USB extension cables extend the reach of a USB port, usually with a male USB A plug on one end and a female USB A socket on the other. They suit anyone who needs to move a webcam, printer, hub or flash drive away from the computer. Our range includes LINDY, StarTech, DIGITUS and LogiLink, with some USB C and USB B versions as well.
How to choose a USB extension cable
USB version and speed. USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s) is enough for keyboards, mice, printers and card readers. External drives, capture devices and higher-resolution webcams do better on USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s). Our range also holds a few faster cables, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 at 20 Gbit/s and a USB4 Gen 2x2 model.
Connector type and gender. A true extension has a male plug at one end and a female socket at the other, so the cable sits between the device and the port. Most cables in our range are USB A to USB A, but some use USB C or USB B. A few have a different connector at the far end, such as HDMI or Mini-USB B, so those work as adapters rather than plain extensions. Check both ends against your devices before ordering.
Length and signal quality. Ordinary passive USB cables lose signal over distance, and the limit is tighter for faster versions. As a rule of thumb, USB 2.0 cables are kept to about 5 m and USB 3 cables to around 3 m. For longer runs, look for a cable with a built-in signal booster, or chain powered hubs.
Shielding and build. A shielded cable with good connectors helps prevent dropouts, especially with high-speed devices running next to power cables or Wi-Fi equipment. Most cables in our range have straight connectors, so leave enough space behind a PC or monitor for the plug to fit.
USB extension cable brands we carry
- LINDY: a long-established maker of cables and connectivity products, with more extension cables in our range than any other brand.
- StarTech: a Canadian brand known for connectivity accessories aimed at IT professionals and office installations.
- DIGITUS: the cabling and network brand of ASSMANN Electronic, a German company.
- AXAGON: a Czech brand known for USB adapters, hubs and other PC accessories.
- EFB Elektronik: a German supplier of cabling and connection technology, listed here under both the EFB Elektronik and EFB ACCS names.
Also in our range: LogiLink, Micro Connect, InLine, Techly, Club3D and SBOX.
USB extension cable FAQ
What is a USB extension cable used for?
A USB extension cable adds length between a USB device and the port it plugs into. It is commonly used to bring a webcam, receiver or flash drive to a more convenient spot on a desk, or to reach ports at the back of a PC. It carries data and power just like a normal USB cable.
How long can a USB extension cable be?
For passive cables, about 5 m is the usual limit for USB 2.0 and around 3 m for USB 3 speeds. Beyond that, the signal can degrade and the device may disconnect or run slowly. Longer distances normally need a cable with a built-in booster or a powered hub in the middle.
Does a USB extension cable slow down data transfer?
A good extension cable that matches your device's USB version should not noticeably reduce speed. Problems usually appear when the cable is too long, poorly shielded or only supports USB 2.0 while the device is USB 3. Check the version and the maximum data rate listed for the cable.
Can I use a USB 2.0 extension cable with a USB 3.0 device?
Yes, it will work, but the connection drops to USB 2.0 speed, which is 480 Mbit/s at most. This is fine for a mouse or printer, but slow for an external SSD. For faster devices, choose a cable rated for USB 3.2 Gen 1 or higher.
