The EU has put an end to cable chaos. As of December 28, 2024, the USB-C charging cable has become the standard cable for all small electronic devices, and from spring 2026, this will also apply to laptops. However, this does not change the fact that over the years, not only has the use of all kinds of (USB) cables increased rapidly, but the variety of connectors has also expanded. While the EU is now limiting this growth, older devices still need to be powered. Most people who do not work with technology daily have lost track of the various connection types. That’s why we have put together an overview of the most commonly used connectors to help you navigate through them.
Overview of USB Connectors
- USB Type A
The first USB connector: Previously used mainly for connecting peripherals like mice and keyboards. It enables both data transfer and power supply, making it the standard connector for most “traditional” USB flash drives. - USB Micro
Mostly used for non-Apple smartphones, digital cameras, power chargers, etc., for both data transfer and charging. - USB Type C
USB-C or USB Type C is the new standard. Its key advantage is that it not only allows data transfer but also provides power supply. With USB 3.1, the connection is very fast. Additionally, the plug is reversible, eliminating the need to worry about the correct orientation when plugging it in. - Lightning
Previously used for Apple mobile devices, such as iPhones and iPads, to connect to computers, external monitors, cameras, power chargers, etc. - 2-in-1 Connectors
You may frequently come across 2-in-1 connectors. These were used before USB-C became the standard. Depending on which side of the connector is facing up when inserted, it can function as either a Lightning or USB Micro connector.
If you’re wondering about the missing letter B, USB Type B is nearly irrelevant in modern technology. The bulkier Type B connector was mainly used for printers and older external hard drives. A Mini B version also exists, which was previously used for digital cameras and MP3 players.
What Do USB 2.0 and 3.1 Mean?
Speed is a crucial factor in our daily lives, and we often hear terms like USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, or even 3.1. But what do these versions mean? These numbers indicate the data transfer rate of the connectors. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum data transfer speeds in megabits per second (Mbit/s):
- USB 1.0 -> 1.5 Mbit/s
- USB 1.1 -> 12 Mbit/s
- USB 2.0 -> 480 Mbit/s
- USB 3.0 -> 5 Gbit/s
- USB 3.1 -> 10 Gbit/s
In general, all USB ports are backward compatible. This means, for example, that a USB 3.0 plug can be connected to a USB 1.0 port, but the speed will be limited to the lower USB 1.0 standard.
Tip: USB 3.0 ports and connectors are usually marked with a blue color, making it easy to distinguish their data transfer capabilities. Black or white connectors indicate older 1.0 or 2.0 ports, while yellow connectors are often designated for continuous power supply. These colors serve as general guidelines but are not strictly standardized across all manufacturers. To be sure, always check the device manual.