There also exists USB 3.2 Gen 2 that comes in the same form factors ... the mental fatigue in trying to understand the differences between Thunderbolt and USB-C isn't any better.

Thunderbolt is an interface that connects external hardware to a computer. It evolved from DisplayPort (originally using Mini DisplayPort connectors), but Thunderbolts 3, 4, and 5 use USB-C.

Thunderbolt 3 technology drives the speed and power capabilities of the port, and supersedes the USB 3.2 spec otherwise used in USB-C ports. What is active and passive Thunderbolt 3? Dealing with ...

Corsair Memory and others show off USB 4 portable SSDs at CES 2025 USB 4 is as fast as Thunderbolt 3/4 and twice as fast as USB 3.2 Gen2x2 It allows for far more demanding storage requirements ...