The difference between USB-C, USB-B, and USB-A is most obvious in their physical form. But distinctions run much deeper. USB-C is a more versatile and powerful standard and now that it’s the most mainstream, it should remain the primary USB version for years to come. However, the range of USB connectors can lead to possible confusion.
Read on to discover how all that changed for the better with USB-C. And find out how ViewSonic USB-C monitors bring you a whole host of benefits.
USB is an industry standard for cables and connectors. Like any technology, it has progressed over time and had various iterations with significant speed and power improvements. The first version was released in 1996, and the most recent speed upgrade is USB4 version 2.0, released in 2022. As speeds increased, so has the physical design of the connectors changed, and USB-C marks a significant improvement on USB-A and USB-B.
USB: The Basics
USB, or universal serial bus, is a protocol and hardware standard for digital communications. It specifies the actual form of cabling and connectors and the structure of the data that passes through them. The original standard was released in 1996.
USB’s primary aim is indicated by the universal of the title. That is, it originally hoped to standardize communication and power sources for computer peripherals. This universality has only recently come close to reality with USB-C, but even the initial iterations greatly improved upon a clutter of earlier connection technologies. Before USB, users had to contend with an array of different and bulky cables and connectors such as parallel, serial, VGA, and PS/2 among others.
A particular advantage of USB over these previous connections is that it combines data and power, largely avoiding the need for independent power supplies for external devices. That means you can easily daisy-chain monitors for a more versatile viewing experience.
USB interfaces also require no additional configuration of data speed, input/output addresses, and memory access channels. Thus, USB devices are much more interchangeable and can be hot swapped. This flexibility continues to drive improvements in the USB standard and in the USB-C form factor.
USB-C, USB-B, and USB-A: Key Differences You Need to Know
USB has several different form specifications for its connectors. Originally, there were just two USB types: USB-A and USB-B. Now, USB-C is busy changing everything.
USB-A
USB-A is the most well-known USB type. Odds are you have plenty of USB-A connectors at home and you’re quite familiar with the way they look. It’s the cable with that one wider end. Only one, as the connector is not rotationally symmetrical and both ends are different, corresponding to a different type of port.
USB-B
Just like USB-A, it’s the original designation for the two ends of a non-symmetrical cable. The differing form of USB-A and USB-B helps to enforce the mono-directional aspect of these iterations of USB. Data flow is bi-directional, but power may only flow from the host to the peripheral or receptor end. Therefore, the cable can only be connected one way.
Furthermore, there are mini and micro versions of both USB-A and USB-B, which causes confusion because users need various cables for basic use cases and may find it difficult to plug devices in for the first time. Or the second.
USB-C
USB-C simplifies everything, all things considered (we’ll explain that even more in-depth later). For starters, it’s fully reversible, so no matter what side you grab to plug, it’s all the same. Then, its bi-directional power capabilities allow for power flow to and from devices, having products charge each other and power larger displays. Also, USB-C has better data rates, which drive high resolution monitors.
This point is a boon for all digital artists needing pristine sound and image production. Or anyone who seeks a plug-and-play connection, for that matter. Besides, productivity and workflow optimization depend heavily on having enough screen space, and USB-C provides just that. Work aside, USB-C monitors bring forth high quality home cinema experiences. There are many improvements, and USB-C greatly simplifies our lives and work. Make sure you’re ready to make the most of it!
What is USB Used For?
USB was originally designed for computer peripherals like keyboards, mice, external disk drives, printers, scanners, cameras, and game controllers. However, mobile phones and tablets are among the most connected devices using USB alongside flash drives since their earliest iterations. In addition, USB has become a versatile connector for audio and video devices like speakers, microphones, monitors, and webcams.
USB’s dual charging and data transmission capabilities mean that it quickly powers ups devices. USB ports on main sockets, adapters, and extension leads are now commonly used for quick charging of mobile devices.
How Has USB Improved Over the Years?
USB has four major versions and three types. The version increments, from USB 1.0 through USB 4.0, primarily mark speed increases. For example, the original USB 1.0 had a data rate of 1.5 megabits per second up to 12 megabits per second in boost. The data rate has improved significantly over the years, with USB 3.2 offering 20 gigabits per second. The most recent USB4 (USB 4.0) specification provides up to 80 gigabits per second through USB-C cables.
Since USB 3.1, which coincided with the introduction of the USB-C connector, improvements have included the directionality of the cable. Previous iterations required specific ends for host and peripheral, whereas USB 3.1 introduced bi-directionality to match the symmetrical connector of USB-C.
USB-A has a thin, rectangular cross-section and is generally used for the host end of the connection. Thus, USB-A ports may be found on laptops, desktops, media players, or game consoles. The original USB-B has a square cross-section with beveled top corners and attaches to peripherals like printers or external hard drives.
Miniaturized versions of USB-A and USB-B appeared with USB 2.0. These come in mini and micro versions and are more convenient for connecting small devices like mobile phones and tablets. However, an issue with both the original, mini, and micro versions of USB-A and B is that the connectors are not rotationally symmetrical. This can lead to difficulty connecting as it may not always be obvious from the plastic housing which side is which.
What Improvements Does USB-C Bring?
One of the advantages of USB-C over its forebears is support for the much higher data rates of USB 3.2 and above, but there are more features. First, USB-C is fully bi-directional and symmetrical. At the simplest level, this means that both ends of the cable are physically the same, so there is no distinction between host and receptor.
USB-C also does away with the variety of previous sizes found for both USB-A and USB-B. It is only slightly larger than the previous micro-B connector, meaning it is suitable for devices from phones and tablets to monitors. This simplicity means USB-C cables are highly interchangeable, so users need fewer cables. Of course, laptop and desktop ports have also been standardized.
USB-C’s reversibility brings bi-directional charging, meaning that it’s possible to charge any device from any other so long as device specs support this. Not only is directionality a problem for older USB cables, but they also don’t support the same level of charging abilities. USB-C supports enough power for a laptop and other larger devices. While USB-A could only support up to 2.5 watts and 5 volts, USB-C supports 100 watts and 20 volts easily.
The practical benefits of this include passthrough charging. Effectively, a USB hub that powers laptops also charges other devices simultaneously. Additionally, laptops can be powered by portable USB-C chargers, allowing greater flexibility when on the move.
One of the issues of USB-A, the lack of connector rotational symmetry, is fully resolved in USB-C. That is, there’s no top or bottom. You can rotate the plug both ways. That means no fumbling around trying to get the connecter the right way. Anyone who has ever had trouble trying to plug in a USB device appreciates the value of USB-C. No more USB superposition guesswork.
USB-C replaces a variety of other connectors. Older USB-A, mini-USB, and micro-B are obviously now outdated. Still, because of USB-C’s data transfer rates and power capacities, it also connects more significant devices like high resolution interactive visual displays. For example, USB-C supports 8K resolutions with 10-bit color and is a fine replacement for HDMI.
Are There Any Downsides to USB-C?
Early USB-C users complained that the standard is trying to do too much for all devices, an inevitable risk of bringing a universal solution into a complicated ecosystem. Since USB-C is a standard that’s not always easy to enforce, actual implementations may vary, and some may not support all modes of operation. These teething problems have largely disappeared, but of course manufacturing quality varies.
The tech industry and user community by now have full confidence in USB-C. In fact, the European Union has passed a law adopting USB-C as the universal charging standard for all electronic devices, aiming to reduce e-waste and increase convenience. As a result, more electronics makers, including Apple, have adopted USB-C in devices like the latest iPhones, iPads, and MacBook series, making it more common and featured in most modern devices.
Final Thoughts
USB-C is a forward-looking technology. It includes support for developing communication protocols that don’t exist yet, so there is room for progress. USB-C, USB-B, and USB-A may seem confusing, but USB-C is a huge improvement over two decades of confusion and has made things much more convenient.
If you would like to know more about USB-C monitors, this article guides you on what to look out for. ViewSonic’s USB-C monitors are also an effective way to future-proof and streamline your desk setup.
Frequently Asked Questions for Differences Between USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C
What is USB-A? USB-A is the classic, rectangular USB connector most people recognize. Standard on computers, chargers, TVs, game consoles, and much more. Connects to peripherals like keyboards, mice, and USB drives. Not reversible and must be plugged in one orientation.
What is USB-B? USB-B is typically square-shaped and used mainly for devices rather than computers. Common on printers, scanners, audio interfaces, and some external hard drives. Comes in variants: USB-B, Mini-B, and Micro-B. Designed so that host uses USB-A while connected device uses USB-B.
What is USB-C? USB-C is the recent, compact, and reversible connector used on newer phones, laptops, and peripherals. Fully reversible and works in either orientation. Supports very high data rates and high power delivery (up to 240W with USB PD). Carries video and audio (DisplayPort Alt-Mode, HDMI Alt-Mode).
Which one is the newest? USB-C was released in 2014 but only became mainstream in the late 2010s. USB-A and USB-B have existed commercially since 1996.
Can I use adapters to connect different USB types? Usually, yes. Adapters and cables exist for almost every combination (e.g., USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-B). Data speeds are limited to the slowest version. Power delivery features require USB-C on both ends.
Which should I choose today? USB-C if you want modern, fast, universal connections. USB-A when connecting older peripherals or using classic chargers. USB-B only when required (printers, audio gear, etc.). When buying any new device, always make sure it has USB-C.
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