USB A vs USB C: Which Connector Is Right for You?

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a widely used connector in everyday devices such as smartphones, computers, smart TVs, tablets, and game consoles.

They are designed for both data transfer and charging purposes. The two primary types of USB cables and ports are USB-A and C.

Both USBs differ significantly in their capabilities for data transfer, charging, and additional functionalities.

This guide highlights their similarities and distinctions, helping you understand how each connection type operates and what makes them unique.

USB-A

USB Type-A connections refer to the physical design of the USB port. Every USB connection comprises a port in the host device, a connecting cable, and a receptor device.

USB-A is a traditional USB host port design and one of the easiest to recognize on devices.

It’s a horizontal port with the bottom portion dedicated to pin connectors.

This arrangement creates the infamous, one-sided USB connection that only works with a perfectly inserted cable.

There is no USB-B host port, rather, the receiving end for USB connections from the device to the computer is available.

USB-B ports are distinctive for their square shape with rounded corners, resembling a miniature house.

They are typically used for external devices, featuring a USB-A connection on one end and USB-B on the other. Although USB-B to USB-B cables exist, they are seldom utilized.

Variants like “USB Micro-A” and  “USB Mini-A,” which have different port configurations, are less relevant here.

USB-C, introduced in 2014, has become widely used only recently.

This new USB port type addresses many issues of the older USB-A port. Key features of USB-C are:

• A slim design that works regardless of plug orientation

• Replaces USB-A, B, mini, and micro USB connections

• Supports a 100-watt, 20-volt connection, powering larger devices easily

• Allows for much higher data transfer rates compared to USB-A

• USB-C supports power delivery charging devices on either end with compatible cables, including larger devices. 

• It also allows for high-quality video transmission to screens, such as 4K. 

• USB-C can operate in alternate modes, allowing various adapters for connections like HDMI, VGA, or older USB types.

• It may be compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, allowing a USB-C port to function as a TB3 or TB4 port with additional hardware.

Is USB-C Superior? 

USB-C is significantly faster and more versatile than USB-A with the correct data standard.

Eventually, USB-C is expected to replace all USB-A connections and other ports, but this transition will likely take several years.

Currently, USB-A still appears alongside USB-C in many computers to ensure compatibility.

Many people still use older devices, such as smartphones, controllers, receivers, TVs, keyboards, and other peripherals that need a USB-A or USB-B connection.

Many prefer not to purchase adapters to make USB-C work with their older devices.

As older devices become less common, USB-C will become the standard port that everyone expects. This shift is already happening in some areas.

What about USB 3.2?

It refers to a specific USB protocol for data transfer, not the physical port itself.

This protocol defines the data formats the port can handle. USB 3.0 introduced changes to USB-A and USB-B designs, allowing for more features and faster data transfer speeds.

USB-A cables supporting USB 3.0 and above have a blue pin protector instead of the usual gray one.

USB 3.2 comes in two types. The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 uses two 10Gbps lanes to achieve 20Gbps.

The older USB 3.1 10Gbps standard, which, after recent updates, is also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2.

To add more complexity, USB Type-A and USB-C ports can support various standards, from USB 2.0 to USB 3.2.

These standards have no universal names, so different names are often used.

For example, USB 3.1 Gen 1 is also called USB 3.0.

Fortunately, USB 3.2 is backward-compatible with all other USB versions, though USB-C ports may need an adapter.

It’s also important to ensure USB cables and devices support USB 3.1 data capabilities when possible.

USB4

Introduced in 2019, USB4 (also known as USB 4.0) is the newest USB cable and port family standard. It’s gradually appearing in modern PCs and devices.

Apple was among the first to adopt USB4, featuring it on their 2020 M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and M1 Mac mini.

Regarding Apple’s ports, there are Thunderbolt 4 connections that also support the USB4 standard, although only some USB4 cables and ports are compatible with Thunderbolt 4.

As for USB4 features, the protocol mandates data transmission rates of at least 20Gbps, but many USB4 ports can handle speeds up to 40Gbps.

With the 2022 update, some USB4 ports can even achieve speeds of up to 80Gbps.

It supports power delivery of up to 100 watts and is backward compatible.

Summary of USB A vs USB C:

Both support various data standards, including USB 3.2, which determines their data transfer capabilities.

USB 3.2 is backward-compatible with older standards, which is beneficial for users, though it may sometimes require adapters.