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 ($8.08 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 16:16 UTC): 10-foot length reaches printers placed across a room, not just beside the desk; main trade-off: USB 2.0 only, so it caps well below USB 3.0 external drive speeds.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 10-foot length reaches printers placed across a room, not just beside the desk
- ✓ 480 Mbps USB 2.0 throughput handles print jobs and drive transfers
- ✓ Gold-plated contacts resist corrosion across repeated plug cycles
- ✓ Multi-shielded jacket cuts interference from nearby power and video cables
Cons
- ✗ USB 2.0 only, so it caps well below USB 3.0 external drive speeds
- ✗ USB-B square connector fits printers and audio gear, not USB-C devices
- ✗ 10 feet is excessive if the device sits next to the computer
- ✗ No detachable ferrite bead or right-angle option for tight cable runs
Manufacturer description
IN THE BOX: (1) 10-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
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 audio & midi category. Amazon Basics's audio & midi 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 audio & midi 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 USB-A to USB-B (square) connector pair found on most inkjet and laser printers. Confirm your printer has the square USB-B port before ordering.
How fast is it?
Full USB 2.0 signaling at up to 480 Mbps. That is enough for print jobs, scans, and routine file transfers, but slower than USB 3.0 for large external drive backups.
Is 10 feet too long to keep a reliable signal?
Ten feet is well within the USB 2.0 spec, and the cable is multi-shielded to reduce interference. This design reflects that reliability.
Can I use it with a USB audio interface or MIDI keyboard?
Yes, if the device uses a USB-B port, which most desktop audio interfaces and MIDI controllers do. It carries the same USB 2.0 data the device expects.
What does the gold plating actually do?
The gold-plated connectors resist corrosion, which keeps contact resistance low and signal clarity consistent over years of plugging and unplugging.
Key Features
- IN THE BOX: (1) 10-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to protect against noise, minimizing interference for a clear signal
Full Specifications
| Size | 10 Feet |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Color | Black |
| Model | A6TK |
| UnitCount | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Amazon “This product may originate from China or Vietnam" |
| IsAdultProduct | false |
| ItemPartNumber | A6TK |
| Full listing title | Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable for Printer or External Hard Drive, Gold-Plated Connectors, 10 Foot, Black |
Ready to buy?
Amazon Basics USB-A to USB-B 2.0 Cable for Printer or External Hard Drive, Gold-Plated Connectors, 10 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 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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