How to Choose the Right Thunderbolt 3 Device for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Thunderbolt 3

Overview

Thunderbolt 3 is the latest and greatest USB Type-C interface technology for connecting high-performance peripherals and external displays to a computer. With speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, Thunderbolt 3 is capable of transferring large files and videos quickly, allowing for improved productivity. This buying guide is designed to help you navigate the various features, capabilities, and considerations when choosing a Thunderbolt 3-enabled device. By the end, you’ll be able to determine which type of Thunderbolt 3 device is best for your needs.

Key features

  1. Compatibility: Make sure the Thunderbolt 3 device is compatible with the computer or device you plan to connect it to.
  2. Data Transfer Speed: Thunderbolt 3 has a maximum data transfer rate of 40Gbps, so check the specs of the device you are considering to make sure it meets your requirements.
  3. USB Type-C: Thunderbolt 3 devices use USB Type-C ports for connection, so check the port type on your device to make sure it is compatible.
  4. Power Delivery: Thunderbolt 3 can provide up to 100W of power, so make sure the device you are looking at has enough power to meet your needs.
  5. Data Security: Some Thunderbolt 3 devices have built-in encryption and authentication features to help keep your data secure.
  6. External Display Support: Thunderbolt 3 can support external displays with up to 4K resolution, so check the specs of the device you are considering to make sure it can handle the resolution you need.
  7. Cable Length: Thunderbolt 3 has a maximum cable length of 2 meters, so make sure the device you are looking at has a cable long enough to meet your needs.
  8. Cost: Thunderbolt 3 devices can vary significantly in price, so make sure you shop around to find the best deal for your budget.

See the most popular Thunderbolt 3 on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Speed - Thunderbolt 3 delivers lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, which is twice as fast as Thunderbolt 2.
  • Compatibility - Thunderbolt 3 is backwards compatible with USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, and other protocols.
  • Power Delivery - Thunderbolt 3 can deliver up to 100 watts of power, allowing you to charge devices using the same cable.
  • Versatility - Thunderbolt 3 cables are reversible, allowing for easy and convenient connection.
  • Compact - Thunderbolt 3 is much more compact than its predecessors, allowing for more efficient use of space.

Cons

  • Cost: Thunderbolt 3 is more expensive than USB 3.0, with cables costing up to $50 and ports on devices such as laptops costing up to $100.
  • Compatibility: Not all laptops or other devices have a Thunderbolt 3 port, and it is not backwards compatible with other versions of Thunderbolt.
  • External Graphics Cards: Thunderbolt 3 can be used to connect an external graphics card, however this requires additional components such as a separate power source.
  • Availability: While more and more devices are being released with Thunderbolt 3 ports, there is still a limited selection of products available.

Best alternatives

  1. eSATA - An external storage interface with faster data transfer than traditional USB.
  2. USB 3.0/3.1 - Universal Serial Bus standard for connecting external devices.
  3. USB 2.0 - Older standard of USB, with slower speed than USB 3.0.
  4. Firewire - High-speed data transfer interface, primarily used for digital video.
  5. HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface, used to connect digital video and audio sources.
  6. DisplayPort - Digital display interface, typically used for connecting a monitor to a computer.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Thunderbolt 3 Cable - A cable with a male Type-C connector on each end that is used to connect Thunderbolt 3 devices.
  • Thunderbolt 3 Dock - A device that combines several ports, such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, into one connection, allowing users to connect multiple devices to their computer using a single cable.
  • Thunderbolt 3 Device - A device that supports Thunderbolt 3 and can be connected to a computer via Thunderbolt 3.
  • Thunderbolt 3 Hub - A device that has multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices to their computer.
  • Thunderbolt 3 Adapter - A device that allows users to connect Thunderbolt 3 devices to computers that don't have Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Common questions

  1. What are the advantages of using Thunderbolt 3?
    Thunderbolt 3 offers super-fast speeds of up to 40 Gbps, allowing for quick transfer of data and video between devices. It is also backward compatible with all USB-C devices and many Thunderbolt 2 devices, making it convenient for users who may have older devices. Lastly, Thunderbolt 3 is capable of daisy-chaining up to six devices, allowing for more efficient setup and portability.
  2. What kinds of devices can use Thunderbolt 3?
    Thunderbolt 3 is compatible with PCs, laptops, tablets, and phones that use a USB-C port. It is also compatible with many Thunderbolt 2 devices, allowing users to upgrade without having to buy new peripherals.
  3. What types of cables are used for Thunderbolt 3?
    Thunderbolt 3 cables use the USB-C connector, which means that any USB-C to USB-C cable can be used. Thunderbolt 3 cables also come with the unique Thunderbolt logo, allowing for easy identification.
  4. What is the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C?
    Thunderbolt 3 offers much faster speeds than USB-C, up to 40 Gbps compared to 10 Gbps for USB-C. Thunderbolt 3 can also daisy-chain up to six devices, while USB-C can only daisy-chain two devices. Lastly, Thunderbolt 3 is backward compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 2 devices.
  5. How do I know if my device supports Thunderbolt 3?
    Thunderbolt 3 devices will have a Thunderbolt logo next to the USB-C port. Additionally, most devices will list their USB and Thunderbolt support in the specifications.

Trivia

An interesting and funny fact about Thunderbolt 3 is that it was originally developed in part by Apple Inc. and it was first used in 2015 with the release of the Retina MacBook. At the time, Apple said that its new port was "the fastest, most versatile I/O ever in a notebook". Since then, Thunderbolt 3 has become the standard for connecting external displays and other peripherals to computers, and it has opened up a world of possibilities for high-speed data transfer and ultra-high definition video. This makes it an essential part of many people's workflows. It is also incredibly versatile, as it can be adapted to use with USB-C, DisplayPort, and even HDMI. Source: Apple Thunderbolt Technology

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.