A brief overview of Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 4, developed by Intel, is the latest generation of the Thunderbolt interface. It is a high-speed, versatile connector that combines data, video, and power transfer in a single cable. This technology is commonly used in laptops, desktops, and various peripherals like monitors, docking stations, and external drives.

A brief overview of USB 4

USB 4, on the other hand, is the latest iteration of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). It is designed to be backward compatible with previous USB versions and provides improved performance and features, such as faster data transfer rates and power delivery capabilities.

Speed and Performance

Thunderbolt 4：Thunderbolt 4 boasts an impressive data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps. This lightning-fast speed allows you to transfer large files, like 4K videos or high-resolution images, in mere seconds. Additionally, Thunderbolt 4 supports up to two 4K displays or one 8K display, making it perfect for users who require multiple high-resolution screens.

USB 4：USB 4 also offers impressive data transfer speeds, ranging from 20 Gbps to 40 Gbps, depending on the specific USB 4 implementation. This means that, like Thunderbolt 4, USB 4 can transfer large files quickly and efficiently. When it comes to display support, USB 4 can handle a single 8K display or two 4K displays, similar to Thunderbolt 4.

Compatibility

Thunderbolt 4：One of the strengths of Thunderbolt 4 is its compatibility with previous generations of Thunderbolt and USB devices. This means that you can use your Thunderbolt 4 port to connect to Thunderbolt 3, USB 4, USB 3, and USB 2 devices, making it extremely versatile. However, it's essential to note that you'll need a suitable adapter or cable to connect with some older devices.

USB 4：USB 4 also offers excellent backward compatibility, working seamlessly with USB 3, USB 2, and even some Thunderbolt 3 devices. The introduction of USB 4 has also led to the adoption of USB Type-C connectors as the standard, which offers a reversible design for easier plug-in.

Data Transfer Capabilities

Thunderbolt 4：As mentioned earlier, Thunderbolt 4 offers data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. In addition to its impressive speed, Thunderbolt 4 also supports daisy-chaining, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt devices in a single chain. This feature makes it easier to create a connected workspace with multiple peripherals.

USB 4：USB 4 can transfer data at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, depending on the implementation. While USB 4 does not support daisy-chaining, it does offer other useful features, such as USB Power Delivery and support for alternate modes like DisplayPort, which allows you to connect displays and other peripherals using a single cable.

Power Delivery

Thunderbolt 4：Thunderbolt 4 supports power delivery of up to 100 watts, allowing you to charge your laptop or other devices quickly. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who want to minimize cable clutter and charge their devices using a single cable.

USB 4：Like Thunderbolt 4, USB 4 also supports power delivery of up to 100 watts, providing fast charging capabilities for compatible devices. This makes USB 4 a suitable option for those looking to reduce cable clutter and simplify their charging setup.

Cost

Thunderbolt 4：Thunderbolt 4 technology is generally more expensive than USB 4, both in terms of the devices that support it and the peripherals that use it. This higher cost is due to the advanced features and performance offered by Thunderbolt 4, making it a more premium option for users who require top-tier performance.

USB 4：USB 4 is generally more affordable than Thunderbolt 4, making it a more accessible option for many users. The lower cost does not mean a significant compromise on performance, as USB 4 still offers impressive data transfer speeds, power delivery, and compatibility.

Security

Thunderbolt 4：Thunderbolt 4 offers enhanced security features compared to its predecessors. It supports Intel VT-d-based direct memory access (DMA) protection, which helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer's memory and sensitive data.

USB 4：While USB 4 does not have the same level of security features as Thunderbolt 4, it still offers a reliable and secure connection for data transfers and device charging.

Conclusion

In summary, both Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 have their strengths and weaknesses. Thunderbolt 4 offers better performance, daisy-chaining capabilities, and enhanced security