One of the most underrated advancements in tech is the consolidation of the cable types we use. From your phone to your PC, and secondary devices like game consoles and audio accessories, you need fewer cable types than ever to keep everything connected and charged.
However, you shouldn’t throw out all your old cables yet. We all have older devices that use a largely obsolete cable type. Whether as a backup or to keep those devices working, there are several types of cables worth keeping around until you’re sure you’ve retired everything that uses them.
micro-USB
A standard we can’t wait to say goodbye to
As much as I wish micro-USB were obsolete, it isn’t yet. While smartphones, headphones, game controllers, and many other devices have thankfully moved onto USB-C, plenty of accessories have stuck with this older connection type.
Today, it’s common to see micro-USB on devices like older Kindle models, power banks, baby monitors, and rechargeable flashlights. Xbox One and PS4 controllers both use this connection type, as well. These are the kinds of devices you’re likely to keep for a long time, with the connection type persisting since it’s cheaper and simpler for manufacturers to include than USB-C.
Some newer versions of these devices have upgraded to USB-C; for instance, I replaced an older sleep headset that stopped working with a model that has the newer connection. My own micro-USB devices include game controllers, my everyday flashlight, Kindle Paperwhite, and extra power banks.
Of special note is the micro-USB 3.0 cable, which has an extra part on its connector. This facilitates faster transfer speeds and is mainly used on external HDDs and cameras. Popular external hard drives from WD and Seagate still use this connection type, while external SSDs now use USB-C.
We’ll have to wait a while to wave goodbye to micro-USB, which is a pain since the cable isn’t reversible. In the meantime, hang onto a few of these cables to charge those accessories that don’t use USB-C.
Mini-USB
Quietly hanging on
Mini-USB was one of the first small USB connection types, and predates micro-USB. It was never as widespread as micro-USB, so you’re less likely to need it today. However, chances are you have one or two devices that still need this old-school connector.
I have three Mini-USB devices: PS3 controllers, my Blue Yeti PC microphone, and my dash cam. Aside from those, you might have an old MP3 player or camera that uses the connection type.
Some old phones used it, which is another potential reason to keep these cables around. Alternatively, you might consider getting a cable that charges all your devices.
USB-B
Never gets as much love as A or C
USB-B is a larger connection type that’s not terribly common nowadays. Connecting a printer to your computer is its most likely purpose—though this isn’t necessary since almost all modern printers are Wi-Fi enabled (letting you print from your phone).
You might also see a USB-B connector on networking equipment, or audio devices like mixers or synthesizers. Monitors with USB ports use a USB-B cable to connect to your PC and enable them. And like micro-USB, a newer version of the USB-B connector has additional pins at the top to enable faster speeds.
It doesn’t hurt to keep one of these cables around, but you don’t need many. A new printer or any other device that uses this connection should come with one.
micro-USB and Mini-USB are officially known as USB Mini-B and USB Mini-B. This reflects the naming convention of USB-A for the host device and USB-B as the peripheral.
Apple Lightning
Before Apple finally joined the USB-C club
Apple introduced the Lightning cable with 2012’s iPhone 5; it replaced the clunky 30-pin connector. Its reversible nature was a benefit compared to micro-USB, but over time, it began to feel outdated as more phones moved to the USB-C standard.
Thus, Apple began migrating its mobile devices to the newer standard, starting with the 2018 iPad Pro line. The other iPad models followed over the next few years, with the iPhone 15 line in 2023 bringing USB-C to Apple’s phones.
Over the last several years, Apple has released USB-C revisions of AirPods, the Siri Remote for Apple TV, Apple Pencil, and other accessories. If you’re an Apple person, chances are you have older accessories with Lightning ports. You should hang onto those cables until you upgrade everything to USB-C variants (it’s not worth upgrading solely to change the port).
What I did with 57 leftover Lightning cables after switching to USB-C
Here’s what I did with my Lightning cables after I upgraded to USB-C devices.
The only Lightning device I still have is my AirPods Pro 2, but since they support wireless charging, I don’t have to break those old cables out.
3.5mm (aux) cable
When wireless audio won’t cut it
Auxiliary cables aren’t obsolete, though it can seem that way. While most phones and tablets have gotten rid of them, and manufacturers push us toward wireless audio, 3.5mm audio cables still have their place.
For instance, they’re used for connecting devices to your PC’s audio jacks. Aux cables are an easy option for playing music from your phone to a car stereo (though you’ll need an adapter for your phone’s charging port). Modern game controllers and handheld consoles have a headphone jack for easy wired audio.
Even if you’ve moved onto a wireless world, keep a few aux cables around—they can come in handy.
Proprietary gaming cables
Keep the old consoles going
Controllers for the PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 all charge with USB-C, but this was much more fragmented with past consoles. For instance, the Wii U GamePad uses a proprietary charger, as does the first-generation PlayStation Vita and 3DS line of consoles.
If you still have these systems, you should hold onto these cables. It’s of course important if you play them regularly; if you decide to sell the system, having the original charger will increase the value.
You can buy third-party chargers for these, but they’re often cheap junk and may pose a fire risk. Finding an official cable on a site like eBay can be difficult and is more expensive, so it’s best to hold onto the ones you have.
Non-USB-C laptop chargers
Keep those laptops juiced
USB-C standardization is making the mess of laptop chargers less of a hassle. If you have older laptops that use proprietary chargers, hold onto those charging cables until you’ve shifted to all-USB-C charging. It’s a similar scenario to gaming controllers: official chargers can be expensive, and cheap ones can ruin your devices.
Some older chargers can be used for multiple devices; you might be able to use one HP charger with another laptop from the same manufacturer.
Keep your old cables organized
Don’t let backup cables turn into a mess
Retaining a selection of old cables doesn’t mean they have to become a huge mess. Choose how many to keep based on which devices you have—if you only have one item that uses mini-USB, you don’t need more than two cables for it.
I recommend using resealable bags for each cable type and labeling them. If you have many cables of one type, use jumbo-size storage bags with a slider to easily fit them all in something that’s easy to open. Reusable cable ties keep cables neat in their bags.
And while they aren’t obsolete, it’s also a good idea for your cable storage to have backups of common cables like HDMI, Ethernet, and power cables. That way, if a cable ever fails, you can replace it immediately instead of waiting for a replacement to ship or buying an overpriced cable at the store.
You don’t need to hoard every cable you’ve ever had, but it’s wise to keep some outdated cable types around for a while longer. When you realize you don’t have any more devices that use a cable type, you’re clear to throw those out.