What Are Thunderbolt 4 Ports and Why Are They Important?

Connecting your laptop to a monitor, a hard drive, and a charger often means dealing with a mess of cables. What if one port could do it all? That's where Thunderbolt 4 ports come in. They're a fast, powerful way to link your devices with less hassle. Whether you work, game, or just use tech daily, Thunderbolt 4 makes things easier. In this guide, we'll explain what Thunderbolt 4 ports are, their use cases, and why they're so useful. Want a simpler, better setup? Let's get started!

What Are Thunderbolt 4 Ports?

Thunderbolt 4 ports are a high-speed connection standard developed by Intel, designed to make your tech life easier. They use the same oval-shaped USB-C connector you're probably familiar with, but they pack way more power. With Thunderbolt 4, you get super-fast data transfer, video output for big screens, and the ability to charge devices all through one port.

Key Features of Thunderbolt 4 Ports

Thunderbolt 4 ports come loaded with features that set them apart. Here's what makes them so powerful:

• Speed and Bandwidth: Thunderbolt 4 delivers a blazing-fast 40 Gbps data transfer speed. That means you can move large files, like a 4K video or a big game, in seconds.
• Video Support: Thunderbolt 4 supports up to two 4K displays or one 8K display at once. Whether you're editing videos, gaming, or just multitasking, you get sharp, smooth visuals without extra cables.
• Power Delivery: With up to 100 watts of power delivery, Thunderbolt 4 can charge your laptop or other devices through the same cable you use for data or video.
• Daisy-Chaining: Thunderbolt 4 lets you connect multiple devices in a chain using one port. Hook up a monitor, then plug an external drive into the monitor, and keep going. It's a clean, efficient way to expand your setup.

Benefits of Using Thunderbolt 4 Ports

Thunderbolt 4 is not just another connectivity standard; it significantly enhances productivity for professionals and casual users alike. Here are the key reasons to upgrade:

1. High-Speed Performance: With a 40 Gbps bandwidth, Thunderbolt 4 eliminates bottlenecks during file transfers, allowing video editors to work with 8K footage and photographers to back up thousands of RAW images in seconds.
2. Versatile Connectivity: One cable handles data transfer, high-resolution video output, and up to 100W charging, reducing clutter and simplifying your setup.
3. Future-Proof Design: Thunderbolt 4 supports the latest USB4 standard and is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices, ensuring your setup remains relevant as technology evolves.
4. Superior Display Capabilitie: It can drive dual 4K or a single 8K display, providing smooth visuals for multitasking and content creation.
5. Enhanced Security: Thunderbolt 4 includes hardware-based security features, protecting your system from potential threats when connecting external devices.
6. Perfect for Mobile Professionals: Thunderbolt 4 enables efficient travel with its all-in-one capabilities, covering charging, data transfer, and display support without extra adapters.

Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 3: What's the Difference?

Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 might sound similar, but there are key differences worth knowing. Both use the USB-C connector and offer fast speeds, but Thunderbolt 4 steps things up. Here's how they compare:

• Performance Guarantees: Thunderbolt 4 guarantees full 40Gbps speeds and 32Gbps PCIe transfers for all certified devices. Thunderbolt 3 performance varies - some devices only reach 20Gbps, creating potential bottlenecks for high-bandwidth tasks like 4K video editing or large file transfers.
• Display Support: Thunderbolt 4 officially supports dual 4K or single 8K displays. While some Thunderbolt 3 devices can drive dual 4K, most are limited to a single 4K display, making version 4 better for multi-monitor setups.
• Docking Capabilities: Thunderbolt 4 enables full-featured docks with multiple ports and 100W charging. Thunderbolt 3 docks often compromise on functionality, with fewer ports or lower power delivery capabilities.
• Security Features: Thunderbolt 4 requires mandatory Intel VT-d DMA protection to block potential attacks. Thunderbolt 3 made this security optional, leaving some implementations vulnerable to hardware-based threats.
• Charging Power: Thunderbolt 4 guarantees 100W charging for all certified devices. Thunderbolt 3 power delivery varies widely (15W-100W), sometimes requiring separate power adapters.
• Wake from Sleep: Thunderbolt 4 reliably maintains connections when waking from sleep. Thunderbolt 3 often requires reconnecting peripherals after sleep, disrupting workflows.

Thunderbolt 4 vs. USB-C

Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C can be confusing since they share the same oval-shaped connector, but they're not the same. All Thunderbolt 4 ports are USB-C, so they work with USB-C cables and devices. But not all USB-C ports are Thunderbolt 4.

If you need raw power for big file transfers, multiple monitors, or a streamlined setup, Thunderbolt 4 wins. For basic charging or simple connections, USB-C does the job. Here's a clear breakdown of how they differ:

As shown above, Thunderbolt 4 outperforms all the USB specifications we compared it to. If you're in need of a Thunderbolt 4 cable, Anker offers a reliable option. Additionally, Anker has a Thunderbolt 4 docking station called the Anker Apex 777. With the Anker Apex, you have access to a total of 12 ports. It allows you to connect up to three monitors in 4K or a single monitor in 8K. You can also power your laptop at high speed and transfer data at rates of up to 40 Gbps.

What Are Thunderbolt 4 Ports Used For?

Thunderbolt 4 ports are built for real-world tasks, making them a go-to for users like professionals, gamers, and students. Here's how they shine in everyday life:

• Connecting Monitors: Hook up one or two 4K screens, or even an 8K display, for work or play. Video editors can see every detail, while gamers get smooth, high-res visuals, all from one cable.
• Transferring Files Fast: Move big files in a flash with 40 Gbps speeds. A photographer can offload 4K RAW footage, or a student can back up a semester's worth of projects in seconds.
• Charging Devices: Plug in your laptop and charge it with up to 100W of power—no extra adapter needed. It's perfect for keeping your desk clean and your battery full.
• Expanding with Docks: Use a Thunderbolt 4 dock to connect multiple devices—like a keyboard, mouse, drive, and monitor—through one port. It's a favorite for remote workers or anyone building a compact home office.
• Daisy-Chaining Gear: Link devices in a chain, like a monitor, to an external SSD. This cuts cable clutter and works great for creatives or tech enthusiasts juggling tools.

Conclusion

In short, Thunderbolt 4 ports are a powerhouse solution for anyone looking to simplify and supercharge their tech. With lightning-fast 40 Gbps speeds, support for multiple high-res displays, and the ability to charge devices—all through one cable—they bring efficiency and flexibility to your setup. Ready to upgrade? Take a look at the Anker Apex or explore Thunderbolt 4-compatible options to see the difference for yourself!

FAQ

Is Thunderbolt 4 better than HDMI?

Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI serve different purposes. Thunderbolt 4 offers higher bandwidth (40Gbps), power delivery, and versatile connectivity for multiple devices, while HDMI primarily handles audio/video. For pure display output, HDMI suffices, while for multi-purpose use with laptops, docks, and high-speed peripherals, Thunderbolt 4 is superior.

Can you plug a USB-C into a Thunderbolt port?

Yes, you can plug a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 4 port. Thunderbolt 4 uses the USB-C connector and is backward compatible, so it works with USB-C cables and devices. However, you'll only get USB-C speeds and features—like up to 20 Gbps—unless the device and cable support Thunderbolt 4's full 40 Gbps potential.