Cable & Connector Database

Demystifying USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and more. Because the same connector can mean wildly different capabilities.

Connector Categories

Browse connectors by category or search for specific types. All data is sourced from official specifications and standards bodies.

USB

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USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Mini, and Micro variants. The most confusing connector family.

Reversible

USB-C

USB Type-C

Max Speed

80 Gbps

Max Power

240W

Connector

24 pins, 8.4×2.6mm

Common Uses

Smartphones (Android)LaptopsTablets +5 more

A USB-C cable does NOT guarantee fast charging or data transfer - capabilities depend on the cable's rating

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Reversible

Lightning

Apple Lightning Connector

Max Speed

5 Gbps

Max Power

12W

Connector

8 pins, 6.7×1.5mm

Common Uses

iPhones (5 through 14)iPads (older models)AirPods (1st/2nd gen case) +4 more

Apple is transitioning to USB-C - iPhone 15 and newer use USB-C, not Lightning

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Legacy

USB-A

USB Standard-A

Max Speed

10 Gbps

Max Power

4.5W

Connector

9 pins, 12×4.5mm

Common Uses

Desktop computersLaptops (host ports)Wall chargers +5 more

USB 3.x USB-A has 9 pins but is backwards compatible with 4-pin USB 2.0 cables and devices

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Video

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HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and Thunderbolt video connections.

DisplayPort

Max Speed

77.4 Gbps

Max Power

1.65W

Connector

20 pins, 16.1×4.76mm

Common Uses

Computer monitorsGraphics cardsLaptops (business/professional) +4 more

DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort have identical capabilities - only the connector size differs

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Legacy

DVI

Digital Visual Interface

Max Speed

7.92 Gbps

Max Power

7.5W

Connector

29 pins, 39.5×15.13mm

Common Uses

Older monitors (2000s-2010s)Graphics cards (older)Desktop computers +3 more

DVI-D, DVI-I, and DVI-A are physically different - DVI-D won't fit in a DVI-A port

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HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface

Max Speed

48 Gbps

Max Power

0.275W

Connector

19 pins, 13.9×4.45mm

Common Uses

TVsMonitorsGaming consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) +6 more

HDMI 2.1 ports may not support all 2.1 features - manufacturers can pick and choose which features to implement

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Audio

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3.5mm, 6.35mm, XLR, RCA, and optical audio connectors.

Legacy

3.5mm

3.5mm Audio Jack (1/8 inch)

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Connector

4 pins, 3.5×3.5mm

Common Uses

HeadphonesEarbudsSmartphones (older models) +6 more

TRS (3 conductors) and TRRS (4 conductors) look nearly identical but aren't fully compatible

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6.35mm

6.35mm Audio Jack (1/4 inch)

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Connector

3 pins, 6.35×6.35mm

Common Uses

Electric guitars and bassesGuitar amplifiersAudio interfaces +6 more

TS and TRS look almost identical but serve different purposes - TS for instruments, TRS for balanced or stereo

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Optical Audio

TOSLINK / S/PDIF Optical

Max Speed

12.288 Mbps

Connector

1 pins, 9×9mm

Common Uses

TVsSoundbarsAV receivers +6 more

TOSLINK is the connector, S/PDIF is the protocol - they're often used interchangeably but aren't the same

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Power

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Barrel jacks, IEC, NEMA, and regional power plugs.

Barrel Jack

DC Barrel Connector

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Max Power

120W

Connector

2 pins, 5.5×5.5mm

Common Uses

Laptops (older models)Routers and modemsLED strips +6 more

5.5x2.1mm and 5.5x2.5mm look nearly identical but 2.1mm plugs are loose in 2.5mm jacks

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IEC 60320

IEC 60320 Appliance Couplers

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Max Power

4000W

Connector

3 pins, 30×22mm

Common Uses

Desktop computersMonitorsServers +7 more

C13 fits into C14 inlets, C14 is the plug on the device - confusing naming

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NEMA

NEMA AC Power Plugs and Receptacles

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Max Power

12500W

Connector

3 pins, 32×22mm

Common Uses

All US household electronicsComputers and monitorsKitchen appliances +5 more

5-15 and 5-20 receptacles look similar but 5-20 has a T-shaped neutral slot

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Quick Shopping Tips

🔍

Check Both Ends

Cables have two connectors. Make sure you know what's on both ends before ordering - USB-A to USB-C is different from USB-C to USB-C.

⚡

Not All Cables Are Equal

USB-C cables especially vary widely. A cheap cable might charge slowly or not support video output. Look for speed and wattage ratings.

When in Doubt, USB-C

If you're buying new devices, lean toward USB-C. It's the current standard and will be supported for years to come.