The Ultimate Guide to USB Cables by StarTech.com

We know that technology evolves faster and further every day and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve partnered with StarTech.com, a global leader in manufacturing top-quality USB cables and connectivity solutions, to bring you this USB Cable Guide.

Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the various types of USB cables, what the USB versions mean for transferring your data, and how they work.

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is an umbrella term used to describe the most common port type: the rectangular USB, known as USB A. Typically, USB ports are found across multiple devices, such as phones, PCs, and gaming consoles.

Initially developed in the mid-90s, the USB connection was created to standardize ports for peripherals. This is so secondary devices, like printers and keyboards, can connect to a wider range of computers and hosts, rather than a select few with specific receptacles.

Today, there are a variety of USB types, but the main use of all USBs has remained the same: to transfer data and power. Over time, new versions have been released to improve transfer speeds and power output.

StarTech.com are the experts when it comes to how this technology works. The industry leaders explain a USB cable connection like this:

If you were to open up a USB cable, you would notice 4 different USB wire colours: white and green, which carry data, and red and black, which are used for power. Red carries 5 volts and acts as the positive wire, while black is the negative wire, otherwise known as the ground wire.

Each type of USB connection (USB cable type A, B, C, micro and mini) has a pinout system, these are the small metal strips inside the connector, designed to access each of these wires and their capabilities.

Over the last 25 years, there have been several different USB cables and iterations, depending on the USB protocol. The USB started with version 1.0, which transfers up to 12Mbps and was released in 1995. The latest today is USB version 4, which transfers up to a massive 40Gbps.

StarTech.com know that users want the best USB for the job, which is why they have created a table below to help decipher the speed and capabilities of each version.

As with USB versions, the shape of the USB connection has also seen drastic changes over the years. With each new evolution of USB type, their form factor generally becomes smaller to accommodate for new, much thinner devices that are popular during the time of release.

The USB C design, which is the latest USB release, is unique because it’s the only USB that fits into another port type not specifically created for it: Thunderbolt 3. They are both the same shape and users can employ Thunderbolt 3 and USB C cables and ports interchangeably. All other male and female USB connector types only fit their corresponding male and female ports. For example, a USB port type b will only accept a USB type B connector.

The version or speed of the technology is dictated by the host device, connecting peripheral, and the version of the USB cable, not the shape of the port.

What Does Backwards Compatible Mean?

Backwards compatibility means that the latest version of something is still capable of using previous versions. For example, a USB A 3.0 port is capable of recognising and utilising a USB A 2.0 peripheral.

For the newer USB C, it’s still possible to connect older USB supported devices to a USB C port or host, via an adapter. StarTech.com provide an extensive range of USB cables, which can be used if the host and peripheral have different port types. Adapters, or connectors, can be found for all USB types and are not limited to USB C.

When using previous USB versions, the performance is limited to the earliest version that’s being used. For example, if you want to transfer files from a 2.0 USB A enabled hard drive to a laptop with USB A 3.0 ports, the transfer rate (USB speeds) would be limited to 480Mbps.

StarTech USB-C Multiport Adapter with HDMI

Discover more about this multiport adapter from StarTech.com in our handy video. From its compact size to the variety of ports available, explore how it could benefit your setup.

Below is a short explanation of the most popular USB types available on the market:

USB-C and Thunderbolt 3

Changing the way we think about connectivity and performance. Discover why so many people are beginning the transition to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 in this short video from StarTech.

Choosing a USB Cable or Connector

Now that we've covered the most popular types of USB connectors, you may still be wondering which one do you have or need?

Every USB connector type is available as a 'female' or 'male' which shows the way they are compatible. A male part will plug into a female counterpart.

StarTech.com want every user to find what they’re looking for and the experts have put together a USB types chart and some questions below to help. The chart will show you what each USB cable connection looks like, helping you identify what male plug or female receptacle you require.

Things to think about:

• Do I need a male plug or a female receptacle?
• What input and output USB types do I need?
• Do both the connectors need to be the same?
• What colour and USB cable length do I need?
• What version do I require?

Sometimes a connector is more useful than a cable. For this, we have another handy guide for USB connectors to help you decide what’s right for your needs and devices.

What Does 'OTG' Mean?

USB On-the-Go, or “OTG”, is a specification that allows two USB devices to connect. This is where one USB which would normally be considered a “device” can act as a “host” for the other USB peripheral. For example, with a USB OTG cable, users can connect a USB mouse (the peripheral/device) to their smartphone or tablet (the new host) and use it as you would when connected to a desktop. There is normally a fifth pin in the USB connection which allows this interaction.

Which USB Cables Support Fast Charging?

There are dedicated ports on docking stations, charge hubs and computers that are commonly referred to as “fast charge ports.” There are also specialised USB cables for fast charging. These ports and cables often boast more power to charge mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, quicker than with a standard USB cable and adapter. Make sure to check the product details for full charge speed specifications.

Are USB Ports Colour Coded?

A common way to identify the USB version is to see what colour the inner plastic part of the connection is. White indicates USB 1.0, black USB 2.0, and a blue USB port is USB 3.0. It’s important to know that some manufacturers decide against using the colour coded indicators, so you should always check the packaging or online specification.

How Long Can a USB Cable Be?

Depending on the version of the cable, USB 3.0 cables have a maximum length of 3m, and USB 2.0 has a 5m limit. It’s possible to employ an active extension USB cable to repeat the signal over a longer distance. USB 2.0 can then be extended to a maximum USB cable length of 25m and USB 3.0 to 18m.

What are USB Cables Made of?

The majority of StarTech.com’s cables, as well as some other brands, are made with hard-wearing PVC plastic. This protects everything inside, including the high-quality copper wiring, which provides excellent conductivity.

Where Can I Recycle USB Cables?

Tech waste is incredibly damaging to the environment. Recycling your old USB wiring is the best way to help slow down the use of precious resources and reduce toxic landfill. The best place to recycle your USB cables is through charities like WEEECharity. Charities such as these are dedicated to responsibly recycling old cables and some even offer to collect your old electronics for you.