USB and Thunderbolt cables

USB and Thunderbolt cables connect phones, laptops, monitors, storage drives and peripherals, and the category also holds adapters, hubs and chargers. The range covers USB-C, Lightning, USB A/B, Micro-USB, extension and Thunderbolt and USB4 cables from brands such as Delock, InLine, StarTech.com and Lindy. It suits home users, offices and IT installers.

How to choose a USB or Thunderbolt cable

Connector types. Check the port on both devices before anything else. USB-C is the largest group in our range, followed by Lightning for older iPhones and iPads, USB A/B for printers and docks, and Micro-USB or Mini-USB for older accessories. If the ends do not match, an adapter or converter from the same category solves it.

Data speed. USB 2.0 tops out at 480 Mbit/s, which is fine for charging and keyboards but slow for drives. USB 3.2 offers 5 or 10 Gbit/s, while USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 or 4 reach 40 Gbit/s. For an external SSD or a docking station, pick a cable rated for the speed your device supports, as the slowest part sets the limit.

Charging power. Not every USB-C cable carries the same wattage. Basic cables are made for phones, while laptop charging at 60 W or 100 W needs a cable rated for it, and higher-power charging usually needs a cable with a built-in chip. Check the stated power rating in the product details.

Video support. Thunderbolt and many USB4 cables can drive one or more monitors over a single connection. Plain charging cables often cannot, so choose a cable that mentions video or display support if you are connecting a screen.

Length and colour. Shorter cables keep signal quality high, particularly at 10 Gbit/s and above, so buy only the length you need. If a longer run is unavoidable, a USB extension cable or a cable designed for that length is safer. Most cables in our range are black, with white, grey, transparent, blue and orange options for matching a desk or marking different devices.

Brands we carry

• Delock: German-based brand known for a very large catalogue of connectors, adapters and interface cables, including many unusual types.
• StarTech.com: Canadian manufacturer focused on connectivity for IT professionals, with adapters, hubs and docking accessories.
• Lindy: long-established specialist in cables and connectivity for professional AV and IT installations.
• Wentronic: German company behind the Goobay line of everyday cables and adapters.
• Renkforce: house brand of the electronics retailer Conrad, covering common cable and accessory types.
• Roline: house brand of the Swiss distributor Secomp, offering IT and network cabling.
• Digitus: brand of ASSMANN Electronic, best known for network and connectivity products.

Also in our range: InLine, Shiverpeaks, S CONN Maximum Connectivity, Good Connections and Micro Connect.

Beyond cables, the subcategories include USB adapters and converters, USB hubs and expansion cards, and a small selection of USB chargers and USB sound cards.

USB and Thunderbolt cable FAQ

What is the difference between a USB-C cable and a Thunderbolt cable?

USB-C describes the connector shape, while Thunderbolt is a faster standard that uses the same connector. A Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable supports 40 Gbit/s, video output and high-power charging. A basic USB-C cable may only support charging and slower data.

Can any USB-C cable charge a laptop?

No, many USB-C cables are only rated for phone-level charging. A laptop usually needs a cable rated for 60 W or 100 W, and the charger must supply that power as well. Check the wattage in the product specification.

How long can a USB cable be?

For passive USB 2.0 cables the limit is about 5 metres, and for USB 3.x it is shorter, commonly around 3 metres. Thunderbolt and USB4 passive cables at full speed are much shorter, often under one metre. Longer runs need an active cable or a powered extension.

Which cable does an iPhone need?

iPhones up to the iPhone 14 use Lightning, and the iPhone 15 and later use USB-C. Check the port on your phone and the plug on your charger or computer. Choose a Lightning to USB-C cable for fast charging from a modern USB-C charger.