USB Type-C
The small oval that goes in either way up - and hides the most variation.
Also called: USB-C, USBC, the oval one, Thunderbolt connector, the new USB.
How to recognise it
- Rounded oval about 8.4 mm wide, symmetrical top to bottom.
- Reversible: there is no wrong way up.
- A flat tongue with contacts on both faces sits inside the socket.
Where you will find it
- Phones, tablets and laptops made since about 2016
- Games consoles and controllers
- Monitors, docks and Thunderbolt gear
- Mandatory on most new devices sold in the EU since 2024
What it fits
A USB Type-C plug mates only with its own socket. Anything else needs an adapter.