USB C, USB A, USB B: Difference and Which is Best for You?

USB C, USB A, USB B: Difference and Which is Best for You?

From the physical form, USB C, USB A, and USB B are different. Unlike USB A and USB B, the biggest feature of USB C's appearance is that its upper and lower ends are the same. Undoubtedly, the distinctions between them run much deeper except for looks.

The Things You Should Know About USB

Since the USB-IF organization released the USB 1.0 standard in 1996, the USB standard has experienced the development of multiple versions of USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2. In 2019, the USB-IF organization released the latest USB 4 standard, which brought a new standard specification for the USB connector, and has been renamed many times. The current USB standard has only two official versions of USB-IF: USB 2.0 and USB 3.2.

USB standard version

Types of USB Connectors

The type of USB connector can be divided into USB A, USB B, and USB C (Type-C). In addition to the standard version (Type-A & Type-B), USB A and USB B have Mini and Micro USB connector versions.

USB A, USB B, and USB C

The Differences: USB C, USB B, USB A

USB A &USB B

Standard USB Connector

The standard USB connector is divided into Type-A and Type-B.

What is the difference between USB Type-A and Type-B connectors? Besides their pin configuration, they come in different shapes and sizes. These shapes are designed to fit different peripheral devices of different sizes.

Due to the difference in the supported USB standards, Type-A and Type-B also can be divided into USB 2.0 (Black) and USB 3.0 (Blue) standard USB connectors. It is easily distinguishable by color.

Type-A is regarded as a "male" port, which can plug into the "female" port when used. Most people use a USB 3.0 standard USB connector in newer personal computers. You'll often see it on the other end of a USB 3.0 cable.

Type-A connectors are typically used to connect larger hardware to smaller machines. For example, USB 2.0 port can connect some laptop models to HD PVR and other devices.

As the most common USB type in daily life, the Type-A connector is widely used in desktop PCs, laptops, game consoles, media players, and other host devices. As the other end of the most common standard USB Type-A cable, Type-B is often used in printers, phones, external hard drives, special monitors, and other peripheral equipment.

Mini USB Connector

The Mini USB connector is small, mainly divided into Mini-A and Mini-B. Except the 4th pin is the ID pin, other functions are the same as the standard USB. Mini-A and Mini-B allow charging, and data transfer between devices such as mobile phones or cameras and a computer.

In the past, it was a revolutionary concept and very useful technology for a world that was starting to love mobile devices. It is commonly used for MP3, MP4, and point-and-shoot digital cameras. Nowadays, only a few devices use the mini-USB connector.

mini USB connector

Micro USB Connector

The Micro USB connector is the next-generation specification connector of Mini USB, which is more compact and can also be divided into Micro-A and Micro-B. Micro USB has always been the standard connector for charging ports on Android phones and other devices, offering comparable or better-charging speeds and data transfer capabilities than Mini USB. Devices and accessories using Micro USB connectors are still fairly common today.

micro USB connector

USBC (Type-C)

The Type-C connector is a new type of USB connector that has appeared in recent years. For users, no matter which side you grab. It has also become the most widely used port on the latest smartphones and laptops.

Its power capability allows for bidirectional power flow, allowing devices to charge each other and power larger displays. Additionally, Type-C has better data rates and can drive high-resolution displays. But Type-C is a connector and doesn't necessarily support USB 3. x or Power Delivery.

type-c connector

Where are USB C, USB B, and USB A used?

USB A 

  • Almost all desktops, laptops, and other computers
  • Most tablets
  • Smart TVs
  • Game consoles
  • Flash drives or memory sticks
  • DVD and Blue-Ray players
  • Peripherals like keyboards and computer mice
  • Other devices

USB B 

  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Projectors
  • Other devices that connect to your computer

USB C

  • Some of the latest smartphones
  • Some of the latest laptops
  • Nintendo Switch game console
  • USBC Hub for Laptop & Smartphone

How to Choose the Right USB Connector?

  1. Learn about the difference betweendifferent USB ports.
  2. Check out the female port of the device you will be using.
  3. Confirm a USB connector.

Warm tips: If your mobile phone needs fast charging, you can directly narrow the range and look for one in the Type-C connector.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.