USB Alternative
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is a high-performance wired connection for data, displays, power, docks, storage, and peripherals.
Thunderbolt characteristics
Compare its connector, capabilities, USB compatibility, and common uses.
| Technology | Thunderbolt |
|---|---|
| Modern connector | USB Type-C on Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5 |
| Data | Yes |
| Display support | Yes |
| Power | Yes, with supported devices, cables, and charging implementations |
| Typical devices | Docks, displays, external storage, capture hardware, and high-performance peripherals |
| USB compatibility | Modern Thunderbolt products are designed to interoperate with supported USB generations, including USB4 |
| Current status | Current high-performance connection platform |
Sources: Intel Thunderbolt Technology, USB-IF USB4, USB-IF USB4 Specification v2.0, and USB-IF USB Type-C Cable and Connector Specification.