PS5 USB Ports – All What You Want To Know
The term “USB” stands for Universal Serial Bus, an industry standard for short-distance digital data communications.
From the first generation of PlayStation until the release of PS5, the console would come with a few Universal Serial Bus connectors. These USB connectors let you connect different peripherals to work with your PS5 and transfer digital data over USB cables. They can also supply electric power across the cable to devices that need it.
The PS5 system software supports a wide range of USB devices as well, so the installation of the device drivers is quick and easy.
This article will illustrate everything you want to know about PS5 USB ports, their types and uses, and what devices you can connect to them.
The Different Types Of PS5 USB Ports
The number of the USB ports that the PS5 has is four. The back USB ports are identical, whereas the two front ports are different. The diversity of USB ports in the PS5 helps support many USB devices that may not function properly on higher-speed ports.
Front PS5 USB Ports Types
On the front of the PS4 there are two different ports:
- The first is a SuperSpeed USB (10Gbps) Type-C | It’s the latest USB connector, introduced in 2014. Using a plug and socket slightly larger than Micro USB, Type C was designed to replace all USB connectors. But, be aware that not all are designed to hit these blazing top speeds.
- The second is a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) Type-A | It’s the common rectangular USB plug and socket. USB 2.0 Type-A maxes out at 480 Mbps, although many cables will be slower than that.
More details about the differences between the types of these two ports will be illustrated later in this article.
Back PS5 USB Ports Type
As stated earlier, the PS5 comes with two identical USB ports on its back. They are made the same because this type is the most commonly used today and is compatible with most USB devices.
The USB type of the ports located on the back of the PS5 is USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Type-A (10Gbps).
You will soon learn more about this type and its specifications later in this article.
What Is The Best PS5 USB Port For My Device?
In order for a USB device to work properly on your PS5, you’ll need to connect it through a relevant USB port. Below is a list of USB devices that you can use on your PS5 and the recommended US port to connect them to.
1. USB Storage Devices (HDD & SSD)
If you own a USB storage device and want to connect it to your PS5, usually we recommend the two USB 3.0 ports on the backside of the PS5.
Whether you have a regular external hard drive or a classical external SSD, the backside USB ports will utilize the maximum speed of your external storage device.
The only exception here is if you own a superspeed external SSD that utilizes an M.2 SSD with a speed of more than 1000 Gbps. Here we recommend connecting your device to the frontside USB type-c port.
Be noted that your USB storage device WON’T work with the USB 2.0 port located on the front of the PS5. So be aware of this important note.
2. Wireless PS5 & PS4 Controllers
Whether you want to use a PS5 wireless controller or even a PS4 wireless controller, you can connect this controller to any USB port on the PS5 and it will work flawlessly without an issue.
If you use an unofficial PS controller, the connection via the USB Type-C port on the front of a PS5 console may also be supported but is not guaranteed.
3. HD Camera and PS Camera (with adaptor)
A SuperSpeed USB port should be used to connect an HD Camera or a PlayStation® Camera (with a PlayStation® Camera adaptor). The USB Type-C connector on the front of your PS5 console or one of the USB Type-A ports on the back of your PS5 console can be used to connect your HD Camera or PS Camera (with an adaptor).
Please be aware that the USB Type-A port on the front of a PS5 console is not compatible with HD Camera or PS Camera (without an adaptor).
4. PlayStation VR
It works with all USB ports on the PS5 seamlessly and without any issues.
5. Wireless Headset
This USB device also works with all USB ports on the PS5, but we don’t recommend connecting it to the type-C USB as it will be a waste. Leave the USB type-C port for a heavy, resource-demanding device.
6. Keyboard & Mouse
A USB keyboard and mouse can be easily connected to the PS5 via any USB type-A port. Depending on the brand you use, the device may or may not work with the USB type-C port on the front of the PS5.
7. TV, Monitor & Projectors
If you want to connect a media display such as a TV, monitor or projector, all USB ports on the PS5 will support it, but the front USB type-A port may have issues with some devices and it’s not guaranteed to always work.
Which Device Works On the PS5 USB Type-C Port?
If you have an external USB device with a USB-C cable connector on the host end, just like the one in the image below, it means intuitively that it only connects with the PS5 USB type-c port.
As you can see, the host USB connector is the same as the one used in Android phones. Here’s another image for it:
Otherwise, if your device’s cable has a regular USB connector on the host end, it shall work with no problem with any of the USB type-A ports on the PS5.
PS5 USB Ports Speed
As stated earlier, the PS5 utilizes two types of USB: Type-A to which three of the total four ports belong. And Type-C, to which one port on the front side belongs.
As far as speed is concerned, the backside two USB 3.0 ports share the same speed of 10 Gbps, whereas the frontside USB 2.0 port offers a speed of a maximum of 480 Gbps.
As for the special USB 3.2 Type-C port in the frontside, its maximum transfer speed is 10 Gbps.
Conclusion
The PS5 offers 3 different generations of USB to accommodate almost all the needs of users. The frontside USB 2.0 is mainly made for charging your USB devices, such as your controller and your phone. It’s not made for transferring data although it might work for that purpose with some USB devices.
