USB4 Cables: When and Why It's Worth Paying More
USB4 cables offer higher bandwidth and can power multiple devices simultaneously, but they are significantly pricier than standard USB-C cables. Experts advise buying them only if your devices support this standard.
USB-C cables have become a universal solution for charging and data transfer across various devices, but shopping for them can be confusing because the connector shape reveals little about its capabilities. One of the latest standards is USB4, which provides much higher bandwidth – up to 80 Gbps symmetric or 120/40 Gbps asymmetric under the USB4 Version 2 specification. These cables can simultaneously drive external monitors, high-speed SSDs, docking stations, and other peripherals while supplying power to a laptop.
However, USB4 cables are not cheap – prices range from $20 to $60 depending on length and charging speed. In contrast, cheaper USB-C cables that support only slower standards can be found for a fraction of the cost. The key difference is that USB4 cables are optimized for high data throughput and are compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and 5 standards, though it is best to use the standard officially supported by your device.
Experts note that it makes little sense to buy an expensive USB4 cable if you don't have devices that can take advantage of its benefits. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 10 Gbps USB-C port, but the included cable is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. If you only need fast charging, cheaper USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 cables with power delivery will suffice. USB4 cables are a worthwhile investment only when working with modern devices that require high bandwidth.
