The Complete Guide to USB Cable Types

USB cables have come a long way. They can now stream 4K video to a monitor, charge a laptop, back-up a DSLR, and connect gear ranging from studio mics to game consoles. With so many plug shapes and speed ratings, ending up with the wrong cord is almost a rite of passage.

In this article, we run through the common types of USB cables, spell out what each one does best, and share quick tips for choosing the right cable on the first try—so you can finally retire the junk-drawer gamble.

What is USB?

Universal Serial Bus (USB) arrived in the mid-1990s to replace a tangle of serial, parallel, and custom ports. One connector able to move data and supply power—that was the whole idea. Each new version raised the bar, adding either extra speed, more wattage, or both. That's why one modern USB-C cable can charge a notebook, power a 4K monitor, and shuffle data without swapping ports.

Common Types of USB Connectors

Turn over just about any gadget and you'll spot only a handful of USB plug shapes—each one built for a specific purpose. The list below walks you through the connectors you're most likely to run into while digging through your stash of USB cables.

USB Type-A

Rectangular and easy to spot, USB Type-A is the original plug found on most desktop computers, TVs, game consoles, and countless power bricks.

• Main Use: Host-side connector for external accessories
• Compatibility: Widely used with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports
• Speed Support: 5 Gbps max (USB 3.0)
• Power Delivery: 2.5W max (USB 2.0) and 4.5W max (USB 3.0)

USB Type-B

You'll mostly find USB Type-B on older gear like printers, scanners, and some external hard drives. It's easy to spot with its square shape and slightly rounded top corners.

• Primary Use: Connecting larger peripherals to a host device
• Compatibility: Common in office and industrial equipment
• Speed Support: Varies by generation (USB 2.0 and USB 3.0)
• Power Delivery: Limited compared to modern USB standards

Micro-USB

Back in the day, Micro-USB powered nearly every Android phone and pocket speaker. Now you see it mainly on bargain devices and hand-me-down accessories.

• Primary Use: Phones, power banks, or small electronics
• Compatibility: Still used in low-cost or legacy products
• Speed Support: Up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
• Power Delivery: Up to 9W with Quick Charge

USB Type-C (USB-C)

These days, nearly every modern gadget ships with USB-C. There's no "right-side-up" to worry about, and the same cable handles both fast charging and swift data moves.

• Primary Use: Phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, or monitors
• Compatibility: Highly versatile; works with adapters and many native ports
• Speed Support: Up to 40 Gbps (USB4).
• Power Delivery: Up to 240W via USB Power Delivery (USB PD).

Data Speeds and Power Delivery

USB has evolved not just in shape but in functionality. Here's how different types of USB cables compare in terms of speed and power:

USB Version	Max Data Speed	Max Power Delivery
USB 1.1	12 Mbps	2.5W
USB 2.0	480 Mbps	2.5W
USB 3.0	5 Gbps	4.5W
USB 3.1	10 Gbps	15W
USB 3.2	20 Gbps	100W
USB4	40 Gbps	240W

USB Power Delivery (USB PD)

USB Power Delivery is basically a turbo button for USB-C. Plug in a cable that supports it—say, Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable—and there's enough juice to revive a laptop or a handheld console in a hurry.

USB Cable Buying Tips

Picking a cable takes more than matching plug shapes. Use the pointers below when you sort through different kinds of USB cables:

Connector Type Compatibility

Check the connector at each end—USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, or Micro-USB. Not sure which to choose? USB-C is the safest bet for most new devices.

Cable Purpose

• Charging: Look for wattage plus USB PD or Quick Charge support.
• Data: Transferring large files? Choose USB 3.x or USB4-rated cables

Build Quality

Braided exterior, thicker insulation, and reinforced strain-relief points help a cable shrug off daily wear.

Certified Brands

Always buy from reputable manufacturers, like Anker, that guarantee safety, longevity, and great performance.

Length Consideration

Longer cables add electrical resistance. Use the shortest length that still reaches comfortably.

Backwards Compatibility

Most new USB types work with older ports, but only at the older port's speed and power. A USB-C-to-USB-A cable syncs with USB 2.0 gear but won't reach full USB-C performance.

Recommended Product

Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable is recommended for high-speed charging and data transfer between types of USB-C compatible devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets. It delivers up to 240W for charging plus 480 Mbps data transfers. In addition, the 100-year bend durability enables you to bend freely and use it at will.

If you are a multi-brand user, consider Anker 321 USB-A to Lightning Cable. It offers reliable charging and syncing and is MFi-Certified for Apple devices. With built-in Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors, charge all your devices with the interchangeable connectors.

Which USB Cable Type Should You Select?

Once you know every USB plug—from USB-A and USB-B to the newer USB-C—everyday tech tasks get simpler. Syncing photos, charging your phone, or connecting a mouse is easy when the right cable is close at hand. Keep two reliable USB-C cables for today's phones, tablets, and laptops, and hang on to one older cable for devices that still use earlier connectors.