With the vast array of cables we plug into our gadgets and devices these days, one can easily confuse which cable goes into which port. One common cable we use on a daily basis is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable which is mostly used to connect computers to devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, computers, scanners, printers, and many other electronic devices. If you are planning to buy a new cable or thinking of replacing a worn-out one, and wondering what type of USB would fit your device, you have come to the right place. I am pretty sure one of the following cables below is just what you need. 

1. USB TYPE-A

This type of USB is very common. It is the connector we usually use in Flash Drives, keyboards, mouse, charger output, power banks, computers, and even DVD players. USB Type-A is rectangular in shape and is the biggest USB type. 

2. USB TYPE-B

 Notice the pattern? Right, the different types of USB cables are named in alphabetical order. USB Type-B is quite rare  that some of us might not even be aware of it.  It is the square-shaped connector we use to connect printers and scanners to our computers. For some students, we used USB Type-B to connect the Arduino board to a computer. Since most printers nowadays are using LAN to connect to a computer, this connector is expected to be obsolete in the near future.

3. USB TYPE-C

USB Type-C is the newest port we are using today. This cable evolved with the need for more power and data transfer speed. USB Type-C supports Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery, the fastest charging technology today. Some devices that use USB Type-C cable are Nexus 5x/6p, Nokia N1 Tablet, One Plus 3/2, LG G5, Letv, and more. 

4. Micro-USB

Micro-USB is considered the most common USB used by smartphones. It is, as implied by its name,  small in size, and comes with a hook to secure attachment while charging a device. Micro-USB was adapted by all companies for Android phones and tablets, Bluetooth headphones, and power banks, however, due to the advantages of USB Type-C, this connector is foreseen to be phased out soon. 

5. Mini-USB

This connector is smaller than a USB-Type A cable but larger than a micro-USB. It is rare and is already phased out from the market, however,  mini-USBs can still be found plugged into some old gadgets such as MP3 Players, cameras, radios, game controllers, and electronic equipment. 

Lightning/iPhone Connector

This connector is not a USB cable. Lightning/iPhone Connector is only used for Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads. It has 8-pins and is also capable of Quick Charging and Power delivery like USB Type-C. This kind of connector is only exclusive for iPhone and Mac devices such as iPhone 5s and above, iPad Pro, and Air mini.