How to See USB Devices on Mac
Is that SSD on a fast port, or is something limiting it? macOS can tell you, but the answer is a few clicks deep.
In System Information
- Hold Option and open the Apple menu, then choose System Information (or go to System Settings → General → About → System Report).
- In the sidebar under Hardware, choose USB. Choose Thunderbolt/USB4 for Thunderbolt devices.
- Select a device to see its vendor, product and Speed.
In Terminal
system_profiler SPUSBDataType
system_profiler SPThunderboltDataTypeThe USB output is a tree: controllers and hubs with the devices below them. The Speed: line shows the speed negotiated for that device.
Reading the speed
| You see | Roughly |
|---|---|
| 480 Mb/s | USB 2.0 |
| Up to 5 Gb/s | USB 3.x Gen 1 |
| Up to 10 Gb/s | USB 3.x Gen 2 |
| Up to 20 Gb/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
| 40 Gb/s | Thunderbolt 3, 4 or USB4 |
A fast drive showing a slow speed
- Cable: many USB-C cables only carry USB 2.0 speeds. Use a cable rated for the speed you expect.
- Port or hub: a hub may be limiting every device behind it. Plug the drive straight into the Mac.
- The drive itself: it may simply not support the faster speed.
Privacy note
System reports can include serial numbers. Remove them before pasting a report into a public bug report or forum post.
USBPeek gives you the same visibility from your Mac menu bar. See what's connected to your Mac. It is a free, open-source utility inside MacPeek.