Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C: Faster Transmission, Better Productivity

BenQ

2025/02/26

Monitor for Mac USB-C Thunderbolt Professional Monitor Connectivity Mac compatibility Windows compatibility

what are the differences betweenThunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C

*Your Thunderbolt 3/4 devices are compatible with USB-C on BenQ displays, ensuring consistent and seamless work efficiency.

As technology continues to advance, the modern workforce is focusing more on enhancing productivity and efficiency for workers. For design professionals, one of the tasks that they perform regularly is transmitting different types of data, signals, or files from one device to another through different types of cables. However, figuring out which cable to use can be a stressful or confusing process, as cables often look identical to each other at a glance. Picking the wrong cable can unnecessarily compromise the transmission speed.

To further meet designers’ needs for efficiency and productivity, several transmission protocols have been introduced in recent years. Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4, and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C are important cables to utilize, but they often create confusion among end users. What are the differences between these three transmission cables?

Thunderbolt3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C

One of the reasons why users often get confused between Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4, and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C is because the shape of the cables’ plugs looks the same, and they have similar properties. However, the same plug is paired up with different transmission protocols. In other words, all three cables are equipped with USB-C™ plugs but they each have their own transmission protocols.

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C

USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C ports and cables support charging and basic connectivity for single displays. USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C delivers:

Bandwidth: 10 Gbps of bandwidth for data and video.
Charging: Up to 100W of power for laptop charging.
Display options: Up to one 4K display or two 2K displays on a single connection.

Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt™ 3 ports and cables support charging and data transfer, meeting most modern-day needs. Content creation, productivity, and work can all benefit from Thunderbolt™ 3 to support more accessories and bandwidth. Thunderbolt™ 3 delivers:

High bandwidth: 40 Gbps of bandwidth for data and video, ideal for heavy workloads or fast file transfers.
Quick charging: Up to 100W of power for laptop charging.
Display options: Up to two 4K 60 Hz displays or one 5K 60 Hz display on a single connection.

Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt™ 4 ports and cables support faster charging and data transfer, meeting all modern-day needs. Productivity, content creation, and gaming applications can all benefit from Thunderbolt™ 4 technology with more bandwidth to support more accessories. Thunderbolt™ 4 delivers:

High bandwidth: 40 Gbps of bandwidth for data and video, ideal for heavy workloads or fast file transfers.
Quick charging: Up to 100W of power for laptop charging and up to 15W for computer-powered accessories.
Rich display options: Up to two 4K 144 Hz displays or two 5K 60 Hz displays on a single connection.

*Note: When connecting 4K at 144Hz or 5K daisy chain, it’s available only when DSC (Display Stream Compression) is enabled on graphic cards or with graphic cards that support DSC.

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Despite the difference in transmission protocols, Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4, USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C can share the same USB-C™ port. For example, if users connect a USB-C™ laptop to a Thunderbolt™ 3 or Thunderbolt™ 4 monitor, they can still be used as a set. Various USB standards, including USB 3.2 and USB4, also use the USB-C connector type, and these cables and ports are cross-compatible with Thunderbolt™ 4. When devices with different capabilities are connected, the connection will only support the lowest common data rate. For example, you can plug a USB 3.2 cable into a Thunderbolt™ 4 port, and the port will negotiate data, power, and video signal capabilities with the connected device at a USB 3.2 level.

Though they may seem similar, Thunderbolt™ 4 is an upgrade from Thunderbolt™ 3 that is noticeable for designers. If using USB 3.1 Gen 2 however, due to its bandwidth limitation, the transmission bandwidth will go down from 40 Gbps to 10 Gbps.

When selecting the right cord, users need to make sure that their laptop’s USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt mode. That is a mode that allows their USB-C-equipped laptop to connect directly to a Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4, or USB-C™ monitors. Additionally, since there are several protocols for USB-C ports, users then must make sure what their laptop’s USB Type C port supports, to guarantee the monitor or laptop can enjoy the convenience that comes with the USB-C one cable solution.

Which is the Right Option for My Connectivity?

So which one is better, Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4, or USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C? Thunderbolt™ 4 offers distinct advantages over USB-C with a more flexible and expansive set of capabilities. Thunderbolt™ 3 offers a higher bandwidth over USB-C, which enables it to support two 4K monitors while offering a faster data transmission speed. Additionally, Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt™ 4 are compatible with more transmission protocols, meaning that they can be used with more types of devices. In case you need to connect multiple monitors while working, Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt™ 4 can accomplish the task through their daisy-chaining feature, allowing designers to display one large image across several monitors.

For designers with demands to use two 4K monitors at work, Thunderbolt™ 4 is the better choice because USB-C™ can only support one 4K monitor. Thunderbolt™ 3 can also support this requirement, but if you’re looking to upgrade to 5K or 8K, or seeking a faster connection overall, Thunderbolt™ 4 is the better option. If you only require one 4K monitor and have budgetary concerns, USB-C™ monitors would sufficiently serve your purpose. Since Thunderbolt™ 3’s and Thunderbolt™ 4’s bandwidth is higher, when designers finish their work and are ready to send their files, it takes less time.

which one is better Thunderbolt3 or USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C

If you often require higher efficiency at work, Thunderbolt™ 3 or Thunderbolt™ 4 may be a better option for you. Faster transmission and wider compatibility can equal enhanced productivity and efficiency at work.

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