Is Thunderbolt the same as USB-C?

1: The Origin and Characteristics of Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt was originally a high-speed data transfer interface jointly developed by Intel and Apple. Its first appearance was in 2011, when it was a unique technology with amazing data transfer speed and the ability to support multiple functions. Thunderbolt uses fiber optic technology to transmit large amounts of data without sacrificing performance, while supporting video and audio transmission.
The characteristics of Thunderbolt:
Extremely high transmission speed: The initial version of Thunderbolt achieved a transmission speed of 10 Gbps, and subsequent versions have continuously improved. Currently, the latest version can reach 40 Gbps, making it an ideal choice for connecting external devices.
Supports multiple functions: The Thunderbolt interface not only transfers data, but also supports video output, audio transmission, and power supply functions, making it a multi in one interface standard.
Compatibility: The Thunderbolt interface has good compatibility and can be compatible with other standard interfaces, such as DisplayPort, PCI Express, etc.
2: The Origin and Characteristics of USB-C
USB-C is a universal connection standard developed by the USB Implementers Forum. It first made its debut in 2014, aiming to become the next-generation standard for USB interfaces, replacing USB interfaces of various shapes and sizes. The USB-C interface is relatively small in size and supports forward and reverse insertion, making it more user-friendly.
The characteristics of USB-C:
Compact and Portable: The USB-C interface is smaller than traditional USB interfaces and supports forward and reverse insertion, making it convenient for users to use.
Highly compatible: The USB-C interface has become a universal standard, and almost all modern devices support the USB-C interface, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more.
High speed transmission: The USB-C interface supports USB 3.1 and USB 4.0 standards, with transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps, 20 Gbps, and even 40 Gbps, providing high data transmission capabilities.
3: The Relationship between Thunderbolt and USB-C
Although Thunderbolt and USB-C are two different interface standards, there are some relationships between them. In fact, the Thunderbolt 3 interface adopts the physical connection form of USB-C, which means that Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C can use the same port, but it does not mean that they are the same interface.
Main Relationship Points:
Physical connection form: Thunderbolt 3 adopts the USB-C physical connection form, which allows devices that support Thunderbolt 3 to use USB-C connectors.
Compatibility: The Thunderbolt 3 interface is backward compatible, which means that devices that support Thunderbolt 3 can connect to devices that use the USB-C interface, but the opposite may not necessarily be true.
4: How to Choose
When choosing to connect devices, users typically face a choice between Thunderbolt and USB-C. The key points of selection mainly depend on the user's needs.
Data transmission speed requirements: If users have a high demand for data transmission speed, such as professional video editors or gamers, Thunderbolt 3 may be a better choice because it provides higher transmission speed.
Device compatibility: If users are more concerned about the universality of their devices and hope that they can connect to more devices, then USB-C is a more widely supported standard, as almost all modern devices use the USB-C interface.
Cost considerations: Thunderbolt 3 devices are usually relatively expensive, while USB-C devices are more common and have relatively low costs. Users can make choices based on their financial situation.