It is the most frequently asked question that “what is the difference between USB, Micro USB and lightning cable”. They all come with different ports. On the surface level, they seem to look similar and behave almost in an identical way. But, it would be a big mistake that they are interchangeable.

Each of the three types of the connector requires the different accessories, ports and technology in order to perform their function. They are compatible with each other. A cable meant to work for the micro USB, would not work for a USB and vice versa, need to know the difference each of the format. It will help you identify the products, you need for the devices to operate at the peak efficiency. Break down each of three formats.

USB 

USB is the abbreviation of the universal serial Bus. It is most commonly used and most popular connector in the market cross-platform technology. The USB is supported by the major operating system. They come with the function of plug and play devices, which you can connect to USB devices. You can also connect the USB devices to your computer or mobile devices. It should also detect it. Even it should also be used to install the drivers. USB is also a “hot-swappable technology”, which you can add or remove from the computer without having to restart the computer. 

Mostly USBs are like the Type-A connectors, they are usually either available in the 2.0 or 3.0 formats. Most people think of the USB. It featured with the flat connector. They are mostly connected with the flat connector, which mostly connects with most standard USB ports. They also have the type B connector. The type B connector comes with the square-shaped. Some of the USBs are used for the scanner and hard drive. There are called “Type B”. they are designed to use with the camera, MP3 player and the other smaller devices. Just keep in mind that mini USB is not the same as the micro USB. They are not always compatible with some kinds of technology, that Micro USB uses

Micro USB

Micro USB is another type of the miniaturized version of the USB interfaces. The Micro USB was developed into the standardized and streamline phone charging devices. Some customers are confused with to get different kinds of chargers for their phones and being able to mix and match when they need. So, Micro USB was simply created. There are many mobile devices like (GPS) and smartphones. If one is using the android technology, completely fitted with Micro USB ports, While the Micro USB looks slightly smaller than the mini USB. It offers comparable high-speed transfer rate. 

Micro USB are easy to identify. They come with black colour receptacles and featured with 5 pin design . Micro USB charging cables come with the USB connector and allow to transfer the data between the desktop and mobile devices, keep in mind that they are not compatible with all the devices. It also makes it difference whether you are using Micro USB 2.0 and 3.0. The models of 3.0 are backward. It is only compatible with the older ports and connectors. 

Lightning Cable: 

The people who are using the Apple products over the few years mostly used this connector. It started work in 2012. It replaced with 30-pin dock connector that apple to use all with the products. The 8 pin lightning connector that Apple uses for its products. The 8 Pin lightning connector is more durable in use and efficient in work. It is faster than USB 2.0. it is ultra-slim in design and able to power up the slim device. Which are too thin to support the width of a standard USB Port. The Type C is not compatible with the other types of connector, such as the lightning port in your iPhone, tablet, and desktop. It cannot be accessed with the conventional USB. Most Apple devices come usually with the USB to lightning cable and interfacing with non – lightening device. The Lightening cables are easy to distinguish as compare to the other USB cables because of the white colour. The connector is so much slender and compact in size rather than other types of connectors. 

Dual Purpose Drives

 The multiple devices have different ports. You can get the arrays of adapters. There are USB flash drives, come with feature both USB and Micro USB connectors USB and lightning connector. The dual-purpose drives let you access different types of devices and transfer the data through the different port entirely. Some USB are also made for great mini hard drives, backing up the mobile devices to keep your important information safe. When your devices get broken and lost. 

In A Nutshell

The charging devices are not universal. It depends upon the devices, you can use. You need a specific connector to power up your devices and synced up. Just need to know, what kind of the connector you need. You must need to use the right charger and not need to waste your money for buying the different chargers and adds on to interface with the different devices. If you want to find the easy and effective solution of sharing data of the different devices, using one of premium dual-purpose flash drives.