USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 are closely related technologies, but some key differences can affect their use and performance.

USB 4 is the latest version of the USB standard, building upon the architecture of Thunderbolt 3. It can support data transfer rates up to 40 Gbps, but this speed is not mandatory for all USB 4 devices. USB 4 offers greater flexibility and compatibility, as it can work with USB-C connectors and is backward compatible with USB 3 and USB 2. It is designed to consolidate multiple protocols, such as data and video, over a single cable, making it versatile for various applications, including connecting peripherals and displays.

Thunderbolt 4, is an Intel-developed standard that builds on Thunderbolt 3. It mandates support for 40 Gbps speeds across all devices and cables, providing a guaranteed level of performance. Thunderbolt 4 supports data and video, power delivery, docking capabilities, and enhanced security features. It can connect to dual 4K displays or a single 8K display and offers PCIe data rates of up to 32 Gbps, which is beneficial for high-performance tasks like gaming and professional video editing.

While both USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 offer high-speed data transfer and use the USB-C connector, Thunderbolt 4 provides more consistent performance, broader compatibility with high-performance devices, and additional features that may justify its typically higher cost in certain scenarios.

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