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Types Of USB Cables & Connectors

Types Of USB Cables & Connectors

8 USB type cable ends

If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably got a drawer in your kitchen full of random cables, at least half of which are USBs. As you buy new devices with different ports, figuring out which type of USB cable goes with which device (and whether you need to hang on to them all) can be a bit of a headache.

The reason many of us have so many different types of USBs is that USB tech has come a long way from its origins in the 90s. From USB 1.1 it’s evolved into faster versions like USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and now the new standard, USB-C which is smaller, reversible, and can handle more data and deliver more power with further fast charging capabilities.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the different USB versions, USB connectors, USB cable types and USB plugs. By the end, whether you’re charging your phone, plugging in a printer or transferring files, you’ll know exactly which USB cable types you need and which you’ll never use again.

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What does USB stand for?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. USB is a standard technology used to connect and transfer data between devices (such as your phone, computer, printer or external hard drive). It’s also used to connect them to power sources. Because USB cables are universal, you can use the same cable across various devices, so you don’t need loads of different types of cables, plugs and ports, which makes things nice and simple.

Identifying versions of USBs

A USB version refers to the different generations of USB technology. As you might expect, USB technology has become faster and more powerful over time:

  • USB 1.1: Introduced in 1998 with data transfer speeds of up to 12 Mbps (megabits per second)

  • USB 2.0: Released in 2000, with a much faster speed of 480 Mbps

  • USB 3.0: Launched in 2008, offering speeds up to 5 Gbps (gigabits per second)

  • USB 3.1: July 2013 10 Gbps

  • USB 3.2: September 2017 20 Gbps

  • USB4: The latest version, introduced in 2019, with speeds of up to 40 Gbps

The cable isn’t the whole story, the port matters too (and so do the capabilities of your device). If you’re plugging in a USB 3.0 cable to a USB 2.0 port it will work, but you won’t get the full speed or power that 3.0 offers: you’ll need a 3.0 port for that.

Types of USB connectors

Different USB cable types have different connectors on each end (the metal parts you plug into your device and the power source or other piece of hardware). The main types of connectors are:

USB-A connectors

USB-A is probably the most well-known of all the USB cable types: the rectangular connector we’ve all used. You’ll find it on one end of most USB cables, and it’s the connector that plugs into your laptop or PC. You can only plug it in one way (and it’s always the wrong way first!). It’s been around for years and is still used on everything from external hard drives to keyboards.

USB-B connectors

USB-B is less common these days, but it’s still used in some older printers or scanners. It’s squarer than the USB-A, and much bulkier. You won’t see this on any modern tech, but you might need one of these if you’ve got older devices hanging around.

USB-C connectors

USB-C connectors are smaller, and you can plug them in either way up. USB-C is quickly becoming the standard for phones, laptops and newer desktop computers. USB-C tech provides faster data speeds and more power. It can also handle video, which older connectors can’t.

Some USB-C cables support a technology called USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), which allows for super-fast charging at up to 45W (versus 5W or 10W for a normal charger). Charging at 45W reduces the time it takes to charge from 0% to full, sometimes by as much as half, depending on the device. Both the charger and the device need to support 45W fast charging for you to get the benefit. It’s also important to use a USB-C cable certified for USB-PD, as these can handle the higher power load.

Micro USB connectors

You’ve probably seen micro-USB connectors on older smartphones, cameras and tablets. They’re smaller than USB-A and were the go-to for charging Android phones for years before USB-C came along.

Mini USB connectors

Mini-USB connectors are pretty rare now, but if you’ve got an old digital camera or an MP3 player from the early 2000s, you might still need one. It’s a bit bigger than micro-USB and was one of the first attempts to make USB connectors smaller.

What are the different types of USB cables?

From micro-USB to USB-C, the different USB lead types have their own uses, and it can feel quite difficult to know for sure whether the cable you’re buying is the right one. Let’s run through the main USB cable types, so you don’t end up with one that doesn’t fit:

  • USB-A to USB-C: Probably the most common USB cable type you’ll see today – perfect for charging and syncing smartphones or connecting USB-C gadgets to older computers.

  • USB-A to micro-USB: This was the standard USB cable type for many electronics before USB-C became widespread. It’s still around for older devices like cameras and headphones.
  • USB-C to USB-C: The future of USB, these cables are fast and versatile. Ideal for charging and transferring data between modern phones, laptops, and tablets.

The USB lead types you use really affect the speed and efficiency of your connection, especially if you’re transferring large files or charging high-powered devices.

What are the different types of USB ports?

USB ports are the slots you plug your USB cable into, and different devices come with different types of port:

  • USB-A ports: The most common type of USB port, found on computers, TVs and older game consoles.

  • USB-C ports: The newer, faster port that’s becoming standard on laptops, phones and some tablets. USB-C ports can handle charging, data transfer and video, if you use the right cable. 

  • USB-B ports: Less common nowadays, but still used for older printers and scanners.

  • Micro-USB ports: Still seen on older smartphones and small gadgets.

Types of USB plugs and USB plug sockets

USB plugs are adaptors that plug into your wall socket, which can charge one or more devices at a time. There are various types of USB plugs, from standard USB plugs with a single port to fast-charging USB plugs with multiple ports for different USB cable types.

USB plug sockets are regular wall sockets with one or more built-in USB ports that let you charge your phone, tablet or other gadgets straight from the wall, so you don’t need separate USB plugs. 

Here’s a summary of the main types of USB plug:

  •  USB-A plugs are a standard type of USB connector, featuring a port where you plug in your cable for charging phones, tablets, and other small gadgets.

  • USB-C are a newer type of plug that allows for faster charging when using a USB-C cable.

  • USB multi-plug adaptors have multiple USB ports – often a mix of USB-A & USB-C plugs, so you can charge more than one device at a time.

So whether you’re charging your devices, transferring data or just making sure everything’s connected, you’ll know exactly what types of USB cables to keep from that tangle in your kitchen drawer, and what you can finally get rid of. Need a new one? View our USB cables.

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