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When it comes to USB and USB-C, how do they compare? Whether you are tech-savvy or not, there is a high chance you have several gadgets using either of the two ports and cables.
USB-A and USB-C are two of the most common PC connectors today, allowing users to transmit power and data to their gadgets easily. However, the two differ in design, transmission speeds, compatibility, and reliability.
So, which is one better? Let’s examine the two USB standards to help you decide which one is best for your needs and how they stack up.
USB vs. USB-C: Side-by-Side Comparison
| USB A | USB C | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speeds | 5 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Maximum Power Output | 2.5W | 100W |
| USB Technologies Supported | USB 1.1, USB 2.0 | USB 3.0, USB 3.1 |
| Fast Charging? | No | Yes |
| Insertion | Only one orientation is possible | Works both ways regardless of orientation |
- USB-A to A cable, male to male
- Double-ended USB cable
- Compatible with Hard Drive Enclosures, DVD Player, Laptop
- Cool Grey Color
![AINOPE USB 3.0 A to A Male Cable, [6.6FT]](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/51WDeeWxlZL._SL500_.webp)
- 6 ft., 2-pack
- 100W power
- USB 2.0 Type C Charging Cable
- Fast Charge for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, iPad Air 4, Samsung Galaxy S21, Pixel, Switch, LG, and more
- Black
USB vs. USB-C: What’s the Difference?
Power Output
When it comes to USBs, a higher power output means less charging time. USB has a maximum power output of 2.5 watts, which is generally low but mostly gets the work done.
On the other hand, USB-C registers very high power output, having a maximum of 100W. If you own a USB-C smartphone, there is a high chance it uses 18 watts, which may not be the cable’s full capacity but still is very fast. However, you must use a cable and charger that supports these high speeds to enjoy the full capacity of USB-C.
Currently, more devices are adopting USB-C as their standard thanks to its high output and fast charge support. The new MacBook Pro comes with USB-C ports and, if you are a gamer, you’ll notice that the PS5 controllers also use USB-C. This wide acceptance shows just how popular it is becoming.
Shape and Orientation
USB-A and -C have varying connector types, with USB-A having a horizontal rectangular port with pin connectors on its lower side. With this connector design, you have to insert it correctly, or you’ll encounter some resistance. On the other hand, the USB-C connector has a small and thin, oval-shaped design. The connector’s symmetrical design makes insertion easy as it works both ways.
Price
We cannot end this USB versus USB-C debate based on price. However, if you need to purchase either cable, you will notice a slight price difference which is worth mentioning. A USB-C cable, on average, costs around $10 to $20. A new USB-A cable would cost you anywhere from $15 to $30.
Compatibility and Reliability
USB-A was initially designed for computer components, including keyboards, external storage devices, cameras, scanners, mice, scanners, and printers. USB also plays a significant role in connecting mobile phones and tablets to computers.
However, USB-A isn’t very reliable. For most of us, we have found ourselves in a situation where we needed to plug in a USB-A in the dark. But, since there is a specific orientation to be followed, we ended up struggling a bit or in the worst-case scenario, destroying the charging port or cable. Even if it is compatible with most devices, its design brings about a directionality problem during insertion, making it harder to use and therefore more unreliable compared to USB-C.
USB-C passed the reliability test thanks to its oval shape, which didn’t limit us to a specific orientation. If you are a USB-C user, you’ll agree that you can plug in your device fairly easily, even in the dark. Additionally, USB-C is common in most new devices and mostly those requiring large power inputs like laptops, computers, and printers. Most old gadgets use USB-A ports and cables, so you will still need USB-A even if you own a USB-C device. Additionally, not all chargers can provide the high power that the USB-C transmits.
© Vladimir Arndt/Shutterstock.com
Video Output
The video output comparison seems a bit one-sided since only USB-A ports with USB 3.0 technology can support video. On the other hand, USB-C supports up to 4K video output. Thunderbolt 4 cables can concurrently support 4k videos on two monitors, which is quite impressive. With such abilities, you can play Call Of Duty Mobile on your iPad Pro as your friends watch you take out enemies in 4K resolution. If 4K is not enough, USB-C can also handle video output on a single 8K monitor.
Data Transfer
We all transfer data from our phones or cameras to our laptops or other gadgets, and nothing can be as annoying as low data transfer speeds. Theoretically, USB-A connectors can transmit data at 5 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 10 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2. On paper, these are high speeds, but when we compare them with that of the USB-C, it is slow.
USB-C takes data transfer speeds to the next level. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 variant has a speed of 20 Gbps, USB4 variant 40 Gbps, and USB4 V2 80 Gbps.
Lifecycle
Cables and devices have a very high life cycle, but users rarely notice this. Both USB-A and USB-C have an average of 10,000 insertions and removals, which is more than anyone needs for their devices. USB-C is more reliable thanks to its design and will last longer than USB-A. However, this is a minor difference since both USB-A and USB-C will last a long time.
USB vs. USB-C: 8 Must-Know Facts
- While USB-C can churn out up to 100W of power, USB-A supports a maximum of 2.5W.
- USB-A was initially designed for computer components, including keyboards, external storage devices, cameras, scanners, mice, scanners, and printers.
- Most old gadgets use USB-A ports and cables, so you might still need USB-A even if you own a USB-C device.
- USB-A can transfer data between 5 Gbps to 10 Gbps depending on the USB technology, the port, and cable support. On the other hand, USB-C can handle up to 10 Gbps.
- USB-A and USB-C have a high lifespan of 10,000 insertions and removals. USB-C will, however, last longer because of its multi-sided design.
- USB-A is compatible with most devices, such as computers and printers, but has low reliability due to its specific insertion orientation. USB-C, on the other hand, is highly reliable thanks to its double-sided orientation. However, it suffers low compatibility with only new devices using the ports and cables.
- While only USB-A ports with USB 3.0 technology support any video output, USB-C allows screen mirroring in 4K and 8K.
- A USB-A connector only works one way, while a USB-C cable has a reversible design that comes with similar ends.
- USB-A to A cable, male to male
- Double-ended USB cable
- Compatible with Hard Drive Enclosures, DVD Player, Laptop
- Cool Grey Color
- 6 ft., 2-pack
- 100W power
- USB 2.0 Type C Charging Cable
- Fast Charge for MacBook Pro 2020, iPad Pro 2020, iPad Air 4, Samsung Galaxy S21, Pixel, Switch, LG, and more
- Black
USB vs. USB-C: Which One is Better?
So, which one is superior? The answer is simple. USB-C is better with its fast data transfer speeds, reliability, ease of use, and immense power output that makes it possible to charge larger devices.
Although it was first launched in 2014, USB-C is still growing in popularity and is on the path to replacing the original USB. In the next few years, most devices will likely be using USB-C. We don’t mean that USB-A is less effective, but USB-C just packs up more specs.
However, thousands of devices are still using USB-A ports, so do not throw away your USB-A cable just yet. But if you recently upgraded to MacBook Pro 14, you will notice that it lacks USB-A ports. This shows that USB-C is slowly being adapted for all devices, from laptops to HDD and SDD hard disks and all the way to smartphones. USB-C is the future of USB cables.
