Thunderbolt vs USB C
Is Thunderbolt the same as USB-C?
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 are frequently confused because they both utilize the same oval shape USB C connector, but they are distinct technologies with different capabilities and features. Understanding the key differences between USB-C and Thunderbolt is essential for making informed decisions about which technology best suits your needs. This guide, created by Newnex, one of the trusted leaders in USB and connectivity solutions, will help you navigate the functionalities, speeds, and use cases of USB-C and Thunderbolt, ensuring you choose the right connection for your devices.
Note that only Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 adapt the USB C connector, whereas earlier versions, Thunderbolt 1 and 2 adapted the Mini DisplayPort connector.
| USB-C | Thunderbolt 3 / 4 / 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Type | USB-C is a physical connector used across multiple standards including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and USB4. | Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 adopt the USB-C connector. |
| Data Transfer Speed |
USB 2.0: Up to 480 Mbps USB 3.0: Up to 5 Gbps USB 3.1: Up to 10 Gbps USB 3.2: Up to 20 Gbps USB4: Up to 40 Gbps USB4 v2: Up to 80Gbps (symmetric) / 120Gbps (asymmetric) |
Thunderbolt 3: Up to 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4: Up to 40 Gbps with stricter requirements Thunderbolt 5: Up to 80Gbps (symmetric) / 120Gbps (asymmetric) |
| Power Delivery | USB-C supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) with up to 240W power output. | Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 support USB PD 3.1, delivering up to 240W of power. |
| Video Display Output |
USB 3.2 Type-C supports DP (DisplayPort) Alt Mode: - 2-lane mode: Up to one 4K or two 2K displays. - 4-lane mode: Up to one 8K or two 4K displays. - HDMI connection via adapter. |
Supports Thunderbolt & DisplayPort modes: - TB 3: Up to 2x 4K or 1x 5K display. - TB 4: Up to 2x 4K or 1x 8K display. - TB 5: Up to 2x 8K or 1x 16K display. - DP mode: Same as USB 3.2 Type-C. |
High-Performance USB-C Cables with Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 Compatibility
FAQ
Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 ports on computer host are compatible with all USB4, 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, and 2.0 cables and peripherals and running at the speed of the respective USB data speed. Be aware that some TB 3/4/5 ports on peripherals only support Thunderbolt data.
Some docks might downgrade to USB mode when using a USB-C cable. To achieve the full function, you must use a Thunderbolt cable to connect from the Thunderbolt port of the computer to a Thunderbolt dock station.
Most passive Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 cables are compatible with USB4, 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, and 2.0. However, some TB3 active optical cables are not compatible with USB protocols.
Yes, all Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 ports should support USB Power Delivery at minimum of 100W according to the standard. You can use USB PD compliant charger and cable to charge through any TB 3/4/5 port on your laptop.
Devices that support Thunderbolt 3, 4, & 5 typically have a Thunderbolt symbol (a lightning bolt) near the USB-C port.