Can I use any USB-C cable for Thunderbolt?

No. Thunderbolt requires actively wired cables with specific chips. A cheap USB 2.0 USB-C cable will charge your device but cannot carry Thunderbolt data or video signals.

Why are some USB-C cables so much more expensive?

High-speed cables contain more wires, shielding, and sometimes active chips for signal integrity. A 40Gbps Thunderbolt cable is fundamentally different hardware from a 480Mbps USB 2.0 cable.

Best USB-C to USB-C Cables 2026