While Thunderbolt™ ports use the same oval-shaped USB Type-C® connector as other USB-C® ports, Thunderbolt™ ports require higher mini-mum standards for power, data, and video. Other USB-C® ports, cables, and devices may be limited to a variable range of data speeds, with no guarantees for display quality or simultaneous laptop charging.
The following chart helps break down the core differences between the current USB Type C® ports. It’s important to note that while some Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB4® laptops are capable of certain features listed in the chart, they are not required to meet them like Thunderbolt™ 4.
Basically, while the latest USB-C ports are much faster than their predecessors, Thunderbolt™ 4 requires higher mini-mum standards for power, data, and video. Other USB-C ports may offer a variable range of data speeds, no guarantee of display quality, and variable power output. It is worth noting that Thunderbolt™ 5 is in the works and will likely, once again, redefine the mini-mum standards for performance.
