Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable for Printer or External Hard Drive
Bottom line: The Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable ($9.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 16 ft length lets a printer sit across the room from the PC; main trade-off: USB 2.0 speeds only, a bottleneck for modern external SSDs.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 16 ft length lets a printer sit across the room from the PC
- ✓ Gold-plated, corrosion-resistant connectors on both ends
- ✓ Standard USB-B square plug fits most printers and scanners
- ✓ Certified Frustration-Free Packaging, no clamshell to cut
Cons
- ✗ USB 2.0 speeds only, a bottleneck for modern external SSDs
- ✗ 16 ft is excess cable to manage for a desk-side printer
- ✗ Signal over 16 ft can be unreliable on some finicky devices
- ✗ USB-A end needs an adapter on USB-C-only laptops
Manufacturer description
DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects speed-critical devices like external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors help ensure an optimal signal Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to your computer
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the accessories category. Amazon Basics's accessories lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for accessories of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this cable work with my printer?
It uses the standard square USB Type-B plug found on most inkjet, laser, and all-in-one printers, plus many scanners. Check that your printer has the square USB-B port rather than a USB-C or proprietary connector.
How long is it, and is 16 feet too long for USB?
It is 16 feet. That is within the roughly 16.4 ft (5 m) maximum the USB 2.0 specification allows for a passive cable, so no powered repeater is needed.
Is this fast enough for an external hard drive?
It is a USB 2.0 cable, so transfers cap at USB 2.0 speeds. That is fine for a mechanical backup drive or a printer, but it will bottleneck a modern external SSD rated for USB 3.0 or faster.
Do the gold-plated connectors actually matter?
The gold plating is corrosion-resistant, which helps maintain a clean contact and optimal signal at the plug over time. It does not increase transfer speed beyond the USB 2.0 standard.
Key Features
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects speed-critical devices like external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors help ensure an optimal signal
- Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to your computer
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Full Specifications
| Size | 16 Feet |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Color | Black |
| Model | PC045 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| UnitCount | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Amazon |
| IsAdultProduct | false |
| ItemPartNumber | UCC3301_16FT |
| Full listing title | Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable for Printer or External Hard Drive, Gold-Plated Connectors, 16 Foot, Black |
Ready to buy?
Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable for Printer or External Hard Drive, Gold-Plated Connectors, 16 Foot, Black is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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