Types of USB connectors

There are different variations of connector cables, and they are used on different types of devices.

When the technology just came into existence, only two connector types were detailed in the original specification – standard A and standard B.

Now there are many more types of connectors, but the majority of devices and peripherals still do with A-connector and B-connector interfaces.

Common USB Cable Types and Their Uses

The Most Common Types of USB Cables and Connectors Are:

USB-A, or USB Type A

This is the original flat and rectangular connector.

These cables always have USB-A on one end with a different port type on the other and can be used for device charging and data transfer.

USB-A is still widely used, and most computers have multiple USB-A ports for connecting peripherals. You will find them on gaming consoles, TVs, and other devices too.

USB-B or Type B

Type-B is mainly used on large devices, like scanners or printers and other powered devices that connect to a computer.

some newer devices have moved on from USB-B to smaller options, like Micro-USB or Mini-USB.

Mini-USB

As the name suggests, Mini-USB is a smaller version of USB-B.

It was the standard for charging or transferring data from devices like tablets before Micro-USB was.

There are also Type-A and Type-B versions of this connector.

It’s uncommon to see many products using Mini-USB today, though you can still find them on older electronics like MP3 players or the PlayStation 3 controller.

Micro-USB

Another past standard, slowly declining in popularity, for mobile and portable devices.

It's even smaller than mini-USB. While you'll still find micro-USB on some smartphones, tablets, USB battery packs, and game controllers, many have moved onto USB-C.

Some manufacturers still opt for using Micro-USB parts for their devices, as they are less costly than those for USB-C.

USB-C or Type C

USB-C is the emerging standard for charging and transferring data.

The designation C refers only to the connector's physical configuration or form factor and should not be confused with the connector's specific capabilities, which are designated by its transfer specifications (such as USB 3.2).

USB Type-C has a new, tiny physical connector—roughly the size of a micro-USB connector.

The USB-C connector itself can support various exciting new USB standard like USB 3.1 and USB power delivery (USB PD).