Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4: Everything You Need to Know
Thunderbolt 5 is here, and it delivers a massive leap over Thunderbolt 4. But is the upgrade worth it for your workflow? Here's a complete comparison to help you decide.
At a Glance: Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4
| Feature | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Bandwidth | 40 Gbps | 120 Gbps |
| Video Bandwidth | 32 Gbps | 96 Gbps (Bandwidth Boost) |
| Monitor Support | Up to 2x 4K @ 60Hz | Up to 3x 4K @ 144Hz or 1x 8K @ 60Hz |
| Power Delivery | Up to 100W | Up to 140W |
| USB 3.2 Speed | Up to 32 Gbps | Up to 120 Gbps |
| PCIe Tunneling | PCIe 3.0 x4 | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Backward Compatible | Yes (TB3, USB4) | Yes (TB4, TB3, USB4, USB-C) |
Bandwidth: 3x More Than Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 5 triples the available bandwidth to 120 Gbps. With "Bandwidth Boost" mode (when no external GPU is connected), the video bandwidth alone reaches 96 Gbps — enough to drive three 4K monitors at 144Hz simultaneously, or push a single 8K display at 60Hz.
In contrast, Thunderbolt 4 maxes out at 40 Gbps total, limiting you to two 4K monitors at 60Hz.
Power Delivery: 140W vs 100W
Thunderbolt 5 increases maximum power delivery from 100W to 140W. This matters for high-performance laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, or ASUS ProArt Studiobook, which often require more than 100W for full-speed charging under load. With TB5, a single dock cable charges your laptop at maximum speed while powering all peripherals.
Display Support: Triple 4K @ 144Hz
This is where Thunderbolt 5 makes the biggest impact. Creative professionals and developers who need three high-refresh-rate 4K displays can finally do so with a single dock. Thunderbolt 4 users are limited to two 4K displays at 60Hz — a notable constraint for multi-monitor power users.
PCIe Tunneling: PCIe 4.0 for eGPU and Fast Storage
Thunderbolt 5 doubles the PCIe bandwidth to PCIe 4.0 x4. This benefits external GPU (eGPU) performance and external NVMe storage enclosures, which can now sustain sequential read speeds above 5,000 MB/s through a TB5 connection.
Who Should Upgrade to Thunderbolt 5?
- Video editors and photographers who transfer large files and need multiple 4K displays
- Software developers running multiple monitors with high refresh rates
- Gamers who want to run three gaming monitors at high frame rates
- Power users with a TB5-capable laptop (e.g., Intel Core Ultra 200H/200HX, AMD Ryzen AI 300)
Who Can Stick with Thunderbolt 4?
- Users with one or two 4K monitors at 60Hz
- General office workers who only need USB-A, Ethernet, and one external display
- Users whose laptop only has Thunderbolt 4 ports (TB5 dock still works, but at TB4 speeds)
The Bottom Line
If you have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop and use three monitors, external NVMe storage, or an eGPU — upgrade now. The performance difference is substantial and the backward compatibility means your dock will outlast your current laptop.
If you're on a TB4 laptop and only need one or two 4K displays, a good Thunderbolt 4 dock still serves you well for years to come.
Shop Thunderbolt 5 docking stations: Acer & Plugable TB5 Docks at AcerGadget Store →