USB A/B cables connect a computer to a printer, scanner, external drive, hub or other USB equipment. Our range includes cables with USB A, USB B, Micro-USB B, Mini-USB B and USB C connectors, as well as extension cables. Brands include Delock, InLine, Roline, Lindy and StarTech.com.
How to choose a USB A/B cable
Connector types. Printers, scanners and many hubs need a cable with a USB A plug for the computer and a USB B plug for the device. Portable drives, cameras and older phones use Micro-USB B or Mini-USB B, and for newer equipment our range also has USB A to USB C cables. Look at the port on your device before buying.
USB version and speed. A USB 2.0 cable (480 Mbit/s) is enough for a printer, scanner or keyboard. For an external SSD or drive, choose USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s) or USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s); our range also includes a few USB4 cables. A USB 3 B plug has an extra section on top: a USB 2.0 B plug fits a USB 3 B socket, but not the other way round.
Length. The USB 2.0 specification generally limits a cable to about 5 m, and faster USB 3 cables work most reliably when kept shorter. For longer distances an active extension cable is a better solution than chaining several ordinary cables together.
Gender and plug shape. Most cables have a plug at both ends, but there are also extension cables with a USB A socket at one end. An angled plug helps when a printer or drive sits right against a wall or in a tight shelf. Our range includes both straight and angled versions.
Brands you will find here
- Delock: a German company offering a large number of lengths and connector combinations, which is why it has the most cables in this category.
- InLine: a German brand of computer cables and accessories, and the second largest in this category by number of cables.
- Roline and Value: both are brands of the Swiss company Secomp.
- Lindy and StarTech.com: Lindy is known for active USB extension cables, while StarTech.com is known for connectivity accessories aimed at IT professionals.
- EFB-Elektronik: a German supplier of cabling and network equipment.
Also in our range: shiverpeaks, Good Connections, S-CONN maximum connectivity, Wentronic and EXSYS.
Frequently asked questions
What cable do I need to connect a printer to a computer?
In most cases you need a USB A to USB B cable. The USB A plug goes into the computer, and the almost square USB B plug goes into the printer. If the device is small or portable, check whether its port is Micro-USB B or Mini-USB B instead.
Will a USB 3.0 cable work with a USB 2.0 device?
Yes, USB standards are backwards compatible, so the cable will work at USB 2.0 speed, which is 480 Mbit/s. A cable that is faster than the device will not make it any quicker. Just watch the B connector: a USB 3 B socket is wider than a USB 2.0 B socket.
What is the difference between USB A and USB B?
USB A is the flat rectangular connector found on computers, chargers and hubs. USB B is almost square and is mostly used on printers and scanners. Micro-USB B and Mini-USB B are smaller versions of the B connector.
What length of USB cable should I buy?
Choose the shortest cable that reaches the device without strain. A USB 2.0 cable should generally not exceed 5 m, and fast USB 3 devices such as an external SSD work best with an even shorter one. For longer distances, use an active extension cable.
