6 Best Thunderbolt 4 Cables for MacBook and iPad

If you have a MacBook or an iPad, a Thunderbolt 4 cable is a must-have accessory. Thunderbolt 4 offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. It’s also incredibly versatile, supporting everything from high-resolution displays to external GPUs and external storage devices. If you’re in search of the best Thunderbolt 4 cables for the MacBook and iPad, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we will take a look at some of the best Thunderbolt cables for the MacBook and iPad. These cables will allow you to connect your device to the latest and greatest peripherals to leverage the best possible performance. Additionally, Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices. To aid you further, we will also highlight the pros and cons of each product.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

• Couple a Thunderbolt 4 cable with these amazing Thunderbolt 4-compatible docks for the MacBook Pro.
• Want a simple cable to juice up the battery? Check out these USB-C fast charging cables for MacBook.
• Got yourself a new iPhone? Check out these USB-C (USB-3) cables for the iPhone 15 Pro.

1. Spigen USB-IF Certified USB 4 Cable

• Cable Length: 2.6ft
• Warranty: 24 Months

The Spigen USB-IF Certified USB 4 Cable is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable Thunderbolt cable. It is certified by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). This essentially means that the cable meets the highest standards for quality and performance. However, do note that this is not an actual Thunderbolt 4 cable, since it lacks the Thunderbolt logo at the connector’s end.

Instead, it’s compatible with Thunderbolt ports, including both 3 and 4. That being said, compared to standard USB-C cables that are based on the USB 2.0 standard, Spigen’s contender works on the USB 4 standard. This means it supports data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. And while Spigen might not be that reliable of a brand in terms of cables, the two-year warranty should satisfy most prospective buyers.

2. CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Cable

• Cable Length: 2.6ft, 6.6ft
• Warranty: 18 Months

CalDigit’s Thunderbolt 4 cable is designed for professional-grade performance. It features active cable technology to maintain signal integrity over longer distances. What’s more, is that you can use it for daisy-chaining multiple devices, too. Add to that, CalDigit’s Thunderbolt 4 cable uses premium materials to maintain consistent performance and lower the heat generated over extended periods.

In terms of quality, the Thunderbolt 4 cable is Intel Certified. As such, there should be no doubts about its performance as well. It supports up to 40Gbps of data transfer speeds and 100W of power delivery. The cable is available in two lengths of either 2.6ft or 6.6ft.

3. Anker Thunderbolt 4 Cable

• Cable Length: 2.3ft
• Warranty: 18 Months

If you’re looking for a single cable for all your charging and file transfer needs, this is the one for you. With a rated speed of up to 100W, Anker’s Thunderbolt 4 cable is enough to charge your iPad Pro, a MacBook Pro, and even a full-fletched gaming laptop. While it lacks nylon protection, it still offers a sturdy build with a secure connection.

Thanks to its official Thunderbolt 4 certification, the cable’s throughput is rated at 40 Gbps. It can also output in 8K resolution and interface reliably with your MacBook Pro’s Dock. In fact, customers love using the cable for their docking needs. Add to that, Anker is one of the most reliable names in the industry. And, should you run into any issues, the company offers an 18-month warranty across all its cables.

4. Cable Matters Thunderbolt 4 Cable

• Cable Length: 6.6ft
• Warranty: Lifetime

In terms of performance, the Cable Matters Active Thunderbolt 4 Cable supports up to 40Gbps of data transfer speeds and 100W of power delivery. Additionally, the cable also features an active repeater chip. This boosts the signal and ensures there’s no signal drop, thus preserving the full 40Gbps bandwidth. As such, the cable can be used in tandem with high-end laptops, external drives, and displays.

The cable is also backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices, so you can use it with a wide range of gadgets. Like CalDigit’s Thunderbolt 4 cable, this cable is also Intel-certified, ensuring top-notch quality and performance. While it is considerably expensive, it also offers a longer cable length while still preserving full signal quality. What’s more, is that the Cable Matters TB4 cable is backed by the company’s lifetime warranty.

5. Belkin Active Thunderbolt 4 Cable

• Cable Length: 6.6ft
• Warranty: 24 Months

The Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable is an active cable, which means that it can maintain high speeds over long distances. This is ideal for connecting your MacBook Pro to an external hard drive, even if the two devices are far apart. The cable is also Thunderbolt-certified, and as such, it doesn’t skimp on quality.

While the Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable is not braided, it is still well-built and easy to stow when not in use. Several users have praised the cable’s build quality in their reviews. Also, in addition to connecting your MacBook Pro to an external hard drive, the Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable can also be used to connect to an eGPU, multiple Thunderbolt monitors, and laptop docks.

6. Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable

• Cable Length: 3.3ft, 6ft, 9.8ft
• Warranty: 12 Months

The Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable is designed specifically for Apple users, ensuring seamless compatibility and performance with your MacBooks and iPads. It’s engineered to meet Apple’s rigorous standards, guaranteeing a secure and reliable connection. And with support for Thunderbolt 4, the cable offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds. With a maximum speed of 40Gbps, you can transfer large files in the blink of an eye, making it perfect for content creators and power users.

As for the design itself, the cable features a braided nylon construction, making it durable and resistant to damage. Additionally, it is also backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and other USB-C devices. In fact, you can use the cable to daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices – all without any loss in terms of quality.

Speaking of which, at nearly 10ft, it’s one of the longest Thunderbolt 4 cables on the market. So, while you are paying a good amount of money for it, just know that you’re getting a top-notch product as well.

Add a Thunderbolt to Your MacBook or iPad

Well, that was our list of the best Thunderbolt 4 cables for the MacBook and iPad. Choosing the best Thunderbolt cable for your MacBook or iPad depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritize fast charging, data transfer speeds, or compatibility with other devices, there’s a cable on this list for you. Do let us know which cable caught your eye in the comments below.