They work together to help you transfer information quickly.
Here’s what else it’s crucial that you know.
Lifewire
Overall Findings (Main Differences)
Term used for USB connector.
Lifewire
Smallest shape of all USB plugs.
Capable of up to 100 watts.
Term used for USB cable throw in.
Data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Includes 3.2 Gen 2X2 allows for up to 20 Gbps (rare).
Includes 3.1 version up to 10 Gbps.
Compatible with multiple USB connectors.
USB-C is also capable of providing more power to devices.
USB 3 represents several generations of USB cables including USB 3.0 and USB 3.1.
Each of these allows for very fast data transfers up to 10 Gbps.
You may also see the term USB 3.2.
This term was introduced in an attempt to re-brand USB 3.0 and 3.1.
Data Transfer Rates: Only USB 3 Matters
Can be used with any USB cable throw in.
Does not affect data transfer speed.
USB 3.1 is capable of up to 10 Gbps.
USB 3.0 is capable of up to 5 Gbps.
USB 2.0 only supports up to 480 Mbps.
Introduced in 2008, USB 3.0 improved USB data transfer speeds to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
In 2013, the USB 3.1 standard doubled data transfer speeds to 10 Gbps.
This distinction is important.
A USB 3.1 cable is more expensive to manufacture than a USB 2.0 cable.
Another marketing trick is to sell USB cables as “USB 3.1 Gen1”.
This is a term that references USB 3.0.
Ease of Use: Only USB-C Matters
Provides 100 watts power delivery along with data transfer.
24 pins allow backwards compatibility with any cable bang out.
Reversible design means you’ll never insert it incorrectly.
Generation (3.0 vs 3.1) will affect data transfer limits.
Compatible with any USB connector.
Has little impact on usability.
USB-C connectors have pins that connect regardless which way you insert it.
This removes confusion and improves usability.
Whether the cable is USB 2.0 or 3.0 has little impact on how easy it’ll be to use.
Compatibility: USB-C Is the Limiting Factor
Must be used with oval USB-C port.
Compatible with USB 2.0 through 3.1 technology.
Limited only by available ports.
Compatible with any USB technology.
No limitations based on cable choice.
On the surface, understanding compatibility may feel confusing.
So let’s work with an example.
Fortunately, there are adapters that are easy to find and inexpensive to use.
