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Compare Different Types Of USB Cables
USB cable plays a major role in connecting different devices. USB or universal serial bus has created a huge ecosystem where almost every modern device requires a certain type of USB cable to connect to the other device.
Whether it is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC, gaming console, headphones or printer, every device requires one USB cable for performing certain functions. Although the journey started from the popular USB Type A cables, nowadays, there are numerous cables having different usages.
However, due to the availability of different cable types, people often fumble to determine which cable they should use for certain devices.
That is why we have come up with this guide where we will compare different types of USB cables. This comparison not only gives you a broad idea about all the different cable types and which cable type will be suitable for your usage
Table of Contents
Comparing Different Types of USB
Before we get into the details of different types of USB cables, let’s first take a look at a brief comparison between all of them;
Cable Type | Year of Launch | Number of Pins | Shape and Size | Uses |
Type A | 1996 | 4 | Generally rectangular in shape with large and flat sizes. | Used chiefly for connecting devices like keyboards, mice, and flash drives to computers and other devices. |
Type B | 1996 | 4 | Squared body shape and get a large size. | Used for connecting printers and scanners. |
Mini A & B | 2001 | 5 | A camper shape and quite small in size. | Used for connecting old phones, computer peripherals and digital cameras. |
Micro A | 2007 | 5 | A slightly curved top with a flat bottom and have a slim size. | Used for connecting modern smartphones, game controllers and computer peripherals. |
Micro B | 2007 | 5 | A camper-size shape similar to Micro A. | Used mainly for connecting portable hard discs. |
Type C | 2014 | 24 | Symmetrical body shape with slim body size. | Used for connecting modern smartphones, laptops, headphones and numerous computer peripherals. |
Lightning | 2012 | 8 | Flat body size with a chip-like body structure. | Used for connecting Apple devices. |
USB Cables
Now, let’s dive into the details of each cable type;
USB Type A Cable
USB Type A is the first cable type that was launched, and it is still used to connect different types of peripherals to the computer. It is a long cable with Standard A connectors and is widely used for hooking gaming consoles, mice, keyboards, DVDs, Blu-Rays, joystick etc., to large devices like computers and TVs.
They are compatible with every USB standard current available and fit into any device with a Type A receptacle. However, unlike others, they can be connected in one way, and the way they should go in can be determined by the USB logo on the top.
USB Type B Cable
This cable type was launched along with Type A, and most of the USB B cables had a USB Type-A connector on the other side. It comes with a square-shaped connector, and they are compatible with both USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 standards.
Not only are they used for connecting scanners and printers, but they are also used for various peripherals like optical drives, hard drives, floppy drives etc. However, nowadays, they are hardly used as most devices have moved into smaller connectors.
Mini USB A and USB B Cable
Mini USB A and USB B cable types are common cable types that basically serve as a small version of Type A and Type B. They were introduced as an alternative to connect compact devices like phones, tablets, digital computers, MP3 players, gaming controllers, gaming consoles etc.
The area where it falls short of other cables is its compatibility only with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 standards. However, when the devices got more compact, the use of these cables started to get obsolete.
Micro USB Type A Cable
Came out in the year 2007; Micro USB Type A is a thinner cable connector type that was introduced to meet the need for modern slim devices.
It is used in modern Android smartphones, tablets, game controllers, portable speakers, and many more. This cable connector type comes in two configurations where one is for USB 2.0 standard, and another one is meant for USB 3.0.
Micro USB Type B Cable
Like Micro USB Type A, USB Type Micro B was launched to cater to the need for compact devices. It comes in a camper shape and has two different configurations for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 standards. It is utilized chiefly for portable hard drives and backup peripherals.
USB Type C Cable
USB Type C cables are currently the most used cable among all, and nowadays, it is used in most modern devices. Whether it is a smartphone, laptop, tablet or modern peripherals, all are currently shifting from Type A and Type B cables to USB Type C.
These cables can handle significant data transfer rates and deliver high power, which makes them usable for connecting large devices. They have a symmetrical connector design and can be hooked in either direction.
Lightning Cable
Lightning cables are exclusive cables that are only compatible with Apple devices and can be used with other devices through MFI-certified adapters. This cable comes with chip-like connectors on one end and a Type A connector on the other end.
It is primarily compatible with iPhones, iPad and other Apple peripheral devices. It cable as a replacement to the large Apple 30-pin connector, which was not catering to Apple’s vision to introduce slim and compact devices.
Final Verdict
Whether you want to charge a device or transfer data from that device, USB cables are an obvious choice for all the work. Slowly USB cables are replacing other cable types in the industry, and soon they will become a standard for all devices. Nowadays, USB cables are also being used for video transmission and ethernet facility in laptops.
As a professional USB cable manufacturer, we can provide you with various types of USB data cables and charging cables. We also provide free samples, contact us for more information.