Best Thunderbolt 4 Cable in 2025

So, you need a Thunderbolt 4 cable? Good choice! It can be super useful for connecting a blazing-fast SSD, driving multiple 4K displays, or docking your laptop for serious productivity. But let’s be honest: shopping for cables feels overwhelming. Brands shout promises, specs blur together, and prices swing wildly. We got tired of the guesswork too.

That’s why we rounded up the top contenders and put them through real-world paces—transferring massive files, pushing pixels to big screens, and charging hungry devices. Our mission? Cut through the noise and crown the best Thunderbolt 4 cable for different needs and budgets. Forget the fluff; here’s what actually delivers.

What Is Thunderbolt 4?

Thunderbolt 4 is Intel’s latest high‑speed interface that builds on USB‑C’s versatile connector. It guarantees 40 Gbps data transfer, support for dual 4K displays or a single 8K monitor, and at least 100 W of power delivery. It also mandates PCIe tunneling at 32 Gbps, so external SSDs reach full speed. All Thunderbolt 4 cables are backward‑compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4, but only certified ones unlock the full power. If you want a cable that does it all—from charging your MacBook Pro to driving multiple high‑res screens, you need the best Thunderbolt 4 cable.

5 Best Thunderbolt 4 Cables to Consider

We picked these five options based on real‑world testing. Each delivers on speed, power, and build quality—and yes, they all work flawlessly as a best Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI cable when paired with a simple adapter. Read on to see which one came out on top.

1. Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Thunderbolt 4 Compatible)

The Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Thunderbolt 4 Compatible) is hands-down our top pick. Why? Because it’s more than just a cable—it’s a high-performance workhorse built to handle everything from ultra-fast charging to data-heavy video transfers. It supports a jaw-dropping 240W Power Delivery, 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz display output, and 40Gbps data transfer—making it future-ready and ideal for all your Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C devices.

And here's what sets it apart: this isn’t a cable that wears out after a few months. It’s lab-tested to withstand over 5,000 bends, ensuring it lasts longer even with daily wear and tear. So if you’re constantly on the move or switching between devices, this is the one cable that will keep up without fail.

Key Features:

• Blazing-fast transfers: 40Gbps speed for instant file sharing
• 8K display output: Mirror or extend in stunning clarity
• Next-gen power: 240W charging for phones to laptops

2. Silkland USB 4 Cable [USB-IF Certified] for Thunderbolt 4 Cable

The Silkland USB 4 cable is an excellent runner-up, especially if you're looking for wide compatibility and robust charging. It’s USB-IF certified and engineered to support Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and backward compatibility.

Key Features:

• Certified 240W safe and fast charging
• Wide compatibility with Thunderbolt 4/3 + USB 4/3/2
• 40Gbps data transfer

3. Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Pro Cable

If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, this is your go-to. The 1.8-meter braided cable from Apple is sleek, powerful, and designed to daisy-chain multiple Thunderbolt devices.

Key Features:

• Tangle-free braided cable
• Daisy-chains up to six devices
• Optimized for Apple displays and Macs
• 40Gb/s data transfer speed

4. OWC 28-Inch Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C Cable

Need a plug-and-play solution that works with everything? OWC’s 28-inch Thunderbolt 4 cable is built for broad compatibility and reliable power delivery.

Key Features:

• Certified 240W Power Delivery
• Supports dual 4K or one 8K output
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3

5. Satechi USB C Thunderbolt 4, USBC to USB-C Cable

Satechi's Thunderbolt 4 cable is perfect for creatives and professionals who need consistent, high-speed transfers and flexible charging in a durable form.

Key Features:

• Sturdy, braided design
• Backwards compatible with USB4/3/2
• 240W charging + 40Gbps transfers

What to Look for in a Thunderbolt 4 Cable

When you’re shopping for the best buy Thunderbolt 4 cable, there are a few key features to keep in mind.

• First, check the data transfer speed: a true Thunderbolt 4 cable should support up to 40Gbps. This ensures you can move large files quickly and connect multiple high-resolution displays without lag.
• Power delivery is another important factor. Look for a cable that supports at least 100W charging, but if you have a high-powered laptop or want to future-proof your setup, consider one that supports 240W. This will give you more flexibility as devices become more power-hungry.
• Build quality matters, too. A braided cable is more durable and less likely to tangle or fray over time. The length of the cable is also worth considering—shorter cables are great for tight spaces, while longer ones offer more flexibility in your workspace.
• Certification is crucial. Make sure the cable is Thunderbolt 4 certified. Certified cables have been tested to meet strict standards for performance and safety. This is especially important if you plan to use the cable for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
• Finally, consider the warranty. A longer warranty period gives you extra peace of mind and shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the best buy Thunderbolt 4 cable for your needs, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

Conclusion

The best Thunderbolt 4 cable offers blazing speed, reliable charging, and seamless display support—but only if it’s certified and built to last. Choose a trusted brand, the right length, and specs that fit your setup to unlock peak performance with zero hassle.

FAQs

Are Anker Thunderbolt 4 cables good?

Yes—Anker Thunderbolt 4 cables punch above their weight. They hit the full 40 Gbps data rate in our tests, delivered a steady 100 W to power laptops, and handled daisy‑chaining multiple monitors without hiccups.

Do you need a specific cable for Thunderbolt 4?

Yes, Thunderbolt 4 does need a specific cable to unlock its full potential. While it uses the USB-C connector and is compatible with USB-C devices, not all USB-C cables support Thunderbolt 4 features. To take advantage of its high-speed data transfer, 4K/8K video output, and power delivery, you’ll need a Thunderbolt 4 certified cable. Regular USB-C cables just won’t deliver the same performance.

Is Thunderbolt 4 worth it?

Thunderbolt 4 is worth it if you need fast data transfer, dual 4K display support, and reliable power delivery—especially for creative work or multitasking. It’s faster and more versatile than standard USB-C, but comes at a higher cost. If you don’t need that level of performance, a regular USB-C setup might be enough. Ultimately, it depends on how demanding your setup is.

Is Thunderbolt 4 better than HDMI?

Thunderbolt 4 is more versatile than HDMI, offering higher bandwidth for data transfer, video output, and power delivery—all through one port. While both support up to 8K resolution, HDMI is typically more affordable and widely used for straightforward video connections, like TVs and monitors. If you need an all-in-one solution for high-performance tasks, Thunderbolt 4 is better. For simple video output, HDMI gets the job done.