USB 3.0 increased the maximum transfer speed to 5Gbps – working out to around 500MB/s in the real world – using its new SuperSpeed transfer mode, a near 10 fold increase over its predecessor, USB 2.0. When it was introduced in 2008, USB 3.0 revolutionized USB bandwidth. The core difference between USB 3.0 and 3.1 is transfer speed. That changed a little with USB 3.2 and will change again with USB4 (see below). That said, it's important to note that when it comes to third-generation USB cables, they are fully compatible with themselves and USB 2.0 ports. Bear that in mind when buying USB compatible devices.Ĭable Matters takes this naming convention in mind, and where necessary, uses both the traditional USB namings and labels cables with the maximum speeds they can handle. To avoid confusion, manufacturers describe their USB products in terms of speed: SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps, SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps, or SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps, depending on the USB version they support. Technically, USB 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2, are now all known as USB 3.2. The organization that promotes and supports USB development, the USB Implementers Forum, retroactively renamed all third-generation USB connections at the release of USB 3.2. Naming confusionīefore addressing the main USB 3.0 vs 3.1 debate, it's important to clear up what's being discussed. Here's how USB 3.1 vs USB 3.0 fare against one another. The difference between USB 3.0 and 3.1 isn't drastic, but it can make a big difference depending on the devices you own and what you want to do with them. In a head to head of two capable connectors like USB 3.0 vs 3.1, USB 3.1 almost always comes out on top. That does depend on which version of USB you make use of, though, with older generations not offering the same capabilities as the latest. It's consistently kept pace with new demands for speed and features, and today is one of the most comprehensive connectors out there. The universal serial bus, or USB, has been a stalwart connector for all sorts of devices and systems for almost two and a half decades.

Facebook Twitter Google + LinkedIn Pinterest Email Share.

Usb 2 vs usb 3 ports