Most computers and electronic devices have some form of USB connection, and many devices also come packaged with a USB cable. What are all these different cables for, and why does it matter which one you use?
It can be somewhat complicated to wrap your head around all this. Here’s everything you need to know about the USB standard.
The Many Types of USB Connectors
USB is supposedly universal, but there are so many different types. Why is this? As it turns out, they each serve different functions, mainly to preserve compatibility and support new devices.
Here are the most common types of USB connectors.
- Type-A: The standard flat, rectangular interface that you find on one end of nearly every USB cable. Most computers have multiple USB-A ports for connecting peripherals. You’ll find them on game consoles, TVs, and other devices too. This cable only inserts in one way.
- Type-B: An almost square connector, mostly used for printers and other powered devices that connect to a computer. They’re not very common these days, as most devices have moved onto a smaller connection.
- Mini-USB: A smaller connector type that was standard for mobile devices before micro-USB. While not as common today, you’ll still see these on some cameras, the PlayStation 3 controller, MP3 players, and similar.
- Micro-USB: The current standard (though slowly declining in popularity) for mobile and portable devices, which is even smaller than mini-USB. While you’ll still find micro-USB on all sorts of smartphones, tablets, USB battery packs, and game controllers, some have moved onto USB-C.
- Type-C: The newest USB standard, this is a reversible cable that promises higher transfer rates and more power than previous USB types. It’s also capable of juggling multiple functions. You’ll see it on many new laptops and smartphones, including the MacBook, Pixel phones, and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. We discuss USB-C more below.
- Lightning: This isn’t a true USB standard, but is Apple’s proprietary connector for the iPhone, iPad, AirPods, and more. It’s a similar size to USB-C and comes standard on Apple devices released since September 2012. Older Apple devices use the much larger 30-pin proprietary connector.
In most cases, you’ll find USB cables have one standard type-A end and one type-B end of some sort. The type-A end powers the device, while the type-B end receives power. This is to prevent potential damage that would be caused by connecting two computers via USB-A, for example.
The Mini and Micro connectors are considered smaller forms of type-B, even though “type-B” is usually not in their name.
In general, the cables you’ll use the most, and therefore need to replace, are micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning.
USB Speed Standards
USB connection types are only half of the story, as USB has also gone through multiple standards of varying data transfer speeds. The cable’s connector doesn’t necessarily mean it uses a certain standard.
The three main iterations of USB’s speed are:
- USB 1.x was the original standard, and is ancient by modern benchmarks. You’re very unlikely to find devices using this standard nowadays.
- USB 2.0 introduced many modern USB norms, including support for Mini and Micro cables, USB OTG (see below), and more. It’s the slowest speed of USB still used today. You’ll find it used on cheap flash drives, devices like mice and keyboards, and similar. Most computers also include a few USB 2.0 ports.
- USB 3.x is the current standard for USB speeds. It’s much faster than USB 2.0, and thus recommended for devices like external hard drives. You can typically identify a USB 3.x port or connector by its blue coloring. Many USB 3.0 ports also have an SS symbol (which stands for Super Speed). Most new computers have at least one USB 3 port, and good-quality flash drives use this standard.
You can use a USB 2.0 device in a USB 3 port, or a USB 3 device in a USB 2.0 port, but neither setup provides the extra speed benefit.
The below chart shows what connector types are compatible with which standards. Notice that micro-USB devices that support USB 3.x have a different plug. You’ll frequently see this on external hard drives.
What Is USB-C?
USB-C is an emerging standard that has lots of promise. It’s smaller, reversible, and fast. USB-C can both receive and provide a lot more power than previous versions of USB. In fact, Apple’s MacBook line only has a single USB-C port, with the new MacBook Pros packing several-C ports.
Aside from data transfer, USB-C can also power devices, output display to a monitor, and more. Unlike USB-A, cables with USB-C connectors on both ends are standard and allow full utilization of its powers. However, USB-C to USB-A cables are also common, allowing for compatibility with older devices.
Your phone or tablet might use USB-C instead of micro-USB. Some laptops and tablets feature a USB-C port; the Nintendo Switch uses it for power too. Since USB-C hasn’t been adopted everywhere yet, you might need to buy some USB-C to USB-A adapters to ease the transition.
iXCC USB Type C to USB 3.0 Type A Adapter, Charge and Sync Cable, On The Go (OTG Host Cable) for Type-C Supported Devices (6 Inch)
iXCC USB Type C to USB 3.0 Type A Adapter, Charge and Sync Cable, On The Go (OTG Host Cable) for Type-C Supported Devices (6 Inch)
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What Is USB On-The-Go?
USB On-The-Go (OTG) is a standard available on many Android phones that allows portable devices to act as USB hosts.
Let’s say you have an external drive, a smartphone, and a laptop. What do you do if you want to move files from the external drive to the smartphone? The most straightforward method is to move files from the external drive to the laptop, then from the laptop to the smartphone.
With USB OTG, the smartphone can actually host the external drive, thus bypassing the need for the laptop altogether. And that’s just one of the many ways to use USB OTG.
To use USB OTG, you’ll need a suitable adapter. Ksmile sells a 2-pack of micro-USB OTG adapters.
Ksmile® 2 Pack USB 2.0 Micro USB Male to USB Female Host OTG Adapter for Adroid / SamSung S7 S6 S4 S3 i9100 i9300 Note 2./ Google Nexus HTC LG Sony mobile phones or smart tablets
Ksmile® 2 Pack USB 2.0 Micro USB Male to USB Female Host OTG Adapter for Adroid / SamSung S7 S6 S4 S3 i9100 i9300 Note 2./ Google Nexus HTC LG Sony mobile phones or smart tablets
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If your phone has a USB-C port, try Anker’s USB OTG adapter instead.
Anker USB-C to USB 3.1 Adapter, Converts USB-C Female into USB-A Female, Uses USB OTG Technology, Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 S8+ S9, Google Pixel, Nexus 6P 5X, LG V20 G5 and more
Anker USB-C to USB 3.1 Adapter, Converts USB-C Female into USB-A Female, Uses USB OTG Technology, Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 S8+ S9, Google Pixel, Nexus 6P 5X, LG V20 G5 and more
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However, not all devices support OTG. If you’re not sure, check your phone’s manual or download a USB OTG checker app. Unfortunately, Apple’s mobile devices don’t offer proper support for USB OTG.
Some Advice When Buying USB Cables
If you have an older Android phone or tablet, it likely uses a micro-USB cable. Even those deep in Apple’s ecosystem or with USB-C ports on their phones need to use micro-USB, however. It’s still a common connector type for battery packs, Bluetooth speakers, and the like.
Anyone who buys a lot of gadgets will build up a collection of micro-USB cables over time, as they’re packed in with nearly every device. Since they’re generally interchangeable, you can use different cables for your various devices.
When it’s time to buy a new cable, it’s tempting to pick the cheapest option. However, most of the time, this is a bad idea. Poorly made cables can cause you all kinds of issues. These range from annoyances like slow charging and unreliable performance to major problems like breaking and even becoming a fire hazard.
This is especially true with USB-C. In the early days of USB-C, many cables were incorrectly configured and could damage devices. Modern cables shouldn’t have this problem, but it’s still wise to know how to find trustworthy USB-C cables.
While you don’t have to buy a cable from your phone’s manufacturer, you should stick to recognized brands. It’s a small difference in price, but it’s worth it.
Another important aspect is cable length. Short cables are great for portability, but that can leave you sitting on the floor next to a power outlet as it charges. Yet a cable that’s too long can be inconvenient to carry, will tangle more easily, and is potentially a tripping hazard.
Three feet is a good minimum length for a charging cable. This allows you to keep your phone in your hand while connected to a battery in your bag or pocket. They’re also usually long enough to reach from an outlet to a desk. If you often need to use your device far away from the outlet while it’s charging, a six-foot cable will usually do.
The Best USB Cables for Every Need
Need a new cable and aren’t sure what to get? Here are recommendations for every type.
If you need some micro-USB cables of varying lengths, this pack from Anker has you covered. It includes two one-foot cables, two three-foot cables, and one six-foot cable.
Anker [6-Pack Powerline Micro USB – Durable Charging Cable [Assorted Lengths] for Samsung, Nexus, LG, Motorola, Android Smartphones and More (Black)
Anker [6-Pack Powerline Micro USB – Durable Charging Cable [Assorted Lengths] for Samsung, Nexus, LG, Motorola, Android Smartphones and More (Black)
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Need a USB-C cable? OULUOQI has you covered with a three-pack of USB-C to USB-A cables, plus a micro-USB to USB-C adapter. We’ve looked at more USB-C chargers if you don’t like this one.
USB Type C Cable OULUOQI USB C Cable 3 Pack(6ft) Nylon Braided Fast Charger Cord(USB 2.0) Compatible Samsung Galaxy S9 Note 9 8 S8 Plus,LG V30 V20 G6 G5,Google Pixel,Nintendo Switch, MacBook(Grey)
USB Type C Cable OULUOQI USB C Cable 3 Pack(6ft) Nylon Braided Fast Charger Cord(USB 2.0) Compatible Samsung Galaxy S9 Note 9 8 S8 Plus,LG V30 V20 G6 G5,Google Pixel,Nintendo Switch, MacBook(Grey)
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iPhone users should always look for MFi-certified products. This three-pack of Lightning cables from Anker includes a three-foot, six-foot, and ten-foot cable.
[3 Pack: 3ft/6ft/10ft] Anker Powerline Lightning Cable Apple MFi Certified – Lightning Cables for iPhone Xs/XS Max/XR / X / 8/8 Plus / 7/7 Plus / 6 / 6s, iPad Mini / 4/3 / 2, iPad Pro Air 2
[3 Pack: 3ft/6ft/10ft] Anker Powerline Lightning Cable Apple MFi Certified – Lightning Cables for iPhone Xs/XS Max/XR / X / 8/8 Plus / 7/7 Plus / 6 / 6s, iPad Mini / 4/3 / 2, iPad Pro Air 2
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Now USB Cables Finally Make Sense
We’ve covered the types of USB connectors, USB transfer standards, how to buy a quality cable, and more. Hopefully you better understand USB and how to use it on all your devices.
Love USB? Find out whether you should buy a USB hub or not.
Read the full article: Understanding USB Cable Types and Which One to Use