Older and slower than USB 3.0.
(Max speed of 480 Mbps).
Almost all USB cables and devices that support USB also support USB 2.0.
Peterfactors/iStock /Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Less efficient with power management.
Newer and much faster than USB 2.0 (max speed of 5,120 Mbps).
3.0 devices are more efficient with power management.
Devices that support USB 3.0 are usually newer computers or ones that being made today.
USB 2.0: Pros and Cons
Supported by more devices and cables.
Cheaper to purchase flash drives.
Still physically compatible with 3.0 devices and cables.
Devices that support 2.0 tend to be cheaper; a notable example beingflash drives.
A single USB 2.0 flash drive can cost $10 or less.
USB 3.0: Pros and Cons
Devices that support 3.0 tend to be newer.
More efficient at power management.
Much faster data transfer speed than USB 2.0.
More expensive flash drives.
If used with 2.0 devices, still can’t reach 3.0 speeds.
Less devices currently support USB 3.0.
The USB 3.0 connection standard came out in 2008 and is also known as “SuperSpeed USB.”
That second moniker is no accident.
Devices that support 3.0 tend to be newer, higher-end, and more expensive.
3.0 ports can also handle more power-hungry devices.
On the other hand, there are fewer devices that support 3.0.
Whether or not you choose one over the other really depends on what you’re using it for.
