Thunderbolt 4 vs. USB4

Attribute	Thunderbolt 4	USB4
Maximum Data Rate	40 Gbps	40 Gbps
Compatibility	Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3	Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2
Power Delivery	100W	100W
Display Support	Two 4K displays or one 8K display	Two 4K displays or one 8K display
Cable Length	2 meters	2 meters

Introduction

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are two of the latest connectivity standards that offer high-speed data transfer and power delivery capabilities. Both standards have their own unique features and advantages, making them popular choices for connecting various devices. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 to help you understand the differences between them.

Data Transfer Speed

One of the key differences between Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 is the data transfer speed they offer. Thunderbolt 4 supports a maximum data transfer speed of 40 Gbps, which is twice the speed of Thunderbolt 3. On the other hand, USB4 offers a maximum data transfer speed of 40 Gbps as well, making it on par with Thunderbolt 4 in terms of speed.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, Thunderbolt 4 has an advantage over USB4. Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and DisplayPort devices, making it a versatile connectivity standard. USB4, on the other hand, is backward compatible with USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 devices, but not with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt 1 devices.

Power Delivery

Both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 support power delivery, allowing you to charge your devices through the same cable used for data transfer. Thunderbolt 4 can deliver up to 100W of power, while USB4 can deliver up to 100W as well. This means that you can use either standard to charge your laptops, smartphones, and other devices efficiently.

Daisy Chaining

Another feature that sets Thunderbolt 4 apart from USB4 is daisy chaining. Thunderbolt 4 allows you to connect multiple devices in a chain, such as monitors, external storage drives, and docking stations, using a single Thunderbolt 4 port on your computer. This can help reduce cable clutter and simplify your setup. USB4 does not support daisy chaining, limiting the number of devices you can connect in a chain.

Display Support

Both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 support high-resolution displays and multiple monitors. Thunderbolt 4 can drive up to two 4K displays or one 8K display, while USB4 can support up to two 4K displays. This makes both standards suitable for connecting external monitors, projectors, and other display devices to your computer.

Cost

When it comes to cost, Thunderbolt 4 is generally more expensive than USB4. Thunderbolt 4 cables and devices tend to be pricier due to the licensing fees associated with the Thunderbolt technology. On the other hand, USB4 cables and devices are more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for users who do not require the advanced features of Thunderbolt 4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are both high-speed connectivity standards that offer fast data transfer, power delivery, and display support. Thunderbolt 4 has the advantage of faster data transfer speeds, compatibility with a wider range of devices, daisy chaining capabilities, and higher power delivery. USB4, on the other hand, is more affordable and offers similar data transfer speeds and power delivery capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 will depend on your specific needs and budget.