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Most laptops today are equipped with one or more USB-C ports. This allows you to connect an external monitor, transfer files, and charge your device simultaneously.
With the introduction of USB-C, cables have become much more than simple data cables. A USB-C cable can carry video, power, and data over a single connection. At the same time, this also makes things more complicated: different protocols offer different capabilities.
In practice, things don’t always work as expected: one cable might charge your laptop but not support video, while another might support video but not deliver the data speeds you expect. The ports themselves also differ: some support charging, while others support only video or data.
On this page, you will find:
With the introduction of USB-C, cables have become much more than simple data cables. A USB-C cable can carry video, power, and data over a single connection. At the same time, this also makes things more complicated: different protocols offer different capabilities.
In practice, things don’t always work as expected: one cable might charge your laptop but not support video, while another might support video but not deliver the data speeds you expect. The ports themselves also differ: some support charging, while others support only video or data.
On this page, you will find:
- The different USB generations
- The USB-C logos and symbols used on laptops
- Five things to consider before buying a USB-C cable or device:
USB: The different generations
USB naming has changed over time. Combined with the variety of connector types, this adds complexity and confusion. Did you know that even USB 2.0 cables can use a USB-C connector? These cables are still limited to USB 2.0 data rates. The USB-C connector is becoming the standard, and other USB connectors are gradually disappearing.Below is an overview of the USB generations.
Old generation: USB 1.0 and USB 2.0
USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 are the old generation.
Up to here it is still easy to follow.
Up to here it is still easy to follow.
USB generation as from USB 3.0
Things are getting more complicated and confusing from USB 3.0 onwards. Did you know that USB 3.1 Gen1 and USB 3.2 Gen1 are actually the same as USB 3.0? They all have a maximum speed of 5Gbps. Many people associate USB 3.2/USB 3.1 directly with USB-C. The main reason for this is that USB 3.1 (nowadays called USB 3.2) was released at the same time as the USB-C standard.
USB 3.2
USB 3.2 has three versions: USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 3.2 Gen2 and USB 3.2 Gen2x2. Gen1 has a maximum speed of 5Gbps, Gen2 a maximum speed of 10Gbps and Gen2x2 a maximum speed of 20Gbps. USB 3.2 Gen1 is the same as USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 3.0 or SuperSpeed. SuperSpeed+ is the name of USB 3.2 Gen2 and USB 3.1 Gen2.
- USB 3.2 Gen1: originally known as USB 3.0. Previously named as USB 3.1 Gen1. It is the original USB 3.0 specification with a transfer speed up to 5Gbps.
- USB 3.2 Gen2: previously known as USB 3.1. Later known as USB 3.1 Gen2. This generation offers speed up to 10Gbps.
- USB 3.2 Gen2x2: provides a transfer speed up to 20Gbps (By using two lanes of 10Gbps at the same time. Therefore this generation is called Gen2x2 instead of Gen3).
USB4®
USB4® is the most recent version of USB. It supports a data speed up to 40Gbps. Additionally, USB4 2.0 is recently released with a maximum speed of 80Gbps.
USB4® 40Gbps is using the Thunderbolt™3 protocol. For the best performance, Thunderbolt™4 is the most excellent option. E.g. Thunderbolt™3 requires also a laptop with Thunderbolt™3 support. The requirements of the peripherals are higher as well.
USB4® 40Gbps supports the DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode 2.0) protocol: one 8K@60Hz monitor or two 4K@60Hz monitors in the daisy chaining setup.
USB4® 40Gbps is using the Thunderbolt™3 protocol. For the best performance, Thunderbolt™4 is the most excellent option. E.g. Thunderbolt™3 requires also a laptop with Thunderbolt™3 support. The requirements of the peripherals are higher as well.
USB4® 40Gbps supports the DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode 2.0) protocol: one 8K@60Hz monitor or two 4K@60Hz monitors in the daisy chaining setup.
USB-C logos used on devices
It can be difficult to determine which technologies or protocols a device’s USB-C port supports on laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Each technology/protocol has its own logo.The most convenient approach would be for manufacturers to place the relevant logo next to each USB-C port. Unfortunately, this is not mandatory and often leads to confusion. We highly recommend consulting your device’s manual or user guide.
Different logos are used:
USB-C Data: indicates the USB generation and maximum data rate. The number tells the data transfer speed. 40 means 40Gbps speed
USB-C Power Delivery (PD): indicates support for power and charging.The number tells the data transfer speed. 40 means 40Gbps speed
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode): used for video (and audio) output
Thunderbolt over USB-C: indicates the device supports Thunderbolt
Combinations: some ports and cables support multiple of the above
Logo on the cable: speed and maximum power
Different use scenarios and protocols make USB-C so powerful and also complex
Newer protocols allow USB-C to be used in many ways. This makes it increasingly important to decide in advance how you plan to use a USB-C cable and which protocols you’ll need—both on the cable and on the peripherals you’ll connect.You can break the decision down into five main categories:
- Data: transfer of data files
- Video: connecting monitors using DP Alt Mode
- Power: charging devices, USB Power Delivery
- Thunderbolt: highend solution
- Cable lenght: USB-C is limited in cable length depending on the use case
1. Data using USB-C
Speed is everything
Data transfer over USB‑C is one of the most common uses. If you’re only transferring data, focus on the maximum speed supported by your devices.The actual data rate is determined by the slowest link in the chain—from your laptop/PC/smartphone to the peripheral.
Example 1: You have a laptop with a 40Gbps USB‑C port and want to connect a printer via USB‑C that only supports USB 2.0 (480Mbps). In this case, the printer is the bottleneck, and it doesn’t make sense to use a more expensive 40Gbps cable. A USB 2.0 USB‑C cable is sufficient (a higher‑rated cable will still work, but it won’t make it faster).
Example 2: You have a laptop with a 40Gbps USB‑C port and an external SSD that also supports 40Gbps. In this case, it’s essential to use a USB‑C cable rated for 40Gbps. If you use a cable that supports only 5Gbps, transfers to the SSD will take much longer.
Example 3: You have a laptop with a 40Gbps USB‑C port and a 5Gbps USB‑C hub connected to it. You want to use a 40Gbps external SSD through this hub. Here, the hub is the limiting factor, and you won’t achieve more than 5Gbps. To reach 40Gbps, connect the SSD directly or replace the hub with a 40Gbps model.
This last scenario is common: people buy fast, premium devices but overlook the hub or adapter. The result is frustration because everything runs much slower than expected.
USB Speed
| Version | Gen | Max. Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | N/A | 480Mbps |
| USB 3.0 | Gen1 | 5Gbps |
| USB 3.1 | Gen2 | 10Gbps |
| USB 3.2 | Gen2x2 | 20Gbps |
| USB4 20 | Gen2x2 | 20Gbps |
| USB4 40 | Gen3x2 | 40Gbps |
| USB4 80 | Gen4x2 | 80Gbps |
2. Video: DP-Alt Mode
For video output over USB‑C, it’s essential to know whether your laptop’s USB‑C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode). This is especially important if your laptop has more than one USB‑C port, since different ports often have different capabilities. Check the technical specifications or the port icons/labels on the device.
DP-Alt Mode: The Standard for Laptops
DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP-Alt mode) is a protocol for video and audio transmission over USB-C, without requiring additional drivers or software. PCs and laptops usually use this protocol, while smartphones and tablets sometimes use it, but often rely on “Display over USB” instead. The bandwidth of the cable plays a significant role in achieving the maximum resolution from your setup. To determine which cable you need, you first need to know which DP-Alt Mode and DSC version are supported on the USB-C port of your laptop/PC/tablet, as well as your display. Then, you can determine how much bandwidth is required to achieve the maximum resolution. In a lot of cases a USB-C cable that can support 4K@60Hz. is sufficient.
Video adapters
USB‑C video adapters let you connect an additional HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA monitor to extend your laptop’s desktop. They work with both Windows PCs and Apple Macs. You can connect a single monitor or multiple monitors, but how external displays behave depends on the operating system (Windows or macOS) and the hardware. Your laptop must support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode). Depending on the DisplayPort version, Single‑Stream Transport (SST) or Multi‑Stream Transport (MST) may be available.
SST or Single Stream Transport
SST or Single Stream Transport is used with DisplayPort 1.0. With SST only one stream is possible. SST can have a mirror mode and extended mode. With the mirror mode the host laptop screen will be cloned to each connected monitor. The extended mode displays one additional laptop image to the connected monitors. MacOS supports SST.
MST or Multi Stream Transport
MST or Multi Stream Transport is available from DisplayPort 1.2 and higher. With MST multiple video outputs are possible. MST also has a mirror mode and extended mode. With the mirror mode it is possible to clone the host laptop screen to two or three external monitors. The extended mode enables to expand the host laptop to max. three external displays with each their own image. MST is supported by Windows, not by MacOS.
Multiport adapters and docking stations
If you’re using a USB‑C docking station or a multiport adapter that provides hub ports, Ethernet, video, and power, your laptop’s USB‑C port must support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) and USB Power Delivery (PD).When using more than one external display, video issues can occur. If your laptop doesn’t have a USB‑C port with DP Alt Mode, you can’t output video over USB‑C. These limitations can often be addressed with docking stations that use DisplayLink technology.
DisplayLink® technology: extended monitor view on MacOS and Windows computers
DisplayLink® technology provides a stable docking solution that extends your laptop’s desktop via a dedicated chipset. It works with both Windows and macOS and can operate over USB‑A as well as USB‑C. This approach is widely used in office environments by both Mac and Windows users—a truly universal solution.3. Power: Power Delivery
Power to peripherals and charging with Power Delivery
USB‑C can power peripherals such as monitors, so a separate power supply is no longer needed. For charging devices over USB‑C, it’s essential to know how much power (in watts) your device requires. Modern laptops draw more power than before, and gaming laptops often need 100W or more to charge during intensive use.Charge faster and safer with Power Delivery
USB-C cables and devices can support the Power Delivery (PD) charging protocol. This protocol enables a device to charge up to 70% faster than by using a normal charger. The charger, cable and the connected device must support Power Delivery.
PD profiles
Power capabilities (PD profiles) are advertised throughout the power chain, allowing connected devices to negotiate the most suitable USB Power Delivery (PD) profile. If you place a PD‑capable USB‑C accessory (such as a hub or dock) between the charger and the device, each link advertises its supported PD profiles.
Did you know you can charge your USB‑C smartphone from your USB‑C tablet and vice versa? USB‑C with Power Delivery supports bidirectional charging, provided both devices support power‑role swapping (dual‑role power).
Common fixed USB PD voltages include 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V, 36V and 48V with a maximum output of 240Watt. PD 3.1 may also support PPS for fine‑grained, adjustable voltages. The latest version PD 3.2 adds SPR AVS.
Did you know you can charge your USB‑C smartphone from your USB‑C tablet and vice versa? USB‑C with Power Delivery supports bidirectional charging, provided both devices support power‑role swapping (dual‑role power).
Common fixed USB PD voltages include 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V, 36V and 48V with a maximum output of 240Watt. PD 3.1 may also support PPS for fine‑grained, adjustable voltages. The latest version PD 3.2 adds SPR AVS.
Why is it important to know if your cable has an E-marker?
Some USB-C cables have an E-marker (electronic marker). This is an integrated chip that communicates with all connected devices.
This integrated chip includes all cable characteristics, e.g. manufacturer, maximum supported power, video support etc. All cables that support more than 60W power require an E-marker.
In order to keep the usage of a USB-C cable safe and reliable, when the USB-C cable is used for powering devices, it is very important to know if the cable has an e-marker.
If your laptop needs 100W and the charger supplies 100W, the USB-C cable needs to be able to handle 100W as well. If this cable doesn’t have an e-marker, the laptop communicates with the charger to lower the power throughput to 60W. All ACT USB-C cables can handle at least 20V@3A = 60W. Did you know that we even have USB-C cables that can handle up to 240W? Check our cable specifications for the ACT USB-C cables that are equipped with an e-marker. For USB4 cables an E-marker is mandatory.
Please keep in mind that USB-C cables of bad quality can’t handle a power throughput of 60W and will have the risk to burn.
This integrated chip includes all cable characteristics, e.g. manufacturer, maximum supported power, video support etc. All cables that support more than 60W power require an E-marker.
In order to keep the usage of a USB-C cable safe and reliable, when the USB-C cable is used for powering devices, it is very important to know if the cable has an e-marker.
If your laptop needs 100W and the charger supplies 100W, the USB-C cable needs to be able to handle 100W as well. If this cable doesn’t have an e-marker, the laptop communicates with the charger to lower the power throughput to 60W. All ACT USB-C cables can handle at least 20V@3A = 60W. Did you know that we even have USB-C cables that can handle up to 240W? Check our cable specifications for the ACT USB-C cables that are equipped with an e-marker. For USB4 cables an E-marker is mandatory.
Please keep in mind that USB-C cables of bad quality can’t handle a power throughput of 60W and will have the risk to burn.
USB-C Power and charging scenarios in practice
Example 1
All devices (laptop/USB-C hub/USB-C cable/USB-C charger) support 100W, and the laptop is charged with 100W. Ideal situation, everything works as intended.
Example 2
Your laptop requires 100W, and the charger provides 100W, but the cable lacks an E-marker. Result: your laptop charges at only 60W, much slower than expected.
Example 3
All devices (laptop/USB-C hub/USB-C charger) support 100W, except for the USB-C cable, which lacks an E-marker and can’t even handle 60W. The system tries to charge the laptop with 60W, but after a while, the cable starts to heat up. The risk: the cable can melt or cause a short circuit, leading to fire or damage to your equipment.
What to look for when charging
Equipment you want to charge:
- Does my device support fast charging? If so, which standard (USB Power Delivery, PD 3.0/3.1/3.2, PPS, AVS, or a vendor‑specific protocol)?
- What is the maximum power (in watts) the device can accept over USB‑C?
- What is the minimum power required for the device to charge? For example, if your laptop needs 100W to charge under load and the charger provides only 65W, it may charge very slowly, fail to charge, or even discharge during use-behavior depends on the laptop’s power draw and firmware.
Charger:
- What is the maximum total output (in watts), and what is the maximum per USB‑C port?
- Does the charger have a fixed (captive) USB‑C cable, or removable ports/cables?
Extra peripherals:
- Are there any devices between the charger and the device being charged (e.g., a USB hub or docking station)?
- What is the maximum power these devices can pass through (PD pass‑through)?
- Does the device consume any power itself? For example, a 100W charger connected to a hub that draws 5W will leave about 95W for your laptop.
Cable:
- What is the maximum power required to power your devices?
- Do you need more than 60W? Then you need a cable with an E-marker that communicates the maximum wattage.
The danger of cheap USB-C cables for charging devices
Important to know: some low‑cost USB‑C cables skimp on copper conductors. These are often unsuitable for 60W charging. Many lack an e‑marker and do not meet USB‑IF minimum requirements.
If you’re unsure about a cable - an unusually thin cable is a common red flag - don’t use it to charge smartphones, tablets, or laptops. These devices can continuously draw up to 60W over USB‑C, which can overload an underspecified cable. The risk is that the cable can overheat and melt, causing damage.
If you’re unsure about a cable - an unusually thin cable is a common red flag - don’t use it to charge smartphones, tablets, or laptops. These devices can continuously draw up to 60W over USB‑C, which can overload an underspecified cable. The risk is that the cable can overheat and melt, causing damage.
USB-C chargers
If you want to charge your device over USB‑C, make sure the cable supports USB Power Delivery (PD) and is rated for the required power. Our USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 cables support up to 60W (20 V/3 A). Our USB4® cables support up to 240W (PD 3.1 EPR.PD3.2). You also need to consider the maximum output of the USB‑C charger. A 20W USB‑C charger is usually sufficient for smartphones. To charge or power a laptop or monitor, you’ll typically need at least 45 W, depending on the model.
When you use an ACT USB‑C cable without an e‑marker to charge a 65W device with a 65W charger, the charger and device will negotiate 60 W, because the cable is limited to 3 A. The cable will work, but it will cap the charging power at 60 W.
It’s also possible to charge your smartphone (via Power Delivery) with an ACT 45W, 65W, or 100W USB‑C laptop charger; the charger and phone negotiate the optimal charging profile. Many USB‑C peripherals have a dedicated USB‑C pass‑through port for power, use this port to connect the laptop charger when another USB‑C port is already occupied by the peripheral itself. Be cautious with low‑quality or uncertified USB‑C chargers and USB‑C cables.
When you use an ACT USB‑C cable without an e‑marker to charge a 65W device with a 65W charger, the charger and device will negotiate 60 W, because the cable is limited to 3 A. The cable will work, but it will cap the charging power at 60 W.
It’s also possible to charge your smartphone (via Power Delivery) with an ACT 45W, 65W, or 100W USB‑C laptop charger; the charger and phone negotiate the optimal charging profile. Many USB‑C peripherals have a dedicated USB‑C pass‑through port for power, use this port to connect the laptop charger when another USB‑C port is already occupied by the peripheral itself. Be cautious with low‑quality or uncertified USB‑C chargers and USB‑C cables.
4. Thunderbolt: premium connectivity using USB-C
What to check for thunderbolt
When you want to use a Thunderbolt device with your laptop, answer these three questions:- Does my laptop have a USB‑C port that supports Thunderbolt (look for the lightning‑bolt icon or check the specs)?
- Which Thunderbolt version does my laptop support?
- Which Thunderbolt version does my device support?
Additonal tips for choosing a cable:
- Match bandwidth: Thunderbolt 3/4 devices need a 40Gbps Thunderbolt cable; Thunderbolt 5 devices may require 80Gbps (up to 120Gbps for certain video modes).
- Length and type: Longer Thunderbolt cables are often active; passive cables support full speed only up to shorter lengths.
- Power: If you also need charging, ensure the cable’s USB Power Delivery rating (60W, 100W, or 240W) meets your device’s needs.
Premium connectivity for demanding applications
If you work with professional video editing, need an external GPU for intensive 3D rendering, or want to connect multiple 4K monitors for an extended workspace, you’ll likely end up with Thunderbolt, the premium protocol that can do much more than standard USB-C.If you have a Thunderbolt port on your laptop and want to connect a Thunderbolt device, you’ll need a USB-C cable that supports Thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt™3: The game changer
Thunderbolt 3’s headline advantage is bandwidth: up to 40Gbps, four times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps. It can also carry power (USB Power Delivery) and video, commonly supporting up to 4K@60Hz (many systems can drive two 4K@60hz displays or one 5K@60Hz).
To achieve full performance, every part of the chain, laptop, display/device, and cable must support Thunderbolt 3. The good news is that Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB‑C connector and is broadly backward‑compatible: devices that rely on USB Power Delivery and DisplayPort (via Alt Mode or tunneled over Thunderbolt) will typically work with Thunderbolt 3 ports and cables. Exact capabilities (charging wattage, number/resolution of displays) depend on the laptop and dock.
To achieve full performance, every part of the chain, laptop, display/device, and cable must support Thunderbolt 3. The good news is that Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB‑C connector and is broadly backward‑compatible: devices that rely on USB Power Delivery and DisplayPort (via Alt Mode or tunneled over Thunderbolt) will typically work with Thunderbolt 3 ports and cables. Exact capabilities (charging wattage, number/resolution of displays) depend on the laptop and dock.
Thunderbolt™4: More stability and possibilities
Thunderbolt 4 is similar to Thunderbolt 3 in many ways: both use the USB‑C connector and have a maximum link rate of 40Gbps.
Where Thunderbolt 4 improves:
Where Thunderbolt 4 improves:
- Displays: requires support for either one 8K@60Hz display or two 4K@60Hz displays (system‑dependent).
- PCIe throughput: mandates 32Gbps of PCIe tunneling (PCIe 3.0 x4), whereas many Thunderbolt 3 implementations provided only 16Gbps (PCIe 3.0 x2).
- Security: requires DMA protection (e.g., Intel VT‑d) to mitigate “Thunderspy”-style attacks.
- Docks and cables: tighter requirements for wake from sleep, charging, and 40Gbps over longer certified passive cables.
Thunderbolt 5: The next step
Thunderbolt 5 brings significant improvements over Thunderbolt 4, especially in the following areas:
- Speed: 80Gbps bidirectional (PAM‑3), with Bandwidth Boost up to 120Gbps for display traffic
- Display support: 2x8K@60Hz, 2x6K@60Hz, or 3x4K@144Hz
- Power delivery: up to 240W (via USB Power Delivery)
- PCIe throughput: 64Gbps (PCIe 4.0), up from 32Gbps with Thunderbolt 4
USB4 and Thunderbolt 3
There’s a lot of talk about USB4 also supporting Thunderbolt 3. That’s only partially true. Intel contributed key Thunderbolt 3 technologies to the USB4 specification, but Thunderbolt compatibility on a USB4 port is optional.
Whether a USB4 port supports Thunderbolt is up to the laptop manufacturer. You can’t assume that Thunderbolt 3/4/5 devices will work just because the port is labeled USB4. Some USB4 laptops also support Thunderbolt (often indicated by the lightning‑bolt icon), while others do not.
Tip: Check your laptop’s specifications or ask the manufacturer whether your USB4 port also supports Thunderbolt (and which version). This will help avoid disappointment.
Note: Thunderbolt 5 devices require a Thunderbolt‑capable port. On a USB4‑only port without Thunderbolt support, they may not work as Thunderbolt and could fall back to limited USB functionality if supported by the device.
Whether a USB4 port supports Thunderbolt is up to the laptop manufacturer. You can’t assume that Thunderbolt 3/4/5 devices will work just because the port is labeled USB4. Some USB4 laptops also support Thunderbolt (often indicated by the lightning‑bolt icon), while others do not.
Tip: Check your laptop’s specifications or ask the manufacturer whether your USB4 port also supports Thunderbolt (and which version). This will help avoid disappointment.
Note: Thunderbolt 5 devices require a Thunderbolt‑capable port. On a USB4‑only port without Thunderbolt support, they may not work as Thunderbolt and could fall back to limited USB functionality if supported by the device.
5. USB-C cable length and performance
Length and performance of USB-C cables
USB‑C can carry data, video, and power, but passive copper cables that are too long introduce signal loss and voltage drop, which can reduce speed, disrupt charging, and cause video issues. As a rule of thumb, passive runs of about 1 meter are reliable; top‑quality cables can sometimes reach 2–3 meters. For longer distances, active or optical (AOC) solutions are recommended.The distinction between passive and active USB‑C cables is especially important at higher data rates and with high‑resolution or high‑refresh‑rate video. Choose a cable based on the required bandwidth, display needs, power requirements, and length.
Passive USB-C cable: Simplicity and cost-effectiveness
Characteristics:
- No built-in electronics: only copper conductors; may include an e‑marker chip
- Length: typically limited to 1-2 meters (varies by supported speed/spec)
- Data speed: maximum speed is usually achievable only at shorter lengths; longer cables may reduce throughput
- Video: supports DisplayPort Alt Mode; at longer lengths, maximum resolution/refresh may be limited
- Power: supports USB Power Delivery up to 60W (20V / 3A) by default; higher power (100W / 240W) requires an e‑marker and an appropriately rated cable
USB-C Active Optical Cables
USB‑C active optical cables (AOCs) were developed to overcome the distance limitations of all‑copper USB‑C cables. These hybrid cables use copper for power (and sometimes low‑speed lines) and fiber‑optic strands for high‑speed data and video. Because optical fiber is largely immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI), signals remain stable over longer distances.
Main advantages:
Main advantages:
- Reliable high‑bandwidth data and video transmission over longer runs, with minimal EMI/RFI impact
- Separate media for power and signals: copper carries power; fiber carries the high‑speed lanes
- Well suited to professional environments where video, data, and power share a single cable
USB-IF Certification: Quality assurance
USB-IF-certified cables have been tested and certified by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). They meet the USB-C cable requirements in the USB specifications and compliance program, giving you confidence that the cable is correctly built and interoperable.
Important note on Thunderbolt compatibility: Many USB-IF-certified USB4 (40Gbps) USB‑C-to-USB-C cables are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, but Thunderbolt support is not guaranteed unless the cable is Thunderbolt-certified (look for the Thunderbolt lightning-bolt logo). For Thunderbolt 5 features and maximum bandwidth, use a Thunderbolt-certified cable rated accordingly.
Important note on Thunderbolt compatibility: Many USB-IF-certified USB4 (40Gbps) USB‑C-to-USB-C cables are compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, but Thunderbolt support is not guaranteed unless the cable is Thunderbolt-certified (look for the Thunderbolt lightning-bolt logo). For Thunderbolt 5 features and maximum bandwidth, use a Thunderbolt-certified cable rated accordingly.
USB-C adapters and hubs
USB‑C to USB‑A and USB‑A to USB‑C adapters can help you connect devices and peripherals. Video adapters are commonly used and are discussed in the DP Alt Mode (video) section. Hubs and converters are also widely used.
USB-C summarized:
- The standard for USB connectors
- Compact and reversible connector
- Supports transfer speed up to 80Gbps with USB4 2.0
- Charge faster and safer with Power Delivery (PD/EPR)
- Support for DisplayPort Alternate Mode (up to 8K)
- One cable for data, video and power
- Thunderbolt™ support
- USB-C Active Optical Cables for longer distances