Best USB4 & Thunderbolt 4 Cables for 40Gbps Data and 8K Video (2025)

You’ve got the latest laptop with powerful USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports, or perhaps a high-speed external SSD or an 8K monitor. But to actually leverage the incredible potential of these technologies – blazing-fast 40Gbps data transfer speeds and high-resolution video output – you need more than just the right ports; you need the right USB-C cable. Using a standard USB-C cable designed for charging or basic USB 3 speeds will severely bottleneck your performance. Here are the best USB4 & Thunderbolt 4 cables available today.

This guide dives into the world of high-speed USB-C connections, explaining the differences between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 cables, highlighting the features necessary for 40Gbps data and 8K video, and recommending types of cables to look for in 2025 to ensure you’re getting maximum performance.

USB4 vs. Thunderbolt 4: Understanding the High-Speed Standards

While both use the versatile USB-C connector and offer peak speeds up to 40Gbps, there are nuances:

USB4 Explained

• Foundation: The USB4 specification is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, aiming to bring high-speed tunneling capabilities (like PCIe and DisplayPort) to the broader USB standard.
• Speeds: USB4 can operate at 20Gbps or 40Gbps. Crucially, not all devices or cables labeled “USB4” guarantee the full 40Gbps speed. You must look for explicit mention of 40Gbps capability.
• Features: Supports DisplayPort 1.4a (and later standards via tunneling), PCIe tunneling, and is backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and often Thunderbolt 3.
• Identification: Look for the official USB4 logo, ideally specifying the speed (e.g., USB4 40Gbps). USB-IF certification is highly recommended for guaranteed performance.

Thunderbolt 4 Explained

• Foundation: Builds upon the USB4 specification but enforces stricter minimum requirements set by Intel.
• Speed: Mandates the full 40Gbps data transfer speed in both directions.
• Features: Guarantees support for features like dual 4K@60Hz displays (or single 8K), PCIe at 32Gbps minimum, direct memory access (DMA) protection (VT-d), and requires Intel’s rigorous Thunderbolt certification. Fully backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and all USB standards.
• Identification: Requires cables certified by Intel, marked with the Thunderbolt lightning bolt (⚡) logo and the number 4.

Which Do You Need?

For guaranteed maximum performance and feature support (especially if connecting Thunderbolt peripherals like docks or eGPUs), a Thunderbolt 4 certified cable is the safest bet. A USB-IF certified USB4 40Gbps cable can offer similar peak speeds and functionality for many use cases, potentially at a slightly lower cost, but Thunderbolt 4’s stricter certification provides greater assurance of capabilities like dual display support.

Why Specific Cables are ESSENTIAL for 40Gbps & 8K Video

Pushing 40 Gigabits per second and ultra-high-resolution video requires advanced cable construction:

• Bandwidth: These signals demand significantly more bandwidth than older USB standards.
• Signal Integrity: High-quality internal wiring, shielding, and connector construction are necessary to maintain signal integrity at high frequencies and prevent data errors or video artifacts, especially over distance.
• Active vs. Passive Cables:
  • Passive Cables: Work reliably for full 40Gbps speeds up to shorter lengths, typically 0.8 meters (~2.6 feet) or sometimes 1 meter. Longer passive cables often drop to 20Gbps speeds.
  • Active Cables: Contain repeater/re-driver chipsets within the cable to regenerate the signal, allowing full 40Gbps speeds over longer distances (e.g., 2 meters / 6.6 feet). They are more expensive and sometimes less backward compatible with non-Thunderbolt/non-USB4 DisplayPort Alt Mode displays.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a high-speed USB-C cable:

• Explicit Speed Rating: Must clearly state 40Gbps.
• Standard: Labeled as USB4 40Gbps or Thunderbolt 4.
• Certification: Look for USB-IF certification (for USB4) or Intel Thunderbolt certification (for TB4). This is the best indicator of quality and compliance.
• Video Support: Should specify support for 8K video (e.g., 8K@60Hz) or dual 4K displays. Support for DisplayPort 1.4a or higher via tunneling is essential.
• Power Delivery (PD): Most USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 cables support 100W Power Delivery. Some newer cables support 240W EPR – check specs if you need this higher power level. [See: Power Up Safely: Choosing Cables Rated for 100W & 240W EPR].
• Length vs. Type: Choose length based on need. Remember passive cables > ~0.8m might be 20Gbps. For longer runs at full speed, you’ll need an active Thunderbolt 4 cable.
• Reputable Brands: Stick with known, trusted brands for high-performance cables (e.g., Apple, Belkin, Cable Matters, Anker, OWC, CalDigit, Plugable, Satechi).

Recommended USB4 & Thunderbolt 4 Cables (2025 Examples)

Disclaimer: Specific models and availability change. This list provides examples of reputable brands and cable types based on current analysis (April 2025). Always verify the cable’s specifications meet your exact requirements before purchasing.

Thunderbolt 4 Certified Cables (Highest Assurance & Compatibility)

• Why: Offer guaranteed 40Gbps speed and full feature support due to strict Intel certification. Ideal for connecting Thunderbolt docks, eGPUs, high-end displays, and ensuring maximum compatibility.
• Examples: Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable, CalDigit TB4 Cables, OWC Thunderbolt Cables, Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cables, Cable Matters Certified TB4 Cables, Plugable Certified TB4 Cables, Anker Thunderbolt 4 Cables.
• Note: Available in passive (usually up to 0.8m/1m) and active (longer, e.g., 1.8m/2m) versions.

USB4 40Gbps Certified Cables

• Why: Can offer 40Gbps performance, often at a slightly lower cost than TB4 cables. Ensure you get one specifically certified for 40Gbps by USB-IF. Good for high-speed external SSDs and connecting USB4 devices.
• Examples: Look for USB-IF certified cables explicitly stating “USB4” and “40Gbps” from brands like Cable Matters, Plugable, Anker, UGREEN, etc.
• Note: While often supporting Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, double-check specs if connecting demanding Thunderbolt 3/4 peripherals.

Common Use Cases Requiring 40Gbps Cables:

• Connecting Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 docking stations/hubs.
• Using high-speed external NVMe SSDs in Thunderbolt or USB4 enclosures.
• Connecting external GPUs (eGPUs) – almost always requires Thunderbolt.
• Driving single 5K, 6K, or 8K displays over USB-C.
• Driving dual 4K displays (at 60Hz or higher) from a single laptop port.

Conclusion

To truly unleash the 40Gbps data speeds and 8K video capabilities of your modern devices, the right cable is not just recommended – it’s essential. Look specifically for USB4 40Gbps or, for guaranteed performance and features, Thunderbolt 4 certified cables. Pay close attention to the certified speed rating, supported standards, power delivery capability, and required length (passive vs. active). Investing in a high-quality, certified cable from a reputable brand ensures you aren’t leaving performance on the table and provides a reliable connection for your most demanding tasks.

Need help decoding other cable specs? See our general USB-C Cable Speed Guide. Understand power needs with our Cable Power Rating Guide. Get the full picture at The Ultimate Guide to USB-C.