USB types and connectors guide

Choosing a device with the right Universal Serial Bus (USB) type and connector for your computer can be confusing at times, especially with the various types. We will help you understand what the best USB type is for your needs and help you understand the difference between them.  

USB ports come in many different shapes and sizes. Each new iteration builds on and improves the type before it but typically changes the form factor of the connector. You will find a USB port on many your devices, with USB-C being the most common port currently. USB-C is very versatile due to its smaller size than previous USB types, can transfer data quickly and is capable of transmitting 4K and 8K video.  

There are still many different types within USB-C that vary in terms of the speeds supported, power supply, etc., so it is important to understand what each USB port and connector can offer.   

Alongside the USB-C standard, there are also USB-A, USB-B, USB-B Micro, USB-B Micro Superspeed, USB4, Thunderbolt and Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector. All these different types have various purposes. You’ll see fewer of the older connectors on more modern devices since they’ve been replaced with USB-C over time. 

It is important to understand the difference between each USB type to ensure you are using the correct one, as well as knowing how to replace USB cables correctly when the time comes.  

As shown in the image above, there are ways in which different types of USB can be identified. For example, when comparing USB-A to USB-C, the C type is narrower with rounded edges while the A type is thicker and rectangular.  

It is becoming more common for USB, more specifically USB-C, to lessen the need for power banks due to their ability to deliver up to 240W when using the correct cable. USB-C compatibility is extensive as it charges devices in addition to powering them.  

Having a universal cable that provides power but can also be used for video, network and data transfer helps minimize clutter around the charging port. USB-A and USB-B are still commonly used as there have historically been more devices that use these types, making them cost-effective due to their availability. 

USB-C has been a great success in terms of reducing complexity around the different types of USB cables, since one cable can now do everything. The downside of this universal connection is that different manufacturers are supporting different standards of the same technology. For example, one company might make a USB-C cable which supports power transfer, while another does not. These different cables may look identical to the casual consumer, which is why ??Microsoft is attempting to end the confusion around USB-C by introducing a hardware standard within Windows 11. 

Identifying the right USB type for your device depends on factors like the type of connector your device supports and the speed requirements.   

Here are a few things to look for when identifying a USB connection: 

1. Check the device port: Look at the shape and size of the port on your device.
2. Read the manual or specs: The product documentation usually lists the USB type.
3. Look at the cable ends: If you already have a cable, compare both ends to the chart above.
4. Consider data speed and power needs:
   • USB 2.0: Slower (up to 480 Mbps)
   • USB 3.0/3.1: Faster (up to 5 – 10 Gbps)
   • USB-C: Can support USB 3.1, 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3/4

There are ways to upgrade or adapt your USB port if it’s no longer compatible with devices you’re using. It’s impossible to upgrade older USB ports on laptops, but PC USB ports can be upgraded with expansion cards.  

USB adapters are an option when looking to keep your original ports but accommodate additional USB connection types. This can be a quicker and more cost-effective way to deal with this issue, but there’s the possibility of latency issues during data transfers.  

It’s advisable to carry out further research on whether you need to upgrade your USB port but take a closer look at the instructions on how to upgrade a USB port manually if a complete upgrade is needed.

It’s always worth double checking how well other parts of your device are working if your device is showing signs of wear and tear. Other parts of your computer or laptop might be having a more negative impact on how your device functions. It’s best to see what other hardware can be upgraded to save you time and money in the long run.