• Higher Power Delivery:

USB Type-C supports higher power delivery levels, allowing for faster charging of devices and powering of peripherals such as monitors and docking stations.

• Enhanced Data Transfer:

USB Type-C is capable of supporting the high data transfer rates of USB 3.1 and USB 3.2, making it suitable for a wide range of high-speed applications.

• Versatility:

USB Type-C is a universal connector that can carry various types of data, including USB data, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Thunderbolt, through the use of adapters and alternate modes.

SHOP ALL USB-C CABLES

This is Apple’s unique connector for use with iPhone, iPads and more .

Just like USB-C it can be plugged in either way up and offers both charging and data transfer options. If you need to connect your Apple device to a laptop or wall charger.

We’d recommend our range of Lightning cables with USB-A and USB-C connectors.

1. Compact Design:

One of the key features of Lightning cables is their compact and reversible design.

The Lightning connector is significantly smaller than its predecessor, the 30-pin connector, allowing for slimmer devices and easier insertion into ports. Additionally, the Lightning connector is reversible, meaning it can be plugged in either orientation, eliminating the frustration of trying to insert the connector the "right" way.

2. Digital Signalling:

Unlike traditional USB cables, which transmit analog signals, Lightning cables utilize digital signalling to transfer data and power between devices. This digital communication enables faster data transfer speeds, higher power delivery, and advanced features such as device authentication and accessory control.

3. Versatility:

Lightning cables are versatile cables that can be used for various purposes, including charging, data transfer, and audio/video output. They can connect Apple devices to power adapters for charging, computers for data synchronization and backup, and accessories such as headphones, speakers, and cameras for extended functionality.

SHOP ALL LIGHTNING CABLES