USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, has been the standard connection type for computers and tech devices since 1998. Apple’s decision to include it in the original iMac revolutionized the industry.
Prior to USB, there were various connection types like ADB, FireWire, and SCSI, each with its own variations.
USB has evolved over the years, with newer versions being released every few years, offering faster speeds and enhanced functionality.
While there are many types of USB connectors now available, the industry is moving towards standardization, getting closer to the universal ideal.
USB speeds have also seen significant improvements over the years. Before delving into USB speeds, let’s first explore the different types of USB connectors.
Foundry
USB-A is the most common type with a rectangular connector, still widely used in PCs and devices.
USB-B was popular among printer manufacturers for its tunnel-like design. There’s also USB-B Mini, occasionally used.
Micro-USB (also known as USB-B Micro) is a small, reversible connector found in older and budget devices. Some Micro-USB cables are reversible, making them more convenient.
USB-B Micro Super Speed is often seen in external hard drives, featuring 10 pins compared to Micro-USB’s 5 pins.
USB-C offers a reversible connector, making it convenient to use. Many modern laptops, tablets, and phones have switched to USB-C, offering faster variants like Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5, as well as USB4.
Modern devices often feature only USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, necessitating the use of USB-C docking stations or hubs to connect various devices.
USB-C is smaller than USB-A, provides fast data transfer rates, and can deliver up to 100W of power. It can also transmit DisplayPort signals, allowing users to connect external displays using a single cable.
USB-C’s Alternate Mode enables video output to different connectors, including HDMI and DisplayPort. Some monitors now come with USB-C ports for direct connectivity.
Mac users may face limitations in external display support and 4K video rates over USB-C. Thunderbolt offers better multi-screen capabilities, making it preferable for Macs.
Choosing the right USB-C cable is crucial, as some are designed for data transfer while others are better suited for charging. It’s essential to select a cable that meets your specific needs.
Plugable
Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 offer faster speeds and increased display support compared to USB-C, allowing for enhanced performance and connectivity.
USB-C also supports USB Power Delivery, enabling higher power delivery for charging devices. USB PD 3.1 can provide up to 240W of power, supporting Thunderbolt 4, 5, and USB4.
The Apple Lightning connector, although similar to USB-C in terms of reversibility, is specific to older Apple devices and accessories.
USB speeds range from 12Mbps to 120,000Mbps
USB speeds have evolved significantly over the years, with different versions offering varying data transfer rates. Understanding these speeds can help in selecting the right USB connection for your needs.
USB 1.1 (Full-Speed) provided speeds of 12Mbps, equivalent to 1.5MBps.
USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) increased speeds to 480Mbps, or 60MBps, still widely used in many devices.
USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) raised the bar with 5Gbps speeds, equivalent to 625MBps or 5,000Mbps.
USB 3.1 introduced two variants: USB 3.1 Gen 1 at 5Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2 at 10Gbps.
Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 offer even faster speeds, supporting multiple displays and higher data rates, making them ideal for high-performance setups.
USB4 is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, offering speeds up to 40Gbps and supporting various functionalities and power delivery options.
Thunderbolt 3 vs Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 5 vs USB4
Thunderbolt and USB4 connectors provide faster speeds and enhanced capabilities compared to traditional USB connections, making them ideal for high-performance setups.
Thunderbolt 4 and 5 offer increased data-transfer rates, improved display support, and enhanced features like hubbing for versatile connectivity options.
USB4 is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, offering fast speeds and a range of functionalities for modern devices.
What is USB4?
USB4 is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, offering fast speeds and versatile connectivity options for modern devices.
USB4 is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, providing a seamless experience across various devices and peripherals.
USB4 offers a range of speeds and power delivery options, catering to different device requirements and usage scenarios.
Choosing the right USB-C cable is essential to ensure optimal performance and compatibility across devices. USB4 and Thunderbolt cables offer fast speeds and enhanced features for modern setups.
