A USB Type-A-to-Type-B cable has a Type-A plug at one end and a Type-B plug at the other. It commonly connects a computer or hub to a peripheral such as a printer. The connector names tell you the plug shapes—not the cable’s speed or charging capability—so check both device ports and the cable specifications before choosing one.
What “Type A-B cable” means
“Type A-B cable” is shorthand for a USB cable with one Type-A end and one Type-B end. In the usual setup, the Type-A plug connects to the host, such as a computer, and the Type-B plug connects to a peripheral, such as a printer or scanner. Device requirements can vary, so confirm the ports on the actual equipment rather than relying on its category.
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- USB Type-A: The familiar rectangular plug used on many computers and hubs.
- USB Type-B: A squarish plug commonly found on legacy peripherals. Type-B connectors have variants, including Standard-B, Mini-B, and Micro-B.
USB-IF’s USB 2.0 specification listing is dated June 3, 2025. Its USB 2.0 cable and connector class document, listed August 1, 2007, describes criteria for USB connectors, cables, and fabricated cable assemblies.
How to tell whether you need one
- Identify the USB port on the host device and the receptacle on the peripheral.
- Check that the cable has the matching plug at each end: Type-A for the host side and the correct Type-B variant for the peripheral side.
- Check the data rate and charging or power requirements separately; the connector shape does not establish them.
If you are looking for a USB printer cable, do not assume every printer uses the same port. Inspect the printer’s receptacle and match it to the cable’s Type-B end.
#1 Best Overall
- Ideal Printer Scanner Cable: UGREEN USB 2.0 printer cable is ideal for connecting your scanner, printer, server, hard drive, camera, piano, and other USB b devices to a laptop, computer (Mac/PC), or other USB-enabled devices for data transfer.
- High-Speed Transfer: Up to 480 Mbps transfers data speed for USB 2.0 devices, the USB Type B cable is backward compliant with full-speed USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) and low-speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps). Compared with a WIFI connection, this USB B Cable provides a more stable data transmission and offers a more efficient work way for you.
- Wide Compatibility: This Printer Cable compatible with HP deskjet 2540 / 3630, HP officejet 5740, HP Envy 4527 / 4520 / 4523 / 5540, HP photosmart 7520 / 5520 / 5510, Canon MG5750 / MG3550 / MG7550, Epson XP225 / XP245 / XP425, Brother DCP-L2520DW, Lexmark MX310DN, Dell C2665DNF, Samsung Xpress SL-C1860FW, Oki ML1120 / 511DN, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Yamaha digital piano, DAC, etc.
- Premium Quality: Corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors and foil/braid shielding make the SB 2.0 Male to USB B Male cable cord more long-term performance (without noise or signal loss).
- Plug and Play, No Driver Required. What You Get: a USB 2.0 printer cable. Important Note: This printer USB cable has a USB 2.0 Type B Interface, not USB 3.0 Type B.
What if the host has USB Type-C?
A Type-A-to-Type-B cable will not directly fit a host that has only Type-C ports. For a Type-C host and a legacy device with a Standard-B receptacle, USB-IF’s Type-C specification defines Type-C-to-legacy-Standard-B cable assemblies, including a USB 2.0 Type-C-to-Standard-B cable for legacy USB 2.0 hubs and devices.
Choose a cable designed for the host-to-device combination rather than assuming an arbitrary adapter will work. USB-IF cautions against undefined Type-C-receptacle-to-legacy adapters. Type-C plugs do not use the physical A/B distinction, although USB connections still maintain a logical host-to-device relationship through the Configuration Channel.
Rank #2
- IN THE BOX: (1) 10-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to protect against noise, minimizing interference for a clear signal
What the connector names do not tell you
“A-to-B” describes the ends of the cable. It does not, by itself, specify:
- USB generation or data speed
- Charging capability or power rating
- Cable length
Compare those requirements with the device documentation and the cable’s stated specifications. USB-IF’s Type-C documentation distinguishes full-featured cables from USB 2.0-only cable assemblies, so a matching plug shape alone is not proof that a cable supports every feature you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects speed-critical devices like external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors help ensure an optimal signal
- Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to your computer
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Rank #4
- IN THE BOX: (1) 6-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to minimize interference
Rank #3
- High Speed Transfer : Up to 480 Mbps transfers data speed for USB 2.0 devices, the printer cable is backwards compliant with full-speed USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) and low-speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps).
- Universal Printer Cable : Sweguard USB 2.0 Printer Cable is ideal for connecting your scanner, printer, server, camera such as HP, Canon, Lexmark, Epson, Dell, Xerox , Samsung and other usb b devices to a laptop, computer (Mac/PC) or other USB-enabled device.
- Gold-plated Connectors :Constructed with corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to minimize interference.
- Nylon Tangle-free Design : Tangle-free Nylon Braided Design, this USB 2.0 Printer Cord is far more dependable than others in its price range. Premium nylon braided cable adds additional durability and tangle free.
- What You’ll Get : - 1*pack Printer Cable,24/7 Friendly Customer Service,18 months warranty.Once there’s any questions,please feel free to contact us.Thanks!
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