Which USB version has the fastest transfer speed?

The fastest transfer speed among the USB versions listed belongs to USB 3.1. This version can achieve data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second), which is a significant improvement over its predecessors. USB 3.0, for example, offers a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbps.

The advancements in USB 3.1 not only increase the speed but also improve power delivery and support for new protocols, enhancing overall functionality. This makes USB 3.1 particularly well-suited for tasks that require high bandwidth, such as transferring large files or streaming high-definition video.

In contrast, USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 have much lower maximum speeds of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) and 480 Mbps, respectively, which are substantially slower than USB 3.0 or USB 3.1. Thus, USB 3.1 is recognized as the most efficient in terms of transfer speed, leading to its designation as the fastest among the options provided.