GoKawiilBeing able to use the same cable to charge your phone, laptop, headphones or a cordless screwdriver is a convenience we now have thanks to USB-C. Sure, it might have taken the iPhone an embarrassingly long time to drop its proprietary Lightning port, but we're all one big happy family now, right? Well, not exactly. If you've ever tried shopping for a USB-C cable, you've likely come across several different standards, each advertising different capabilities. USB4 happens to be one of the latest standards, and it doesn't come cheap.
Assuming you're shopping from a reputable brand, a high-quality USB4 cable will typically cost anywhere between $20 and $60, depending on its length and charging speed. That's a lot more expensive than the dollar-store USB-C cables that also claim to top up your devices. So why pay the premium when you can snag a multi-pack for far less and have more of your devices' charging and data transfer needs covered?
It's because USB4 cables are designed to accommodate more than just fast charging or file transfers. They're capable of handling a lot more bandwidth — up to 80 Gbps symmetric or 120/40 Gbps asymmetric with the newer USB4 Version 2 specification. A single USB4 cable can power an entire setup comprising external monitors, high-speed SSDs, docking stations and other peripherals while supplying your laptop with all the power it needs.
Thunderbolt 4 and 5 are Intel's counterparts to USB4 that share the same connector type. These standards are often interchangeable, but sticking with the one your device officially supports is the best way to ensure you're getting all the performance you're paying for.