USB4 vs. Thunderbolt 4: How to Pick?
Your digital adventures are improved by these two technologies, which increase efficiency and smoothness. But what makes them unique, and how do they support your job, play, and social life in this technologically advanced era? Let’s take a closer look at USB4 and Thunderbolt 4, breaking down the differences so you can choose the one that works best for your device.
USB4
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Universal Serial Bus 4, also called USB 4.0, is the most recent technical specification of the USB data communication standard. It was originally announced as USB4 in 2019 by The USB Implementers Forum.
The USB4 standard allows multiple devices to dynamically share a single high-speed data link. USB4 devices are required to support a signaling rate of at least 20 Gbit/s, with the current version enabling rates of 40 Gbit/s for USB4 and 80 Gbit/s for USB4 2.0. USB4 is specifically defined for USB-C connectors, and its Type-C specification governs the connectors, cables, and power delivery features associated with all uses of USB-C cables, in conjunction with the USB Power Delivery specification.
The USB4 standard mandates functionally backward compatibility to USB 3.2, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. The dynamic sharing of bandwidth of a USB4 connection is achieved by tunneling of other protocols. It USB4 is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol; however, the implementation of the Thunderbolt 3 protocol is mandatory only for hubs. Designed to improve USB performance, it supports multiple functions such as data transfer, video output and charging.
Thunderbolt 4
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Thunderbolt 4 provides a complete solution for high-speed data transfer, charging, and device connectivity. It was announced at CES 2020, with the final specification released in July 2020. Main differences between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 include a minimum bandwidth requirement of 32 Gbit/s for the PCIe link, support for dual 4K displays using DisplayPort 1.4, and Intel VT-d-based direct memory access protection to guard against physical DMA attacks.
The USB4 standard allows multiple devices to share a single high-speed data link dynamically. USB4 devices are required to support a signaling rate of at least 20 Gbit/s, with the current version enabling rates of 40 Gbit/s for USB4 and 80 Gbit/s for USB4 2.0. USB4 is specifically defined for USB-C connectors and its Type-C specification governs the connectors, cables, and power delivery features associated with all uses of USB-C cables, in conjunction with the USB Power Delivery specification.
The highest bandwidth is still 40 Gbit/s, which is four times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 and the same as Thunderbolt 3. Tiger Lake mobile processors for Intel Evo laptops and standalone Thunderbolt controllers from the 8000 series were among the supporting goods that started to arrive in late 2020.
Similarities between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4
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The Type-C connector is used by Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 for device connectivity, power delivery, and data transfer. They can power devices, support DisplayPort capabilities, and have the same maximum bandwidth. Both make connectivity simpler by enabling several devices to connect via a single port. Additionally, they provide wired networking for quicker internet access.
USB4 is based on the same protocol as Thunderbolt 4.0, allowing for cross-compatibility between the two interfaces. However, Thunderbolt 4 devices offer additional features and capabilities that go beyond those available in USB4 devices.
Differences between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4
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Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are similar, but TB4 has higher minimum requirements. Thunderbolt 4 ensures a consistent speed of 40 Gbps across all devices. USB 4 is still speedy at 20 Gbps.
USB4 can deliver power, too, but usually less than Thunderbolt 4. It can support power delivery up to 100W, but this may vary by device. Thunderbolt 4 requires support for 100W power delivery, ensuring reliable charging for laptops and other devices.
USB4 is able to extend multiple displays, but specifics depend on the implementation. Thunderbolt 4 only connects two 4K displays or one 8K display.
USB4 is backward compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0, but not all USB4 devices support Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt 4 can be fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 devices, ensuring broad device interoperability.
USB4 allows for simpler connections but does not guarantee daisy chaining. Thunderbolt 4 supports daisy chaining of up to six devices, enhancing connectivity options.
USB4 does not include advanced security features. While Thunderbolt 4 provides Intel VT-d-based direct memory access protection.
USB4 devices do not require certification, leading to an abundance of USB4 products in the market. This flexibility allows manufacturers to offer more powerful hubs and docks at lower prices. In contrast, Thunderbolt products are certified, ensuring they meet the highest standards.
Recommended Thunderbolt 4 Docks
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MOKiN 15-IN-1 Thunderbolt™ 4 Docking Station
MOKiN 16-IN-1 Thunderbolt™ 4 Laptop Docking Station
The TB4 docks mentioned above typically include two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports: one upstream for connecting to the computer and the other downstream for connecting to external devices.
What makes the MOKiN 16 in 1 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station extra special is its multiple video output, including 1 HDMI and 2 DP. It allows you to extend more monitors.
Two USB-A 3.1 ports and two Thunderbolt ports provide high-speed connectivity and 15W device charging. Wired internet speeds are 2.5 times faster than standard connections, provided you have compatible devices with 2.5GbE or higher. For additional portable storage, you can utilize the SD and Micro SD card reader. If you intend to keep your connected devices powered while using your laptop, the 30W power supply should be adequate.
Conclusion
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Thunderbolt 4 is built on the same foundational protocol as USB4. All Thunderbolt 4 devices are compatible with USB4. Therefore, if someone has a USB4 laptop, they can use a Thunderbolt 4 device, and vice versa.
Because USB4 devices have fewer requirements, they can be more reasonably priced. The less expensive USB4 is an option if you prefer to avoid buying fast transfer rates. However, you should look at devices that support Thunderbolt 4 if performance is your top goal and cost is not an issue.
While Thunderbolt 4 is objectively the superior connection type thanks to its enhanced features and versatility, USB4 represents an improvement over its predecessor. However, if you must choose between the two, Thunderbolt 4 is the better choice. Remember to check a product’s specifications to confirm its adaptability.
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