# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison USB

USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB-C

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.

Comparing:
USB 3.2 Gen 2
USB-C
USB 3.2 Gen 2 →

Originally released as USB 3.1 in July 2013, this 10 Gbit/s tier used more efficient 128b/132b encoding than USB 3.0's 8b/10b. It was renamed USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 in 2017 alongside USB 3.0's rename to Gen 1x1 -- both generations kept identical real-world hardware, with only the marketing name changing.

View full USB 3.2 Gen 2 spec sheet →
USB-C →

USB-C is the reversible, oval 24-pin connector now used across USB 2.0 through USB4 and Thunderbolt. It's the only connector required for USB4, and under EU law it became mandatory on most new phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU by the end of 2024, with laptops following by April 2026.

View full USB-C spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
USB 3.2 Gen 2
USB-C
Original Name
USB 3.1 Gen 2 (July 2013) —
Current Name
USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 (also marketed as "USB 10Gbps") —
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
10 Gbit/s —
Encoding
128b/132b (more efficient than USB 3.0's 8b/10b) —
Pin Count
— 24 (symmetrical, double-sided)
Standard Base Dimensions
— ~8.34 x 2.56 mm
Reversible
— Yes
EU Mandate (phones/tablets/cameras)
— End of 2024 (Directive 2022/2380)
EU Mandate (laptops)
— April 28, 2026

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. Micro-USB → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. Mini-USB → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB 1.1 → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB 2.0 → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB 3.2 Gen 1 → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB Power Delivery → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB-A → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB-B → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB4 → Compare USB 3.2 Gen 2 vs. USB4 2.0 →