Thunderbolt Cable vs USB-C: Which to Choose?

USB-C ports are everywhere, on phones, laptops, tablets, and even power banks, so it’s easy to assume they’re all the same. But here’s where things get tricky: some of these ports aren’t just USB-C; they could be Thunderbolt ports that look identical.

Mixing up the two can affect charging speed, data transfer rates, and overall compatibility. In this guide, we’ll clarify the key differences between Thunderbolt cable vs USB-C cable, helping you spot the right one for your devices.

What Is USB-C?

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry-standard connector, and USB-C is its most recent version. It features a symmetrical, oval-shaped design, meaning there's no wrong way to plug it in. A single USB-C cable can handle both data transfer and power delivery at the same time, making it incredibly versatile.

In terms of performance, USB-C supports data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps (depending on the port version). The standard USB 2.0 connections of USB-C deliver 2.5 watts of power, but with the Power Delivery (PD) protocol, they can support up to nearly 100W for faster charging.

USB-C has now become the go-to connector for smartphones, tablets, laptops, external drives, and even smart home gadgets. It’s not limited to just charging. If your TV supports USB-C, it can transmit DisplayPort audio and video signals to mirror your device on a bigger screen.

For reliable performance, premium cables like the Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Flow, Silicone) are a great choice, offering ultra-fast 100W charging along with a soft, tangle-free design that’s built to last.

What Is Thunderbolt?

Thunderbolt is a technology co-developed by Intel and Apple, first introduced in 2011 to simplify high-speed connections between computers, displays, and external storage devices.

The earliest version—Thunderbolt 3—was initially exclusive to Mac computers. Over time, it evolved to become compatible with USB-C, using the same port design. The latest version available today is Thunderbolt 4, which offers improved performance and broader compatibility.

By default, Thunderbolt cables provide 15W of power for charging. However, just like USB-C, they can deliver up to 100W when used with devices that support the Power Delivery (PD) protocol.

When connected to a proper Thunderbolt port (not just a USB-C port), Thunderbolt cables can achieve blazing-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps—twice as fast as standard USB-C connections. Better still, it supports daisy chaining, allowing you to link multiple devices, such as several external monitors. 

Key Difference Between Thunderbolt and USB-C Cables

Thunderbolt and USB-C cables might look the same, but they aren’t built equal. Their speed, power, and features set them apart. Let’s break down the key differences.

Appearance

Thunderbolt and USB-C cables now share the same oval-shaped, reversible USB Type-C connector. So, many may wonder, is a Thunderbolt cable the same as USB-C? The answer is no. Thunderbolt is essentially a high-performance expansion built on USB-C.

USB-C cables typically have no obvious markings, while Thunderbolt cables and ports often feature a lightning bolt icon. If you're unsure, you can always check the packaging or product specifications online.

Charging Power

Standard USB-C cables usually deliver around 2.5W of power. Thunderbolt cables can reach up to 10W by default.

However, both can deliver up to 100W when used with Power Delivery (PD) supported devices.

Data Transfer Speed

USB-C cables (especially USB 3.2 or USB4) offer data transfer speeds up to 10-20Gbps.

Thunderbolt (especially version 3 or 4) delivers speeds of up to 40Gbps, which is double or more compared to USB-C.

Video Output

Not every USB-C port can send video, as it depends on features like DisplayPort Alt Mode. Even when it works, it usually handles just one screen.

Thunderbolt, on the other hand, supports daisy-chaining two 4K monitors or even one 8K display, making it more powerful for professional setups.

Compatibility

All Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C. However, not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt features.

That said, USB-C is still the most widely used. It's found on Android phones, iPads, laptops, power banks, chargers, external drives, monitors, and more.

Thunderbolt is mostly seen on high-performance devices such as Macs, professional laptops, docking stations, external GPUs, and high-end monitors.

Price

Thunderbolt cables are high quality but generally more expensive.

USB-C cables come in a wider variety of brands and prices, offering more affordable options, though the quality can vary greatly.

Thunderbolt Vs USB-C: How to Choose the Right Cable for Your Needs?

After exploring the comparison between Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 cable vs USB-C, one question becomes clear: which cable should you choose? Take a look at these usage scenarios.

For Everyday Use: USB-C Is the Practical Choice

For routine tasks such as charging smartphones, tablets, or laptops, USB-C is more than sufficient. Its widespread compatibility includes most Android devices, various iPad models, and laptops. It's also cost-effective and widely available.

For Professional or High-Performance Needs: Go Thunderbolt

Creative professionals or users handling large image and video files benefit more from Thunderbolt technology.

With up to 40Gbps transfer speeds and support for dual 4K or single 8K displays, Thunderbolt enhances workflows for design, video editing, and gaming.

Note: Thunderbolt cables tend to be more expensive, and not all devices support them. Always verify device compatibility before making a purchase.

Conclusion

Choosing between a Thunderbolt cable vs USB-C depends on your usage. USB-C is ideal for everyday charging and data transfer, while Thunderbolt suits those needing ultra-fast speeds and multi-display support for professional work. Both cables have unique strengths, so understanding your device’s requirements helps you avoid performance bottlenecks.

Pairing the right cable with reliable build quality ensures long-term performance, and Anker provides well-made options designed to keep your devices running smoothly with consistent speed and safety.

FAQs

How to connect an iPhone to USB-C or Thunderbolt devices?

To connect an iPhone to USB-C or Thunderbolt devices, you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable, which links iPhones or iPads to laptops, chargers, or power banks with these ports. Although it won’t deliver Thunderbolt-grade transfer speeds, it ensures stable data syncing and supports fast charging of up to 20W (or higher with PD-enabled chargers).

Are USB-C and Thunderbolt cables the same?

No, they're not. While USB-C and Thunderbolt cables look almost identical at the connector end, they differ in functionality and performance.

Thunderbolt supports data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps and stronger video output capabilities, while standard USB-C cables usually offer speeds between 10–20Gbps and may not support video output or device expansion.

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

Yes, you can. Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C, meaning you can plug a USB-C cable into a Thunderbolt port for basic charging or data transfer.

However, full Thunderbolt speed and features only work if both the cable and the device support the Thunderbolt protocol. If you're using a regular USB-C cable, performance will be limited to USB-C levels.

Do you need a special cable for Thunderbolt?

Yes. To get the full benefits of Thunderbolt, you need a certified Thunderbolt cable with the lightning bolt symbol. Even though the cables may look the same, regular USB-C cables often lack the internal structure and chips needed to support high-performance Thunderbolt functions.

If you're using Thunderbolt devices, it's best to use proper Thunderbolt cables for full compatibility and stability.。

Is Thunderbolt for Apple only?

No. Although Thunderbolt was originally developed by Intel and Apple, and early versions were mainly used in Mac devices, it’s now widely used across high-performance Windows laptops, monitors, docks, and external GPUs as well.

Many newer Windows laptops and workstations now include Thunderbolt ports for faster data transfer and better expandability.