USB-C on Printers: What It Means for New Computers

What USB-C on a printer means

Printers have historically used a square Type-B USB connector for wired connections to computers. That port is being joined and sometimes replaced by USB-C, the same flippable oval connector found on modern laptops, tablets and phones. A USB-C port on a printer means you can plug in a cable without worrying about orientation, and you may be able to share the same cable type across many devices. For more on the differences between the old and new connector, see USB-B vs USB-C printer.

USB-C is a physical connector standard, not a data protocol. The port can carry USB data, and in some implementations it also supports power delivery. For a printer, the most important thing to understand is that the presence of a USB-C port does not automatically guarantee a specific data speed or power capability. Those depend on the USB version the printer implements and whether the port supports Power Delivery. The USB version behind the port is covered in printer connectivity USB versions.

Why USB-C matters for new computers

Many thin and light laptops, especially those sold in the last few years, include only USB-C ports or a mix of USB-C and a couple of others. Older printers with the big square Type-B connector need a cable with a USB-A or USB-C plug on the computer side and a Type-B on the printer. If your laptop only has USB-C, you either need an adapter or a printer that accepts USB-C directly.

With a USB-C printer, you can connect a standard USB-C to USB-C cable from your laptop to the printer, no dongle. That simplifies desk setups and reduces the number of different cables you need to keep around. It is especially convenient for small home offices where space is limited. For a rundown of all the ways to link a printer to a computer, see printer connectivity options.

Data transfer considerations

USB-C as a connector does not define how fast data moves. The underlying USB protocol, such as USB 2.0 or USB 3.x, sets the speed. For printing, even USB 2.0 is more than adequate for text documents and typical images. The bottleneck is rarely the cable; it is often the printer's own processor and print engine.

Modern operating systems and printer drivers have made wired printing largely plug and play. The Printer Working Group's IPP Everywhere standard allows computers and mobile devices to find and print to network and USB printers without vendor-specific software. That means when you connect a USB-C printer that supports IPP Everywhere, your laptop can often recognize it immediately and start printing without installing a driver. The PWG reports that 98% of printers sold today support IPP/2.0 and DNS-SD, which covers the discovery needed for IPP Everywhere. For a deeper look at IPP Everywhere, visit IPP Everywhere and how it works.

Power delivery and USB-C printers

Some USB-C ports on printers are not just for data; they can also receive or provide power. For example, a printer could be powered solely through its USB-C connection, though that is uncommon in the current market. More often, the USB-C port on a printer is data-only, while a separate power cord supplies electricity.

If you are considering a printer with a USB-C port, check the specification sheet to see whether the port supports Power Delivery. If it does, you may be able to power a small printer from a laptop's USB-C port, but that is rare. In most cases, you will still need the printer's own power supply. ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment is designed to wake from sleep quickly, so even with a wired connection, the printer will not waste power in standby. That is one of the criteria for certification, per the ENERGY STAR program. For more on power management, see printer Energy Star guide.

What to check before you buy

When you look at a printer spec sheet, focus on a few USB-C details. The first is whether the port is for data or also supports power. The second is the USB version the port implements, for example USB 3.2 Gen 1. The third is whether the printer includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. Some printers still ship with a Type-A to Type-B cable, even if they have a USB-C port.

Also consider compatibility with your operating system. If you run Windows, macOS, ChromeOS or Linux, check that the printer supports IPP Everywhere or the mobile printing standard Mopria. Mopria is an alliance that certifies printers for easy printing from Android and Windows devices. The PWG states that IPP Everywhere lets personal computers and mobile devices print to network and USB printers without vendor-specific software. That is a strong reason to choose a printer that supports these standards. For more on printer operating system compatibility, see printer OS compatibility.

When you might prefer wireless instead

USB-C is convenient for a single computer connected directly to a printer. But if you have several devices, a wireless connection is often easier. Wi-Fi lets any computer on your network print without plugging in a cable. Mopria and IPP Everywhere make mobile printing straightforward from phones and tablets, as well as from laptops. Wireless also removes the need to swap cables between computers.

For a home office with laptops that move around, a USB-C port on the printer is less important than solid Wi-Fi support. However, a wired connection can be more reliable for high-volume printing or when the network is congested. See USB-wired vs wireless printer speed for a discussion. If you are leaning toward wireless, check out best wireless printers for models that excel in that area.

Bottom line

USB-C on a printer is a modern convenience, not a requirement. If your laptop is all-in on USB-C and you want a single cable for data and charging, a printer with a USB-C data port can simplify your setup. If you already use wireless printing or plan to, the printer's USB-C port is just a backup option.

Before buying, verify the port's capabilities from the manufacturer's specification. A USB-C port that only carries data is still useful, but you won't get power delivery. Some printers with USB-C also support direct connection to phones, but that is not universal. In any case, the printer's networking and driver support matter more than the physical connector you use for the initial setup. And when you eventually replace an old printer, consider recycling it; the EPA encourages responsible disposal of used electronics. To see a range of current models and their ports, browse best all-in-one printers.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is USB-C on a printer the same as USB-C on a laptop?

Yes, the physical connector is identical. However, the port's capabilities, such as data speed and power delivery, depend on how the manufacturer implements it. Always check the printer's spec sheet.

Can I charge my printer from a USB-C port?

Rarely. Most printers still require their own power supply. Some portable or ultra-compact printers may accept USB-C power, but that is not common. Check the specifications.

Do I need a special cable for a USB-C printer?

You need a USB-C to USB-C cable if both ends are USB-C. Many printers include one, but some still ship with a Type-A to Type-B cable, so you may need an adapter or a separate cable.

Will my Mac or Windows computer work with a USB-C printer?

If the printer supports IPP Everywhere or Mopria, it should work without extra drivers. Apple and Microsoft have built-in support for these standards, so plugging in a USB-C printer usually works as soon as it is recognized.

Is USB-C faster than regular USB for printing?

The connector type does not dictate speed. It depends on the USB version used. Even USB 2.0 over a USB-C port is fast enough for typical printing. The printer's internal processing speed is the usual bottleneck.