Since USB4 cables are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 devices, let’s explore the differences between USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4 cables.
The main differences come down to data speed, compatibility, certification, and power delivery.
1. Data Transfer Speed & Certification
| Cable Type | Max Speed | Certification | PCIe Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB4 Cable | 20Gbps or 40Gbps | Not required (but recommended) | Optional |
| Thunderbolt 3 Cable | 20Gbps or 40Gbps | Required | Yes (16Gbps PCIe) |
| Thunderbolt 4 Cable | Always 40Gbps | Strictly required | Yes (32Gbps PCIe) |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- USB4 cables can be either 20Gbps or 40Gbps.
- Thunderbolt 3 cables might support only 20Gbps if passive and >0.5m.
- Thunderbolt 4 cables must support 40Gbps + PCIe and are fully certified.
2. Compatibility
| Cable Type | Works with USB-C? | USB4 Compatible? | Thunderbolt Compatible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB4 Cable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Thunderbolt 3 Cable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes |
| Thunderbolt 4 Cable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- USB4 cables may not work with Thunderbolt devices.
- Thunderbolt 4 cables offer universal compatibility with USB4, TB3, and TB4.
- USB4 cables that lack Thunderbolt support won’t work with eGPUs or Thunderbolt-only docks.
3. Cable Length & Performance
| Cable Type | Full Speed Length | Active/Passive |
|---|---|---|
| USB4 Cable | 0.8m (for 40Gbps) | Passive |
| Thunderbolt 3 Cable | 0.5m (for 40Gbps) | Passive or Active |
| Thunderbolt 4 Cable | 2m (for 40Gbps) | Always Active |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- TB4 cables maintain 40Gbps up to 2m, best for long setups.
- USB4 and TB3 cables lose speed past 0.8m or 0.5m unless active.
4. Power Delivery (PD)
| Cable Type | Max Power Support |
|---|---|
| USB4 Cable | Up to 240W (with PD 3.1) |
| Thunderbolt 3 Cable | Up to 100W |
| Thunderbolt 4 Cable | Always 100W |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- USB4 can support up to 240W with USB PD 3.1.
- Thunderbolt 3/4 are limited to 100W max.
- For higher power needs, use USB4 EPR (240W) cables.
5. Price & Availability
| Cable Type | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| USB4 Cable | 💲 Affordable | Widely available |
| Thunderbolt 3 Cable | 💲💲 Moderate | Common |
| Thunderbolt 4 Cable | 💲💲💲 Expensive | Less common |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- USB4 cables are the most budget-friendly option.
- TB4 cables are premium-priced but provide the best performance and universal compatibility.
✅ Which Cable Should You Use for Your Business?
- 💡 Cost-effective high-speed connection:
→ Use USB4 (check for 40Gbps support). - 💡 Reliable PCIe & Thunderbolt support:
→ Use Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps, < 0.5m recommended). - 💡 Best performance + universal compatibility + long cable:
→ Choose Thunderbolt 4.
📦 Need help sourcing high-quality USB4 or Thunderbolt cables for your product line?
Let us know! We can provide recommendations, specs, and samples tailored to your needs.