The Universal Serial Bus(USB) standard has seen a lot of progress since its inception in 1996.
USB 1.0 debuted with a measly 1.5mbit/s speed. Today, USB 3.0 and 3.1 are the industry’s most widely used standard with much faster speeds, but which is better?
Introduction to USB 3.0
USB 3.0, was released in 2008 as the replacement for USB 2.0. USB 3.0 introduced a new 9-pin design which allowed it to support full duplex data transfer, high-speed data transfer rates, and much more, opening the path for more demanding peripherals like high-resolution video capture devices, etc.
USB 3.0Introduction to USB 3.1
As we can see from the name, USB 3.1 is an upgraded version of USB 3.0, which brings many new features. It is faster, and more powerful while still being energy efficient, and can handle more data simultaneously.
USB3.1 Gen 2USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1: Features
Main Features of 3.0
Full-duplex Data
USB 3.0 introduced Full-duplex data. This feature enabled USB to transmit data in both directions simultaneously, significantly improving features like video conferencing, pc gaming, etc.
Higher Transmission Speeds
The maximum speed of USB 3.1 reaches 10gbp/s, while USB 3.0 can only reach 5gbp/s. That is to say, when you use USB 3.1, you can transfer a 25GB video file in just seventy seconds.
Energy Efficient
It consumes only 1/3 of the power from your computer or power supply, has a lower active and idle power requirement, and has no device polling (it only draws power when in use).
Main Features of 3.1
USB 3.1 didn’t bring anything particularly new, but it was a significant upgrade over USB 3.0 in all ramifications.
Super Fast Data Transmission
USB 3.1 pushed the maximum rate to 10gbp/s, double that of USB 3.0. Beyond faster file transfer, our experience with data-intensive tasks like high-res video editing became smoother.
100 Watts of Power
USB 3.1 is capable of delivering up to 100 watts of power, which is significantly more than USB 3.0. This enabled USB to power and charge larger devices like laptops, graphics cards, etc.
Fast Charging
Thanks to USB 3.1’s ability to draw out more power, charging speeds significantly improved. It’s the reason devices like our smartphones can go from 0%-100% way faster than before.
Usb3.0 Vs USB3.1USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1 Connectors
USB-A
The standard universal connector is found on most laptops, desktops, LED screen, media players, OLED TVs, etc. USB 3.0 Type-A connectors are colored blue for easy identification.
USB-B
USB Type B is commonly used on large peripheral devices like printers, scanners, etc. Not just large peripheral devices, smaller devices like external hard drives, and MIDI controllers also commonly use USB B.
Not all Type B connectors are the same, USB 3.0 introduced a different physical design for Type B connectors. Although both new and old are compatible (you can plug a USB 2.0 Type B cable into a USB 3.0 port), data transfer speeds will be limited by the older standards.
Micro-USB B
USB Micro B is widely used in Android smartphones and external hard drives. Similar to USB Type B, Micro B has two versions: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, but the USB 3.1 version has not yet been released.
USB Type C
Type C is the most popular connector nowadays. It is widely used in new phones, laptops, external hard drives, controllers, etc. Its versatility eliminated the need for multiple connector types.
USB 3.0 VS USB 3.1: Compatibility
There are little to no compatibility issues with USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. Both work well with each other and older generations of USB. So, no matter your device port is USB3.0, USB3.1, or even USB2.0, it can be used normally.
USB 3.0 VS USB 3.1 Main Differences
Speed
The transfer rate of USB 3.1 is twice that of USB 3.0, which means that the maximum transfer rate of USB 3.1 can reach 10Gbp/s, while the maximum transfer rate of USB 3.0 is only 5Gbp/s.
Higher Bandwidth
USB 3.1 has more bandwidth than USB 3.0. In other words, it is faster and more efficient at transferring bandwidth.
Higher Bandwidth enables USB 3.1 to handle higher video resolution output making it better than USB 3.0 for high-definition displays, video editing, etc.
Power Delivery
USB 3.0 supports a measly 4.5 Watts maximum power output. Its successor the USB 3.1 standard can output up to 100w of power.
This massive difference allows USB 3.1 to power larger devices like laptops, and charge devices faster than 3.0. Although USB 3.0 is backwards compatible, to use its maximum 100w of power you’ll need Type-C.
It doesn’t end there. Power delivery on USB 3.1 has a number of intelligent and power efficient features like Variable Voltage which enables variable voltage Output allowing devices to receive exactly the right voltage for their specific requirements.
Another one is Bidirectional power flow. This allows devices to both supply and receive power using the same port enabling features like Reverse charging.
USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1: Connectors
USB 3.0 primarily uses Type A and Type B connectors.
USB 3.1 introduced Type C which is smaller and more versatile. USB 3.1 is also backwards compatible with Type A and Type B.
USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1: Cable Length
Cable Length restriction helps preserve the quality of high-speed data transfer.
USB 3.0 and its successor USB 3.1 both have a maximum cable length of 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feets). With the use of an Active extension Cable, you can extend both versions up to 18 meters (59 feets).
USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1:Cost
USB 3.1 is more expensive than its predecessor. It’s newer, faster, can power large devices, and is versatile while still taking less space.
The price gap between both is minute, and it’s worth it.
USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1:Different Names
Before we pronounce which version of USB is better, we have to address the confusing naming scheme of these two USB standards.
USB 3.0 was renamed USB 3.1 Gen 1 in 2013, the same year USB 3.1 released. Then again USB 3.1 Gen 1(originally USB 3.0) was renamed USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 in 2017. No upgrade, just a name change.
USB 3.1 was renamed to 3.1 Gen 2. Then later on it was renamed 3.2 Gen 2×1.
Afterward, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 were released.
What Does This Mean?
The number after “×” represents data lanes. And data lanes here double the transfer rate. Hence, USB3.0 can also be expressed as USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 (5 Gbp/s), and USB3.0 can also be expressed as USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (10 Gbp/s).
Fortunately, the naming scheme has been revised to make it simpler:
SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps:
USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen 1, and 3.2 Gen 1×1.
SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps:
USB 3.1, 3.1 Gen 2, 3.2 Gen 2×1 and 3.2 Gen 1×2.
Which is Better, USB 3.0 vs USB 3.1?
Taking important aspects like speed, versatility, power delivery, and bandwidth into consideration USB 3.1 is clearly the superior USB standard. No matter from which angle you look at it, USB 3.1 is superior to USB 3.0. Even the compatibility that everyone is most concerned about is nothing to worry about.
Conclusion
From the above comparison, we can see that USB3.1 has surpassed USB3.0 in all aspects, so we can directly choose USB3.1.
