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Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4: What's the Difference?

TB5 vs TB4: double speed, 240W charging, better display support; most users still fine with TB4, according to Engadget.

AI News Feed · 2026-08-26 02:44

Engadget says the extra speed is a significant step for people running several 4K displays or multiple high-resolution displays, including certain 8K configurations. Thunderbolt 5 is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 devices, though a connection only runs at the speed of its slowest component. The publication notes that Thunderbolt 5 is not aimed at casual gamers, light video editing or older PC and Mac rigs. For most people, Thunderbolt 4 remains enough for routine backups, a fast external SSD, charging, Ethernet and a typical single- or dual-monitor desk setup. Those who move enormous files regularly, use advanced docking stations or want to extend creative workflows will find more use for Thunderbolt 5.

On speed, Engadget says a compatible Thunderbolt 5 external SSD, dock or PCIe expansion device can use the standard's 80Gbps baseline bandwidth, but file-transfer times will not necessarily be cut in half because internal and external components also affect speed. Thunderbolt 5's extra bandwidth also improves display support. Thunderbolt 4 is designed to support one 8K display or two 4K displays at 60Hz, while Thunderbolt 5 can support more demanding setups such as multiple 4K displays at higher refresh rates or certain 8K configurations. The result depends on factors like display-compression support, the monitors involved and the operating system.

Thunderbolt 5 also improves charging. Apple's Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable supports up to 240W, while its Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable maxes out at 100W. High-end gaming laptops can benefit from the added charging headroom only if their USB-C ports are designed for it. USB PD 3.1 raises USB-C's ceiling to 240W, with 140W, 180W and 240W versions more common; Engadget cites Lenovo's Legion 9i Gen 10 and Razer Blade 18 as topping out at 140W and 100W respectively. Cable length and price differ too: Apple's Thunderbolt 4 Pro cables come in 1.8 and 3.0 meters for $129 and $159, while the Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable is one meter for $69. The longer Thunderbolt 4 cables have active circuitry to reduce interference, while the shorter Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable is passive. Apple also makes a one-meter passive Thunderbolt 4, but only as a packaged accessory with the Studio Display or through other vendors.

Engadget advises most buyers to stay with Thunderbolt 4 for a mainstream laptop, a single-monitor desktop setup or an everyday dock. Thunderbolt 5 is a sensible upgrade for users with very fast external drives or multiple high-resolution, high-refresh-rate displays. Ultimately, the connector shape is less important than whether a user's workflow can use the extra bandwidth.