Data Transfer Speed


USB 2.0: Maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps (Megabits per second), also referred
to as High Speed.
USB 3.0: Maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps (Gigabits per second), known as
SuperSpeed, which is approximately 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
2. Physical Differences


USB 2.0: Typically has four pins inside the connector.
USB 3.0: Includes nine pins, allowing for higher data transfer rates and bidirectional
data flow.
3. Connector Color Coding


USB 2.0: Often uses a black or white plastic insert in the connector.
USB 3.0: Typically has a blue plastic insert for easy identification.
4. Power Delivery


USB 2.0: Provides up to 500 mA (0.5 A) of power at 5 volts.
USB 3.0: Provides up to 900 mA (0.9 A) of power at 5 volts, supporting faster
charging and power-hungry devices.
5. Data Transmission


USB 2.0: Uses half-duplex communication (data flows in one direction at a time).
USB 3.0: Uses full-duplex communication (data can flow in both directions
simultaneously).
6. Backward Compatibility


USB 2.0: Works with older USB versions, but cannot utilize the speed or features of
USB 3.0.
USB 3.0: Fully backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices, though the speed and
features are limited to USB 2.0 capabilities when connected to a USB 2.0 port.
7. Performance with High-Speed Devices


USB 2.0: May struggle with high-bandwidth applications, like external hard drives or
video streaming.
USB 3.0: Designed for high-performance devices like SSDs, high-resolution webcams,
and video editing equipment.
8. Cable and Connector Design

USB 2.0: Older and thinner cables, less shielding against interference.

USB 3.0: Thicker cables with better shielding, reducing signal interference for stable
connections.