The USB is created to improve and enhance the connection between devices and Windows PC and replace old interfaces. Commonly used USBs developed are 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. However, many devices and PC users are currently utilizing USB 3.0 and USB 3.0 ports because it’s the latest enhanced version with better performance and high speed than the previous USB 2.0. Though USB 3.0 is quite expensive as compared to USB 2.0. Here we explain all differences Between USB 2.0 and 3.0.

What Is USB?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. This industry develops utilities and interfaces for cables and devices to connect with PC or laptops to supply power between them. The USB interface was launched in 1996. They created three generations of USB interfaces, i.e., USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. The last two generations are quite famous and widely used for connection purposes between various devices, including PCs, laptops, Smartphones, etc.

What is USB 2.0?

Universal Serial Bus 2.0 was launched in 2000. This USB soon gained the title of Hi-speed USB due to its high Transfer speed compared to USB 1.0. It is considered the most commonly used USB standard version. This USB standard has a transfer speed of 480 Megabits per second (Mbps) and provides a current of 500 mA. USB 2.0 is known to be enough for all types of data transfer work and still works better than Bluetooth. Windows or any other operating systems require a driver to recognize USB 2.0 cable. So first download and install USB 2.0 Driver, and then your operating system recognizes your USB 2.0 cable.

What Is USB 3.0?

Universal Serial Bus 3.0 was launched in 2008. This USB is the third important version of the USB standard commonly used for data transfer between PC and other electronic devices. This USB version is considered the new and improved standard device over USB 2.0 because it has a high data transfer rate than USB 2.0, approximately 4,800 Mbps. USB 3.0 devices and ports are easily distinguished from other versions as they are blue and contain a logo stating 3.0. If the required driver is not installed on your operating system, the operating system doesn’t recognize your USB 3.0 cable. So first, Install USB 3.0 Driver on your windows, then use your USB 3.0 cable to connecting your device with your PC.

What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0?

USB 2.0 VS 3.0 versions differ in many ways. The major differences between these two USB versions are stated below: 

• Visual Difference is USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 Port:

In addition, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports differ in colors. The USB 2.0 port consists of a black or white color block in the Usb Port, whereas the USB 3.0 consists of a blue color block in the USB port. 

• The difference in Data Transfer Rate: 

USB 3.0 VS 2.0 differ in their transfer rate of data files. Comparing the transfer rate of both USB versions, USB 3.0 is 10 times faster in transferring data than USB 2.0. because the data transfer speed of USB 2.0 is 480 Mbps, and for USB 3.0, it is 4,800 Mbps.

• USB 2.0 VS 3.0 in Speed:

USB 2.0 VS 3.0 also differ in their speeds. The USB 3.0 speed is more, and it provides greater efficiency in power management, whereas USB 2.0 speed is not that compared to USB 3.0. However, if you connect the USB 3.0 device to the port of USB 2.0, the Speed for data transfer will be according to the USB 2.0 range. 

• The difference in backward compatibility:

Only USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible, which means that if other previous versions of USB drivers are connected to this port, the device will perform its functions normally. USB 2.0 ports are also compatible with the USB 3.0 device. However, if you connect the USB 3.0 device to the USB 2.0 port, the device will work with the transfer speed limit of the USB 2.0 device. Therefore, if you want to transfer data at high speed, you must connect your USB 3.0 to the USB 3.0 port. 

• USB 3.0 VS 2.0 Power Usage: 

Both the USB versions also differ in their usage of power. USB 2.0 provides approximately 500 mA of current, and USB 3.0 provides almost 900 mA of current. Apart from this, USB 3.0 also preserves the power when you connect the USB drive but do not use it, making it able to provide more power when needed. 

• The difference between Pathway and Communication: 

In the case of USB 2.0, you can send and receive the data by the same pathway at a given time, but it cannot do both functions simultaneously. Whereas the case of USB 3.0 consists of two different pathways for data transfer, one is for sending data, and the other is for receiving data, and both can work simultaneously. 

• The difference in the Number of Wires:

The USB 3.0 can provide two-way communication because it has extra 5 wires that allow the data to be transferred both ways simultaneously. In total, USB 3.0 has 9 wires, and USB 2.0 has four wires for connection.

• USB 2.0 VS USB 3.0 Price:

USB 3.0 is more expensive than USB 2.0 as it provides greater transfer speeds. For instance, you can get an 8GB USB for $10 or less, but USB 3.0 can cost up to $40. Therefore, you need to consider the usage before buying these versions. However, if you need to transfer large data files quickly, USB 3.0 is a good choice. 

• Difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0 Charging

USB 2.0 differs in power usage from USB 3.0 as the USB 2.0 drive delivers up to 500mA while USB 3.0 delivers up to 900 mA of current. Due to this, USB 3.0 drives can charge faster than USB 2.0. Also, USB 3.0 ports can handle devices that require high power.  

FAQs About USB 2.0 VS 3.0

Summary

The USB standard interface was launched in 1996. They developed three generations of USB interfaces, i.e., USB 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. USB 2.0 VS USB 3.0 versions differ in many ways, as their ports differ in colors. USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible, meaning that if other previous versions of USB drivers are connected to this port, the device will normally perform its functions. The USB 2.0 ports are also compatible with the USB 3.0 device.

However, if you connect the USB 3.0 device to the USB 2.0 port, the device will work with the transfer speed limit of the USB 2.0 device. Overall, if you want to transfer large data files quickly, then it is recommended that you purchase USB 3.0 as it will save your time. The USB standard interface has recently launched USB 3.1, which has a transfer speed of almost 10,000 Mbps. This USB 3.1 will perform actions two times faster than USB 3.0 and ten times faster than USB 2.0. For More Updates, keep visiting Windows Drivers.

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