Side-by-Side Comparison
USB
USB-C vs. USB4
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
USB-C
USB4
USB-C is the reversible, oval 24-pin connector now used across USB 2.0 through USB4 and Thunderbolt. It's the only connector required for USB4, and under EU law it became mandatory on most new phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU by the end of 2024, with laptops following by April 2026.
USB4, released August 2019, is built on Intel's Thunderbolt 3 protocol, donated to USB-IF as the new foundation -- up to 40 Gbit/s, a mandatory USB-C connector, and tunneling that lets a single port carry USB, DisplayPort, and PCIe traffic at once. Thunderbolt 3 compatibility is required; Thunderbolt 4 compatibility is optional for device makers.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Pin Count
|
24 (symmetrical, double-sided) | — |
|
Standard Base Dimensions
|
~8.34 x 2.56 mm | — |
|
Reversible
|
Yes | — |
|
EU Mandate (phones/tablets/cameras)
|
End of 2024 (Directive 2022/2380) | — |
|
EU Mandate (laptops)
|
April 28, 2026 | — |
|
Released
|
— | August 2019 |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
— | Up to 40 (Gen 3x2) or 20 (Gen 3x1) Gbit/s |
|
Connector Required
|
— | USB-C only |
|
Protocol Foundation
|
— | Intel Thunderbolt 3 (donated to USB-IF) |
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