Now that we deal with connected gadgets and devices, connectivity plays an important role in our daily lives. USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports have revolutionized how we connect and transfer data between devices. USB Type-C has become really popular and is set to become a universal charging port in most gadgets. Thunderbolt port has also recently gained popularity. USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports offer impressive capabilities, but they differ in terms of data transfer speed, power delivery, and versatility. If you look at a USB-C or Thunderbolt port in a laptop, both look similar. So, not many people know how these ports differ. In this blog post, I will explain the differences between USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports, highlighting their key differences. I will also provide you with details, so you can understand these two popular connectivity options.
USB Type-C
USB Type-C was introduced back in 2014. It is a compact and reversible connector that has gained widespread adoption across various devices. Not just smartphones, it is being used in cameras, laptops, earbud charging cases, earphones, and more. USB Type-C is a hardware standard designed to connect and transfer data between computers, smartphones, tablets, and peripherals.
Unlike its predecessors, USB Type-C is reversible. So, you can insert the connector in any orientation. It really eliminates the frustrating experience of flipping the cable multiple times. People who have used previous USB ports know how frustrating it was to make three attempts for connecting a cable.
USB-C also enables high-speed data transfer. USB 3.1 and USB 3.2 standards support up to 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, respectively. So, you can send large files quickly.
USB-C also supports Power Delivery (PD) technology. So, it can also be used to change devices at a faster speed. It can also power external displays or connect other peripherals. The most notable feature of USB Type-C is its versatility. It can connect to various legacy devices, such as HDMI monitors, USB-A devices, and Ethernet connections.
Thunderbolt Port
Unleashing the Power of Speed Thunderbolt is a high-performance connectivity standard developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. It is based on the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) and DisplayPort technologies. Thunderbolt ports share the physical connector design of USB Type-C but provide enhanced capabilities. It is used in High Refresh Rate displays, External GPUs, Charging Docks, Hard Drives, and a lot more.
If I say things in short, the Thunderbolt port is physically identical to USB-C and can do everything a USB-C port can, but faster.
Thunderbolt is a high-performance connectivity standard developed by Intel in collaboration with Apple. This connectivity standard is based on PCIe and DisplayPort technologies. It shares the physical connector design of USB Type-C but offers enhanced capabilities.
Thunderbolt port offers exceptionally high-speed data transfer. Thunderbolt 4 offers a 40Gbps (gigabits per second) bidirectional bandwidth. Now you know how faster it is as compared to USB Type-C with USB 3.1.
Thunderbolt port also supports the transmission of data and video signals simultaneously. So, you can connect multiple high-resolution displays, external graphics cards, or other peripherals. These things make Thunderbolt port ideal for content creators and gamers. You can also connect multiple Thunderbolt devices in a series using a single Thunderbolt port. It is called daisy chaining which simplifies cable management.
If I talk about Power Delivery, Thunderbolt 3 can provide up to 100 watts of power to connected devices. So, it can be used to charge laptops, connect high-power peripherals, and power external displays using a single cable.
Also see: Samsung X5 Portable SSD – 500GB – Thunderbolt 3 External SSD
USB Type-C vs Thunderbolt: Key Differences
- Speed: Thunderbolt ports offer significantly higher data transfer speeds (up to 40 Gbps) compared to USB Type-C (up to 20 Gbps).
- Video Output: Thunderbolt ports enable the connection of multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously, while USB Type-C can typically support a single display.
- Power Delivery: Thunderbolt ports support higher power delivery (up to 100W) compared to USB Type-C (varies depending on the device). Now USB Type-C has also shown much higher power delivery. So, Type-C has actually caught Thunderbolt in this race.
- Device Compatibility: USB Type-C is universally compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and peripherals. On the other hand, Thunderbolt ports are more commonly found on high-end laptops, workstations, and certain Apple devices.
- Cost: Thunderbolt ports and devices tend to be more expensive compared to USB Type-C counterparts.
- Availability: USB Type-C ports are widely available on various devices across different brands and price ranges. You see USB Type-C in most smartphones, tablets, cameras, earbuds, and earphones. Thunderbolt ports, although gaining popularity, are still more limited in terms of their presence in the market.
USB Type-C vs Thunderbolt Port Comparison Table
| Features | USB Type-C | Thunderbolt Port |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transfer | Up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.1) | Up to 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3) |
| Speed | Up to 20 Gbps (USB 3.2) | |
| Video Output | Single display support | Multiple display support |
| Power Delivery | Varies depending on the device | Up to 100W |
| Device Compatibility | Wide range of devices | Limited to high-end laptops, workstations, and select devices |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited presence in the market |
| Cost | Affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Versatility | Universal compatibility | Limited to compatible devices |
Wrap Up
Both USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports have their own unique features and advantages. I have explained both USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports in detail. USB Type-C is versatile. It is a widely compatible standard that offers high data transfer speeds, power delivery, and the ability to connect to legacy devices. On the other hand, Thunderbolt provides faster data transfer speeds, simultaneous data and video transmission, and daisy-chaining which makes Thunderbolt port ideal for professionals who require high-performance connectivity.
When choosing between USB Type-C and Thunderbolt, it is important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the devices you plan to connect. Ultimately, the decision between USB Type-C and Thunderbolt depends on your individual requirements and the devices you own. As technology advances, we can expect further innovations in connectivity standards, providing even more efficient and seamless experiences for users.
