USB-A Vs USB-C: What Is The Difference

USB is the industry standard for connectors and cables, and like any other technology, it has developed and progressed over time. Initially, there were two USB types — USB-A and USB-B. Recently, USB-C has joined the game and is changing everything. Most advanced solar generators come with both USB-A and USB-C ports. When choosing the best generator for your needs, you'll need to understand the number and type of output ports available.

Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations are available in different sizes and shapes. They have multiple USB-A and USB-C output ports, so you can charge many appliances faster and at the same time. In addition, they also feature AC output ports to power small and large home or outdoor appliances. Read Jackery's ultimate USB-A vs USB-C guide, where we reveal how these USB ports differ.

What Is a USB Port Used For?

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is used for data communication within a limited distance. A USB port allows the USB devices to connect with each other directly or via any USB cable to supply power or transfer data. These ports come in different shapes and designs.

USB-A: It is the most commonly known USB type that's used for USB sticks and wired keyboards. The cable has one wider end. Since the connector is not rotationally symmetrical, both ends are different.

USB-B: This USB-B port isn't as wide as USB-A and has a rectangular hole in the middle. While it's not commonly available in modern computers, you can find it in routers, scanners, and printers.

USB-C: The third type of USB port has a smaller and flatter male port. The middle hole of the port has small connector pins that can perfectly fit into a small and flat oval hole. The newer USB port is designed for thin devices like mobile phones, MacBooks, etc.

USB Mini: The mini ports are divided into two variants: USB Mini A and USB Mini B. They are smaller than their USB-A and USB-B counterparts. You can find these ports in game controllers, old mobile phones, and game controllers.

USB Micro: It is one of the common USB connectors available in many smartphones. While newer high-end smartphone models have USB-C ports, they are still widely available in budget smartphones and electronic devices.

Lightning Cable: Many modern Apple devices like iPads and iPhones have different USB connector types called lightning cables. It has a Type C connector on one end and a thin, rectangular connector on the other. They are reversible in nature, meaning you can plug them in either way.  

What Is USB-A? What Is USB-C?

Before we walk you through USB-A vs USB-C, here is the basic definition of these USB types.

USB-A

USB-A is the original USB port everyone is familiar with and can be found on computers, TVs, etc. Here are a few pros and cons of USB-A over USB-C.

Pros

• They are reliable, versatile, and installed on millions of devices.
• The USB 3.0 upgrade supports Type-A connectors and even provides fast transfer speed.

Cons

• They are non-reversible in design, like lightning cables.
• It's a bit tricky to fit the connector into the plug correctly.

USB-C

USB-C is a fully reversible connector with bi-directional power capabilities. It allows power flow in both directions, so devices can charge each other and even power large displays. Here are a few pros and cons of the USB-C type connector.

Pros

• Unlike USB-A, USB-C is fully reversible.
• They have better data rates that can drive high-resolution monitors.

Cons

• USB-C is incompatible with many older USB connectors.
• They have higher prices.

Just like USB-A and USB-C, there is another common USB called USB-B. It is less wide than USB-A and has a rectangular hole in the middle. The most common applications that use USB-B-type connectors include printers and scanners. You can even connect USB-B ports with USB-A with the help of USB-B to USB-A cable.

USB-A Vs. USB-C: What Is The Difference?

There are many differences between USB-A and USB-C, depending on the shape, connection, speed, compatibility, versions, and devices. The following USB-C vs USB-A table will give you an overview of their main differences.

Below, we will reveal the USB-A vs. USB-C comparison in detail.

Charging Capacity

When charging your device, you want a cable that can charge quickly and more efficiently. Initially, USB-A had a maximum output of 5 watts from a dedicated charging block. Thankfully, some advanced USB-A adapters have adopted USB-IF Battery Charging specifications or other fast charging standards like Quick Charge from Qualcomm.

USB-C has become the most popular charger type available in the market. It can supply up to 100 watts of power. With the recent revision of PD3.1 EPR (Extended Power Range), the USB-C adapter can go up to 240 watts. However, it is essential to ensure the appliance is compatible with fast charging.

Shape

USB-A is the classic rectangular-shaped port that many people are familiar with. On the contrary, USB-C is a small, oval-shaped connector that can be plugged in any orientation.

Speed

USB-A connectors have different transfer speeds where USB-2.0 has a transfer speed of up to 480 Mbps and USB 3.0 has 5Gbps. USB-C connectors have modern USB-3.1 and USB-3.2, offering transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps.

Compatibility

USB-A connectors are compatible only with USB-A ports. Hence, they are not reversible and can be inserted only in one way. On the contrary, USB-C ports are versatile and offer a wider range of compatibility with many devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

USB-C has many advantages over USB-A, such as the former offering higher data transfer speeds and has a reversible form factor, meaning there's no incorrect way to plug the USB-C connector into a device.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations are battery-powered inverter generators with multiple USB charging ports, AC outlets, and DC carports. These home or outdoor battery backup solutions are ideal for charging fridges, coffee makers, and CPAP machines.

The Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels have highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells that absorb solar rays and convert them into electrical energy. The DC circuit is transferred to the pure sine wave inverter, which is converted to usable AC electricity for powering appliances.

Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station has a large NMC battery of 3024Wh capacity that can charge 99% of electrical devices. It has 2*USB-A output with Quick Charge ability and 2*USB-C output ports to power many appliances simultaneously.

Customer Review

“Completely powers my trailer for 3 days off the grid. There is a mini fridge hooked up to my Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro, which stayed in for 3.5 days.” — Shannon Valdez.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station 

The expandable Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station has a LiFePO4 battery capacity of 2042.8Wh. It has 2*USB-A output with fast charging ability and 2*USB-C output ports to power low to high-power-consuming appliances. Besides, it also has 5*AC output ports that can charge many appliances.

Customer Review

“We love this power station, and it can be recharged quickly. Runs our fridge/freezer for about a day and a half, and that is with running lights and other things at the same time.” — L Mc.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station has an NMC battery of 2160Wh capacity with two 18W maximum USB-A, two 100W USB-C, and 3*AC output ports to charge multiple devices at the same time. With the help of 6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels, you can recharge the portable power station in only 2.5 hours.

Customer Review

“Peace of mind knowing we have a backup in the event of a power failure. A very nice, powerful unit that charges quickly. Have run several appliances in the house.” — Richard W.

Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station has a battery capacity of 1512Wh with 1800W AC output. It features two USB-A outputs of 18W maximum, two USB-C outputs of 100W maximum, a carport, and three AC outputs of 1800W to charge 8 devices simultaneously.

Customer Review

“I was pleasantly surprised by how long the battery lasts. I had several electronics plugged in all weekend, and by the time I packed up to head home, I still had plenty of juice left.” — RYAN W.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station has a LiFePO4 battery of 1264Wh and can be expanded to 5kWh using the additional Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus. It has 2*USB-A and 2*USB-C output ports to charge appliances that consume different watts.

Customer Review

“Took this unit out on the weekend and performed as expected. Charged my Segway scooter, MacBook, and a couple of small gadgets.” — Chris.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station 

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station has a 1002Wh capacity and supports charging of 8 devices. The compact, portable power station includes three standard pure sine wave AC outlets, two USB-A, and two USB-C output ports. It weighs only 22.04 lbs, making it an excellent home or outdoor use option.

Customer Review

“It works great so far, able to use a few kitchen items (water kettle mostly) and recharged a few lights and my phone/table, after consistent use over the few weeks, the battery is barely at 50%.” — B.M.

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station 

The small and portable Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station has an NMC battery of 518Wh capacity. It has one AC, two DC, and three USB-A output ports. You can charge different home or outdoor electrical appliances like blenders, space heaters, coffee makers, toasters, and even TVs.

Customer Review

“Worked great, powering our 42-inch TV and antenna and charging a few iPhones. After 3 hours, we still had 76% power left.” — Ynocencio Gonzalez.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station 

The smaller Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station has a LiFePO4 battery with a 288Wh capacity. It weighs only 8.27 lbs, making it an excellent deal for road trips, hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. It features one AC output of 300W power, one USB-A output of 15W, and two USB-C outputs of 100W maximum power.

Customer Review

“It is lightweight, portable, and can charge phones, laptops, plug-in lights, & a small appliance for cooking. — Marie.

	Product Image	USB-A Ports	USB-C Ports
Explorer 3000 Pro		(x2): Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max	(x2): 100W Max, 5V⎓3A, 9V⎓3A, 12V⎓3A, 15V⎓3A, 20V⎓5A
Explorer 2000 Plus		(x2): Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max	(x2): 100W Maximum, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)
Explorer 2000 Pro		(x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max	(x2): 100W Maximum, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)
Explorer 1500 Pro		(x2): Quick Charge 3.0x2, 18W Max	(x2): 100W Maximum, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)
Explorer 1000 Plus		(x2): 18W Max, 5-5V⎓3A	(x2): 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)
Explorer 1000		(x2): 5V⎓2.4A, Quick Charge 3.0x1, 18W Max	(x2): 18W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V up to 3A)
Explorer 500		(x3): 5V⎓2.4A	/
Explorer 300 Plus		(x1): 15W Max 5V⎓3A	(x1): 15W Max 5V⎓3A (x2): 100W Max, 5V⎓3A (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A)

USB-A Vs. USB-C FAQs

What is the difference between USB-A and USB-C?

The USB-A connectors are not reversible and have less data transfer. On the contrary, USB-C is a small, oval-shaped connector that's reversible and has faster speeds.

Is USB-A faster than USB-C?

No. USB-C is newer, better, and faster in almost every way than USB-A. While the advanced USB-A version has a maximum speed of up to 10 Gbps, the USB-C has a data transfer speed of 40 Gbps.

How do I know if I have USB-A or C?

USB-C ports are generally oval in shape and are reversible. On the other hand, USB-A ports are rectangular and can fit in only one way.

Will USB-C replace USB-A?

USB-C has become standard for most devices, all thanks to its advanced features and capabilities. While it might not replace other connectors like USB-A, the USB-C will become more prevalent in the coming years.

Final Thoughts

From the USB-A vs USB-C comparison guide, it's clear that USB-C simply has better data transfer rates and can charge even large electronics. Jackery Solar Generators have NMC or LiFePO4 batteries that charge most home or outdoor appliances. The power stations have many output ports, including AC output, USB-A, and USB-C ports.

For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has two USB-A and two USB-C ports that can charge small or large appliances faster and for longer hours. Similarly, the expandable Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has two USB-A and two USB-C output ports with multiple AC output ports. With any of these solar generators, you can charge most appliances for an extended period.