In the world of computing, data transfer speed, compatibility, and versatility play a crucial role. The USB standard has long been one of the most widespread connection formats for computers, laptops, external storage, and peripherals. However, in recent years, two new technologies—USB4 and Thunderbolt 4—have taken data connectivity to a whole new level. The big question is: which standard will dominate the future?
This article offers a detailed comparison between the two technologies, including technical specifications, pros and cons, real-world use cases, and their evolution. The goal is to provide a comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide exceeding 4000 words.
Historical overview of the USB standard
The evolution of USB (Universal Serial Bus) began in 1996 with USB 1.0, offering 12 Mbps speed. Since then, we’ve seen the following generations:
- USB 2.0 – 480 Mbps (2000)
- USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1 – 5 Gbps (2008)
- USB 3.1 Gen2 – 10 Gbps
- USB 3.2 – up to 20 Gbps
- USB4 (2019) – up to 40 Gbps, based on Thunderbolt 3
- USB4 v2.0 (2022) – up to 80 Gbps
The USB initiative aimed to unify connection methods, support data transfer, power delivery, and make peripheral use seamless.
The evolution of Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is a collaboration between Intel and Apple, first released in 2011. It was developed to deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency connections for data and video transmission. Key versions include:
- Thunderbolt 1 – 10 Gbps (Mini DisplayPort)
- Thunderbolt 2 – 20 Gbps
- Thunderbolt 3 – 40 Gbps, introduced USB-C (2015)
- Thunderbolt 4 – 40 Gbps, tighter certification (2020)
- Thunderbolt 5 – 80–120 Gbps, next-gen standard (2023–2025)
Thunderbolt is tailored for premium devices used in professional data, video, and network applications.
USB4 vs. Thunderbolt 4: A detailed comparison
| Feature | USB4 | Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed | 40 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| PCIe support | optional | mandatory (32 Gbps) |
| DisplayPort support | optional | mandatory (two 4K displays) |
| Power Delivery | up to 100W | required minimum 100W |
| Compatibility | USB 3.2/2.0 backward | Full USB4, TB3 support |
| Full-speed cable length | varies | guaranteed up to 2m |
| Certification | not mandatory | mandatory, Intel validated |
Thunderbolt 4 offers consistency and guaranteed performance, whereas USB4 allows flexibility but may vary depending on manufacturer implementation.
Practical applications: which one to choose?
- Home users: For browsing, streaming, and document editing, USB4 is sufficient. Supported by most ultrabooks and mid-range laptops.
- Professionals: Video editing, 3D rendering, multiple 4K monitors, or fast SSD RAID? Choose Thunderbolt 4.
- Mobility and docking: Thunderbolt 4 supports full-featured docks—data, power, network, and displays via a single cable.
- Budget-conscious environments: USB4 peripherals are cheaper and more widely available.
Technical differences in depth
Data transfer
Both standards offer 40 Gbps speeds, but Thunderbolt 4 guarantees this speed across all devices. USB4 may not, unless specified. TB4 also requires 32 Gbps minimum PCIe bandwidth—critical for NVMe SSDs.
Power delivery
Both support USB PD, but TB4 mandates at least 100W power—important for charging laptops and powering peripherals.
Video output
TB4 requires support for at least two 4K displays or one 8K display via DisplayPort Alternate Mode. USB4 may or may not include this.
Cables and reliability
TB4 cables are certified and standardized. USB4 cables may vary in quality, which can affect speed and stability.
Future developments
USB4 v2.0
Announced in 2022, USB4 v2.0 supports 80 Gbps and is backward compatible with USB4 and USB 3.2. Commercial availability is expected from 2024–2025 and aims to match Thunderbolt 5’s capabilities in an open format.
Thunderbolt 5
Announced by Intel in late 2023, TB5 provides up to 120 Gbps bandwidth (dynamic allocation between data and video). Designed for VR, 8K editing, and high-end multi-monitor workstations. First devices expected in 2025.
Value and availability
USB4 devices and cables are significantly more affordable. TB4 usually requires Intel-certified controller chips, increasing cost. USB4 chipsets are cheaper to manufacture, encouraging wider adoption across lower-cost devices.
Summary: which is the better choice?
- Thunderbolt 4: Go for it if you need top-tier performance, multiple displays, fast storage, or seamless docking.
- USB4: Ideal for affordable, fast, and compatible connectivity across a wide range of devices.
Both standards are here to stay, but while Thunderbolt 4 remains the premium, more closed solution, USB4 continues to evolve as the universal, open alternative.