Here’s what else you need to know.
Overall Findings (Main Differences)
The easiest way to understand the differences between USB-C vs USB 3 is that one describes the connector (USB-C), and the other is the data transfer technology (USB 3). USB-C is the latest generation of USB connectors that provide a reversible plug you can insert into the device without inserting it wrong. USB-C is also capable of providing more power to devices. USB 3 represents several generations of USB cables including USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. Each of these allows for very fast data transfers up to 10 Gbps.
Data Transfer Rates: Only USB 3 Matters
Introduced in 2008, USB 3.0 improved USB data transfer speeds to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. In 2013, the USB 3.1 standard doubled data transfer speeds to 10 Gbps. This distinction is important. A USB 3.1 cable is more expensive to manufacture than a USB 2.0 cable. Since the USB-C connector works on any USB cable, including USB 2.0, marketers of cheaper USB cables sell cables marketed as “USB-C”, leaving the USB 2.0 specification in small print. If you’re looking for a USB cable capable of high speed data transfer rates, make sure it’s USB 3.0 or higher, regardless of the connector type.
Ease of Use: Only USB-C Matters
When it comes to how easy it is to use a USB cable, only the connector type (USB-C) really matters. USB A and B type cables always depend on inserting the connector the right way as well as the port shape. USB-C connectors have pins that connect regardless which way you insert it. This removes confusion and improves usability. Whether the cable is USB 2.0 or 3.0 has little impact on how easy it’ll be to use.
Compatibility: USB-C Is the Limiting Factor
On the surface, understanding compatibility may feel confusing. So let’s work with an example. Let’s say you have:
A printer capable of USB 2.0 with a USB Type-B connectorA USB cable rated for USB 2.0Your computer USB port rated for USB 3.1
In this scenario, so long as both ends of the cable fit into the appropriate ports on the printer and the computer, the USB 2.0 cable will work. This is because the computer’s port rated for USB 3.1 is backwards compatible with both the cable and the printer. Here’s an alternate scenario:
A new printer capable of USB 3.1The computer end of the printer cable is a USB-C type connectorYour computer USB port is USB A, without any USB-C ports
This scenario won’t work, because your computer doesn’t have a USB-C port. In fact, the most common compatibility issue people have with USB-C is not having a USB-C port on their device. Fortunately, there are adapters that are easy to find and inexpensive to use. And more commonly, connection cables will have a USB-C end and a USB A end (for the computer).
Final Verdict: USB-C and USB are Different, But Important
Since USB 3 technology is backwards compatible with all older devices and ports, you usually can’t go wrong buying a cable rated for USB 3.0 or 3.1. With these cables, you will enjoy better data transfer rates if both devices you’re connecting are capable of it. On the other hand, you wouldn’t want to by a cable with a USB-C connector if either the device you’re connecting or your computer doesn’t have a port that will support that connector. Always purchase your cables based on the USB type (A, B, or C) of the port you’re plugging into on each end.
