USB speeds, types and features explained

USB, which stands for Universal Serial Bus, has been the standard connection type for computers and most tech devices since 1998. Apple’s original iMac played a significant role in popularizing USB as a connection standard. Before USB, there were various connection types like ADB, FireWire, and SCSI, each with its own variations.

Over the years, USB has evolved to become faster with new versions being released every few years, offering improved speed and functionality. Despite being called “Universal,” there are now multiple types of USB connectors, although some older types are being phased out.

The quest for universalization continues, and we are steadily moving closer to that goal. Before diving into the speeds of USB, let’s first explore the different types of USB connectors.

USB-A is the most common type, characterized by its rectangular connector, and is still widely used in PCs and devices.

USB-B was popular among printer manufacturers due to its tunnel-like shape. There is also a USB-B Mini variant that is still occasionally used.

Micro-USB (or USB-B Micro) is a small, fiddly connector found in older and cheaper devices. The reversible Micro-USB cables offer a solution to the issue of inserting the connector the wrong way up.

USB-B Micro Super Speed is a type often found on external hard drives, featuring 10 pins compared to the standard Micro-USB’s 5 pins.

USB-C addresses the one-way insertion problem of USB-A and Micro-USB by being reversible. It has become the standard for modern laptops, tablets, and phones, except for Apple’s Lightning-based devices.

Modern laptops often feature only USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, necessitating the use of USB-C docking stations, Thunderbolt docking stations, or USB-C hubs for connecting various devices.

USB-C is smaller than USB-A, offers fast data transfer rates, and can carry up to 100W of power. It also supports DisplayPort signals over the same cable and connector used for USB signals.

USB-C’s Alternate Mode allows for video output to HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and other video connectors, making it versatile for connecting to external displays, TVs, and projectors.

When it comes to video output, Macs are limited to one external display over USB-C due to the lack of Multi-stream Transport support. Some exceptions exist, enabling 60Hz refresh rates for 4K video over USB-C.

It’s essential to choose the right cable for your specific needs, considering factors like data transfer speed and charging capabilities. Selecting the appropriate USB-C cable is crucial for optimal performance.

Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 offer faster speeds and support multiple external displays on Macs and Windows PCs, along with the capability of 4K at 60Hz.

USB-C also supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD), which can deliver up to 240W of power. USB PD specifications vary, with some versions reaching 240W with Thunderbolt 4 or 5 and USB4.

The Apple Lightning connector, similar to USB-C, is reversible but is found on older Apple devices and accessories designed for them.

USB Speeds: From 12Mbps to 120,000Mbps

The evolution of USB speeds has seen significant advancements over the years. USB 1.1 (Full-Speed) offered speeds of 12Mbps, while USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) increased that to 480Mbps. USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) took it even further with speeds of 5Gbps.

USB 3.1 introduced two variants: USB 3.1 Gen 1 at 5Gbps and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (SuperSpeed+) at 10Gbps. The naming conventions for USB 3.1 versions could be confusing at times.

USB 3.2 Types and Speeds

USB 3.2 aimed to simplify the existing USB standards, although it was limited to USB-C connectors and maxed out at 10Gbps. The specification encompassed all previous 3.x versions and identified three transfer rates: USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 at 20Gbps.

Thunderbolt 3 vs. Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 5 vs. USB4

Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5, along with USB4, offer faster data transfer rates than traditional USB connections. Thunderbolt provides PCI Express data for various devices and supports DisplayPort functionality in a single cable.

Thunderbolt 4 introduced improvements over Thunderbolt 3, such as longer cables, wake from sleep functionality, and enhanced PCIe bandwidth for faster data transfers. Thunderbolt 5 represents a significant leap in data transfer speeds and functionality.

What is USB4?

USB4 is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol and supports speeds of up to 40Gbps. It shares a physical resemblance with USB-C, USB 3.2, and Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 connectors. USB4 offers increased bandwidth, power delivery, and compatibility with various devices.

USB4 is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, as well as backward compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0. It provides power delivery for accessories and supports multiple displays, offering a dynamic allocation of bandwidth for optimized performance.

Get the Right USB-C Cables

Choosing the right USB-C cables is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with your devices. It’s essential to consider factors like data transfer speed, charging capabilities, and compatibility with different USB versions.

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 cables offer versatility and backward compatibility across various USB-C versions. When purchasing USB-C cables, look for USB4 certification or Thunderbolt 4 compatibility for future-proofing your setup.

For longer Thunderbolt 4 cables, consider using “active” cables with built-in repeater chipsets to maintain signal integrity over extended distances.

For detailed reviews and recommendations on the best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables, explore our roundup of top-rated products in the market.