USB, Micro USB, and Lightning Connectors: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Better?

Although there are a large variety of charging cables on the market right now that are compatible with different devices, most general consumers don’t really know the difference between USB, micro USB, and lightning chargers. These are important distinctions that consumers should be made aware of so that they can make the correct choice when it comes to choosing cellphone charging cables and devices. After all, not all charging cables are created equal. Some are wider or smaller and have more prongs than others. Plus, they each function differently and at varying speeds depending on the needs of the user and their specifications. Keep reading to learn all about the differences between USBs, micro USBs, and lightning chargers.

USB

As you probably know by now, USB — which is the most commonly used charging device on the market — stands for Universal Serial Bus. Essentially, what this means is that USBs are specifically designed to make it easy for users to automatically transfer data from one device or driver to another. You can use USB cables to connect two USB-compatible devices such as laptops, cellphones, MP3 players, and other similar devices to one another. Your device will automatically recognize that another device has been connected to it via USB cable and automatically install the necessary drivers to function normally.

Micro USB

Think of micro USBs as miniature versions of standard USBs. These neat little devices were designed specifically with the average consumer in mind in the sense that it unifies charging capabilities across a wider range of multimedia devices than its predecessor. In the early 2000s, when cellphones were still a relatively new concept gaining steady traction, the USBs they came with were only capable of one singular function: charging that specific devices. If you wanted to transfer data from your laptop to your cellphone, you had to purchase an entirely different data transfer cable to do that. The solution was the development of the micro USB which allows consumers to do so much more than simply charge their devices.

Lightning Connector

In 2012, Apple decided to roll out their own patented version of a charging cable known as the lightning connector. This was in response to one of the biggest issues consumers were contending with in regards to their USB chargers — which way is the right way to plug it in? The main difference with the lightning connector is that rather than featuring a multi-pronged interface, it has a flat surface on both ends so that it could technically be plugged in both ways and reduce the frustration of consumers.

So Which One Is Better?

To be honest, there’s no right or wrong answer to this arbitrary question because all of these connectors contain a variety of unique features that makes them suitable for certain applications. It really just depends on what you need them to do.

Ohming Technology has the perfect solution to your charging dilemma. Our Charge M.E. portable charger is equipped with multiple future-proof charging ports that are compatible with all connectors. That means you can use it to charge an assortment of electronic devices, old or new. Contact us to learn more or shop online today.

Originally published at www.ohming.com on June 6, 2018.