Are all USB-C cables the same?

Not all USB-C cables are identical. USB-C denotes the shape and type of the connector. Although all USB-C cables share the same connector design, they do not necessarily support the same protocols or transfer speeds.

To fully utilize an Flexi Thunderbolt 3 product, a compatible Thunderbolt 3 cable is essential. For optimal performance and maximum data transfer rates, we highly recommend using a cable that supports 40Gbps. This ensures you can take full advantage of the Thunderbolt 3 interface's capabilities.

For optimal performance with a USB-C device, we recommend using a USB cable that supports 10Gbps or a Thunderbolt cable compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 2. This ensures fast data transfer and enhanced connectivity.

The diagram below shows the differences between various USB-C models and their data transfer rates.

So, how should we choose when purchasing? Actually, there are several points to pay attention to, and they are quite easy to distinguish among different USB-C products.

 1. Logos/Symbols: you may Look for symbols like "SS" (SuperSpeed for USB 3.0), "SS 10" (SuperSpeed 10 Gbps), or the Thunderbolt trident logo on the cable.

2. Text on the Cable: Oftenly, the specifications are printed on the cable jacket itself (e.g., "5A", "10Gbps", "40Gbps", "USB4").

3. What it's sold for: A cable marketed for "smartphone charging" will likely be basic, while one sold for "laptop docking" or "8K video" will be high-performance.

The diagram below clearly shows the symbols/text/markings on a USB-C cable, making it easy for you to quickly identify the USB-C cable you want when choosing one in the market.