Understanding the Difference Between Mac USB and Thunderbolt Ports

macmost.com/e-2252 It is easy to be confused by the different types of ports on Maca, especially then names like USB and Thunderbolt are sometimes uses interchangably. Learn the differences between these kinds of ports and how to avoid confusion when talking about them.
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[@janicebrigman3678]

I want to know how you come up with all the ideas of what to teach us next? I learn something every time! Thank you

[@katebeedot6964]

Just one word: HELP Result: THANK YOU 😊

[@SoNowWhat]

Holy cow! I can’t even imagine the time it took to research and document all of this. Thanks for that. However, my head is spinning. I think the electronics industry has done an abysmal job of making this information understandable by your average consumer (i.e., me!). They use those stupid cryptic symbols (sometimes) to indicate types of connections, but who remembers what they mean?

[@Rusty5158]

AMEN

[@hfs9502]

my MacBookAir M1 has 2 holes and not even a symbol..

[@dudurty0652]

As a first time MacBook Pro 💻 owner, i am so grateful for these videos. It doesn’t matter how long ago they were made, they are still relevant and extremely helpful. Thanks Gary for all you do.

[@jackbroad6109]

This video was EXTREMELY helpful and the absolute clearest in explanation on KZbin. I'm moving from a PC to a new 24" M1 iMac and am doing research on different external hard drives and am glad I found this video!

[@johnparker6219]

The FIRST time I have really understood the ports!! And in a way I think I will actually remember!! Thank you so much!!

[@debreale5236]

You were reading my mind this morning! Thank you for explaining this - the way you used various languages made it easier for sure!

[@megapangolin1093]

A masterful video, explaining all that is need to know about how to manage the complex connections of old and new Macs. Thank you Gary.

[@rgarlinyc]

Thanks a lot Gary! Very useful information, well explained (as usual) and presented in a ready-to-access-again format.

[@davidbailey1689]

Very timely. Thank you. I bought a Mac M1 24” last Wednesday and was confused by the four ports on the rear that all accepted the same connector, though two were Thunderbolt 3 and two were USB-C. Now I understand the difference.

[@mijodo2008]

Simply the best KZbin video on Mac Cable Connectivity. many thanks, Michael from Australia.

[@BrunoDECOURCY]

Your KZbin Channel is a mine of knowledge for Mac users!!!! I have set a calendar event every 2 days to watch one of your videos, and I always learn so many things!!! Awesome work !!!! Thank you!!!

[@jdillon8360]

As a long time mac owner, you explained this really well and the diagrams were great as well

[@donaldlippert6374]

Loved your analogy with language. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@jimmylim8010]

Brilliant! Best explanation of various type of USB/Thunderbolt ports I have seen so far.

[@Will-Parr]

I recently purchased a flash drive with USB -A on one end, flip it around USB-C on the other. I used it to transfer files from an older MacBookAir (A) to a newer MacBook Pro (C). It worked but only after I watched one of your other videos on how to format it first. Thank you for your informative videos. They are excellent.

[@jeaniesandoval]

Thank you so much for explaining this. It has been very confusing. You are an awesome teacher!

[@yasi23]

Wow. You cleared up several questions I have in my process of determining which new external hard drive I can buy. Thank you

[@williamcloonan7124]

Valuable information for sure...thank you so much Gary.

[@AgileLounge]

WOW! Finally someone explaining adequatly what I was wondering about USB-C vs Thunderbolt/USB-4 behing my newest iMac 24' M1. THank you so much gary! I experienced some issue with my external hard drive LaCie USB-C while performing update using Time Machine. I was wondering if it was because I was using the wrong cable into the USB-4. According to your great exemple: my USB-C LaCie should be able to speak to my port USB-4/Thinderbolt, so the issue isn't there. Very great visual and way to explain with Country and language! Bravo Thank you

[@Capt-Cran]

The best, clearest, and most substantive channel ... agree sooooo underated ... great job as always ...

[@diamondbreak]

Man, thank god we have this channel on KZbin. God bless you, Gary.

[@timothycalderwood5695]

WOW! Thank you for explaining all of that. This was a BIG help. :)

[@calvinlindberg6567]

Outstanding explanation, thanks Gary!!

[@sosguy1893]

Great video, thanks for the work you put into it.

[@steffi.carter]

Thanks Gary this video is so helpful!!

[@minorrhoads5318]

wonderfully helpful , thank you and subscribed , cheers .

[@Lukemaritz]

Super helpful thank you for the simplified explanation

[@bernerteorica6929]

Thank you Gary, this is very helpful to all users👍

[@AdamStacey]

Thank you so much for explaining! Apple should have this video on their FAQ for people who are confused about the ports.

[@johnv341]

Very clearly explained, thank you.

[@kkeyes88]

This is so helpful. Thank you very much!

[@doncadwallader8813]

Brilliant! Been using Macs for years. Now I get it.

[@thewindowrepairpeople8118]

Brilliant video , excellent explanation , the mystery is solved . THANK YOU SO MUCH .

[@clararichardson3558]

Thank you for explaining these!

[@hopanyow]

Brilliant - thanks so much - much clearer now!

[@gilbertrenebogaert2316]

Super info Gary, thanks!

[@thefoambone]

Thank you for explaining this.

[@raytreat6599]

Excellent presentation!

[@fredfarnackle5455]

That talk was very useful, thanks for posting!😎

[@gastonlagaffe9156]

thank you!!! best mac channel ever!!!👍👍

[@johnborges5938]

Great review of the basics, and well presented. Thunderbolt/USB C connector commonality represents a major change from Apple's earlier approach of having unique connectors for different functions. It would be utterly simple if any cable that fits would do the job, but or course there's also identical-looking cables that do different things - e.g., USB vs Thunderbolt. Perhaps in another video ….

[@Lionel-nr4yl]

Thanks Gary that’s great now I understand more about connections

[@fishermansnook3415]

Good summary!

[@dran63]

Lovely explanation 👍

[@kathleenkinser8729]

Thank you so much for this video

[@RobertKeenanComp-U-Right]

Really outdid yourself with this one! 👍

[@sallylamore7443]

You are fantastic! Finally I get it !

[@Mattmanutube]

Tremendously useful.... thanks

[@Grandpa.Dan8881]

Excellent explanation, thanks...

[@MrJojo4585]

Great information I learned something today.

[@calorion]

Thanks for this. I'm a Mac-head from waaay back, and even I didn't understand the distinction between port and protocol fully.

[@KelvinF]

omg this video is amazing!!! good job!!

[@johngoogle6574]

This was very useful!

[@HoracioMrJJimenez]

As always great stuff. Thx.!

[@msmith53]

You are my favorite!!! Thx so much!

[@bian8274]

Shout out to Gary for this! Super helpful.

[@aurora571000]

Really helpful

[@VedantaGuruji]

great information. thankyou sir

[@TheNashViolin]

Thank you! nice and helpful!!

[@keithdmello]

Nicely explained thank you

[@VinnieSutra]

You made this so simple.

[@brianclifford5791]

Hi Garry. Thanks for another great video. I have a basic question. Can I charge the newest iPad Pros with 36.71 watt hour batteries using USB 2.0 wall socket ports and a USB-C to USB 2.0 cable? I gather the twin USB 2.0 ports in the wall sockets are 2.4 amps 5 volt shared. If this is possible, how long would it take to fully charge a 36.71 watt hour battery?

[@KeithHutchinsonYT]

THANK YOU SO MUCH> YOU MAKE IT EASY TO UNDERSTAND> I spent ages today listening to people who say Like, Er Yeah etc ad nauseam, so, once again thank you for the detailed clarification. *****

[@curtisa.wrightsr.2993]

Very informative and easy to understand. I liked the human demonstration too because it made things even easier to get "Aha" now I understand. Can you do this demonstration for portable SSDs? Thanks!

[@OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

Gary,I love your videos! Very helpful. There is a way to check what ports you have under about this Mac. My 2019 iMac has two thunderbolt ports with a speed up to 40 Gb/s (Thunderbolt 3) and USB 3.1 bus.

[@macmost]

About This Mac, then click on System Report. Then look at Thunderbolt and USB for some details.

[@Maeday-oh1nw]

Hi Greg. Thank you so much for making these videos. They are very informative and helpful in many ways. Now that I understand the ports(kind of). Could you share with us your suggestions for adaptors we should invest in to make the most out of ou new devices? I recently purchased and new (2020)MacBook pro and want to purchase some adaptors but don't really know where to begin. Thanks again!!

[@macmost]

Just purchase what you need. If you have a device that is USB-A and want to plug it in directly to your USB-C port, then get that adapter (or replace the cable for the device with a USB-C one).

[@We-Is-all-One]

Hi Gary, thanks for all that you do to make Macbook ownership so much easier. I wonder if You can help and tell me if there is a way to connect my Samsung ML 2165 printer to my new Macbook Air. Thanks again in anticipation.

[@PETERLINNAH]

The language analogy is brilliant.

[@marketingscarborough]

Your knowledge and delivery is impecable - I always turn to your channel for all my mac related questions. Do you have any videos on the ways newer imacs can use an older imac 2009 as a display. Other channels are saying that this function has been disabled by Apple now with the last upade of macos Monterey in light of the new Apple studio display monitors.

[@macmost]

You can't use an older Mac as a display. This was a feature of some old iMac models (before high resolution displays, so they wouldn't be good displays now anyway). But current versions of macOS don't work with that feature anyway. Nothing to do with the Studio Display. Getting a cheap 4K display is a much better option anyway for energy savings and better quality (2022 vs 2009 tech).

[@dilianmodebeatspr]

Hi great video! I’m commenting inquiring some advice. You see, I have a 2020 iMac that I use for streaming games thru the el gato hd60s capture card. When I use the product cable (usbc to usb 3.0) it works fine but when I use a usbc to usbc my capture card won’t work. It won’t even turn on. I’ve tried multiple usbc to usbc thunderbolt cables and none work. Do you have any advice on how I can fix this?

[@SW-dm6cq]

The best video on this topic! Quick question. So the new iPad Pro now has thunderbolt. All it means is that the iPad now supports thunderbolt data type, but still uses USB C as the physical connection. Am I understanding it right ?

[@travelssafarisinafrica7700]

Hi Gary, watch your videos daily, great work, my problem is I'm wanting to buy an EGPU for my Mac mini ,2012, most units I see are for thunderbolt 3 , I have thunderbolt 2 will it work with an adapter ? There are also USB ports on units what are they for ?

[@mikerisner]

The USB, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort mixology is certainly confusing, but Gary got it right in less than 10 minutes. I can't wait to see his 40-minute video explaining the miserable world of buying the right USB-C cable 🙂

[@PaulSmith-gf6nr]

Never been so confused in my life, but thanks for trying.

[@timppvideo472]

This helped a lot! I just still don't know how to tell if i have a thunderbolt 1 or 2

[@pedropuckerstein4670]

Great explanation to help wrap my head around the abused vocabulary- you are definitely Sheldon without his social inadequacies !

[@pedropuckerstein4670]

Sheldon would be using the auto like KZbin extension which is one of his social inadequacies, hopefully you are not ....

[@zyghom]

PERFECT

[@rickbold9337]

Hi Gary, I have an iMac with thunderbolt 2 ports and 4 USB 3.1 ports. I bought a new Samsung t7 external hard drive and I’m wondering if there any speed advantage in trying to adapt to the thunderbolt ports or should I just use the USB ports? It comes with two cables. One is USB C to USB C. And the other is USB C to USB A. Any help would be appreciated to maximize the performance. Thanks!

[@johnlillas2707]

Thanks for giving these explanations to the many connections used on Macs. Can you help me please? I have a MacBook Air 2017, with what looks to be a Thunderbolt 2 connection. I want to add a monitor to the laptop, how do I go about this? Do I need a TB2 adaptor to USB-C cable to then connect to a Display port to then onto a monitor PD outlet? Can you please tell me what is he best way to connect to a monitor for my MacBook Air?

[@macmost]

But what does your display have? If your Mac has a Thunderbolt 2 port, and your display has a DisplayPort port, then you'd need a cable that goes between the two of those.

[@marvinj4606]

Thank you! Very clear! What about the cables? They look the same, but you need the right one (speaking from experience).

[@macmost]

Just get the right cable for what you want. If you need USB 3.2, get that. If you need Thunderbolt 3, get that.

[@marcopolimeni2356]

I have about 350 MiniDV cassettes to convert in mp4 files with a camcorder used as player that has a FireWire port. My 2015 MacBook Pro has only 2 USB-3 and 2 Thunderbolt-2 ports. I still have the Thunderbolt-1 FireWire 800 adapter coming from the 2013 iMac that I sold time ago, but it doesn't fit in the Thunderbolt-2 port. I've even a Firewire 800 to USB 2.0 cable but it works only with FW hard drive , not with the cameras. Is there an adapter or a way to connect an old firewire device to a recent Mac ? thanks in advance .

[@macmost]

I'd look for another Firewire to Thunderbolt adapter. Maybe Apple's official one? See if that will work. Maybe get a MiniDV player or camera that supports HDMI out and then go HDMI to a capture device (like the Cam Link). Doing 350 is going to be painful no matter how you do it. Even if they are only 30 minutes each, that's 175 hours. Ouch.

[@wond75]

Hi. This video answered so many questions, thank you. I am expecting my new iMac next week with M3 chip and 2x USBC ports and 2x USBC Thunderbolt ports. May I ask for your advice? Is it possible to connect my iPhone or iPad to my iMac via USBC Thunderbolt port or just use the USBC port?

[@macmost]

Either will work.

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Great explanation and thanks for all the detailed analyses but I still need help! Im trying to connect my older Sony Handycam Camcorder which uses IEEE 1394 4Pin Male iLink Firewire DV connector for digital output and I want to connect it to my 2015 MacBook Pro which uses Thunderbolt 2. Is a $130 dollar apple adapter (that’s only available on Ebay) the only option I have to get these old digital tapes into my computer to preserve the memories?

[@macmost]

Probably. Or, find an old Mac you can borrow that has Firewire.

[@bernerteorica6929]

Hi Gary, can I connect two computer monitor to a 2010 MacBook Pro 15”, thank you.

[@bradgriffith8297]

Hi Gary, I’ve been watching your macOS Ventura updates and tips videos and found this video. Is there a difference between transfer rates when using a USB C/Thunderbolt mac) and an adapter to, as an example, an USB optical drive or a thumb drive that has a USB vs. USB to USB?

[@macmost]

Unless the adapter is something strange it shouldn't make a difference.

[@ibleasse]

What about the speeds? Do they change? For example I use and old MacBook Pro and I produce music using usb a to b to connect a musical instrument. What about usb hubs? I have several type a hubs where I have them daisy chained so I only connect one end to my computer and everything is connected, leaving the second port free for things I don’t usually use. If I get a new MacBook Pro and an adapter, would everything be fine? What about those 16 port hubs? Are they better than daisy chaining? Is there a thunderbolt hub? .....too many questions... sorry.

[@macmost]

I talk about speeds in the video. I haven't seen many people try to daisy-chain USB, just get a big hub if you really have that many devices you need connected at once. There are many thunderbolt hubs that do different things.

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Just got MacBook Pro 16”. Binge watching content. Enjoy how you explain things. Do you have a current video going over ports and. Options for setting up 2022 MacBook pro 16” with m1max processor

[@macmost]

That's a broad subject. Do you have a specific question I could answer?

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

@@macmost didn’t mean to make it a large topic. Since there was a change of port structure on MacBook pro 16” - i.e. brought back HDMI and I think Three thunderbolt 4.0 ports - or are they all 4.0 ports. I ideas on efficiently using these ports. One other thing I want to better understand how far away from my MacBook location can I use a hub and avoid impacting equipment I’m trying to plug in and use. If you could point me to a few videos that could be helpful.

[@macmost]

@@RobSandstromDesigns A built-in HDMI port is generally useful for when you need to present at a meeting and HDMI is needed. For an actual external display use one of the Thunderbolt ports to go to DisplayPort on the screen. Thunderbolt 4 is basically a speed increase over 3. Generally anything you connect to your Mac would be right there, not in another room or anything like that so I'm not sure what you mean by "far away."

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

@@macmost thank you for your rapid replies. With the amount of comments and your audience you have to be one busy person and your responses have been terrific. I'll have to check out your Patreon page. I wouldn't have focused on slower speed of HNDMI because that is all I have ever known. So thank you. I have a wrap around desk/work station. All of my peripherals that I will plug into the computer is along a sidewall. As such I would need to run a cable about 6 to 8 foot long from MacBook to the Hub or from each peripheral to the hub. If I put the hub at my MacBook cable management is a bit more complex. Was curious how this kind of cable length may impact my performance of the peripherals including monitors and is it best to locate the hub a distance or keep hub close and run peripheral cables. What should I think about with the cable. Looking for information on this topic.

[@macmost]

@@RobSandstromDesigns It isn't that HDMI is slower, but you usually get more options with DisplayPort. It depends on the screen. DisplayPort is usually the best option and sometimes HDMI is just as good, and sometimes it is lacking. That's going to be a challenge to have those peripherals so far away. If any are true Thunderbolt 3/4 (as opposed to USB or DisplayPort) it will cause problems. I think the longest Thunderbolt 4 cable on the market right now is the $159 3-meter one from Apple. But if it is simply a USB connection or DisplayPort for a screen (or HDMI) you can get long ones pretty cheap. It really depends on the exact peripheral and what it is using. I've never done a setup like yours, so I don't know if a long expensive Thunderbolt cable to the hub is the right way to go, or just a lot of long USB/DisplayPort cables instead.

[@peterdvideos]

Great video! I’m wishing there was a way to connect an external SSD to the Thunderbolt 2 port on my 2013 MacBook Pro. Still can’t find the solution.

[@macmost]

You could get a Thunderbolt 2 drive, but that's not a good solution. Years ago I used a "Kanex Thunderbolt to eSATA plus USB 3.0 Adapter" to do it. Doesn't seem to be easy to find now. Probably better to just use the USB ports. Why not?

[@MyLittleRedWagon]

Gary, great video. Question on the USB adapters you speak about to convert your cable end from USB-a to USB-C (I have new iMac with 4 USB-C ports). Will I loose any transfer speed if I am using an external hard drive (SSD)?? Also should external hard drive be attached to USB-C port or Thunderbolt port?

[@macmost]

It shouldn't affect speed at all. If you have USB-only ports on your Mac and also Thunderbolt ports, but the drive is USB then either will do. If the drive is Thunderbolt (probably not) then connect to Thunderbolt.

[@geekmeee]

I thought I understood the different ports. Boy was I wrong 😑 Thanks for clearing all this up!

[@torbensargentlarsen1874]

My Analog Audio port on my iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) is not working. So I am unable to connect many external audio devices. Using Wi-Fi for audio is not my favourite (sub-optimal quality). Can I "replace" this Analog Audio port by using a "hub" in, say, a Thunderbolt port, or one of the other ports on the iMac? I have not (yet) try to "blow" the audio port clean with pressurised air, but just in case this doesn't help...

[@oastie3]

Good advice, per normal, but where does Lightning fit into the mix?

[@Robert08010]

This was great! Very helpful but you completely omitted Firewire 400 and Firewire 800. Are older firewire peripherals still supported through adapters?

[@macmost]

Those are OLD at this point. If you still are using Firewire, I would move on. Apple's last Firewire Mac was 2012.

[@Robert08010]

@@macmost That wont solve my problem. Can I adapter my way from a firewire 400 peripherals to thunderbolt? I am helping a senior citizen friend make the transition to a new Macbook Pro he is about to buy. Just a few years ago, I thought I saw a FW800 to thunderbolt adapter. But what he wants - and this may not be possible - what he WANTS is to be able to continue to use an old FW400 camcorder as a zoom camera. This work just fine on his 2009 macbook pro, but that has actual firewire ports. Have you heard of anyone continuing to use FW peripherals with a FW to thunderbolt adapter?

[@jim379]

Nice video. I have a MacBook Air from "mid-2013." Do you know if my thunderbold port can be connected for networking (to an ethernet cable), or is it just a display port?

[@macmost]

I think you have Thunderbolt 2, correct? There used to be Thunderbolt 2 to ethernet adapters. If you can find one, that would do it for you.

[@jim379]

@@macmost I think I have Thunderbolt 2. Going by the description in your video, I'd call it "Thunderbolt 1/2." I'll get one of those adapters and give it a try. Thank you!

[@dawnderry3328]

Beautifully simple visual presentation. Great 'speaker/language' analogy. You speak my language ;) Thank you :) 2 questions if I may? There are 4 USB-C ports with 2 different types of 'language' on my iMac 24" M1 8GB. USB-C with thunderbolt symbol connect, via adapters, to my external hard-drive (Thunderbolt port) & 2nd screen (HDMI port). The other 2 ports charge my iPad, the bluetooth keyboard & mouse. But don't seem powerful enough for the magnetic iPhone charger that came with the iMac. (1) Can you help with types of accessories that can and can't run off each type of USB-C? (2) And how can I calculate the power so as not to trigger the 'power insufficient - please unplug' warning?

[@macmost]

I wouldn't use any of them to charge devices, either your iPad or iPhone. Why not just charge directly from AC power instead of through your iMac? Leave those USB ports for things that you need to connect to your iMac. Also, I would not connect your second screen via USB. Does the screen has a DisplayPort input? It should. Get a USB-C (Thunderbolt) to DisplayPort cable and use that. This will give you a better connection rather than converting to HDMI.

[@Roeger1024]

I'm sooooo confused. But thanks. LOL

[@janrolih4557]

I have EVO8 type C > type C audio card that needs power and want to connect it to imac 2015, that has thunderbolt 2 connector. Can i do this via adapter, or od i need some TB2 dock with external power?

[@macmost]

You'd have to check with the manufacturer and ask them. Or, just try it.

[@LaaszloKiss]

Great clarification, Gary! I've recently bought a Mac Mini M1 which has 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C (Thunderbolt) connectors. I also have an iBasso DC03 dongle DAC (with USB Type-C connector), but when I connect this device to one of the USB-C Thunderbolt ports, the Mac does not allow me to choose the DAC as an audio output. However if I connect the DAC via a USB-C to USB-A adaptor to one of the USB-A ports of the Mac, the DAC can be chosen as an audio output. Kinda strange behaviour, because even if iBasso DC03 does not support Thunderbolt 2/3, it should also be recognized as a standard USB Type-C device via the Thunderbolt capable USB-C connectors. Or am I wrong? Nevertheless the USB C -> USB A conversion makes it possible to hook up this DAC to the Mac Mini. I'm just curious what lies behind this strange behaviour.

[@macmost]

No idea. You'd need to ask the company that makes it.

[@nicebluejay]

what about a usb-c device (audio interface) to a thunderbolt 2 equipped 2015 macbook pro?