Have you ever wondered what the difference is between usb3 and usb4 connectors? Have you ever wanted to know which connector was better for your phone or tablet? Join us as we look deep into this topic and break it all down with ease.
The USB 4 specification was created by the USB Implementers Forum. They released version 4 of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard with many new features such as speed, power requirements, and more. It offers significantly faster transfer speeds than previous USB versions. It can also supply more power than its predecessors as well. Formally announced by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2019, USB4 represents a massive architectural shift and has now become standard on modern laptops and desktop computers..
What is USB4
USB4 is the latest iteration of the USB standard, and it offers many improvements over older USB connectors. USB4 is based on the new Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which allows for data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. This makes USB4 a great choice for connecting high-performance devices like external hard drives, graphic cards, and docking stations.
Features of USB4
The USB4 standard offers a number of improvements over previous versions. Perhaps the most notable is the increased data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps (and up to 80 Gbps/120 Gbps in the latest USB4 V2.0 specification). This makes USB4 a great choice for connecting high-performance devices like external hard drives, graphic cards, and docking stations.
The USB4 standard also has the USB PD (USB power delivery) feature. This is a specification used for high voltage power supply and fast and efficient charging. With USB PD, USB4 can supply power of up to 100 watts (and up to 240W via Extended Power Range).
Another important feature of USB4 is its ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With USB4’s dynamic bandwidth allocation, you can run high-resolution displays and data transfers through a single port without bottlenecking. It supports the Thunderbolt protocol, allowing for daisy-chaining of multiple devices. For high-performance environments, upgrading to certified premium Thunderbolt 3 Cables ensures ultimate reliability.
How to identify USB4
Unlike older standards where blue inserts often indicated USB 3.0, USB4 does not rely on port colors. Instead, the USB-IF utilizes specific official logos. Look for a certified “40Gbps” or “80Gbps” logo next to a USB trident symbol, or a Lightning Bolt with a “4” if the port or cable is fully certified for Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 cross-compatibility.
The USB C connector has been standardized in USB4. To understand USB4 architecture, look for the following features:
- A strict USB Type-C physical connector form factor (24 pins).
- Underlying Thunderbolt protocol architecture.
- Support for DisplayPort alt-mode and PCIe tunneling.
What is USB3.0
USB 3.0 is the third major version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard for interfacing computers and electronic devices. USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) adds a new transfer mode that offers a maximum theoretical signaling rate of 5 Gbps (~500 MB/s actual throughput), which is over 10 times as fast as the USB 2.0 standard.
While widely recognized by the traditional rectangular Type-A port (often color-coded blue inside), the USB 3.0 standard also exists in Type-B and Micro-B forms on external peripherals. If your industrial applications or commercial projects rely on these classic rugged connections, using a certified STANDARD USB3.0 PLUG CABLE ASSEMBLY remains a highly reliable and cost-effective choice.
What is USB 3.1
USB 3.1, released in July 2013, is the successor to USB 3.0. It is the fourth major version of the cabled USB connections for interfacing computers and electronic devices. It increases bandwidth by doubling the speed of all links and uses less power.
USB 3.1 (Gen 2 / SuperSpeed+) doubled the data transfer speed of USB 3.0 to 10 Gbps. Crucially, this generation marked the widespread introduction of the reversible USB Type-C connector alongside traditional Type-A ports. The Type-C connector features a slim, reversible design that allows it to be plugged in either way while supporting both high-speed data transfers and robust power delivery.
What is USB 3.2
USB 3.2 further refines the SuperSpeed transfer mode, which was introduced with USB 3.1 in 2014 and standardized as IEEE Std 1598-2017 by the USB Promoter Group (the group of companies responsible for overseeing the development of the standard), as well as by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) via its joint working group with ISO.
The USB 3.2 connector type is a USB Type-C receptacle. It has a higher throughput than the earlier version of USB, and it is also reversible. The USB 3.2 connector type is also able to transmit power, and this makes it possible to charge devices that are connected to it.
USB3.0, 3.1, and 4 all often cause confusion for people who aren’t familiar with computer technology or hardware components because they all refer to different versions of this common connector type.
USB4 vs. USB3: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | USB 3.0 / 3.1 / 3.2 | USB4 (Standard & V2.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 5 Gbps / 10 Gbps / 20 Gbps | 40 Gbps (Up to 80/120 Gbps in V2.0) |
| Required Connector | Type-A, Type-B, Micro-B, or Type-C | Strictly Type-C Only |
| Underlying Protocol | Standard USB Architecture | Thunderbolt 3 Architecture |
| Bandwidth Management | Static Allocation | Dynamic Allocation (Data + Video) |
| Min. Power Delivery | 4.5W to 15W (Without PD) | Always Includes USB PD (Up to 100W/240W) |
Confused about USB 4 and USB C?
USB C is a cable type that fits into the USB C port. Generally speaking, these refer to the physical structure of connectors and ports. On the other hand, USB 4 refers to the functionality and speed of USB cables. A common point of confusion is mistaking USB Type-C for USB4. USB Type-C refers strictly to the physical shape of the connector, whereas USB4 refers to the technology and protocols running through it. While you cannot physically plug an old rectangular Type-A cable into a slim Type-C port without an adapter, the underlying USB4 protocol remains fully backward compatible with older USB standards.
Sourcing FAQ for OEM & Industrial Buyers
Q1: Are USB4 cables backward compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices?
Yes, completely. USB4 is fully backward compatible. A USB4 cable can be used with any older USB Type-C device or port; however, the data transfer speed will be limited to the maximum speed supported by the older device.
Q2: Why do USB4 cables have strict length limitations for maximum speed?
To achieve passive data transfer rates of 40 Gbps or 80 Gbps, signal attenuation must be strictly controlled. Standard passive copper USB4 cables are typically limited to 1 meter or less to maintain signal integrity. For longer distance requirements in industrial or pro-AV setups, active optical cables (AOC) or active copper retimer solutions are required.
Where can I buy USB4 cables?
It is essential to source quality USB cables from reputable factory-direct manufacturers to prevent signal drops or power delivery hazards. EDOM Electronics provides high-quality, ISO-certified USB4 cables, standard USB 3.0 assemblies, and advanced Thunderbolt solutions to connect your high-performance devices.
We are fully equipped to support custom OEM requests, specialized overmolding, and tailored wire harness layouts for industrial applications. Request a Free Quote from our Engineering Team today to find the perfect solution for your sourcing needs.
