What is the Difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0

USB is an industry standard for creating connections between computers, computer peripherals and other devices supporting USB. It’s functionality includes detecting, loading and identifying the genuine and potential software drivers which suits best for particular USB devices.

USB is short for Universal Serial Bus, a data transfer device that manages power according to its versions and give efficient results.

USB 2.0 was launched earlier and due to its less compatibility with certain devices, USB 3.0 was launched with better and faster data transfer speeds.

Usually computers have both the types of ports compatible for 2.0 and 3.0 ports. Both the versions work best with their portable devices only as 2.0 always acts more compatible for 2.0 devices and same for 3.0 devices.

Also read: USB Device Not Recognized In Windows 7 or 8.

USB 2.0

Hi-Speed certified USB was released in 2000 and was known for its high speed capability with 480 megabits per second.

Specifications: It uses Half-duplex polling method in which signaling is done one sided only, either you can send data or receive data.

For 2.0 devices, USB 2.0 is best as it is less expensive and compatible as well. USB 2.0 usually requires up to 500mA power supply as it have 4 wires within its cable. Cable is usually 5 meters long.

USB 3.0

USB 3.0 superfast device was launched in 2008 and is approximately 10 times faster than the original USB 2.0 version.

Specifications: It provides 4.8 Giga bits per second speed. Full duplex asynchronous signaling mechanism is followed in USB 3.0 version and this way one can simultaneously send and receive data. As compared to 2.0, this is little more expensive but with the amount of fast speed it provides it is worth.

900mA power supply is used in this version which provides better efficiency. With the help of this one can connect and provide power supply to more than one device. Its cable is mainly 3 meters long and one can connect more wires with it as well.

The major difference between these two versions categorized in following pointers:

Rate of data-transfer: The transfer rate of both the devices varies almost with 10 times difference. USB 2.0 transfers data with 480Mbps speed while USB 3.0 offers 4.8Gbps speed which justifies its invention over 2.0 versions.

Increased connectors: USB 2.0 contain limited ports where only few wires can be connected but 3.0 cables have more than one wires, with almost doubled connectors.

Power required: both the cables varies in their power consumption capabilities which makes it easier for the customer to choose one over another.

Bandwidth: Half-duplex and full-duplex are two types of communication mechanisms which are followed by USB 2.0 and 3.0 respectively. Preferring 3.0 over 2.0 lets the user to have full control over data transfer and this way one can send and receive data simultaneously. This helps in better time consuming and efficient way.

Compatibility: one can use USB 3.0 cable with 2.0 devices but it is not compatible for vice versa situations.

Color difference: one can easily detect USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables just by identifying their color. 2.0 come in grey color while blue color is prominent and depicts USB 3.0 cables.