The Best Thunderbolt Cables

It happens to the best of us: you’ve misplaced your thunderbolt cable, or the one currently in your possession has seen better days. Whether you’re replacing a lost cable or looking to upgrade your data-connecting experience, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best thunderbolt cables. Keep reading to find the best cable for your connection needs.

Best Overall: Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable (0.8m)

This thunderbolt cable from Apple is up-to-date with the latest Thunderbolt 3 technology. It supports data transfer for Thunderbolt 3 up to 40 gigabits per second, for USB 3.1 Generation 2 up to 10 gigabits per second, charging for up to 100W, and is compatible with DisplayPort video output (HBR3). Additionally, the cable can daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices. This is a great option if you’re looking for a thunderbolt cable with modern capabilities.

Best Long Cable: StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Cable – 6 ft / 2 m

Looking for a thunderbolt cable that can reach devices in need of connecting from across the room? At six feet in length, this cable from StarTech can get the job done. Along with its elongated design, the cable can transfer data in seconds and complete backups in record time due to its 40 gigabits-per-second transfer speed. The cable can support 5K or Dual 4K video, allowing for crystal-clear picture quality. Charging a Thunderbolt 3 laptop is a breeze with this cable because the laptop will stay powered from the cord without the need of an additional power source. Also offering a two-year warranty, StarTech guarantees the quality of its product.

Best Value: Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Cable 

This thunderbolt cable from Plugable is compatible with modern Thunderbolt 3 technology for a speed of 40 gigabits per second and compatible with USB 3.0 for a speed of 5 gigabits per second. The cable can support data transfer two times faster than the standard USB-C cable. You can daisy-chain up to six devices using the cable, and it is also compatible with DisplayPort Alt Mode. It should be noted that the device is not compatible with technologies that are incompatible with USB. The cord is more durable than standard cords and is backed by a two-year warranty by the company, so it can be replaced should any issues arise in that allotted time-frame.

Also Consider: CalDigit Thunderbolt Cable

This cable from CalDigit is another great option for a lengthy thunderbolt cable. At two meters in length, it is slightly longer than six feet. The cable’s features and capabilities are promising as well. It is compatible with many devices, such as Mac, Windows Thunderbolt 3 Laptops and PCs, and more. The active cables offer the best performance, specifically cables longer than the standard 0.8″ in length. These features make the CalDigit Thunderbolt Cable a worthy choice for accomplishing your data-sharing connections.