USB-A or USB-C: Which Is the Better Solution?

For many years, USB-A has been the standard connection port for most new laptops and PCs. Now, with the advanced features of USB-C, more and more host systems and devices are supporting more modern connection types. That said, because USB-A has long been a leader, many older systems (such as older laptops) still rely on the older connection types for everyday use.

For some people, upgrading to USB-C means completely updating your host system or eliminating many commonly used devices and peripherals. We know this can be a daunting change, but we believe the upgrade is worth it. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help bridge the gap, and here's our take on how USB-C is far superior to its predecessor and why the upgrade is worth the investment.

USB-C to DVI Cable 1080p

What are they doing?

Most people are already familiar with USB ports, but as USB Type-A and USB Type-C are the two most common forms of USB connectivity, understanding the differences between the two is crucial to determining the capabilities and limitations of peripherals and devices.

Ultimately, these connections usually behave as providing the same underlying processes: data transfer and charging. However, there are several reasons why the newest member of the USB family is the clear frontrunner.

How about USB-B?

Before we go any further into the differences that make USB-C the top of the universal connectivity food chain, let's address the elephant in the room.What happened to USB-B?Type-B comes in three different connector variants, Type-B, Mini-B and Micro-B.

Both Mini and Micro B were and still are often used to connect devices such as older smartphones and to charge low-power devices such as wireless speakers. type-B is also used for devices such as printers and scanners. type-A connections are designed to connect to a host computer such as a laptop or PC.

As Type-C is able to perform both functions, in addition to being reversible and more reliable, it is quickly overtaking USB-B as newer smartphones gradually adopt the USB-C connector type for charging and data transfer.

What's the difference?

Although these connector types may offer the same functionality, there are clear differences in their physical form and technical capabilities.

USB-A

The USB connector most familiar to the average consumer has the classic rectangular port and pin connector on the bottom. With this configuration, the connection can only be made if the cable is correctly inserted. Despite the declining use of the old standard USB-C, USB Type-A ports are still common on newly released devices as countless peripherals still use this connection type.

USB-C

On its way to becoming the new standard for consumer technology products, almost all new laptops, tablets and docking stations include USB-C ports. USB-C is more compact than its predecessor, has reversible connections (vertical orientation is irrelevant for USB-C connections) and is compatible with a wide range of connection types such as USB-A, HDMI, Thunderbolt™ 3 and more. In addition, charging capability and transfer speeds are faster due to the power supply support.

Physical differences

Immediately, USB-A and USB-C have different connector types and are therefore easily distinguishable. USB-A connectors are easily identified by their flat rectangular connectors, while USB-C connectors have an oval shape, similar to a much smaller rectangle with rounded sides.

USB-A (USB 3.0 and higher)

In theory, USB-A cables have no real 'maximum', but the signal starts to drop off when the cable length exceeds 3 metres (or about 10 feet).

USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1)

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) states that these cables should be a maximum of 2 metres in length and that the cables offer higher transmission speeds of up to 10Gbps and up to 1 metre (approximately 3 feet).

So why is it better?

In terms of true specifications, USB-C simply has better data transfer rates, symmetry to help avoid connection failures and disconnections, and the ability to charge large electronic devices. In addition, USB-C allows for greater power transfer and speeds up the device charging process.

Although a large number of hosts and devices still support USB-A, these connections will eventually be phased out (although in some cases it may not last for years) and replaced by more advanced types of USB-C connections. Fortunately, if your favourite peripherals are not yet compatible with this new standard, adapters are available to help bridge the technology gap.

To find the perfect adapter for your USB needs, check here.