The attached device must support those speeds (e.g., a Thunderbolt 3 external hard drive). In general, a laptop with Thunderbolt 3 can transfer data over that port to another device 2-4 times faster than a laptop with USB-C. Thunderbolt 3 supports transfer rates up to 40 Gbps. USB-C supports transfer speeds ranging from 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) to 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) 10 Gbps is the most common speed. Data transfer: Thunderbolt 3 is significantly faster than USB-C.The key differences between USB-C and TB3 can be boiled down to three main points: data transfer rates, display connections, and connecting external devices. While USB-C and TB3 offer similar general functionality, there are noticeable differences between the two standards. Differences between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Both can be used to connect a computer to a compatible docking station, which you may want to use. Both USB-C and TB3 can be used to power devices, transfer data at high speeds, and connect a variety of peripherals including displays. Both use the Type-C form factor for the connection. Thunderbolt 3, it’s important to note that both connections share quite a bit in common. Similarities between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
The USB Type-C connection ( left) features a different design than the older USB Type-A connection type ( right). The take-home message is to remember that TB3 uses a USB-C connector but offers additional features over the vanilla USB protocol. Thunderbolt 3, by contrast, refers to specifications detailing transfer speeds, data bandwidth, and more. More information about USB-C and the USB 3.2 specification can be found here. For comparison's sake, the term "USB-C" will refer to both the USB Type-C form factor and USB 3.2 data specification concurrently throughout the rest of the article. In general, when the term “USB-C” is used in the product description, it should be seen as shorthand for “a USB port that uses the Type-C form factor.” Many tech outlets and retailers have muddied the waters by using the term “USB-C” to refer to both the transfer specifications and the form factor. It also has more pins than USB-A, allowing for increased power delivery, data transfer speeds, and video bandwidth to travel across the cable. USB-C is a reversible connector, which means no more fiddling when plugging it in. Think of USB-C as an evolution of the design of older boxy USB connectors (known as Type-A). USB-C is, by itself, just a form-factor for a connection. USB-C (formally known as USB Type-C) and Thunderbolt 3 describe different things. Thunderbolt 3 so you can make an informed decision as to whether USB-C will be enough or if you need the additional features of a TB3 connection. We at Cable Matters hope to burn away the fog surrounding USB-C vs. Laptops that boast TB3 often come at a price premium over those with only USB-C. Many modern laptops boast USB-C ports, but only some of these support Thunderbolt 3 (TB3). This is particularly true when it comes to Thunderbolt 3. The ubiquity of the USB-C connection has brought many benefits, but it has also caused some confusion.
USB Type-C, or USB-C, is a specification for connectors and cables. What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3? So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that one of the most common questions we hear from customers is regarding the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt TM 3. Never before have there been so many types of devices, systems and features to customize your technology needs. Technology is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. By Jason Ziller, Director of Thunderbolt Marketing, Intel Corporation