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USB-A Plug

Types of USB plug explained

From time-to-time clients have questions about the types of USB cables they need to use. Here we’ll compare the types with pictures.

The most common type: USB Type A

It’s been around since 1996. Physically the same dimension, newer versions are faster and have more capacity. Also available in the female version so you can extend the length.

The inside piece can be blue (usually denoting superspeed), clear, black or other colours but they all fit the same, and can only be plugged in one way.

Mini vs Micro vs C

Mostly used for portable devices – think mobiles, tablets, GPSs, power banks. You can also get cables that have combinations of these plugs on them.

USB Mini-B

One of the oldest types, but still in use and chosen for being more robust than Micro-B.

USB 2 Micro-B

Very typical in mobile phones up to the Samsung Galaxy S7. Trying to plug in the wrong way around could damage the port.

USB-C

The modern standard and reversible. Comes in different speeds and capacities, but looks the same.

Other types of USB

Some of the other common types are shown below

USB 2 Type BUSB 3 Type BUSB 3 Micro-B
Commonly used for devices like printers and scanners.Mostly found on docking stations before they moved to USB-C.Typically used for USB drives you plug into your PC.

The EU has mandated that all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port by the end of 2024, extending to laptops in 2026. This will see it become very common over the next months and years.

You can see a full range of cables here and you can contact us for more information, pricing and availability.

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