USB4 gives you all the features that Thunderbolt offers. It is beneficial for users who prefer an AMD computer over an Intel-based one.
USB4 offers 40Gbps data transfer rates compared to the older USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 2×2 versions with 10Gbps and 20Gbps speeds. And its support for Power Delivery and Alt Mode DisplayPort ensures that you get Thunderbolt-like functionality on a single cable.
Surprisingly, despite its Aug-2019 release, very few devices on the market feature this connectivity standard. So it’s challenging to find USB4-enabled accessories such as hubs, docking stations, etc. But since USB4 is backward compatible with the previous USB version, you can use your current USB accessories on your USB4 computers.
Further, since USB4 is based on Thunderbolt 3 standards and Thunderbolt is compatible with USB, you can use Thunderbolt devices on USB4 ports, but their functionalities will depend on the specific implementation of the USB4 port.
While that last statement is true, there is a catch. The USB Implementers Forum (or USB-IF, the body that defines USB specifications) makes it optional for manufacturers to offer certain features while giving their product a USB4 label. Shockingly, the 40Gbps data transfer speed is on the list of optional features. So is PCIe tunneling, the feature that enables you to use a Thunderbolt eGPU for your gaming.
Thus, you must be careful and ensure that the laptop you choose supports the USB4 feature you hope it does. USB4 is relatively new, and only a few computers feature this connectivity standard. Moreover, it’s challenging to find a pocket-friendly computer among those that do, making it essential to check the specification to avoid regretting your purchase.
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Comparison of the Laptops With USB4
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 | Display: 14-inch IPS Resolution: 1920x1200 CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U GPU: AMD Radeon 680M RAM: 16GB DDR5 (Soldered) Storage: 512GB SSD Ports: 1x USB4 (40Gbps) 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x HDMI v.2.1 1x 3.5mm Combo Jack Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 Date Released: July-2023 | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 | Display: 15.6-inch IPS Resolution: 1920x1080 CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 RAM: 32GB DDR5 Storage: 1TB SSD Ports: 1x USB4 Gen 3 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 2x USB 2.0 1x HDMI 2.1 1x 3.5mm Combo Jack 1x Micro SD card reader Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 Date Released: Jun-2023 | Buy on Amazon |
 | HP EliteBook 865 G9 | Display: 16-inch IPS Resolution: 1920x1200 CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U GPU: AMD Radeon 680M RAM: 32GB DDR5 Storage: 1TB SSD Ports: 2x USB4 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x HDMI 2.0 1x 3.5mm Combo Jack Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 Date Released: Jun-2022 | Buy on Amazon |
1. Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 – Our Pick
The ThinkPad T14s is a well-rounded laptop, ideal for most professionals with typical office workflows that include working on spreadsheets and presentations. Its USB4 port offers 40Gbps data transfer speed and supports Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, allowing you to use it for multiple functionalities.
The laptop has a 14-inch IPS panel with a 1920x1200p resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio, which working professionals will appreciate for its vertical length. Moreover, its 300nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut are modest and restrict the use to home or office workflows. The display is a 10-point Multi-touch screen that folds back to 180 degrees, making navigating the screen and collaborating with colleagues convenient.
Lenovo includes an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor (8-Core, 16-Thread, 16MB Cache, and up to 4.7GHz clock speed). It’s a powerful configuration, mainly because Lenovo pairs it with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD storage. Unfortunately, the RAM is soldered to the SoC and isn’t upgradeable like the storage, which you can upgrade to a 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD.
The laptop’s design has the signature ThinkPad bento-box design and TrackPoint navigation. Its slim design and light weight make it portable, perfect for users who need tremendous processing power on the go. It’s affordable and has an excellent selection of ports, making it our top pick.
- Affordable
- The 16:10 aspect ratio is suitable for working professionals.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 provide high-speed network connectivity.
- The thin-and-light design makes it convenient to carry on your travel.
- The 10-point Multi-touch display helps enhance productivity.
- RAM is not upgradable
- No on-board Ethernet for wired connectivity.
2. Asus VivoBook Pro 15 – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
One of the most significant advantages of USB4 is its support for PCIe Tunnelling and the use of eGPUs. However, with the Vivobook Pro 15, you won’t need an external GPU, as it features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 for your enhanced graphics needs.
Asus includes the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor with eight cores, 16 threads, a 16MB L3 Cache, and a clock speed of 5.2GHz. Besides a powerful processor, Asus includes 32GB DDR5 RAM and a generous 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD, rounding off all essential specifications into this computing beast.
The laptop has a 15.6-inch IPS panel display with a modest 1920x1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. The screen is TUV Rheinland Certified for flick-free and low blue-light operation, making it convenient to work long hours without experiencing eye fatigue. Also, the laptop has an ergo-lift hinge that allows you to fold the screen 180 degrees, making it ideal for workflows requiring frequent collaborations with co-workers.
Despite the high-end configurations and use of a dedicated GPU, the Vivobook Pro isn’t ideal for gaming as it lacks a robust cooling infrastructure. Nevertheless, it’s an all-powerful machine suitable for graphics processing and video editing roles. And it has a FullHD camera that ensures incredible clarity during video calls and a shutter for moments when you want privacy.
- The TUV Rheinland-certified screens are suitable for working long hours without feeling eye strain.
- The dedicated GPU is perfect for graphics and video editing workflows.
- The high-end specifications provide tremendous processing power.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide high-speed network connectivity.
- The FullHD webcam ensures excellent video quality during video calls.
- No on-board Ethernet for wired connectivity.
- Expensive
3. HP EliteBook 865 G9 – Excellent Webcam
The EliteBook 865 is an excellent laptop for video conferencing. It features a 5MP 1440p webcam and a bright, high-resolution display screen that give you flawless video on calls, making it suitable for online meetings and remote collaboration.
HP is thoughtful; this is most evident from the port selection of the G9, which includes two USB4 ports compared to just one on most other laptops. These fully functional USB4 ports support 40Gbps data transfer speeds, Power Delivery, and video signals on a single cable. Thus, using a Thunderbolt docking station, you can use the additional USB4 cable to expand the laptop’s I/O ports.
The G9 has an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor, which HP pairs with 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD to offer high-end specifications on this laptop. Unlike the VivoBook, which has a dedicated graphics card, the EliteBook has an integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics card, surprising, as both laptops come at similar price points.
Nevertheless, the G9 provides tremendous utility and supports high-speed wireless networks with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The high-end specifications guarantee outstanding performance, while the comprehensive port selection offers many connectivity options. Moreover, HP uses premium materials that give the laptop durability and aesthetic appeal.
- The 5MP 1440p webcam ensures excellent video quality during video calls.
- Two USB4 ports offer greater flexibility for connecting I/O devices.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide high-speed network connectivity.
- The high-end specifications provide tremendous processing power.
- The 100% sRGB color gamut and 400 nits brightness provide lifelike images.
- No on-board Ethernet for wired connectivity.
- For the price, you can get a USB4 laptop with a dedicated GPU.
Laptops With USB4– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Is Better In a Laptop, USB4 or Thunderbolt 4?
While a lot depends on how a manufacturer implements USB4 on a computer, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 have similar specifications. However, the Thunderbolt 4 specification is closely monitored by Intel which lays downs a set of minimum requirements that manufacturers must apply to get a Thunderbolt certification, making it expensive.
In comparison, USB4 is cheaper, as it gives the manufacturer several liberties that allow them to use a USB4 label for their product while offering a lot less. Ultimately, your choice is between performance and price; where Thunderbolt 4 has excellent performance, USB4 provides value for money.
Do All USB4 Ports Offer 40Gbps Data Transfer Speed?
The minimum data transfer speed of USB4 is 20Gbps. So while a manufacturer offers USB4, it is possible that their computer does not support 40Gbps data transfer speed.
What Are The Minimum Requirements For USB4?
Understanding the minimum requirements for USB4 is challenging as several features are optional and vary depending on where the USB4 device is a host, hub, or peripheral device.
For the sake of simplicity, it’s best to refer to the most significant requirement for hosts and hubs as follows.
- USB4 ports must offer a minimum Power Delivery of 7.5W (5V and 1.5A).
- Data transfer speed has to be at least 20Gbps.
- Support for DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Can I Use A Thunderbolt eGPU With A USB4 Laptop?
Using an eGPU requires PCIe Tunneling, a feature that makes the USB4 port emulate a PCIe connector. However, PCIe Tunneling isn’t mandatory on USB4 ports, so while you may have a USB4 laptop, it may not support this feature. Hence, check the specifications of the USB4 port before buying a computer.
What Maximum Video Resolution Does USB4 Support?
USB4 can support video using DisplayPort 2.0 Alt Mode, which allows video resolution of up to 8K@60Hz with HDR10 support.
