At a glance - USB C Tester—
Monitor USB-C power and charging. Measure voltage and amperage. Visualize the directional flow of electrical current. Updated OLED display is brighter and easier to read. New orientation button lets you flip the screen 180 degrees
Bidirectional—
USB power meter can be connected in either orientation, allowing for the full range of USB Power Delivery voltage from 5 to 20V (4V-22V, 50mA-6.5A operating range)
Broad USB Support—
Used as a data and power quality meter, device allows USB data pass through, USB-C Alt Mode video, USB-C charging. Use USB tester inline with USB-C docking stations, chargers, accessories, etc. Not compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices
Small and Tough—
Small enough to go anywhere you need a USB C voltage meter. Even fits most phones and tablets without removing protective case. Strengthened USB-C connections ensure it's sturdy enough to be your go-to USB C power tester
2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—
Every Plugable product, including this USB C Power Meter Tester, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
この Plugable USB-C 電圧・電流チェッカー(USBC-VAMETER)は、USB Type-C が付属した様々な機器の電圧・電流(充電レート)を簡単に計測するためにデザインされています。非常に小型で軽量です。USB Type-C ポートがついたスマートフォン、タブレット、ラップトップやその他の USB Type-C 機器で使用できます。
USB フラッシュドライブとほぼ同じサイズで、USB Type-C ポート経由のリアルタイムの電圧・電流を表示し、電流の方向を矢印で示します。両方向の電流を計測可能で、差し込む方向を選びません。
USB Type-C 対応のホスト・システムと、ドッキング・ステーション、充電器、その他の USB Type-C アクセサリーなど周辺機器との間に差し込んで、電流や電圧を計測するために使用してください。
有機 LED スクリーンは明るく明瞭で見やすく、ボタン一つで表示の上下が反転できるようになっています。
計測の仕組み
このチェッカーは、電流の間に挿入されても透過的に機能する用設計されています。したがってUSBデータ(USB 1.1~USB 3.1 Gen2まで)や、USB-C DisplayPort 代替モードによる画像データ、USB-C 充電に影響を与えることはありません。
USB Type-C 対応のドッキング・ステーション、充電器、その他の USB Type-C アクセサリーなどとホスト・システムの間に差し込んで使用できます。
USB-Cコネクタ・ポート内の電力(VBUS)とグラウンド(接地)用専用信号ラインの値を計測するのみで、別に独立したデータ用ラインには一切干渉しないようになっています。
用途
USB Type-C 付きのラップトップやタブレット等のホストシステムと充電器を接続した際の、おおまかな充電レートを知りたいとき
USB Type-C 付きのホストシステムとドッキングステーションを接続した際の、おおまかな充電レートを知りたいとき
USB Type-C 付きのホストシステムと、USB Type-C コネクタ付きのバスパワー機器(HDDドライブ、フラッシュ・ドライブなど)を接続した際に、バスパワー機器にどれだけの電力が供給されているかを知りたいとき
VBUS ホット・コンディションや電圧低下など、その USB Type-C ポートが仕様に準拠しているかを確認したいとき
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This is the standard USB connection that most computers offered prior to the introduction of USB Type-C (USB-C). Even after the introduction of USB Type-C, this is still quite common.
It can provide data transfer rates up to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 gbps) specification depending on the host and device, but does not directly support video in the way that USB-C Alternate Mode does. This limitation makes DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and docking stations ideal on systems that do not have USB-C, or in instances where more displays are needed beyond available video outputs of a PC.
This type of connection comes in a couple different styles depending on whether USB 3.0 and higher transfer rates are supported (bottom graphic). Usually this type of connection is used to plug into USB devices that do not have a fixed cable connected, such as USB docking stations, USB hubs, printers, and others.
One of the first connectors for charging a smartphone, wireless game controller (such as the Sixaxis and DualShock 3), and other small devices such as external hard drives. Not commonly used today, but is still used in some cases. Most devices using USB Mini B are using USB 2.0, though a USB 3.0 variant does exist. This specification also added USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, though it is more commonly implemented with Micro USB.
A smaller connector that serves many of the same uses as the Mini B connector, with added optional features such as Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) to allow devices like smartphones to output video to larger displays without requiring a dedicated port for video output.
The larger variant of USB-B is most commonly used for external hard drives for higher 5Gbps transfer rates.
The most recent USB connection, USB Type-C (USB-C), represents a major change in what USB can do. The connector is smaller, can be connected in two orientations, is able to carry substantially more power and data, and can directly carry video signals of multiple types (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) Intel has also adapted the USB-C connector for use with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
It is important to note that while all Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connections are USB-C, not all USB-C connections can be used with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 devices.
In our testing we’ve found that compared to a professional multimeter, our USBC-VAMETER is within +/- 3% of the true value (measured at 20V).
Please note that this meter is not meant to replace professional USB-C testing equipment, it is designed for quick and easy measurements for users at any skill level.
The USBC-VAMETER will display voltage, amperage, and the calculated wattage on screen. If you would like to manually calculate the wattage (how much power a device using) you can follow this simple formula:
The power (P) in watts (W) is equal to the voltage V in volts (V) times the current (I) in amps (A), P = V × I.
Example: A device is charging at 20V, 5A: 20V × 5A = 100W.
The USBC-VAMETER is designed for USB-C Power Delivery Revision 3.0 (5-20 volts, up to 5 amps, 100 watts maximum). Most devices currently on the market use PD R3.0.
The USBC-VAMETER3 is designed for the latest USB-C Power Delivery Revision 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) (5-48 volts, up to 5 amps, 240 watts maximum). As of July 2022 there are not many EPR devices available yet, but a good example is the 16" Apple MacBook Pro with 140W charger.
Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.
The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive
If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.
Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only -not standard USB-C peripherals.
While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.
If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.
In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.
For most modern Windows and Mac systems, Thunderbolt devices are automatically approved and will ‘just work’ once connected.
The main exception is Apple Mac laptops with Apple CPUs running macOS Ventura (13) or newer, where you’ll be prompted to manually approve the device the first time you connect it.
The summary table below provides the specific details at a glance, and the text that follows explains the table in more detail.
To expand further, Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 are in essence external connections to the host computer’s internal PCI Express bus. This type of low-level and high speed connection warranted security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to user data.
Windows: From Intel Software to Native OS Support
When Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems were first introduced in late 2015 it was necessary to use Intel Thunderbolt software to manually authenticate and approve external Thunderbolt devices.
With the introduction of Thunderbolt 4 Windows systems in 2020, it was still necessary to have Intel Thunderbolt software installed on the host computer. However, in most cases the authentication and approval process would happen automatically greatly simplifying the process.
Starting with Windows 11 version 21H2 released in October of 2021, Microsoft integrated support for both USB4 and Thunderbolt into the Windows operating system → LINK
This means that with most modern Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 computers running the latest version of Windows 11 it is no longer necessary to install Intel Thunderbolt software on the host computer in order to manage Thunderbolt devices. In most cases, the authentication and approval process will still happen automatically.
macOS: From Intel CPUs to Apple CPUs
When Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems with Intel CPUs were first introduced in 2016, the authentication and approval mechanism was built-in to macOS and was transparent to the end user.
Apple introduced Mac computers based on Apple CPUs in 2020. Macs based on Apple CPUs running macoS 11 Big Sur or macOS 12 Monterey would automatically approve and authenticate Thunderbolt devices when connected.
macOS 13 Ventura was released in 2022 and for portable Macs with Apple CPUs Apple introduced a feature known as ‘Accessory Security’ (also known as ‘Restricted Mode’) → LINK
By default, portable Macs (i.e. laptops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS will require the end user to authenticate and approve a Thunderbolt device when initially connected.
Stationary Macs (i.e. desktops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
Apple Macs with Intel CPUs (both laptop and desktops) running macOS 13 Ventura or newer do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
When connecting a laptop/dock to a monitor, the right direction matters. Many “converter” cables only work one way. If the cable’s intended direction doesn’t match your source (video output) and display (video input), you’ll get no signal. Even if the connectors fit.
Key terms
Source (Output): Laptop, dock, GPU port sending video
Display (Input): Monitor/TV/projector receiving video
Uni-directional: Works only one way (e.g., DP to HDMI)
Bi-directional: Works both ways (common with HDMI to/from DVI, DP to/from mDP)
Active adapter: Has electronics to convert formats/directions (e.g., HDMI to DP)
Passive adapter/cable: No electronics; relies on source capabilities (e.g., DP++ to HDMI)
What typically works and what doesn’t
Scenario
Directionality
Requirement
Notes
DisplayPort (DP) source to HDMI display
Often uni-directional (DP to HDMI)
Passive may work with DP++; otherwise use an active DP to HDMI
Many docks/GPUs support DP++, but some do not so please check specification
HDMI source to DisplayPort display
Uni-directional (HDMI to DP)
Active HDMI to DP adapter
A DP to HDMI cable won’t work in reverse.
USB-C (DP Alt Mode) source to HDMI/DP display
Uni-directional
Alt-Mode USB-C to video cable/adapter
Not reversible (you can’t feed HDMI into USB-C).
Thunderbolt 3/4 source to HDMI/DP display
Uni-directional
TB/USB-C video adapter
Behaves like USB-C Alt Mode for displays.
HDMI to/from DVI
Bi-directional (passive)
Simple adapter/cable
Same TMDS signaling.
DP to/from Mini-DP
Bi-directional (passive)
Simple cable
Same protocol.
Digital to/from VGA (analog)
Direction varies
Active converter
Digital/analog conversion required.
Rule of thumb: For DP to/from HDMI, assume DP to HDMI unless the product explicitly says HDMI to DP (Active).
Docking stations: quick notes
USB-C/Thunderbolt docks output standard HDMI/DP signals (direction rules above still apply)
DisplayLink-based docks still output HDMI/DP at the port (same direction rules)
DP MST/daisy-chain works only in DP domain; converting to HDMI at the first hop ends DP-specific features downstream
Features like HDR, HDCP, and VRR may require active adapters and sufficient bandwidth
For long runs or flaky links, prefer active solutions
Shopping checklist (esp. on Amazon)
Check the pictures: Listings often show Source to Display with icons/arrows (match this to your setup)
Read the title/bullets: Look for explicit direction (“DP to HDMI,” “HDMI to DP (Active)”)
Scan specs: “Active” vs. “Passive,” DP++, supported resolutions, and any power needs
Quick examples
Dock (DP out) to Monitor (HDMI in): DPtoHDMI cable/adapter; use active if DP++ isn’t supported or for higher reliability
Laptop (HDMI out) to Monitor (DP in): Active HDMItoDP adapter required
USB-C laptop (Alt Mode) to HDMI monitor: USB-CtoHDMI cable/adapter; not reversible
FAQs
Why doesn’t my “DP to HDMI” cable work from an HDMI laptop to a DP monitor? It’s uni-directional (DP to HDMI). Your path is the reverse and needs an active HDMI to DP adapter.
Are “bi-directional” cables truly both ways? Commonly for HDMI to/from DVI and DP to/from mDP. For DP to/from HDMI, true bi-directional products are uncommon—verify the exact directions in the listing images/text.