What’s New In Usb4? Features, Benefits, And Compatibility

By Author: Jennifer Truong
Total Articles: 123
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USB technology has gone through many changes over the years, each version offering faster speeds, better power delivery, and more convenient features. Now, USB4 has arrived and brought a major upgrade in how devices connect and share data. This new version is not just an improvement—it is a complete change in how USB technology works.

For those who often use USB cables to charge devices, transfer files, or connect accessories, USB4 offers new benefits. Whether the goal is to buy a USB patch cable for a setup or to order cables online for a new device, knowing how USB4 works will make the experience easier and more efficient.

This guide covers everything you need to know about USB4—its features, benefits, compatibility, and how it improves upon earlier versions like USB 3.0 and USB-C.

What Is USB4?

USB4 is the latest version of the Universal Serial Bus standard. It was announced by the USB Promoter Group and is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol. USB4 combines the best parts of previous USB versions and Thunderbolt to create one high-speed, universal connection.

This version continues to ...
... use the USB-C connector, which means it is slim, reversible, and already used by many devices. But behind that familiar shape, USB4 brings more speed, more power, and smarter connections.

Key Features of USB4

Several new features make USB4 stand out from older USB versions:

Faster Speeds: USB4 supports data transfer rates up to 40 Gbps, which is twice as fast as USB 3.2 and four times faster than USB 3.0.

Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility: Devices that support Thunderbolt 3 will work with USB4, making it easier to connect accessories like docks, displays, and storage drives.

Better Resource Sharing: USB4 can manage bandwidth better by splitting it between data and video. This is useful for connecting to external monitors while transferring files at the same time.

Power Delivery Support: USB4 supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD), which allows faster charging of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

With these upgrades, USB4 becomes a powerful option for both everyday users and professionals.

Benefits of USB4

Using USB4 can improve both performance and convenience in several ways:

One Cable for Everything: With USB4, fewer cables are needed. It can be used for charging, video output, data transfer, and more. This reduces cable clutter and makes device setups cleaner.

Faster File Transfers: With speeds up to 40 Gbps, large files like 4K videos and backups can be moved quickly.

Better Display Support: USB4 supports dual 4K displays or even one 8K display. This is great for people who use external monitors for work or gaming.

Improved Charging: Since USB4 supports USB Power Delivery, it can provide up to 100W of power. This is enough to charge most laptops, and it charges phones and tablets much faster than older USB versions.

People looking to upgrade their tech setup may want to order cables online that support USB4, especially if they use high-performance devices or need faster data speeds.

Compatibility with Older USB Versions

One of the most helpful parts of USB4 is its backward compatibility. This means it still works with older USB versions, such as USB 3.2, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0. However, the speed and features will depend on the device and cable used.

For example, when a USB4 device is connected to a USB 3.0 cable, the data transfer will happen at USB 3.0 speeds. This helps users avoid replacing all their USB cables at once, while still getting the benefits when connecting to newer gear.

USB4 is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices, which were mostly found in high-end laptops and accessories. This makes it easier to use older Thunderbolt devices without needing new adapters.

Understanding USB Patch Cables in USB4

A USB patch cable is a short USB cable used to connect two devices directly. These are often used in computer setups, server environments, or AV systems. With USB4, patch cables can now be more powerful, transferring more data in less time and providing more power between connected devices.

Using a USB4-certified USB patch cable is especially useful when high-speed data transfer is needed in a short distance, such as between a docking station and a computer.

When planning to order cables online, it’s important to check whether they are marked as USB4-compliant and capable of handling the full 40 Gbps speed.

How to Identify a USB4 Cable

Identifying a USB4 cable can be tricky since it uses the same USB-C connector as USB 3.1 and USB 3.2. However, certified USB4 cables are usually labeled with a “40 Gbps” icon or have a special USB4 logo.

When buying online, make sure the product description clearly mentions USB4, 40 Gbps, or Thunderbolt 3 compatible. Some manufacturers also mark the cable with its charging and data speed capabilities.

Choosing certified USB4 cables ensures full support for speed, charging, and display features. This is especially important when using expensive devices or relying on the cable for work or creative projects.

Why Order Cables Online for USB4 Devices

Shopping online for USB cables has become the most convenient option. It allows access to more brands, better prices, and user reviews. When the goal is to upgrade to USB4, the ability to order cables online becomes even more useful.

Here are a few tips for shopping for USB4 cables online:

Read Product Descriptions Carefully: Make sure the cable supports USB4, USB Power Delivery, and 40 Gbps data rates.

Check Cable Length: Shorter cables often support full-speed transfer better. Long cables may need to be specially rated for USB4 speeds.

Look for Reputable Brands: Not all cables are created equally. Well-known brands often meet higher quality standards.

Compare Prices and Reviews: Buying online lets you see what other customers think before making a decision.

Whether you're ordering a regular charging cable or a USB patch cable, online platforms offer more variety than physical stores.

Future of USB4 and Beyond

USB4 is designed to last for years, and many upcoming devices will support it by default. Laptops, desktops, docking stations, and even smartphones will continue to adopt this version, making it a reliable choice for the long term.

New USB4 versions like USB4 Version 2.0 are already in development. These are expected to offer speeds up to 80 Gbps, doubling what is currently available. This will create even more need for high-quality USB cables and accessories that can handle these speeds.

Conclusion

USB4 is a major step forward in how data is transferred, power is delivered, and devices are connected. Its ability to offer faster speeds, support for multiple displays, better charging, and wide compatibility makes it one of the most useful updates in USB history.

For users planning to upgrade their setups, now is a good time to explore USB cables that support this latest technology. Whether it's a regular USB-C to USB-C cord or a high-quality USB patch cable, many reliable options are available when you order cables online.

By choosing the right cable, you can enjoy the full benefits of USB4 and prepare for the future of high-speed connectivity.

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a California based online retailer of all kind of cables, wires, cords, and other related accessories for computers and other consumer electronics. SF Cable is well known in the market for providing high-quality products at low prices by sourcing them directly from manufacturers. Jennifer has extensive experience in the cable industry and has been instrumental in the growth of SF Cable and in establishing it as one of the leading providers of cables online.