This defines the cables, connectors, and communication protocols that facilitate communications and power delivery between computers and/or electronic devices.As time has gone on, the USB standard has evolved to become more efficient and adoption among device manufacturers so wide spread as to make different kinds of USB connectors ubiquitous. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, which was developed in the 1990s as an industry standard. That makes the USB ports on your laptop all female. A female connector is often referred to as the port. For an iPhone charger, the end that plugs into your laptop or brick is the male connector. The male connector fits inside the device.

This applies to all cables, as well as other connectors and fasteners. So how can you tell between different kinds of USB connectors and learn which cables connect to what? Here’s a quick guide to figuring out the difference between all of the cables you have in your arsenal.įirst things first, there are two USB end types: male and female.

While you might not have realized it, you probably found USB 2.0 printer cables with a Type B connector, when what you needed was a Mini-B connector or vice versa. We’ve all been there. The reality is that not all USB cables are created equal and there are differences in USB ports. Once you finally come across a USB cable, you try to plug it in, only to realize that the connector just doesn’t fit. You frantically search through your cupboards, drawers, and bags, untangling the wires as you go. You need to connect to a printer, camera, or cellphone, but you can’t find a USB cable. Does this sound like a familiar situation?

Usb 2 vs usb 3 symbol