Anallese Chatham

Written by Anallese Chatham

Published: 10 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

6-best-thunderbolt-3-cables
Source: Thunderbolttechnology.net

The 6 Best Thunderbolt 3 Cables are essential for connecting and transferring data between devices at lightning-fast speeds. These cables are designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops, monitors, and external hard drives. By using a high-quality Thunderbolt 3 cable, users can take advantage of its high data transfer rates, power delivery capabilities, and compatibility with various devices. Whether it's for gaming, video editing, or simply transferring files, having a reliable Thunderbolt 3 cable is crucial for seamless connectivity and efficient data transfer.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 9/10

The Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable (0.8m) is a 0.8-meter cable that supports Thunderbolt 3 data transfer up to 40 Gbps, USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer up to 10 Gbps, DisplayPort video output (HBR3), and charging up to 100W. It is compatible with a wide range of Apple devices and can be used to connect Thunderbolt 3 USB-C to Thunderbolt 3 devices such as docks, hard drives, and displays. The cable allows daisy-chaining of up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices. The product has received excellent ratings and reviews for its performance and build quality.

Key Features

  • Supports Thunderbolt 3 data transfer up to 40 Gbps
  • Supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 data transfer up to 10 Gbps
  • Display Port video output (HBR3)
  • Charging up to 100W
  • Compatible with a wide range of Apple devices
  • Allows daisy-chaining of up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 4.21Lx4.21Wx0.75H
  • Size: .8m

Pros

  • High data transfer speeds
  • Sturdy and durable build quality
  • Compatible with a wide range of Apple devices
  • Good customer ratings and reviews
  • Reliable for thunderbolt 3 ports

Cons

  • Short length may not be suitable for all setups
  • Relatively expensive

The Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable (0.8m) is a high-quality and reliable cable that offers fast data transfer speeds and versatile connectivity options. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the build quality and performance justify the investment, making it a great choice for users with Thunderbolt 3 devices.

Overall Score: 9/10

The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Cable is a reliable and high-performing solution for transferring data and charging your Thunderbolt 3 devices. It supports data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, enabling you to transfer a 4K movie in seconds. The cable also supports up to 5K 60Hz video for astonishing resolution, contrast, and color depth with a Thunderbolt monitor. With a length of 6ft, the cable delivers up to 100W of power, allowing you to keep your Thunderbolt 3 devices powered without needing an additional power supply. Additionally, it enables Thunderbolt networking, providing an easy way to bridge multiple Thunderbolt 3 enabled laptops for peer-to-peer 10GbE networking.

Key Features

  • Transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps
  • Supports up to 5K 60Hz video
  • Delivers up to 100W of power
  • Enables Thunderbolt networking
  • Bridge multiple Thunderbolt 3 enabled laptops

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 78.70Lx0.01Wx0.01H
  • Size: 6ft

Pros

  • High data transfer speeds
  • Supports high-resolution video
  • Provides power for charging

Cons

  • Cannot be directly connected to a DP display
  • Expensive

The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Cable is a high-quality, high-speed cable that is well-suited for connecting your Thunderbolt 3 devices, delivering impressive data transfer rates and power delivery. While it comes at a premium price, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of reliable Thunderbolt connectivity.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 Cable is a durable, high-quality cable that supports 100W charging and 40Gbps data transfer. It is designed for use with various devices including iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Plus/15 ProMax, Type-C MacBooks, Dell, iPad Air 4, Pro 2020, Hub, and Docking. However, some users noted that the fat connector may not work with iPhone 15 cases, and there were occasional flickering issues. Despite this, the cable has received praise for its durability, reliability, and faster data transfer speeds. It is also lauded for its ability to support high-speed, high-volume data transfer while being physically better than the original cables provided with certain products. Overall, the Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 Cable is a great option for those in need of a reliable, high-quality cable.

Key Features

  • Supports 100W charging
  • 40Gbps data transfer rate
  • Compatible with various devices such as i Phone 15, Type-C Mac Books, Dell, and more

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 27.56Lx0.47Wx0.26H
  • Size: 2.3ft

Pros

  • Durable and reliable
  • Faster data transfer speeds
  • Physically better than original cables provided with certain products

Cons

  • Fat connector may not work with i Phone 15 cases
  • Occasional flickering issues

The Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 Cable is a high-quality and reliable option for those in need of a durable cable that supports fast data transfer and charging. While there were some issues with iPhone 15 cases and occasional flickering, the overall feedback from users has been positive, praising its durability and ability to support high-speed, high-volume data transfer. Despite its higher price, the cable is considered to be worth the investment for its performance and reliability.

Overall Score: 9/10

Experience the cutting-edge Thunderbolt 4 cable from Cable Matters! This Intel Certified 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Cable provides 3.3ft of length, 8K video support, and 240W charging. It's compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices. Enjoy reliable data transfer, high-quality video display, and power delivery up to 240W. The future-proof design ensures full backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices. Whether you're looking to drive an 8K or dual 4K display, transfer data at exceptional speeds, or charge your devices rapidly, the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 Cable is the all-in-one solution you need.

Key Features

  • Newest Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 cable standards in one
  • 40Gbps data transfer & 240W charging support
  • 8K video & 4K display compatibility
  • Backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 & USB-C
  • Future-proof design for USB4 support

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Size: 3.3 Feet

Pros

  • Rapid data transfer & 8K video support
  • 240W power delivery for fast charging
  • Backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3
  • Reliable performance and durability

Cons

  • Lack of 'Intel Certified' labeling
  • Higher price for longer cable length

The Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 Cable is a game-changer for high-speed data transfer, video display, and power delivery. Its future-proof design, reliable performance, and full compatibility make it an essential accessory for modern devices. While the ‘Intel Certified’ labeling may be absent, this cable’s exceptional performance and capabilities more than make up for it. If you’re seeking a versatile and reliable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 cable, look no further than Cable Matters.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Silkland USB 4 Cable for Thunderbolt 4 is a high-quality, reliable cable that supports the latest USB4 standard, providing up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W charging. It also offers 8K@60Hz & dual 4K display support, and is compatible with Thunderbolt 4/3 devices. With a lifetime customer support guarantee, this cable is durable and ensures impressive visual and audio quality for presentations, videos, and games on the big screen. The cable has received positive reviews for its fast data transfer, durability, and compatibility with various devices. It is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a high-performance Thunderbolt 4 cable.

Key Features

  • USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Cable: [USB-IF Certified] Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W
  • 40Gbps Bandwidth: Data transfer up to 40Gbps. It can copy 14 hours of high-definition video or 25,000 photos at 40 Gbps in 1 minute. Silkland Thunderbolt 4 cable requires no additional configuration. Simply plug it in and start directly
  • 8K@60Hz & Dual 4K Display: Provides a single 8K@60Hz, 5K@60Hz or dual 4K@60Hz display support. Connect your laptop or dock to a monitor and enjoy presentations, videos and games on the big screen
  • Thunderbolt 4/3 Compatible: Works seamlessly with all Thunderbolt 4/Type-C devices and backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, USB 2.0, such as monitor, laptop, smartphones, tablets, switch, docking station, external SSD, e GPU
  • Lifetime Customer Support: Dedicated customer service team with a prompt response within 12 hours, providing necessary technical support to resolve any concerns

Specifications

  • Dimension: 5.12Lx7.87Wx0.39H
  • Size: 3.3ft

Pros

  • USB-IF Certified for high quality
  • Fast data transfer at 40Gbps
  • Compatible with various devices
  • Lifetime customer support guarantee

Cons

  • Cable thickness and rigidity may be a challenge

The Silkland USB 4 Thunderbolt 4 Cable is a top choice for users looking for a durable, high-performance cable. With USB-IF certification, fast data transfer, and excellent compatibility, it offers great value for its price. The positive customer reviews and lifetime customer support further solidify its reliability. However, users should consider the cable’s rigidity when making a purchase decision. Overall, this cable is a standout option in the market for those seeking a reliable Thunderbolt 4 cable.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Cable Matters [Intel Certified] Thunderbolt 3 Cable is a high-performance USB-IF certified cable that supports bi-directional data transfer rates of 20 Gbps. It can provide up to 100W of power to charge a laptop or deliver 15W to bus-powered devices. The cable is compatible with various devices including MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, HP Elite, Lenovo Thinkpad, MSI Phantom Pro, and more. It is a versatile cable that can handle data, 4K video, and power delivery. The cable has received mixed reviews regarding its durability and compatibility with different devices.

Key Features

  • Supports 20 Gbps bi-directional data transfer
  • Compatible with various devices including Mac Book Pro and Dell XPS
  • Can deliver up to 100W of power for charging laptops
  • Has USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 port compatibility
  • Includes power delivery, 4K video resolution support, and Gigabit Ethernet networking

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 6.10Lx4.90Wx0.60H
  • Size: 2m

Pros

  • Supports fast data transfer and 4K video resolution
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices
  • Can deliver high power for charging

Cons

  • Durability issues reported by some users
  • Compatibility issues with certain devices

The Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 Cable is a versatile and high-performance cable suitable for various devices. While it has received some complaints about durability and compatibility, it offers fast data transfer, 4K video resolution support, and the ability to deliver high power for charging. Users should ensure compatibility with their devices before purchase.

  • Consider the Length: Determine how long of a Thunderbolt 3 cable you will need for your setup. It is important to measure the distance between your devices to ensure you purchase the appropriate length.
  • Check for Compatibility: Make sure the Thunderbolt 3 cable you are considering is compatible with your devices. Some cables may only work with specific brands or models, so double-check the compatibility before making a purchase.
  • Review Data Transfer Speeds: Look for a Thunderbolt 3 cable that offers high-speed data transfer. Check the cable's specifications to ensure it can support the data transfer speeds you require for your devices.
  • Assess Power Delivery: If you plan to use the Thunderbolt 3 cable to charge your devices, such as a laptop or smartphone, consider the power delivery capabilities of the cable. Look for a cable that can provide the necessary power to charge your devices efficiently.
  • Evaluate Build Quality: Consider the build quality of the Thunderbolt 3 cable. Look for a cable that is durable and reliable, as it will be used to connect and transfer data between your devices. A sturdy cable with quality connectors will ensure a secure connection and longevity.
  • Check for Certification: Look for Thunderbolt 3 cables that are certified by the relevant standards organizations. Certification ensures that the cable meets specific quality and performance standards, providing you with peace of mind regarding its capabilities.
  • Consider Cable Thickness: Pay attention to the thickness of the Thunderbolt 3 cable. Thicker cables generally offer better durability and signal integrity, which can be beneficial for long-term use and high-speed data transfer.
  • Read User Reviews: Before making a purchase, take the time to read user reviews of the Thunderbolt 3 cable you are considering. User reviews can provide valuable insights into the cable's performance, reliability, and compatibility with various devices.
  • Look for Warranty: Check if the Thunderbolt 3 cable comes with a warranty. A warranty can protect you in case the cable malfunctions or fails to meet its specifications, providing you with the option for a replacement or refund.
  • Compare Prices: Finally, compare the prices of different Thunderbolt 3 cables to find one that offers the best value for your money. Take into account the cable's features, performance, and build quality when assessing its overall value.

Frequently Asked Questions about 6 Best Thunderbolt 3 Cables

What are the benefits of using a thunderbolt 3 cable?

Thunderbolt 3 cables offer super fast data transfer speeds, the ability to connect to multiple devices, and the ability to charge your devices all in one cable.

Can I use a thunderbolt 3 cable with any device?

Thunderbolt 3 cables are not compatible with all devices, so it’s important to check and make sure your device is thunderbolt 3 compatible before purchasing a cable.

How long can a thunderbolt 3 cable be?

Thunderbolt 3 cables can vary in length, but the maximum recommended length is around 2 meters to ensure optimal performance.

Are all thunderbolt 3 cables the same?

No, not all thunderbolt 3 cables are the same. There are different brands and quality levels, so it’s important to do some research and choose a cable that’s reliable and meets your needs.

Can I use a thunderbolt 3 cable for charging my devices?

Yes, thunderbolt 3 cables can be used for charging devices, but make sure to check the power delivery capabilities of the cable to ensure it’s suitable for your charging needs.

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