Hi Reader,

A common issue many face is navigating the maze of USB and Thunderbolt cables. If you’ve got a nest of cables in a drawer and struggle to identify which one to use, you’re not alone. Today we'll be clearing up the confusion around USB and Thunderbolt connector types and standards.

Before we do, I first need to offer an apology as I 'teased' this newsletter in a previous newsletter a few weeks ago, so sorry for the wait... I know you must have been on the edge of your seat with excitement this whole time! 😉

Connector Types

USB-C is now the go-to connector for many modern devices, known for its reversible design. While USB-C and Thunderbolt share the same connector, they are not the same standard. USB devices can be plugged into Thunderbolt ports and vice versa, but performance will be limited to the speed of the port or device.

There are still Micro USB, Mini USB, USB-A, and USB-B, each with specific uses. USB-A 3.0 is still common on many computers, docks, hubs, and peripherals, while some cameras and microphones still use Micro USB.

Complexity Within Standards

OK, so now you know what the actual connectors look like it is easy to tell them apart, right? If only it were that simple! Within each type, there are multiple standards. For example, USB 3 includes 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2. Within USB4 or USB-C, there are Gen 2x2 and USB4 Full. Thunderbolt has evolved from Thunderbolt 1 through 5, each with unique features, capabilities, and power delivery differences.

Take a look at the table below for a deeper understanding.

So that’s all clear then! 😅

Seriously though, while the mess of versions, connector types, and inconsistent labeling can be confusing, there’s hope. As newer USB-C and Thunderbolt standards become more widespread (and hopefully better labeled), many of these compatibility headaches should start to fade. We’re slowly moving toward a world where one cable really can do it all—just maybe not quite yet.

A quick word on Thunderbolt 5’s “Bandwidth Boost”

One of the most interesting features of Thunderbolt 5 is its ability to ramp up transfer speeds beyond its standard 80 Gbps baseline. This is thanks to something called Bandwidth Boost, which can temporarily deliver up to 120 Gbps in one direction. It’s designed to support high-resolution, high-refresh-rate displays (think multiple 6K monitors or an 8K screen) by reallocating bandwidth dynamically—sending more data out when needed, while still maintaining enough return bandwidth for other tasks. In short, it’s smart, fast, and built for demanding setups.

Cables: Power & Data

Not all USB-C cables are created equal—and that’s where things can get messy. Some cables are power-only, others are data-only, and some can handle both but vary wildly in how fast or how much they can deliver.

This is why manufacturers often recommend using the supplied cable and connecting directly to your computer. It’s not that other cables won’t work—it’s about making sure you’re getting the right speed and power delivery for the job.

Connecting my Elgato Prompter

Let me give you an example. I have an Elgato Prompter, though it’s not my “primary teleprompter” (yes, that’s just as weird to type as it is to read). It lives on a rolling stand so I can move it around the studio. Elgato (and almost every reviewer) insists that it must use the included cable and be plugged directly into your computer.

Well… mine is plugged into a Thunderbolt 4 hub— (Caldigit Element 4) using a 5-meter USB-C cable that supports 20 Gbps data transfer, and it works perfectly. The point? If you know what your gear actually needs and match it with cables that meet those specs, you can often push past manufacturer “recommendations” with confidence.

Want to go deeper on Docks and Hubs?

If you want to go deeper into the world of Docks and Hubs I covered that in a previous newsletter here:
​🎬 Docks vs Hubs: Understanding the Difference & Maximising Your Setup​

Considerations

When selecting cables, always check their specs. For charging, a power-only cable suffices. For data transfer, ensure it supports the necessary speed. Thunderbolt cables should match your Thunderbolt version for optimal performance.

Real-World Applications

So now you know that, understanding cable and connector specs isn’t just nerdy detail, it’s essential if you want your studio setup to run smoothly. Let’s say you connect a high-speed device to a low-speed USB hub. It might still connect… but expect glitchy performance or total failure. The same goes for daisy-chaining multiple devices without knowing your hub’s bandwidth limits.

It also works the other way, though. You see an announcement for the latest and greatest dock or hub - should you upgrade?

Latest and greatest it not always 'best' for you

I mentioned earlier that I use the CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4). Well, now they’ve released the faster Element 5 Hub (Thunderbolt 5). CalDigit also just announced the TS5 and TS5Plus Docks, both Thunderbolt 5 and both incredible pieces of kit with fantastic speed and connectivity.

Am I going to upgrade? Not at the moment. My M3 MacBook Pro Max only has Thunderbolt 4 ports, so I wouldn’t get the benefit of that extra bandwidth or power delivery.

What about when I inevitably upgrade my Mac? Will I then upgrade my docks and hubs too? Honestly… probably not. I’m not even maxing out my current Thunderbolt 4 hub, and my older Thunderbolt 3 dock still performs like a champ. So even if the next Mac technically supports Thunderbolt 5, I just don’t need that speed for what I’m doing, right now.

Looking for a new dock or hub?

Now, what if you don’t currently have a hub or dock and are in the market for one? Surely then the latest is best, right? Well, technically yes, it’s the most capable. But, just like me, you might not need that extra headroom, which means this is a great opportunity to pick up an earlier-gen hub that’s still being sold new by the manufacturer, often at a lower cost.

For example, despite the launch of the New TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock, CalDigit still sells the TS4 Thunderbolt 4 dock.

When you SHOULD go for the latest and greatest!

Now I know this might not sound very 'tech guy excited', but I’m being practical. Because there are absolutely scenarios where the newer Thunderbolt 5 hubs and docks aren’t just nice to have, they're going to be essential.

If you’re:

• Running multiple 6K or 8K monitors
• Pushing huge media files on external SSDs at high speeds
• Managing external GPUs or pro audio interfaces that chew through bandwidth
• Or just building a future-proof high-performance rig that won’t need upgrading for years

…then Thunderbolt 5 is a no-brainer.

But if your setup is more modest, your budget is tight, or you’re simply not hitting the limits of your current gear—there’s no shame in sticking with (or even picking up) Thunderbolt 3 or 4 hardware. The tech doesn’t have to be shiny and new to be solid, stable, and exactly what you need.

In Summary

The world of USB and Thunderbolt is messy—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand that:

• Not all USB-C cables are created equal,
• USB and Thunderbolt share connectors but differ in capabilities, and
• “Latest” doesn’t always mean “necessary for you”…

…you’ll be in a much stronger position to build (or upgrade) a setup that’s stable, fast, and right-sized for your workflow.

The trick isn’t to chase the newest tech for the sake of it, it’s to know your gear, match your cables and hubs to what you actually do, and buy intentionally. When you do that, your studio becomes a reliable tool, not a source of friction.

And if you ever get tangled up in the alphabet soup of USB standards again, just scroll back to that table. 😉

One More Thing...

Since we’ve been deep in the weeds of USB, Thunderbolt, cables, and hubs today, I thought it was the perfect time to invite you to something special.

You may have seen that I recently hosted the Digital Stage Summit, a multi-day virtual event that ran (almost) seamlessly across three Macs, using Ecamm Live and Zoom as the foundation. And let me tell you, getting the cabling and connectivity right was a huge part of making that whole mission run smoothly.

In fact, if I hadn’t nailed the hardware flow, including how everything was connected through docks, hubs, and yes, plenty of cables cables, there’s no way I would’ve kept things running without a hitch.

So now, I’m excited to team up with Ecamm for a special Behind the Digital Stage live session, where we’ll be pulling back the curtain and showing exactly how I pulled off the Summit from a tech and production perspective.

🗓️ It’s happening live on Friday, April 11 at 10am Eastern

We’ll walk through:

• The exact tech (and cable) setup
• The production map and how I kept things stress-free
• What worked, what didn’t, and what I’d tweak for next time

Whether you’re curious about how it all came together or you’re planning your own live virtual event, you’ll pick up some tips you can use right away.

🎟️ Save your FREE spot here

Until next time, stay plugged in and keep experimenting. Oh, and if ever you need any help 'figuring it all out' I'd be happy to help! Just hit reply, or book a call.