Connecting a Thunderbolt display? Buy an active Thunderbolt 3 cable rated for 40Gbps, with enough length to position it where you want it.

If in doubt, look at what you will be using your cable for. The industry has done little to ease the head-scratching that comes with deciphering which peripheral you need. Thunderbolt 3 or Not: What's Best for My Needs? They aren't always compatible with the USB 3.1 gen 2 standard, especially if they're longer than around 1.5 feet. Thunderbolt 3 cables are generally more expensive, since they have more technology inside them. Check out our roundup of the best USB-C cables. However, because USB-C cables are passive and not active, they are no replacement for Thunderbolt 3 cables. USB-C cables will have some limited Thunderbolt compatibility, and transfer speeds may even exceed those of USB 3.1.

USB is fully backwards compatible, and you can even use USB-C with the traditional USB-A connector if you buy an adapter.

The thicker (5A) cables will carry a higher voltage and allow you to charge more power-hungry devices. USB-C cables come in a variety of speeds and configurations.

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