USB4 & Thunderbolt 4: Cable Key Differences

The evolution of high-speed connectivity has brought USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 to the forefront, both promising exceptional performance but with distinct technical nuances. Understanding these differences is critical for professionals and tech enthusiasts seeking optimal compatibility and efficiency in their workflows.

Performance Comparison

Speed & Bandwidth
- USB4: Offers up to 40 Gbps bandwidth (in 40Gbps-certified cables), backward compatibility with USB 3.2/2.0, and support for dual 4K displays or a single 8K display.
- Thunderbolt 4: Also delivers 40 Gbps but mandates stricter certification, enabling dual 4K displays or one 8K display, PCIe data transfer at 32 Gbps, and support for daisy-chaining up to six devices.
Power Delivery
- USB4 supports up to 100W power delivery (PD), while Thunderbolt 4 guarantees 100W PD compliance, ensuring stable power for high-demand peripherals.
Compatibility
- USB4 is widely compatible with non-Intel devices and USB-C ecosystems.
- Thunderbolt 4 requires Intel-certified hardware, limiting its use to premium laptops and peripherals.

Why Choose Our Cables?

As a leading cable manufacturer, we provide certified USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 cables engineered for reliability and peak performance. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure:

Full compliance with 40 Gbps bandwidth standards.
100W power delivery for seamless charging.
Universal compatibility across devices.

Visual Summary

Feature	USB4	Thunderbolt 4
Max Bandwidth	40 Gbps	40 Gbps
Display Support	Dual 4K / Single 8K	Dual 4K / Single 8K
Power Delivery	Up to 100W	Guaranteed 100W
Daisy-Chaining	Limited	Up to 6 devices
Minimum Certification	Optional	Mandatory Intel validation

FAQs

Can I use devices?
Yes, if the cable is Thunderbolt 4-certified. Generic USB4 cables may lack full Thunderbolt functionality.
Do both standards support external GPUs?
Thunderbolt 4’s higher PCIe bandwidth makes it ideal for eGPUs; USB4 compatibility varies by device.
Are your cables backward-compatible with older USB versions?
Absolutely. Our USB4/Thunderbolt 4 cables work seamlessly with USB 3.2/2.0 devices.
Why choose Thunderbolt 4 over USB4?
For professional workflows requiring daisy-chaining, ultra-low latency, or eGPU support.