Thunderbolt™ vs. USB-C™

Yes, if you’re plugging a Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 cable into a USB-C port on a USB4, USB 3, or USB 2 device (assuming the ports match), you’ll be able to transfer data and charge. However, speed and power delivery will default to the USB protocol, not Thunderbolt. If your USB device is rated at 10 Gbps, then it will top out at 10 Gbps — even for Thunderbolt cables that can support up to 40 Gbps.
 

Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 ports also support non-Thunderbolt, USB Type C cables. However, just because it’s a USB-C port, that doesn’t mean it necessarily supports a Thunderbolt protocol. Look for the Thunderbolt lightning symbol next to your device’s port to check — or, if ports and cables aren’t labeled, check the product description or documentation to confirm what your device can support.

Thunderbolt and USB (Universal Serial Bus) are protocols or standards by which computers, peripherals, and other accessories can connect, transfer data, and deliver power. USB, which was first released in 1996 by USB-IF, a group of 700-plus tech companies that includes Intel, Apple, and Microsoft, is the most common standard used across devices of all kinds. Thunderbolt, on the other hand, is proprietary technology that was first released in 2011 by Intel and Apple.

Both USB and Thunderbolt periodically release new generations of their respective standards. For example, the latest Thunderbolt generations focus on high speeds of up to 40 Gbps and daisy-chaining as many as six devices together. USB is best known for its wide acceptance and support across almost all devices and peripherals — from laptops and hard drives to smart-home devices.

While Thunderbolt is a technology protocol owned by Intel, USB-C is a connector type that’s supported by more recent versions of Thunderbolt, as well as several USB protocols. USB-C uses an 8.4mm reversible connector that lets you plug a USB Type C cable into a USB Type C port, whether that USB-C type port supports Thunderbolt or not. Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 cables can work with USB Type C ports that may not support the Thunderbolt protocol. They do this by using the USB protocol to connect either at the system’s or device’s documented specifications — whichever is lower.

If optimizing performance (with high speeds of up to 40 Gbps) and work efficiencies (via the ability to daisy-chain up to six devices) is what you’re after, then Thunderbolt may be the right choice for you. However, if cost is key, then the more widely supported USB standard may be a better option instead.

Yes. A number of devices, like laptops and storage drives — such as the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD and the SanDisk Professional G-RAID SHUTTLE Series — include both Thunderbolt and USB technologies. In the case of the G-Raid Shuttle SSD, Thunderbolt 3 enables speeds of up to 40 Gbps, while USB 3.2 can support up to 10 Gbps.

USB devices with a USB-C connector are backwards compatible going back several generations, while Thunderbolt is compatible with all Thunderbolt generations — although you may need an adapter for earlier-gen devices. Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 also support USB-C type ports and cables. However, not all USB-C type ports or cables support Thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 are required to supply a minimum of 15W of power, while the minimum for USB4 is 7.5W. (For USB 3.2, it’s 4.5W.) Many new devices use the Power Delivery protocol to surpass these minimums, delivering up to 100W of charging power.

In general, no, Western Digital devices do not require device drivers or firmware to use Thunderbolt or USB. However, RAID arrays, NAS systems, and other devices that utilize software are an exception and may require additional support. For Thunderbolt and USB compatibility and updates, we recommend checking with the host manufacturer for the latest information.