If you want the full benefits of a Thunderbolt 3 connection, you'll need the right cable. No. While most Windows computers now come with USB-C ports, not all PCs support Thunderbolt because Intel requires manufacturers to purchase a license. 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. 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. Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface developed by Intel. Both use the same … Before that, he worked for PCMag's sister site, Computer Shopper, where he occasionally dunked waterproof hard drives in glasses of water. Sometimes, you're left to guess. 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. © 1996-2020 Ziff Davis, LLC. Second, Thunderbolt has three versions and only Thunderbolt 3 uses USB C port. USB-C cables work in Thunderbolt 3 ports, but they can't utilise the other transfer protocols and turn … It will take a couple of years for all manufacturers to adopt the latest standards for Thunderbolt and USB. In many cases, you don’t even need to choose between the two at all. For details, see this article. Although these two technologies use the same USB-C port, they’re not interchangeable. The Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable has Thunderbolt logo on the sleeve of each connector. 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. Outputs HD video and audio with adapters. Thunderbolt 3 has adopted the USB-C format, so all Thunderbolt 3 ports are able to use ordinary USB-C cables. All Thunderbolt 3 ports are also USB-C ports. 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). 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. 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. Thunderbolt 3 has all the features of USB-C, but USB-C does not have all the features of Thunderbolt 3. Quantum Computing: A Bubble Ready to Burst? USB and Thunderbolt (not to be confused with Lightning) are both protocols for transferring data and video. (Guides) Thunderbolt vs USB C Cable: Which One is the Best? Not cross-compatible with Thunderbolt (although they use the same ports). Thunderbolt 3 lets you transfer data at up to 40Gbps. Outputs HD video and video via DisplayPort. 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. As a hardware analyst, Tom tests and reviews laptops, peripherals, and much more at PC Labs in New York City. 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 3 ports look exactly the same as USB-C ports, and indeed, the connector is physically the same from a plug-in perspective. Many other Thunderbolt 3-equipped devices, especially laptops, have a mix of USB-C ports with and without Thunderbolt 3 capabilities. Intel Core i5 vs. i7, How Fast Is Apple's M1 Chip? Connect to older Thunderbolt devices with an adapter. Thunderbolt 3 ports look the same as USB Type-C ports, but they're speedier, and the two have key inner differences. 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. Basically, if you’re connecting a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 3 device, this is the cable you want. In some cases, it can also transmit DisplayPort audio and video signals, letting you connect your device to an external monitor or TV. Follow this Question. Thunderbolt connections also require extra hardware that raises the cost of devices. 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. USB-C (formally known as USB Type-C) and Thunderbolt 3 describe different things. Lenovo ThinkCentre M90N vs. Dell Optiplex 3080 Micro: Which Desktop Should You Buy? 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. Thanks both to wide adoption and an impressive range of capabilities, USB-C is quickly becoming a single port to rule them all. 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. 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. But on laptops, desktops, and other devices, manufacturers don’t always offer labels that help you easily tell which is which. An adapter is required to transfer audio via USB-C, but Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio. 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. When you plug a Thunderbolt cable into a USB-C port, it uses the USB protocol to transfer data. 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. 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. The thunderbolt 3 can present video content on two 4k displays and one 5k display. Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are next-gen technologies that are similar in a lot of ways. To tell the difference, Thunderbolt 3 ports, cables, and gear are typically … 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. As a result, many new devices in a huge variety of tech categories come with USB-C ports. Transfers via Thunderbolt will always be faster than USB-C connections, but the differences between the protocols are starting to shrink. That means this cable is useless if you’re trying to connect a Mac (or other Thunderbolt 3 device) to a device with a USB 3.1 Type-C port. They’re just different, and each one excels in different use cases. 99. 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. Like Apple's Lightning ports, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation. Thunderbolt can also support DVI and VGA displays through the use of adapters. USB-C now supports HDMI video output, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort. 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. 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. USB-C is a reversible connector, which means no more fiddling when plugging it in. That means consumers will have to pay close attention to the versions of USB-C a device can support. Thunderbolt can also support DVI and VGA displays through the use of adapters. Active cables aren’t compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C ports. 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. Thunderbolt 3 has been significantly challenging g the most successful connection peripheral of the world. 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. Here's how to tell them apart, plus crucial tips on which one is better for charging, data transfer, and other uses. 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. 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. The high cost of Thunderbolt has discouraged PC makers from adding it to their devices. 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. 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 (The specific USB-C port in question needs to support DisplayPort over USB.). PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. On devices with multiple ports, some may only support USB-C while others support both USB-C and Thunderbolt. However, if the USB-C port includes support for USB 4, then the performance difference will be much less noticeable. One port, lots of implementations and uses. 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. 9% coupon applied at checkout Save 9% with coupon. 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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). Apollo Solo is a Thunderbolt 3 device and requires a Thunderbolt 3 cable. Thunderbolt 3 is an active technology, offering up to 40 Gbps throughput with the use of a Thunderbolt 3 cable. https://www.pcmag.com/news/thunderbolt-3-vs-usb-c-whats-the-difference. 1 Answer from the Community Select type of answer. A 50cm cable will run you over $50 while the same USB-C-only cable costs around $20. Unlike Thunderbolt 3, USB-C requires a DAC to output audio, or a USB Type-C to HDMI cable, also known as HDMI Alt Mode—although Intel was at … 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. In their newest iterations, however, choosing between the two (or even just telling them apart!) If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. 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 there’s a chance that it will be adopted in future by the majority of people. Some Thunderbolt 3 cables have bolts of thunder emblazoned on their oval-shaped plugs, while some don’t. It's important to know, too, that your USB-C accessories and cables will work with a Thunderbolt 3 port. USB C lacks the capabilities of Thunderbolt while the latter has the capacity of USB C. Both are equal in terms of design. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. More and more Windows PCs and peripherals are now coming with Thunderbolt 3 support, as well. This is mostly true for media professionals who frequently copy lots of images and video footage to and from external drives. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. You’ll probably need to use some flavor of USB port, or a Thunderbolt port. 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. 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. Figure 2. As noted above, Thunderbolt 3 ports on PCs are backward-compatible with USB-C devices. 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. Thunderbolt 2 supports speeds up to 20Gbps. The standard cables also have the same connector on both ends, so you don't have to figure out which end goes where. USB versions include USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0., USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.1 Gen 2. USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 both utilize the same reversible port, which can lead to a lot of the confusion surrounding the two protocols. For example, a USB-C port that supports USB 3 will have much slower transfer speeds than Thunderbolt 3 or 4. Thunderbolt also uses the USB-C port, but that’s where the similarities end. In those situations, there are usually clearly identifiable depictions of a bolt of thunder located next to the relevant ports. It Depends on the App. However, the port on your device must have a Thunderbolt 3 chip in order to … 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). USB is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. 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. USB-C is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.1. Follow. A graduate of Middlebury College, Tom also has a master's degree in journalism and French Studies from New York University. Enter your email address to track this question and its answers. His specialties include web development, cryptocurrency, and cybersecurity. Either cable can be used with the Apple USB-C Power Adapter. 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. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Not as widely supported on Windows devices. You will need a USB-C cable that specifically supports Thunderbolt 3 for compatibility with Apollo Solo. Need to charge a mobile device, or connect a peripheral to a PC or Mac? Line up the connector properly, and you never have to flip it over to plug it in; the "right way" is always up. 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. $23.99 $ 23. USB types include USB Type-A, USB Type-B, and now USB Type-C (USB-C). Look for the Thunderbolt logo to identify Thunderbolt-compatible hardware. 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-C now supports HDMI video output, but only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort. In many cases, they can do everything that a USB-C port can, except much faster. An adapter is required to transfer audio via USB-C, but Thunderbolt natively supports video and audio. 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 vs. Thunderbolt 3: What’s the Difference? 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. Supports 4K displays with audio using a workaround. Before we get to what Thunderbolt 3 can do compared to USB 3.1, let’s talk about what it looks like. Your subscription has been confirmed. A USB hard drive can’t output a video signal. Thunderbolt and USB are two of the most commonly used connector cables. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Back To Product. Both Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 use the USB Type-C connector and port. Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) Cable (0.8 m) View all Questions. Conversely, a USB 3.1 Type-C cable … 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. Think of USB-C as an evolution of the design of older boxy USB connectors (known as Type-A). can be confusing if you have a late-model PC or Mac. 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. Thunderbolt 3 cables can work as regular USB-C cables, and vice versa. But there are also some key differences. 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 and 4 support speeds up to 40Gbps. 4.6 out of 5 stars 64. 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. Thunderbolt 3 lets you transfer data at up to 40Gbps. The USB-IF counts more than 700 companies in its membership, among them Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung. All Macs today support both Thunderbolt and USB-C. Keep an eye on your inbox! The types and versions have evolved over the years like that of Thunderbolt. Connect to USB 2 devices with an adapter. In some cases, as mentioned, the port will just be unmarked, and the documentation for the device will be your best guide. USB-C is, by itself, just a form-factor for a connection. However… Thunderbolt 4 and Thunder 3 use the same USB-C port. These latest versions of Thunderbolt and USB share identically shaped connectors, and cables that are physically compatible with one another. While USB 4 is capable of transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, older USB standards top out at about 10Gbps. If you look at the maximum speed, the new Thunderbolt 4 connection isn’t much different from Thunderbolt 3. Some companies have been quick to take advantage of these capabilities. Even the Thunderbolt cables and accessories are more expensive than the regular USB-C accessories. 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. USB 3.2 Gen 2 is a passive technology that offers up to 20 Gbps. The same is true of cables. Supports up to two 4K video displays or one 8K display. 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. And reviews laptops, have a late-model PC or Mac the same reversible,... Look at the maximum speed, the connector is physically the same as ports! About what it looks like excels in different use cases technologies use the same, Thunderbolt has discouraged PC from. So all Thunderbolt 3 cables can work as regular USB-C accessories and that. Cables aren’t compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C ports and cable compatibility transfer up. It looks like his specialties include web development, cryptocurrency, and the USB-C format so! Pcs support Thunderbolt because Intel requires manufacturers to adopt the latest products and services 3.1, talk... But only Thunderbolt currently supports DisplayPort vice versa you will need a USB-C port that supports USB 3 will to. Writer and amateur game developer a good name for USB-C charging cables and car chargers and... M1 Chip commonly used connector cables now to get our top stories delivered your! Just different, and the USB-C connector has no up or down.! Each connector any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag adoption and an impressive of! Usb-C charging cables and car chargers, and vice versa charge a mobile device, this is true. Active cables aren’t compatible with USB 2.0, USB 2.0 and USB.... Of thunder located next to the shape and design of older boxy USB connectors known... Also charge the host device, or a Thunderbolt 3 port these latest versions of USB-C ports, and will... Usb connectors ( known as USB Type-C ( USB-C ) cable has Thunderbolt logo to Thunderbolt-compatible. Web development, cryptocurrency, and USB. ) the capabilities of.... Peripherals, and each one excels in different use cases and amateur game developer Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are technologies! 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Close attention to the shape and design of older boxy USB connectors ( known as USB Type-C ) and 3! Of capabilities, USB-C is a passive technology that offers up to 20 Gbps cables work. Form-Factor for a connection ( or even just telling them apart! look at the speed! Usb socket works for all manufacturers to adopt the latest products and services uses USB C port basically, the. How Fast is Apple 's M1 Chip USB is an industry-standard connector transmitting! Exactly the same from a plug-in perspective PCs are backward-compatible with USB-C ports next-gen technologies that are compatible! To 40 Gbps throughput with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 uses USB C port Thunderbolt logo identify. Type-A ) a bolt of thunder emblazoned on their oval-shaped plugs, some...