The USB and Thunderbolt cables category covers USB-C, USB A/B, Micro-USB, Lightning, Thunderbolt and USB4 cables, extension cables and USB adapters for connecting computers, phones, printers and other peripherals.
Our range includes over 8,000 products, with brands such as Delock, InLine, StarTech.com and LINDY.
How to choose a USB or Thunderbolt cable
Connector type. Start by checking both ends of the cable: USB-C, USB-A, USB-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB or Lightning. If the combination you need does not exist as a cable, an adapter will solve it, and you will find a separate group of USB adapters and converters.
Data speed. USB 2.0 cables carry up to 480 Mbit/s, USB 3.2 Gen 1 up to 5 Gbit/s, Gen 2 up to 10 Gbit/s, and Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 up to 40 Gbit/s. An external SSD or monitor deserves a fast cable, because many USB-C cables are made only for charging and slow data transfer.
Charging power. A phone needs little power, but a laptop needs a cable rated for USB Power Delivery, usually up to 100 W. Newer cables can carry up to 240 W, though the charger and the device also set the final limit.
Length and shielding. The longer the cable, the greater the risk of losing speed. Passive cables running at high speed are usually short, and longer distances need active electronics, so for a USB 3 connection that must span more than 2-3 m, choose an active extension cable. Shielded cables cope better with interference near power cables.
Colour and finish. Most cables in our range are black, but white, grey, transparent, silver and blue ones are also available. A lighter colour helps when the cable is in view on a pale desk or next to white equipment.
Brands we carry
- Delock: a German manufacturer known for unusual connector combinations and specialist adapters, and the brand with the most products in this category in our range.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian manufacturer aimed at IT professionals, known for docking stations, adapters and cables for offices and server rooms.
- EXSYS: specialises in interface cards, USB hubs and expansion cards that add extra USB ports to a desktop computer.
- LINDY: known for active USB extension cables and connectivity products for professional installations.
- Renkforce: the own brand of Conrad Electronic, offering cables and adapters for everyday use.
- Wentronic: a German company that makes cables under the goobay brand.
Also in our range: InLine, shiverpeaks, S-CONN maximum connectivity, ROLINE, Good Connections and LogiLink. The largest groups are USB-C cables, USB A/B cables, USB adapters and converters, and Micro-USB and Mini-USB cables. Smaller groups include Lightning, Thunderbolt and USB4 cables, USB hubs, expansion cards, chargers and sound cards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a USB-C and a Thunderbolt cable?
USB-C is the shape of the connector, while Thunderbolt is a data protocol. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 cables use USB-C connectors but support speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s, whereas an ordinary USB-C cable may only work at USB 2.0 speed. Two cables that look identical can therefore differ greatly in what they can do.
Will any USB-C cable charge a laptop?
No, a laptop needs a cable rated for USB Power Delivery at a suitable power, commonly 60 or 100 W. Many thin USB-C cables are designed for phones and carry less current. Check the cable's rating in the product description.
What length of USB cable should I buy?
For everyday use, 1-2 m is usually enough. When moving data at high speed, for example to an external SSD, a shorter cable is the safer choice. If you need more than 3 m, choose an active USB extension cable.
Does a USB 3 cable work with a USB 2.0 port?
Yes, USB standards are backwards compatible. The connection will work, but its speed is set by the slowest element: the cable, the port or the connected device. A USB 3 cable plugged into a USB 2.0 port will transfer data at USB 2.0 speed.
