USB-C VS Lightning: Which is Better
February 22, 2021
Lightning and USB-C are similar. They are both known for convenience; they both have no up or down orientation; they're alike in appearance (maybe Lightning is thicker). Though they are highly similar, which is on earth is better? Is USB-C better than Lightning? Sorry to fans of Apple, I am afraid that my answer is "Yes". And I will list 4 reasons in this article.
USB-C and Lightning
USB-C, known formally as USB Type-C, is the newest USB standard for delivering power and data to devices. USB-C connectors can be inserted into devices either way because of their symmetric flattened-oval shape. Not only are they more convenient than older USB connectors that only plug in one way, USB-C also has the ability to charge devices faster and move more data, more quickly.
Lightning is an 8-pin connector created and designed by Apple Inc. Certified by MFi and containing an authentication chip that made it difficult for third-party manufacturers to produce compatible accessories without being approved by Apple, it's specifically used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals.
Why is USB-C better than Lightning?
1. Compatibility
USB-C supports almost all peripheral devices and USB standard while Lightning couldn't.
Lightning could not be used in other products other than Apple products.
USB-C could be applied in any products with a USB-C port. Moreover, USB-C supports simultaneously video signals and power streams because of which is can be connected to and power a native DisplayPort, MHL, or HDMI device.
2. Quick-acting Charging
Lightning could power up to 20W whereas USB-C can handle up to 100W.
Both Lightning and USB-C are capable of conducting power at varying wattages.
Lightning embraces 20W-quick-acting charging, as provided by iPhone 12 PD charger.
Thanks to USB PD*, USB-C is known to handle up to 100W. USB-C could power an amplifier or even a screen.
*USB PD: USB Power Delivery Specification (USB PD) is a charging technology that supplies up to 100W output.
3. Data Transmission
Lightning cables transfer data at USB 2.0 speeds and data could be transfer at USB 3.0 speeds on USB-C cables.
Data transmission speeds depend more on USB standards for both Lightning and USB-C.
Lightning devices usually connect to a computer for data transfer. This is facilitated by a Lightning to USB cable. The data throughput actually depends on the ports on the source and target device. Apple hasn't divulged the maximum theoretical data throughput for Lightning.
USB-C supports USB 2.0/3.0/3.1. Therefore, USB-C dubbed with USB 3.0/3.1 will transfer data much faster.
4. Price
USB-C is much cheaper than Lightning.
Unlike USB-C using industry standard USB-C port, Lightning USB it applies proprietary connector which costs manufacturers of peripherals a lot in Apple commission resulting in its much higher price.
This is a simple comparison between an actual USB-C-to-USB-A cable popular in Amazon.com and an Apple Lightning-to-USB cable.
Items |
Brand |
Compatibility |
Quick-acting Charging |
Theoretical Data Transfer Speed |
Price |
USB-C to USB 3.0 |
Anker |
cutting-edge portable tech; legacy USB devices |
High-speed Charging |
5Gbps |
$13.97 |
Lightning to USB |
Apple |
iPhone, iPad, iPod |
High-speed Charging |
480Mbps |
$19.00 |
Bottom Line
USB-C is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. And Lightning is proprietary connector of Apple, certified by MFi. They look alike but in fact, are different in specifications. And from my perspective, I prefer USB-C now, and here goes my reasons:
