Why you probably shouldn't buy gadgets with micro USB ports

Micro USB isn't totally extinct, but it's still best avoided if seen.

By Roger Fingas Nov. 9, 2026 6:30 pm EST Supersmario/Getty Images Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

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USB 1.0 dates back to 1996, and since then, the tech industry has made a mockery of the "universal" part of the acronym by spinning off more variants than Willy Wonka has candy bars. Even on cutting-edge PCs, you'll likely encounter a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports, then spend a few moments trying to figure out where to plug in your USB 4 cables.