USB 3.0 vs 3.1 vs 3.2: What's the difference?

Introduction

USB technology has revolutionized how we connect and transfer data between devices. With the evolution from USB 3.0 to 3.1 and now 3.2, understanding the differences between these versions is crucial for making informed decisions about your tech needs. This article will break down the key features and improvements of each USB version to help you choose the best option for your requirements.USB 3.0 vs 3.1 vs 3.2: At a glance

This is a high-level summary of the differences between the various USB specifications.

• USB 3.0 was released in 2008 and supports up to 5 Gbit/s data transfer rate.
• USB 3.1 was released in 2013 and renamed the previous specification.USB 3.0 was now called USB 3.1 Gen 1 with this release.USB 3.1 Gen 2 is the new specification, which supports up to 10 Gbit/s data transfer rate.
• USB 3.2 was released in 2017 and renamed the previous specification.USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 is now called USB 3.2 Gen 1×1.USB 3.1 Gen 2 is now called USB 3.2 Gen 2×1.New releases:USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 supports up to 10 Gbit/s data transfer rate.USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 supports up to 20 Gbit/s data transfer rate.

Release Date and Historical Context Released in 2008, USB 3.0 marked a significant leap from its predecessor, USB 2.0. It introduced faster data transfer rates and improved performance, becoming a standard for many devices.

Key Features

• Data Transfer Speed: USB 3.0 supports speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is ten times faster than USB 2.0.
• SuperSpeed Mode: This mode enables the high-speed transfer rates, enhancing efficiency and reducing transfer times for large files.

Compatibility and Connectors USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices, ensuring a smooth transition for users. The connectors are typically blue and feature an extra set of pins for increased data throughput.

It is important that you don’t confuse USB 3.0 with USB-C, as USB-C refers to the shape of the connector instead of the specification. It also does not concern itself with power delivery; the USB Power Delivery specification deals with that.

USB 3.0 specification is separate and independent from USB-C and USB Power Delivery.

This new hardware addition allowed the specification to reach a transfer rate of up to 5 Gbit/s. Further, USB 3.0 maintains full backward compatibility with the four pins and wires of the USB 2.0 specification, for a total of nine pins and wires in the physical connection.

USB 3.1

Release Date and Improvements Over USB 3.0 Released in 2013, USB 3.1 brought further enhancements in speed and functionality. It divided into two generations: Gen 1 and Gen 2.

Key Features

• Data Transfer Speed: USB 3.1 Gen 1 maintains the 5 Gbps speed of USB 3.0, while Gen 2 doubles it to 10 Gbps.
• Enhanced SuperSpeed+: This feature in Gen 2 allows for even faster data transfers and improved overall performance.

Introduction of Gen 1 and Gen 2

• Gen 1: Essentially rebranded USB 3.0, with the same 5 Gbps speed.
• Gen 2: Offers 10 Gbps speed, catering to more demanding data transfer needs.

Compatibility and Connectors USB 3.1 devices are compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0. The connectors for USB 3.1 are typically the same as USB 3.0 but may also include the newer USB-C format, which offers reversible plugging and better power delivery.

USB 3.2

Release Date and Further Improvements USB 3.2, introduced in 2017, represents the latest advancement in the USB 3.x series, offering even greater speeds and efficiency.

Key Features

• Data Transfer Speeds: USB 3.2 supports speeds up to 20 Gbps with the Gen 2x2 configuration.
• Multi-lane Operation: This feature allows for higher bandwidth by utilizing multiple lanes of data transfer, significantly boosting performance.

Introduction of Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 2x2

• Gen 1: Maintains the 5 Gbps speed.
• Gen 2: Provides 10 Gbps speed.
• Gen 2x2: Achieves up to 20 Gbps by using two 10 Gbps lanes.

Compatibility and Connectors USB 3.2 devices are backward compatible with earlier USB versions. The connectors remain similar to USB 3.1, including USB-C, which continues to gain popularity for its versatility and performance.

Comparison Chart

Use Cases for Each USB Version

• USB 3.0: Suitable for general data transfer needs, such as connecting peripherals like mice, keyboards, and external hard drives.
• USB 3.1: Ideal for more demanding tasks, including high-speed data transfers, video streaming, and external SSDs.
• USB 3.2: Best for cutting-edge applications requiring the highest speeds, such as 4K video editing, virtual reality, and extensive data backups.USB 3.2 deprecates all previous USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 brandings.
• Many users interchangeably use Gen 2×1 and Gen 1×2, as both support a maximum transfer rate of 10 Gbit/s. However, there is a difference in the available interface options. USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 (aka the older USB 3.1 Gen 2) allows interfacing with USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB, while the newer two-lane USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 only allows interfacing with the newer USB-C.
• Similarly, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 allows interfacing with USB-C only and does not support the legacy interface protocols. You need a “Full Featured” USB-C connection (with a total of 24 pins) for both the dual-lane protocols (Gen 1×2 and Gen 2×2).
• As with the previous protocols, USB 3.2 retains backward compatibility with USB 2.0.

We’re used to seeing USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 connections on mobiles. At the same time, computers have jumped to USB 3.2 (although manufacturers continue using the older names for these as the newer ones are very confusing to most people). But the USB specification has long made the jump to USB 4.0.

USB 4.0 (or simply USB4) was released in August 2019. It is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 protocol specification. USB 4.0 mandates the USB-C connector and the USB Power Delivery specification, unifying the three features (data transfer speed, power delivery, connector) under one roof. The specification also mandates data transfer rates of a minimum of 20 Gbit/s and a maximum of up to 40 Gbit/s.

USB 4.0 was updated in October 2022 to add support for a maximum of 80 Gbit/s bi-directional mode and up to 120 Gbit/s asymmetric mode.

It will take a while for USB 4.0 to become as popular as USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 are nowadays. We wouldn’t hold our breath for it reaching mobile devices anytime soon. With technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, there is even less need for a smartphone to support very high data transfer rates over a cable. And there’s no guarantee we won’t end up with a confusing mess of different standards and different types of USB cables with this new generation, too.

FAQ for USB 3.0 vs 3.1 vs 3.2

Is USB 3 backwards compatible?

Yes, USB 3 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0.

Will USB 3.0 work with USB 2.0?

Yes, USB 3.0 will work with USB 2.0, presuming you can match connectors with the right wires. The connection will operate on USB 2.0 parameters as that is the common factor for both sides of the connection.

Can USB 3 be used for display?

USB 3 is not a display standard and cannot be used for display. If your display or monitor includes USB 3 specification, it generally refers to a USB 3 hub functionality within the monitor. This hub will let you connect additional peripherals to your computer by routing it through the monitor.

Is USB 3 the same as USB-C?

No. USB 3 refers to the data transfer specification, while USB-C refers to the connector specification.

Are USB 3.1 and USB 3.2 the same?

Yes and no. Yes, because the USB-IF has included a rename of the original USB 3.1 standard into USB 3.2. No, because USB 3.2 includes two more new specifications and are not mere renames of the previous specification.

Are USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports the same?

No. USB 3.0 ports usually include an “SS” branding nearby, while USB 3.1 ports will include an “SS+” branding nearby. Both ports will be blue in color.

Is USB 3.2 just USB-C?

No. USB 3.2 can take other connectors since it also includes renames of previous standards. However, the newly introduced x2 data lanes under USB 3.2 specification (USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) are restricted to USB-C only.