Choosing the right Thunderbolt cable for your Mac
Your new MacBook is ready. Your external monitor awaits. But which Thunderbolt cable do you actually need? With four different generations and dizzying technical specifications, it's no wonder many Apple users are overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Whether you've purchased a refurbished MacBook Pro or are working with a new iMac , choosing the right cable seems like a scientific study. However, there's a surprisingly simple way to instantly choose the perfect Thunderbolt cable—without having to delve into gigabits or display specifications. In this guide, we'll lead you step-by-step to the ideal cable for your needs.
Useful links
- View our range of refurbished MacBooks
- Working on a larger refurbished iMac ? Choose the right cable.
Thunderbolt in a nutshell
Thunderbolt is a versatile connection for fast data transfer, connecting displays, and charging devices. It's ideal for transferring large files or working with external displays.
Thunderbolt combines PCI Express for data and DisplayPort for video into a single, compact connector. This means you need fewer cables for the same functionality. Convenient for a tidy workspace.
The 4 generations of Thunderbolt in a row
Thunderbolt 1
- Speed: up to 10 Gbps
- Connector: Mini DisplayPort
- Supports data and video, but limited to DisplayPort 1.1a
Thunderbolt 2
- Speed: up to 20 Gbps (2x Thunderbolt 1)
- Connector: Mini DisplayPort
- Suitable for 4K video
Thunderbolt 3
- Speed: up to 40 Gbps
- Connector: USB-C
- Supports dual 4K or single 5K displays
- Higher charging capacity via USB-C
Thunderbolt 4
- Speed: up to 40 Gbps
- Connector: USB-C
- Enhanced security
- Mandatory support for dual 4K or single 8K displays
- Stricter certification for consistent performance
Which one is right for you?
- Creative professionals : Choose Thunderbolt 3 or 4 for the best performance and support for high-resolution displays. The faster speeds are ideal for video editing or graphic design.
- General use : For everyday tasks like backups or file transfers, Thunderbolt 2 is often sufficient. Choose Thunderbolt 3 for future compatibility if your devices have USB-C.
- Budget-conscious : Older Thunderbolt 1 and 2 cables are cheaper, but offer less speed and functionality. Consider the added value of faster transfer speeds and additional features.
Tips for the best experience
- Check the specs : Know which Thunderbolt version your devices support before buying a cable. This will prevent incompatibility.
- Quality over price : Cheap cables may seem attractive, but they often deliver inferior performance. Choose certified cables from reputable brands.
- Think ahead : Buy a newer version if you're upgrading your devices soon. This way, you can be sure everything will continue to work.
With this guide and the right Thunderbolt cable, you'll get the most out of your Apple setup. At home, in the office, or on the go.
Conclusion: Choose the right Thunderbolt cable
Choosing the right Thunderbolt cable doesn't have to be a headache. With the latest generations 3 and 4, you're ready for the future, while Thunderbolt 2 still works perfectly for everyday use. The most important thing is to check which version your device supports and choose quality over price. Whether you're using a refurbished MacBook or a new iMac, the right cable will help you get the most out of your device and work efficiently with a tidy desk.
