Thunderbolt Cables
Thunderbolt cables are high-performance connectors that deliver ultra-fast data transfer, video output, and power delivery, all through a single compact cable. Designed for professionals, creators, gamers, and anyone working with demanding tech setups, Thunderbolt cables are ideal for connecting high-resolution monitors, external drives, docks, and eGPUs.
Since 1988, we’ve been helping customers stay connected with the latest in tech connectivity. Our Thunderbolt cable range features Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 options that meet the highest standards for speed, compatibility, and durability.
- Thunderbolt Cables
Silkland Certified USB4 Cable for Thunderbolt 4 Cable, Compatible with USB C 3.2 Gen 2, 40Gbps, 8K@60Hz, PD3.1 240W 48V/5A USBC for iPhone 16/Pro/Pro Max, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iMac, Dock, Display 1M
Original price was: £12.99.£9.49Current price is: £9.49. *View On Amazon* - Thunderbolt Cables
ZIKNYDO USB 4 for Thunderbolt 4 Cable 1m, 40Gbps USB C Data Cable, 8K/4K Video, 240W Charging, USB-C Thunderbolt Cable, for Thunderbolt 3, iPhone 16 Series, SSD, MacBook, eGPU (3.3FT)
Original price was: £14.99.£11.98Current price is: £11.98. *View On Amazon* - Thunderbolt Cables
UGREEN USB C to DisplayPort Cable 8K@60Hz 4K@240/144/120Hz Type C Thunderbolt 3/4/5 DP 1.4 HDR VRR Free-Sync ALLM Compatible for MacBook iMac Mac Mini iPad Pro XPS Surface iPhone 16 15 Galaxy S25(1M)
Original price was: £15.99.£12.77Current price is: £12.77. *View On Amazon* - Thunderbolt Cables
Silkland USB4 Cable for Thunderbolt 4/3 Cable USB-IF Certified 30CM 40Gbps, USB-C Display/Video/Monitor Cable [8K/6K/5K@60Hz 4K@144Hz], 240W PD3.1 for MacBook Pro, PSSD, Display, Docking, Monitor
Original price was: £7.99.£6.79Current price is: £6.79. *View On Amazon* - Thunderbolt Cables
UGREEN USB C to USB-C Cable USB4 Gen4 80Gbps Premium 16K/Dual 8K/Triple 4K Display 240W PD3.1 Type C Fast Charging Compatible with USB-C Monitors, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone Air/17/16, 1M
Original price was: £21.99.£18.68Current price is: £18.68. *View On Amazon* - Thunderbolt Cables
Amazon Basics USB-C to USB-C 4 Fast Charger Cable, 40 Gbps, 8K Video, 240W, USB-IF Cert, Thunderbolt 4/3 Compatible, for Apple iPhone 16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Tablets, Laptops, 1 m, Black
Original price was: £10.49.£9.99Current price is: £9.99. *View On Amazon*
Why Choose a Thunderbolt Cable?
Thunderbolt technology, developed by Intel and Apple, combines PCIe, DisplayPort, and USB protocols — making it one of the most versatile and powerful cable formats available.
A certified Thunderbolt cable offers:
⚡ Blazing-fast speeds up to 40 Gbps
🔌 Up to 100W Power Delivery — charge laptops, tablets, and hubs
🎥 Support for dual 4K or a single 8K monitor
🔁 Daisy-chaining of multiple devices
✅ Full backward compatibility with USB-C and USB 3.2/4.0
💡 If you’re using high-speed SSDs, multi-display setups, or professional workflows like 4K/8K editing — Thunderbolt is the standard to trust.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Thunderbolt Cable
1. Thunderbolt 3 vs Thunderbolt 4
| Spec | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 40 Gbps | Up to 40 Gbps |
| Power Delivery | Up to 100W | Up to 100W |
| Minimum Requirements | Varies by device | Guaranteed: 40Gbps, dual 4K display, 32Gbps PCIe |
| USB Compatibility | USB 3.1 Gen 2 | USB4 + full USB-C support |
| Cable Length (40 Gbps) | Up to 0.8m for passive | Up to 2m (active or certified TB4) |
| Security & Wake | Varies | Mandatory Intel VT-d DMA protection |
✅ If you’re buying new, choose Thunderbolt 4 — it ensures maximum compatibility and performance.
2. Check Your Device Compatibility
| Device | Thunderbolt Support |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro / Air (2016+) | Thunderbolt 3 or 4 |
| Windows Laptops (Premium) | Thunderbolt 3/4 (check logo near USB-C port) |
| iPad Pro (2021+) | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| External Drives (NVMe/RAID) | Often requires Thunderbolt 3+ |
| Docking Stations | TB3 or TB4 for full feature set |
| eGPUs / External GPUs | Require Thunderbolt 3 or 4 |
| Monitors (4K/5K/8K) | Thunderbolt or USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode |
🔎 Look for the Thunderbolt “⚡” logo on the port or product specs.
3. Choose the Right Cable Length and Type
| Length | Use Case |
|---|---|
| 0.3–0.8m (Passive) | Max speed (40Gbps), ideal for drives and docks |
| 1–2m (Active / Certified TB4) | Maintains full speed and power over distance |
| 2m+ (Active Optical) | Used in professional or enterprise setups (expensive) |
Top Thunderbolt Cable Types
✅ Thunderbolt 4 Cables (USB-C to USB-C)
Supports all Thunderbolt 3 features
Fully USB 4, USB 3.2, and DisplayPort Alt Mode compatible
Certified for 40 Gbps, 100W charging, and dual 4K display
✅ Thunderbolt 3 Cables (USB-C to USB-C)
Same speed and power as TB4, but with fewer guaranteed features
May be passive or active — check speed and length support
Ideal for MacBooks, high-speed SSDs, and eGPU setups
✅ Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort / HDMI Adapters
For connecting TB3 laptops to external monitors
Requires active cables for HDMI 2.0+ or dual-display setups
✅ USB-C Compatible Thunderbolt Cables
Work with non-TB USB-C devices (phones, tablets, etc.)
Automatically adjust speed and power delivery
Key Features to Look For
Certified Thunderbolt Logo (⚡) – Ensures official Intel/Apple certification
100W Power Delivery – Safely charge laptops and hubs
EMI Shielding and Braided Jackets – Prevent signal interference and increase durability
Active vs Passive Cables – Active cables are needed for 2m+ length at full speed
Reversible USB-C Connectors – Easy to plug in, any direction
Recommended Thunderbolt Cables by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Cable | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro to Dock | Thunderbolt 4, 0.8m | 40Gbps, 100W, dual 4K |
| Gaming Laptop to eGPU | Thunderbolt 3, 0.5m | Low latency, passive, high speed |
| High-Speed NVMe SSD | TB3 or TB4, short (0.5m) | Max bandwidth, fast access |
| Dual 4K Monitors via Dock | Thunderbolt 4, 1m | Active cable, full video + data |
| USB-C Phone Charging | TB4 cable | Fully backwards compatible |
| 4K Video Editing Setup | TB4 2m active cable | Reliable for external drives and displays |
Expert Tips for Thunderbolt Cables
Use only certified cables — Cheap or generic USB-C cables may throttle speed or overheat
Label your cables — Especially if mixing USB-C and Thunderbolt in your setup
Avoid cable extenders — These often degrade signal integrity
Store cables properly — Coil loosely and avoid sharp bends
Use the shortest length possible — For maximum speed and minimal signal loss
FAQ: Thunderbolt Cables
What’s the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt cables?
Thunderbolt uses a USB-C connector, but not all USB-C cables support Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt cables are certified for higher speeds, power, and video output.
Can I use a Thunderbolt 4 cable with a USB-C device?
Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables are fully compatible with all USB-C, USB4, and USB 3.2 devices.
Do I need a special cable for Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, to get full 40 Gbps, dual monitor output, and 100W charging, use a certified Thunderbolt 4 cable.
Can Thunderbolt cables charge a laptop?
Absolutely. Most Thunderbolt cables support up to 100W Power Delivery, making them ideal for charging USB-C laptops.
What’s the maximum length of a Thunderbolt cable?
Passive cables: Up to 0.8m at full 40Gbps
Active cables: Up to 2m at full speed (TB4 only)
Optical cables: Up to 50m (specialist use, expensive)
Is Thunderbolt faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2?
Yes, Thunderbolt offers up to 40 Gbps, compared to 10 Gbps for USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Power, Speed, and Versatility in One Cable
Thunderbolt cables combine the best of USB, DisplayPort, and power delivery into one powerful connection. Whether you’re running a multi-monitor setup, editing 4K video, or just want a future-proof solution, our Thunderbolt cables deliver the performance, reliability, and compatibility you need.
Explore our full selection of Thunderbolt cables today, and unlock your devices’ full potential.
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