Many people are confused about the differences between the two as a result of this improvement. Let’s look at the capabilities of each to have a better idea of the distinctions between them.
The main difference between USB C and Thunderbolt is Thunderbolt has USB-C capabilities, however, USB-C does not have Thunderbolt capabilities. The Thunderbolt port is designed similarly to the USB-C connector. However, if you connect a Thunderbolt connection to a USB-C port, your possibilities will be limited. Thunderbolt in terms of speed and visual display. When compared to USB-C, its speed enables faster access to more data. Thunderbolt operates at 40 Gbps, whereas USB-C operates at 10 Gbps.
Almost all devices that support USB 3.1 use USB-C connectors, with some delivering electrical output of 100w at 20 v with speeds of 10Gbps. USB-C has distinct recharging capabilities.
The output power allows bigger gadgets, as well as your typical smartphone, to be charged, without the need for extra charging connections. There are several USB kinds and versions available.
The shape and style of the cable and port are referred to as USB kinds. USB versions are distinguished by their characteristics (such as speed/power) and cable compatibility.
Thunderbolt has been evolving current the latest version of Thunderbolt is 3.0. Thunderbolt 3 has a data transfer rate of 40Gbps, making it twice as fast as Thunderbolt 2.
Thunderbolt 3’s quick connection between a laptop or desktop monitor and an external graphics card enables better performance in activities like gaming with minimal to no lag.
It also improves signal reception and HD quality while communicating with Virtual Reality headsets for best performance.
| Parameters of Comparison | USB C | Thunderbolt |
| Price | USB C is cheap | Thunderbolt is expensive. |
| Data transfer | USB C is slow having 20 Gbps data speed | Thunderbolt is twice faster than USB C having 40 Mbps data speed. |
| Charging speed | USB C speed varies from 5w. | Thunderbolt could charge devices with 15w speed. |
| Compatibility | USB C is not compatible with Thunderbolt slots | Thunderbolt is compatible with USB C slots. |
| Usage | Used in most of the devices for its availability and pricing | Currently not being used in many devices. |
The USB connection is an industry standard for delivering data and power through a single wire.
At first appearance, the USB-C connector resembles a micro-USB connector, but it’s more oval and somewhat thicker to accommodate its main feature: the ability to flip.
The USB-C connection, like Apple’s Lightning ports, has had no up or down orientation.
You’ll never have to turn the connection over to plug it in if you line it up correctly; the “right way” is always up. Standard cables also feature the same connection on both ends, eliminating the need to figure out which end belongs where.
A USB Reference implementation Forum (USB-IF), a consortium of firms that have designed, certified and steered the USB specification over the years, created the USB-C connection.
Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung are among the more than 700 firms that make up the USB-IF. As a result, USB-C ports are now found on a wide range of new gadgets in a wide range of tech sectors.
Thunderbolt connectors resemble USB-C ports in appearance, and the socket is technically identical from a plug-in standpoint. In many circumstances, they can perform the same functions as a USB-C connector, but at a considerably quicker rate.
Thunderbolt is a specialized version of USB-C, thus you can use a USB-C-only device in a Thunderbolt port on either a computer without issue.
Thunderbolt 3 allows you to transport data at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second. That’s twice as quick as the fastest USB-C connectors’ 20Gbps maximum transfer speed, and four times faster than the classic Thunderbolt interface.
A Thunderbolt port could not only let you transport data faster to and from a compatible external drive than a standard USB-C connector, but it can also open extra options for attaching external displays and expansion docks.
