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Best Thunderbolt Cables

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Apple Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable
Apple
Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Top-of-the-line cable that's fast, reliable, and crafted by Intel for Apple.

Pros

Braided cable allows for extra durability. Compatible with a variety of ports, from DisplayPort to USB 3.1 ports, giving users a variety of uses, especially for Mac owners.

Cons

One of the most expensive Thunderbolt cables on market.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nekteck Thunderbolt 3 Cable
Nekteck
Thunderbolt 3 Cable
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Durable and affordable cable from a trusted brand.

Pros

Durable and dependable. Nekteck is a trusted brand that has consistently delivered great products. Long cable length allows it to hold high data transfer speeds as a passive cable.

Cons

DisplayPort must be compatible with the cable.

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Cable
Belkin
Thunderbolt 3 Cable
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

Belkin’s 1.6-foot USB-C cable is versatile, made to last, and the perfect fit for cramped desktop spaces.

Pros

Especially fast data-transfer speeds. Optimized for 4K displays. Compact. Charges quickly. Durable. Dependable.

Cons

Only available in black.

Anker Thunderbolt 3.0 Cable
Anker
Thunderbolt 3.0 Cable
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

One of the most feature-packed Thunderbolt cables from a highly valued and trusted brand.

Pros

Intel-certified and compatible with all USB-C devices. Offers 100W charging for fast charging and data transfer. Can even be used to stream 5K videos, making it feature-packed, especially for its price.

Cons

Some users noted connectivity issues.

CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Type-C Cable
CalDigit
Thunderbolt 3 Type-C Cable
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Premium Quality
Bottom Line

Premium Thunderbolt cable that matches up well against others at the same price.

Pros

It's an Active Thunderbolt 3 Cable, which allows it to reach higher data transfer speeds in a shorter cable. The elongated ends make it easier to insert into devices and can provide protection from damage.

Cons

Not compatible with USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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57
Models
Considered
180
Consumers
Consulted
12
Hours
Researched
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