Thunderbolt 3 vs. USB-C Ports: What's the Difference?

Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector, but not all host connections, cables, and devices with a USB-C connector support Thunderbolt 3. This means that a USB-C device is compatible with a Thunderbolt 3 host connection, but a Thunderbolt 3 device is not compatible with a USB-C host connection. Therefore, it is important to know whether you have a USB-C or a Thunderbolt 3 host, cable, or device.

To determine if your component is a Thunderbolt 3 device, look for the Thunderbolt 3 symbol (shown below). USB-C devices do not include this symbol. To determine if your computer has a Thunderbolt 3 port, check for the symbol near the port or refer to your computer manufacturer's technical documentation. For more information about USB-C, see the following FAQ.

Thunderbolt symbol: