The difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0

The difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0

1. USB Port Visual Difference

It’s easy to tell a USB 2.0 device from USB 3.0 by looking at the port insert color, which can be found in the inner part of the USB.

USB 3.0: Blue

USB 2.0 White or Black

2. Data Transfer Speed Rate Different

USB 3.0 is about 10 times the speed of USB 2.0. 

3. Can a USB 2.0 Be Used in a 3.0 Port?

Yes, a USB 2.0 can be used in a 3.0 port, and the device will work. However, the transfer rate will be at 2.0 speeds.

4. What Happens If You Plug a USB 2.0 device into a USB 3.0 Port? 

A USB 2.0 device will work as normal when plugged into a USB 3.0 port, but at USB 2.0 speeds. A USB 3.0 plugged into a 3.0 port is 10x faster.

5. Which USB Port is Faster on My Laptop?

Your laptop will determine half of the equation. USB 3.0 is the fastest when used with a USB 3.0 device. However, if a USB 2.0 flash drive is plugged into a USB 3.0 port, the speeds will only reach USB 2.0 potential.