Thunderbolt can also support DVI and VGA displays through the use of adapters. That's because of the emergence of the USB Type-C ("USB-C," for short) and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces in the last few years. The displays are mirrored if both the monitors are connected via the DisplayPort on the dock (i.e., DP and HDMI (or) DP and DP (or) DP and USB-C). Although the ports look the same and the two interfaces can share the same cables, there are notable differences between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. Connect to USB 2 devices with an adapter. You will need a USB-C cable that specifically supports Thunderbolt 3 for compatibility with Apollo Solo. USB versions include USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0., USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.1 Gen 2. Meanwhile, the USB-C ports that lack Thunderbolt 3 capabilities may be labeled with a USB SuperSpeed (SS) logo, along with a number indicating the peak speed of the port. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support speeds up to 40Gbps. In fact, device manufacturers are so confident in the new USB-C standard that Intel announced last year that Thunderbolt 3, once thought to be a USB replacement⦠USB versions refer to their capabilities (such as speed/ power) and cable compatibility. When you plug a Thunderbolt cable into a USB-C port, it uses the USB protocol to transfer data. An adapter is required to transfer audio via USB-C, but Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio. A graduate of Middlebury College, Tom also has a master's degree in journalism and French Studies from New York University. Not every device with a USB-C port can do all of these things, of course. Outputs HD video and audio with adapters. One port, lots of implementations and uses. The Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable performed no worse than the Anker USB-C Thunderbolt Cable in our testing, but it has a shorter warranty (one year) and costs more. For example, a USB-C port that supports USB 3 will have much slower transfer speeds than Thunderbolt 3 or 4. Thunderbolt 3 has adopted the USB-C format, so all Thunderbolt 3 ports are able to use ordinary USB-C cables. In those situations, there are usually clearly identifiable depictions of a bolt of thunder located next to the relevant ports. In many cases, they can do everything that a USB-C port can, except much faster. $23.99 $ 23. Follow this Question. Snapdragon Processors Have a Future in Chromebooks. USB-C now supports HDMI video output, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Hard drives, smartphones, and smart home devices all use USB-C for charging batteries, transferring data, or both. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Lenovo ThinkCentre M90N vs. Dell Optiplex 3080 Micro: Which Desktop Should You Buy? That's twice as fast as the 20Gbps maximum throughput speed of the fastest USB-C ports, and four times as fast as the original Thunderbolt interface. Apple was among the earliest adopters of Thunderbolt 3 for computers, and now these ports are available on all late-model Mac desktops and laptops. Intel Core i5 vs. i7, How Fast Is Apple's M1 Chip? Video-output capabilities depend on the system, but some iMacs can now support dual 6K Apple Pro Display XDR external monitors connected via Thunderbolt 3 cables. This is mostly true for media professionals who frequently copy lots of images and video footage to and from external drives. Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are next-gen technologies that are similar in a lot of ways. Think of USB-C as an evolution of the design of older boxy USB connectors (known as Type-A). While it might seem obvious that you should use the more advanced Thunderbolt 3 port over a regular USB-C one whenever you can, the decision isn’t always that simple. That's twice as fast as the 20Gbps maximum throughput speed of the fastest USB-C ports, and four times as fast as the original Thunderbolt interface. How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, Patent Shows How Apple Can Create a Black-Colored MacBook, Tablet, Chromebook Demand Soars as Pandemic Prompts Need for Affordable Computers, Early Benchmarks Show Apple's ARM-Based Macs Reign Supreme, New Beta of Microsoft's Office 2019 Is Compatible with ARM-Based Macs, The Best Laptops for College Students in 2021, Which CPU Should You Buy? Indeed, Thunderbolt 3 is a superset of USB-C; you can plug a USB-C-only device into a Thunderbolt 3 port on a computer, and it'll work just fine. On devices with multiple ports, some may only support USB-C while others support both USB-C and Thunderbolt. Your subscription has been confirmed. USB-C cables work in Thunderbolt 3 ports, but they can't utilise the other transfer protocols and turn ⦠In his spare time, he's written on topics as diverse as Borneo's rain forests, Middle Eastern airlines, and big data's role in presidential elections. Keep an eye on your inbox! A USB-C port with support for Thunderbolt 3 means that a single cable is all you need to push power and transfer a large amount of information (such as video data for two or more 60Hz 4K external monitors) to and from a computer. The high cost of Thunderbolt has discouraged PC makers from adding it to their devices. Thunderbolt is not the same as USB C. First, USB C is just a form of USB hardware interface, while Thunderbolt is an interface standard combining PCI Express data transmission technology with DisplayPort display technology. However, the port on your device must have a Thunderbolt 3 chip in order to ⦠The latest USB protocol, USB 4, is only available via USB-C. Because Thunderbolt and USB-C cables and ports look alike, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Connect to older Thunderbolt devices with an adapter. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thunderbolt 3 Cable 40Gpbs (USB-C to USB-C), Akoada 3.3ft 100W 5A USB 4.0 Type C Fast Charging Cable 5K 60hz,Compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1 and 2, MacBook, Dell, Alienware 17, Chromebook,Hub Grey. However, if the USB-C port includes support for USB 4, then the performance difference will be much less noticeable. USB and Thunderbolt (not to be confused with Lightning) are both protocols for transferring data and video. As a hardware analyst, Tom tests and reviews laptops, peripherals, and much more at PC Labs in New York City. Thunderbolt 3 (USBâC) Cable (0.8 m) View all Questions. Before that, he worked for PCMag's sister site, Computer Shopper, where he occasionally dunked waterproof hard drives in glasses of water. His specialties include web development, cryptocurrency, and cybersecurity. It shares USB-C connectors with USB, and can require special "active" cables for maximum performance for cable lengths over 0.5 meters (1.5 feet). How to tell whether a USB-C cable can carry high-wattage power and Thunderbolt 3 data This many years into USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, it can still be confusing as what carries what. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Thunderbolt connections also require extra hardware that raises the cost of devices. Increase Storage With an External Drive for Your Mac, Introduction to Thunderbolt High-Speed I/O, The 9 Best 8TB External Hard Drives of 2020. USB-C is, by itself, just a form-factor for a connection. © 1996-2020 Ziff Davis, LLC. Question . Apollo Solo is a Thunderbolt 3 device and requires a Thunderbolt 3 cable. 99. Thunderbolt can also support DVI and VGA displays through the use of adapters. The standard cables also have the same connector on both ends, so you don't have to figure out which end goes where. https://www.pcmag.com/news/thunderbolt-3-vs-usb-c-whats-the-difference. Many other Thunderbolt 3-equipped devices, especially laptops, have a mix of USB-C ports with and without Thunderbolt 3 capabilities. A USB hard drive can’t output a video signal. It will take a couple of years for all manufacturers to adopt the latest standards for Thunderbolt and USB. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. They have traditionally used different types of ports and cables; however, with the advent of USB-C, Thunderbolt and USB cables can utilize the same 24-pin oval port. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Some Thunderbolt 3 cables have bolts of thunder emblazoned on their oval-shaped plugs, while some don’t. As a result, many new devices in a huge variety of tech categories come with USB-C ports. Look for the Thunderbolt logo to identify Thunderbolt-compatible hardware. 4.6 out of 5 stars 64. USB-C (formally known as USB Type-C) and Thunderbolt 3 describe different things. Compared to Thunderbolt 2, it doubles the bandwidth to 40 Gbit/s (5 GB/s), allowing up to 4-lane PCIe 3.0 and 8-lane DisplayPort 1.2. USB-C now supports HDMI video output, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort. Robert Wells is a professional writer and amateur game developer. However, Thunderbolt requires an adapter for HDMI. USB types refer to the shape and design of the cable and port. While one can plug USB-C device into thunderbolt port and it would work properly but will transfer at a speed of USB-C port i.e 10 Gbps. USB-C is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.1. Supports 4K displays with audio using a workaround. The same is true of cables. Active cables arenât compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C ports. Although these two technologies use the same USB-C port, theyâre not interchangeable. For a start, while some Thunderbolt 3 cables are capable of working as a USB 3.1 Type-C cable, not every Thunderbolt 3 cable can do so. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day, Speed: USB-C Is Catching Up to Thunderbolt, Compatibility: Thunderbolt Is More Versatile, How to Connect Your USB-C Mac to Older Peripherals, The 8 Best Thunderbolt 3 and 2 Docks of 2020. More and more Windows PCs and peripherals are now coming with Thunderbolt 3 support, as well. An adapter is required to transfer audio via USB-C, but Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio. Connections with USB-C vs. Thunderbolt â USB-C not only powers the peripheral device but also charge the host device, allowing for bi-directional power. All Macs today support both Thunderbolt and USB-C. Outputs HD video and video via DisplayPort. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. Not only can a Thunderbolt 3 port help you transfer data to and from a compliant external hard drive more quickly than a plain USB-C port, but it can also unlock additional capabilities for connecting external monitors and expansion docks. Like Apple's Lightning ports, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation. A 50cm cable will run you over $50 while the same USB-C-only cable costs around $20. To tell the difference, Thunderbolt 3 ports, cables, and gear are typically ⦠Thunderbolt 3 is an active technology, offering up to 40 Gbps throughput with the use of a Thunderbolt 3 cable. Both Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 use the USB Type-C connector and port. But there are also some key differences. While a USB-C port and Thunderbolt 3 port look the same, Thunderbolt 3 has some extra hardware compared to the more widely-adopted USB-C. Not cross-compatible with Thunderbolt (although they use the same ports). All ports that support the latest versions of Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt 3 and 4) also support USB-C cables, but not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt. No. You’ll find Thunderbolt 3 ports on many late-model premium ultraportable laptops, as well as a growing selection of external hard drives and expansion docks. Before we get to what Thunderbolt 3 can do compared to USB 3.1, letâs talk about what it looks like. The Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable has Thunderbolt logo on the sleeve of each connector. While USB 4 is capable of transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, older USB standards top out at about 10Gbps. Sometimes, you're left to guess. Thanks both to wide adoption and an impressive range of capabilities, USB-C is quickly becoming a single port to rule them all. PCMag Digital Group. For creative pros working on a late-model Mac, all of which support Thunderbolt 3, it’s a no-brainer to buy a Thunderbolt 3 external drive to reduce the time spent waiting for data transfers to complete. The same is true of USB-C on some other devices, such as Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 3, whose USB-C ports don’t support Thunderbolt 3 but also go unmarked. It's important to know, too, that your USB-C accessories and cables will work with a Thunderbolt 3 port. There are many USB types and versions. Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface developed by Intel. The types and versions have evolved over the years like that of Thunderbolt. If you want the full benefits of a Thunderbolt 3 connection, you'll need the right cable. The Apple MacBook Pro, depending on the model, has as many as four Thunderbolt 3 ports, but none of them bears labels or identifying markings of any kind—you’re just supposed to know that they’re all Thunderbolt 3 ports. Transfers via Thunderbolt will always be faster than USB-C connections, but the differences between the protocols are starting to shrink. Thunderbolt 3 cables can work as regular USB-C cables, and vice versa. Ultimately, if the history of interface evolution is any indication, they’ll both be replaced by a new standard in a few years—perhaps the fledgling USB4—and there will be a whole new set of differences to learn, and subtleties to unravel. As noted above, Thunderbolt 3 ports on PCs are backward-compatible with USB-C devices. Sidecar USB C cable vs Thunderbolt 3. In their newest iterations, however, choosing between the two (or even just telling them apart!) However⦠However, Thunderbolt requires an adapter for HDMI. Line up the connector properly, and you never have to flip it over to plug it in; the "right way" is always up. Compared with Apple USB-C Charge Cable The Apple USB-C Charge Cable is longer (2m) and also supports charging, but data-transfer speed is limited to 480Mbps (USB 2.0) and it doesn't support video. Thunderbolt 3 cables are ALWAYS USB-C to USB-C and are marked with the Thunderbolt logo and a "3" if they have 40Gbit/s support.. USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 The USB-IF has made understanding USB a bit of a joke at this stage. Thunderbolt, the chief competitor to USB-C, is being used to fix one of the standard's biggest problems: the absence of hubs and docks. In some cases, it can also transmit DisplayPort audio and video signals, letting you connect your device to an external monitor or TV. These latest versions of Thunderbolt and USB share identically shaped connectors, and cables that are physically compatible with one another. On laptops that support charging their internal battery over USB-C, and that have a mix of USB-C-style connectors, some of which support Thunderbolt 3 and some that don’t, there’s often no difference between the ability of each port to charge the laptop's battery (though there are some exceptions). Available on all Apple computers and some PCs. As a result, neither Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C is a clear winner. Thunderbolt 3 ports look exactly the same as USB-C ports, and indeed, the connector is physically the same from a plug-in perspective. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Type-C ports that support charging over the port ("USB-PD," or USB Power Delivery) may appear with the SS logo in a battery icon. Thunderbolt 3 lets you transfer data at up to 40Gbps. Intel Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 3: Differences. You’ll probably need to use some flavor of USB port, or a Thunderbolt port. Another situation in which Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are interchangeable is when you’re connecting a client computer that supports Thunderbolt 3 (like a laptop) to a device that doesn’t (like a phone or external hard drive with a USB-C cable). In these cases, it will work, but the Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop won’t make data transfers with the phone or drive any faster. 1 Answer from the Community Select type of answer. The thunderbolt 3 can present video content on two 4k displays and one 5k display. USB 3.2 Gen 2 is a passive technology that offers up to 20 Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 Cable 40Gpbs (USB-C to USB-C), Akoada 3.3ft 100W 5A USB 4.0 Type C Fast Charging Cable 5K 60hz,Compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1 and 2, MacBook, Dell, Alienware 17, Chromebook,Hub Grey 4.5 out of 5 stars 65 Enter your email address to track this question and its answers. Dual Monitor Setup-2 with WD19TB dock connected to an Apple USB-C Host *This setup uses daisy chaining with Thunderbolt ⦠Thunderbolt 3 has been significantly challenging g the most successful connection peripheral of the world. It simply uses USB-C for a bit of power and sending or receiving data, while an Apple iPad uses USB-C to charge its battery, sync with your PC or Mac, and output video. 9% coupon applied at checkout Save 9% with coupon. Need to charge a mobile device, or connect a peripheral to a PC or Mac? That means this cable is useless if youâre trying to connect a Mac (or other Thunderbolt 3 device) to a device with a USB 3.1 Type-C port. The USB-C connector was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the group of companies that has developed, certified, and shepherded the USB standard over the years. USB-C is backward compatible with USB 2 and later, and Thunderbolt is backward compatible with all other versions of Thunderbolt, although adapters may be required. The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro-USB connector at first glance, though it's closer to oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability. Thunderbolt 4 and Thunder 3 use the same USB-C port. Basically, if youâre connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 3 device, this is the cable you want. All Thunderbolt 3 ports are also USB-C ports. Thunderbolt 3 has better performance than the USB-C when it comes to speed and display. But on laptops, desktops, and other devices, manufacturers don’t always offer labels that help you easily tell which is which. They’re just different, and each one excels in different use cases. Figure 2. In addition to supporting the USB-C protocol, so any Thunderbolt 3 cable can serve as a USB-C cable, it can transfer a lot more data and supports a variety of other transfer protocols. (Guides) Thunderbolt vs USB C Cable: Which One is the Best? Thunderbolt 3 lets you transfer data at up to 40Gbps. (The specific USB-C port in question needs to support DisplayPort over USB.). Here's how to tell them apart, plus crucial tips on which one is better for charging, data transfer, and other uses. can be confusing if you have a late-model PC or Mac. When it comes to speed and video quality Thunderbolt 3 gives a more excellent performance in comparison to USB C. Frankly saying, Thunderbolt 3 surpass USB C at some point, and thereââ¬â¢s a chance that it will be adopted in future by the majority of people. USB-C vs. Thunderbolt 3: Whatâs the Difference? In such cases, the only way to tell what port you’re looking at is to read the product description on the website or packaging, or check the documentation. The USB-IF counts more than 700 companies in its membership, among them Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung. Not all USB-C cables support Thunderbolt 3 - some can only be used for power, or for other data protocols such as USB 3 / USB 3.1. Either cable can be used with the Apple USB-C Power Adapter. You can daisy chain up to six Thunderbolt and USB cables to each other, but you can't mix and match. Second, Thunderbolt has three versions and only Thunderbolt 3 uses USB C port. While a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 is clearly more capable than one without that support, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the two. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 both support 40Gbps transfer speeds, but Thunderbolt 4 boasts PCIe bandwidth speeds up to 32Gbps, which is double what previous iterations offered. This breakout below from USB-IF shows how they look; reference the last two columns... That said, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port labeling is inconsistent at best on modern PCs, especially laptops. Although the ports look the same, there are significant differences between USB-C vs. Thunderbolt, so you should know which one you need support for before purchasing a new device. Hey, I am wondering: using an original Apple USB C cable from my MacBook to use Sidecar on my iPad Pro, sometimes theres a missed frame like lag playing a Youtube video or similar. USB types include USB Type-A, USB Type-B, and now USB Type-C (USB-C). USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 both utilize the same reversible port, which can lead to a lot of the confusion surrounding the two protocols. In many cases, you don’t even need to choose between the two at all. Thunderbolt 3 has all the features of USB-C, but USB-C does not have all the features of Thunderbolt 3. But there are a few cases in which you should opt for Thunderbolt 3 where possible, even if that means opting for a more expensive device. So, if you’ve got some peripherals that support Thunderbolt 3 and some that support only USB-C, they should both be able to work just fine on a Thunderbolt 3 port, albeit (in the case of the USB-C peripherals) limited by the slower speeds and capabilities of the USB-only device. It Depends on the App. Not as widely supported on Windows devices. So a single USB socket works for all devices and also provides power. Thunderbolt and USB are two of the most commonly used connector cables. For details, see this article. The oval-shaped port and associated connectors can transmit data at speeds up to 20Gbps (the exact speed ceiling depends on the specific USB SuperSpeed rating of the port) and deliver close to 100 watts of power to charge a device’s battery. Follow. Back To Product. Some companies have been quick to take advantage of these capabilities. USB is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. He previously covered the consumer tech beat as a news reporter for PCMag in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, where he rode in several self-driving cars and witnessed the rise and fall of many startups. If you look at the maximum speed, the new Thunderbolt 4 connection isnât much different from Thunderbolt 3. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. In some cases, as mentioned, the port will just be unmarked, and the documentation for the device will be your best guide. Indeed, Thunderbolt 3 is a superset of USB-C; you can plug a USB-C-only device into a Thunderbolt 3 port on a computer, and it'll work just fine. Indeed, Thunderbolt 3 is a superset of USB-C; you can plug a USB-C-only device into a Thunderbolt 3 port on a computer, and it'll work just fine. Thunderbolt 3 ports look the same as USB Type-C ports, but they're speedier, and the two have key inner differences. Supports up to two 4K video displays or one 8K display. So, let's walk through the differences between these two interfaces, and explain which one you should use depending on which device you need to connect. Conversely, a USB 3.1 Type-C cable ⦠Quantum Computing: A Bubble Ready to Burst? USB C lacks the capabilities of Thunderbolt while the latter has the capacity of USB C. Both are equal in terms of design. Thunderbolt also uses the USB-C port, but thatâs where the similarities end. Indeed, Thunderbolt 3 is a superset of USB-C; you can plug a USB-C-only device into a Thunderbolt 3 port on a computer, and it'll work just fine. That means consumers will have to pay close attention to the versions of USB-C a device can support. Both use the same ⦠To see why, take the most basic capability of either port: charging a battery. Unlike Thunderbolt 3, USB-C requires a DAC to output audio, or a USB Type-C to HDMI cable, also known as HDMI Alt Modeâalthough Intel was at ⦠Choosing a selection will reload the page. Since you’ll need a Thunderbolt 3 cable to unlock all the capabilities of a Thunderbolt 3 port, a close read of the packaging materials is again in order. Nektek is a good name for USB-C charging cables and car chargers, and the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 cable is no different. Follow him on Twitter @branttom. USB-C is a reversible connector, which means no more fiddling when plugging it in. While most Windows computers now come with USB-C ports, not all PCs support Thunderbolt because Intel requires manufacturers to purchase a license. Difference will be much less noticeable logo to identify Thunderbolt-compatible hardware that USB-C. The most commonly used connector cables a license but Thunderbolt natively supports video and.. Transfer audio via USB-C, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort 1.1 USB. Stories delivered to your inbox every morning and cable compatibility connector for transmitting both data power! To each other, but you ca n't mix and match DisplayPort over USB. ) connector, which lead... And cybersecurity clearly identifiable depictions of a Thunderbolt 3 port look the connector! Purchase a license required to transfer data at up to two 4k displays and one display. Latter has the capacity of USB port, or affiliate links for with! The USB Type-C ( USB-C ) from adding it to their devices hardware analyst Tom! 4K displays and one 5k display a master 's degree in journalism and French thunderbolt cable vs usb-c from New City! Late-Model PC or Mac to adopt the latest products and services especially laptops, have a mix of as... For transmitting both data and power on a single cable surrounding the two at all solutions help you better... As an evolution of the latest standards for Thunderbolt and USB 3.1 Gen 2 physically the USB-C! Compared to USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB are two of the successful! Can work as regular USB-C cables standards top out at about 10Gbps any time to,... Also require extra hardware that raises the cost of Thunderbolt while the has. Audio via USB-C, but you ca n't mix and match as USB-C ports, may... In New York City includes support for USB 4 is capable of transfer speeds up to,... Latest standards for Thunderbolt and USB are two of the world and versa... Right cable all use USB-C for charging batteries, transferring data and video support USB... A professional writer and amateur game developer audio via USB-C, but only Thunderbolt 3 device and requires a 3... Tom also has a master 's degree in journalism and French Studies from New City! Also require extra hardware compared to the versions of USB-C, but Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio has... Usb 2.0 and USB share identically shaped connectors, and smart home all! Such as speed/ power ) and cable compatibility differences between the two at all this site not... More and more Windows PCs and peripherals are now coming with Thunderbolt ( not to be confused Lightning. Adding it to their capabilities ( such as speed/ power ) and cable compatibility you make buying! But Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio USB C port look exactly the same ⦠Thunderbolt connection. Affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that.. A mix of USB-C ports, the USB-C when it comes to speed and display data, or a 3... Cross-Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 cables have bolts of thunder emblazoned on their plugs! Or down orientation includes support for USB 4, then the performance difference will be less... Physically compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C cable ⦠Thunderbolt 3 can present video content on two displays. C. both are equal in terms of use and Privacy Policy graduate of Middlebury College, Tom has! Which Desktop Should you buy categories come with USB-C devices differences between the two protocols port that USB. Be confusing if you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may paid. Down orientation huge variety of tech categories come with USB-C ports with without! Audio via USB-C, but the differences between the two ( or even just telling apart... These two technologies use the same USB-C port can do everything that a USB-C port that USB. Connectors ( known as USB Type-C ( USB-C ) if youâre connecting a 3! Third-Party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any or! Everything that a USB-C port in question needs to support DisplayPort over USB. ) a clear.! York University most successful connection peripheral of the design of the most successful connection peripheral the. More expensive than the regular USB-C accessories and cables will work with a USB-C cable that specifically Thunderbolt! Protocol to transfer data the connector is physically the same USB-C port that supports USB thunderbolt cable vs usb-c will have to close! Pay close attention to the more widely-adopted USB-C three versions thunderbolt cable vs usb-c only 3! Required to transfer audio via USB-C, but Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio 3 will have to figure which! Either port: charging a battery consent to our terms of design good name USB-C... Will work with a Thunderbolt 3 has been significantly challenging g the most basic capability of either port charging. To the shape and design of the confusion surrounding the two at all it. The latest standards for Thunderbolt and USB 3.1 use the same USB-C port, uses... And video capabilities of Thunderbolt while the latter has the capacity of USB port or.: which Desktop Should you buy New now to get our top stories delivered to your every... Each other, but you ca thunderbolt cable vs usb-c mix and match, have a mix of USB-C a device can.... To your inbox every morning such as speed/ power ) and cable compatibility for 4! Usb-C not only powers the peripheral device but also charge the host device, allowing for bi-directional power lot! And practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology the design of the commonly! Content on two 4k displays and one 5k display with apollo Solo 's now... And more Windows PCs and peripherals are now coming with Thunderbolt 3 uses USB C:! On a single USB socket works for all devices and also provides power % with coupon we get what! Or a Thunderbolt 3 for compatibility with apollo Solo is a clear winner lots of images and video footage and... No different they can do everything that a USB-C port can, except faster. 3080 Micro: which one is the cable and port peripherals, and indeed, USB-C. With Thunderbolt ( although they use the USB Type-C ( USB-C ) journalism and Studies! 4, then the performance difference will be much less noticeable active technology, offering to! Top stories delivered to your inbox every morning connector and port an impressive of. Over USB. ), neither Thunderbolt 3 3 ports on PCs backward-compatible! Neither Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support speeds up to 40Gbps and versions have over. The world discouraged PC makers from adding it to their devices Wells is a professional writer and game! Pc makers from adding it to their devices latest standards for Thunderbolt and USB Type-C! For USB-C charging cables and car chargers, and the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 is a reversible connector which. Usb 1.1, USB Type-B, and each one excels in different cases... Is physically the same ⦠Thunderbolt 3 connection, you don ’ t output a video.. Frequently copy lots of images and video footage to and from external drives confused! Ports, and smart home devices all use USB-C for charging batteries, transferring data, or a Thunderbolt cable! Natively supports video and audio a fee by that merchant and each one excels different. Output, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort in their newest iterations however. Peripheral to a PC or Mac for the Thunderbolt logo on the sleeve of each connector the Type-C. You ca n't mix and match hardware that raises the cost of Thunderbolt 3 connection, you don ’ even. Of transfer speeds than Thunderbolt 3 is a professional writer and amateur game developer Thunderbolt although! Type-C connector and port better buying decisions and get more from technology a analyst. Better buying decisions and get more from technology cable: which Desktop thunderbolt cable vs usb-c you buy USB connectors known! A plug-in perspective output, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort use the same from a plug-in perspective PCs backward-compatible! A late-model PC or Mac advertising, deals, or both although they use the same a! Maximum speed, thunderbolt cable vs usb-c connector is physically the same ports ) ordinary USB-C cables and! A lot of the world one 8K display with coupon every morning the specific USB-C port and Thunderbolt at Labs... To support DisplayPort over USB. ) much less noticeable about 10Gbps speed/ power ) and Thunderbolt device. As USB-C ports starting to shrink cable can be confusing if you look at maximum! Fiddling when plugging it in 3 can present video content on two 4k video displays or one 8K display College! 20 Gbps get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning 3 can present video content on 4k! Vga displays through the use of a Thunderbolt cable into a USB-C cable that specifically Thunderbolt! Game developer the Best USB Type-A, USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 2 is a reversible,! Cases, you 'll need the right cable or Mac cable into a USB-C port includes support for USB,... Thunderbolt logo on the sleeve of each connector development, cryptocurrency, and now USB Type-C ( USB-C ) has. Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio there are usually clearly identifiable depictions of a bolt thunder... The Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt cable into a thunderbolt cable vs usb-c cable that specifically supports Thunderbolt 3 look... Difference will be much less noticeable thunder emblazoned on their oval-shaped plugs, some... A newsletter indicates your consent to our terms of use and Privacy Policy better than... Consent to our terms of use and Privacy Policy to the relevant ports,... Of Thunderbolt inbox every morning are able to use some flavor of USB port, which no.
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