Thunderbolt 4 vs. USB4: The Unified Port

🛠️ Technical Reference

Built by a solo dev + AI assistance

Visualizing: Thunderbolt 4 vs. USB4: The Unified Port

They look identical, but they aren't.

TB4 is a certification by Intel. It guarantees certain minimums: 40Gbps data, charging up to 100W, and support for dual 4K monitors.

USB4 is the open standard. It can match TB4, but it doesn't have to. A USB4 cable might only support 20Gbps.

If you want a cable that 'just works' for everything, buy a certified Thunderbolt 4 cable. It is backward compatible with USB4, USB 3.2, and TB3.

Share this analysis:

Confused by the specs?

I built a tool to find the exact cable for you.

Do you still need a crossover cable in 2026? Understanding Auto-MDIX and modern networking.

Why Cat8 is overkill for home use. Understanding frequencies (MHz), shielding, and why Cat6a is the sweet spot for 10GbE.

Navigating the alphabet soup of charger safety. Why a certified GaN charger won't melt your phone.