Let’s be honest, working out the different types of USB connections can be a nightmare. From charging your phone to connecting a laptop and monitor, it can be tricky to know exactly what you need.
Luckily, Maplin are on hand to help you out!
USB-A
Flat and rectangular in shape, these are the classic and original USB connector. They just need to be the right way up… (trust us when we say this, everybody has got it wrong at least once. Or twice. Okay, maybe even more than that…)
Ideal for charging devices and transferring data, they often connect to laptops, desktops, TVs and wall chargers.
USB-B
Looking far more like a square, USB-B connectors are frequently used for devices like scanners and printers. Just be careful not to confuse them with Micro-USB and Mini-USB, which we’ll describe in more detail
below.
Mini-USB
Not a common sight anymore, Mini-USB connectors are usually found on older electronics. Perhaps you have a classic MP3 player, a retro digital camera, or you just need to charge older gaming peripherals like the PlayStation 3 controller (yes, we just felt terrifically old too).
Micro-USB
Micro-USB used to be the go-to option for charging portable devices like smartphone and tablets, but they are still used by plenty of devices today as a cheaper alternative to USB-C.
Just like USB-A, they can transfer data and keep your devices charged. They can either look rectangular in shape or (more commonly) like a trapezoid.
USB-C
The modern choice and current industry standard. Not only can it charge devices and transfer data at much faster speeds than the older USB-A design, USB-C connectors can also transfer a video feed to monitors and TVs.
You’ll find USB-C ports on most new devices like smartphones, gaming peripherals and laptops. Plus, its reversible, smaller oblong design means you never have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way up!
(And as a final note...)
Lightning
This is Apple’s unique connector for use with iPhone, iPads and more. Just like USB-C it can be plugged in either way up and offers both charging and data transfer options. If you need to connect your Apple device to a laptop or wall charger, we’d recommend our range of Lightning cables with USB-A and USB-C connectors.
