What are the Different Types of USB Ports and Connectors?

USBs are everywhere these days. Smartphones, tablets, music players, and smartwatches, even though they all work differently and serve different purposes, all have one thing in common- USB cables.



In this article, we will tell you about different types of usb ports and connectors.



What are USB connectors?

Universal Serial Bus (USB) was developed in the 1990s in an effort to simplify the connections between computers and peripheral devices. It has become widely popular due to its compatibility with many platforms and operating systems, its low cost of implementation, and its ease of use. Most computers that are built today come with several USB ports, and USB is the interface of choice for most home and office peripherals including printers, cameras, modems, and portable storage devices.

USB C Male to Micro USB Female Adapter 90 Degree



Where To Find the USB Ports?

Desktop: On the desktops, we often find the Universal Serial Bus ports on the front and back.

Laptop: You will find the ports on both sides of the laptop.

Tablet: Usually, a USB connection is located in the charging port of the Tablet.

Smartphones: Like tablets, the Universal Serial Bus connection for smartphones is in its charging port as well.



What are the Different Types of USB Ports and Connectors?

Different types of USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports and connectors vary by shape and size depending on the type of device.



Here are some types of USB cables based on USB Speed Standards and devices.

USB C Male to USB 3.0 Female Adapter With Keyring Hole



USB 1.0 to 2.0 to 3.0

USB 1.0 to 3.0 are under USB Speed Standards.



USB 1.x is already considered obsolete. It was replaced by USB 2.0 in the year 2001 which has a faster data transfer rate than USB 1.x. USB 1.x can only transfer 1.4 Megabytes per second (Mbps). USB 2.0 can transfer 40 Mbps.



Around 2008, USB 3.0 was launched. However, there are still cheaper USB cables that are under USB 2.0.



USB 3.0 connectors can work in USB 2.0 ports. Most external hard drives and high-end flash drives have USB 3.0 connectors to have the fastest data transfer speeds. It can transfer up to 5.0 Gigabytes per second. USB 3.0 connectors are often marked with a blue coloring or a lightning sign.



USB Type-A

Extremely common and found on many USB cables. Computers with USB Type-A ports can be connected to devices such as smartphones, keyboards and cameras to transfer data or to charge the device's battery.

USB-C to USB-A Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Cable

USB Type-B

Printers and scanners commonly have USB Type-B ports to in order to connect with computers. USB Type-B ports and connectors have an almost square shape. This is why universal USB cables have a USB Type-A connector in one end and a USB Type-B connector in another.



Mini-USB

Mini-USB ports are common for smaller devices such as smartphones, cameras and MP3 players.



Micro-USB

Micro-USB ports and connectors are made for slimmer devices such as Bluetooth speakers, power banks, cheaper smartphones and cables of charging stands.



USB-C

This type of port can be found in new devices (especially in mobile devices) as it offers faster data transfer speed than previous USB types. Unlike the other USB types, USB-C can be plugged upside or downside.

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