USB4 is the newest USB specification and the most powerful to date. It delivers 40Gbps data transfer, 8K video output, and up to 240W power delivery — all through the same USB-C connector you already use for everything else. Here is what you actually need to know.
What is USB4?
USB4 is a specification — not just a connector. It is the fourth major generation of the USB performance standard, built on top of the USB-C connector. USB4 was published by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2019 and builds on Intel's Thunderbolt 3 protocol, which Intel open-sourced as the basis for USB4.
Key point: USB4 is a performance specification. USB-C is a connector shape. All USB4 cables use USB-C connectors, but not all USB-C cables support USB4. The connector looks identical whether the cable inside is USB 2.0 or USB4.
USB4 Versions and Speeds
| Version | Max Speed | Released | Also Known As |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB4 Gen 2x2 | 20Gbps | 2019 | USB4 20Gbps |
| USB4 Gen 3x2 | 40Gbps | 2019 | USB4 40Gbps |
| USB4 Version 2.0 | 80Gbps | 2022 | USB4 80Gbps |
The Link Pro 240W cable from The Urban Geek supports USB4 Gen 3x2 at 40Gbps — the widely adopted commercial standard and the same speed as Thunderbolt 3 and 4.
Shop Link Pro 240W — USB4 40Gbps Compatible →
USB4 vs USB 3.2 vs USB 2.0: The Real-World Speed Difference
Here is what these speeds mean for common tasks:
| Standard | Speed | 10GB video file transfer |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 480Mbps | ~3 minutes |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 5Gbps | ~16 seconds |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 10Gbps | ~8 seconds |
| USB4 20Gbps | 20Gbps | ~4 seconds |
| USB4 40Gbps | 40Gbps | ~2 seconds |
For most people who only charge devices, these differences are irrelevant. For video editors, photographers, and anyone moving large files to external SSDs regularly, USB4 provides a meaningful real-world improvement.
USB4 and Thunderbolt: The Relationship Explained
Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 (both developed by Intel) are closely related to USB4 but are not identical:
- Thunderbolt 3: 40Gbps, 100W power delivery, up to two 4K displays or one 5K display. USB4 Gen 3x2 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3.
- Thunderbolt 4: 40Gbps, 100W power delivery, guaranteed 8K or dual 4K display support, improved security features. Requires USB4 performance at minimum.
- USB4: Not guaranteed to support all Thunderbolt 4 features unless the device is Thunderbolt 4 certified. However, USB4 cables work in Thunderbolt ports for basic connectivity.
A USB4 cable like the Link Pro works correctly in Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports at full data and power speeds. The cable does not limit Thunderbolt performance.
USB4 and Video Output
USB4 supports DisplayPort 2.0 tunneling, enabling video output at resolutions and refresh rates that earlier USB versions cannot handle:
- 8K at 60Hz
- 4K at 144Hz
- Dual 4K at 60Hz simultaneously
This is particularly relevant for users with high-resolution monitors or gaming displays. A single USB4 cable from a laptop with a USB4/Thunderbolt 4 port can drive a 4K 144Hz gaming monitor while simultaneously charging the laptop and syncing data to an external SSD.
USB4 Power Delivery
USB4 itself does not specify a maximum power level — that is handled by USB Power Delivery running alongside USB4 data. The Link Pro 240W cable combines USB4 data with USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range for 240W power delivery, making it the most capable USB-C cable available for any scenario.
Do You Need USB4?
You benefit from USB4 if you:
- Connect external SSDs and regularly transfer files over 1GB
- Use a 4K or higher resolution external monitor via USB-C
- Have a Thunderbolt 4 docking station
- Edit video professionally and move large files regularly
- Use a MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15/17, or other laptop with USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports
USB4 does not matter if you:
- Use USB-C only for charging phones and earbuds
- Do not connect external displays or drives via USB-C
- Use a budget laptop without USB4 ports
Even if you do not currently need USB4, buying a USB4-capable cable future-proofs your setup at no meaningful cost premium over standard high-quality USB-C cables.
Read More from The Geek Blog
- What is a 240W USB-C Cable? →
- USB-A vs USB-C: What's the Difference? →
- Types of USB Cables Explained →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USB4 the same as USB-C?
No. USB-C is a connector shape. USB4 is a performance specification. All USB4 cables use USB-C connectors, but most USB-C cables do not support USB4. A USB-C cable can run USB 2.0, USB 3.2, or USB4 depending on its internal construction — the connector shape does not indicate the performance level.
Is USB4 the same as Thunderbolt 4?
Not exactly. Thunderbolt 4 requires USB4 performance at minimum, but also mandates specific capabilities beyond the USB4 baseline including guaranteed dual 4K display support and improved security. All Thunderbolt 4 ports support USB4 devices. USB4 ports support Thunderbolt 3 devices but may not support all Thunderbolt 4 features.
How fast is USB4 compared to USB 3?
USB4 Gen 3x2 delivers 40Gbps — four times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) and eight times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps). In practical terms, a 10GB video file that takes 8 seconds over USB 3.2 Gen 2 transfers in 2 seconds over USB4 40Gbps.
What devices support USB4?
USB4 ports are found on MacBook Pro (M1 Pro/Max and newer), MacBook Air (M2 and newer), many AMD Ryzen 6000+ series laptops, Intel 12th gen and newer laptops with Thunderbolt 4, and some high-end Windows desktops. Check your device specifications for USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port markings.
Do I need to buy a new cable for USB4?
Yes — your existing USB-C cables almost certainly do not support USB4. Most USB-C cables support USB 2.0 or USB 3.2 speeds. USB4 requires specifically rated cables with the correct internal conductor specification and E-Marker chip. The Link Pro 240W cable supports USB4 40Gbps.
