Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps Active Braided Cable 6.6 ft - 100W PD

In this review the Cable Matters braided active Thunderbolt 4 cable is evaluated for users who need a single long cable to handle high-speed data, video, and power. The bottom line: it is an excellent choice for people who want a reliable 40Gbps connection with full Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 compatibility and 100W Power Delivery in a durable braided design. The cable's ability to drive an 8K display or two 4K displays while charging a laptop makes it especially useful for workstation setups and travel where one strong, future-proof cable replaces several adapters.

Key Features

• 40Gbps data: Delivers blazing-fast transfer speeds for large file copies and high-bandwidth peripherals, minimizing wait time for backups and media transfers.
• 8K / dual 4K video: Has enough bandwidth to drive one 8K display or two 4K displays, making it suitable for high-resolution monitors and video workflows.
• 100W Power Delivery: Supports USB Power Delivery 3.0 with up to 100W charging to power most laptops and charge devices from a single cable.
• Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 certified: Intel certified active cable ensures compatibility with the latest Thunderbolt 4 features and functions as a USB4 cable when used with USB4 hosts.
• Braided, durable construction: The premium braided jacket and metal connector housings improve durability for frequent travel or semi-permanent installations.
• Broad backward compatibility: Works with older Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C standards, so it can replace existing cables while supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB-PD.

Who It's For

The cable is ideal for content creators, professionals, and power users who need a single long cable that handles high-speed data, multiple high-resolution displays, and laptop charging. If you run an external GPU, transfer large media files, or connect high-definition monitors, the cable provides the bandwidth and power to simplify your setup.

Users who should look elsewhere include those who only need short passive cables under 0.5 m for maximal Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, or people with devices limited to lower USB speeds who do not need 40Gbps performance. If you require a non-active, ultra-short cable for the highest passive compatibility, a different option may be better.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports full 40Gbps throughput for fast transfers and high-resolution displays.
• Drives 8K or dual 4K displays while also carrying audio reliably.
• 100W Power Delivery enables charging laptops and peripherals with a single cable.
• Braided construction and metal housings boost build quality and travel resilience.

Cons

• As an active long cable, it may be overkill for users who only need short passive USB-C cables.
• Some customers reported mixed durability experiences, so heavy daily abuse may shorten lifespan for a few units.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Cable Matters braided active Thunderbolt 4 cable is a practical, future-proof choice for users who need a long, high-performance connection that handles data, video, and power in one run. With Intel certification, 40Gbps bandwidth, 8K video capability, and 100W charging, it offers strong value for professionals and travelers who prefer one reliable cable over multiple adapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cable charge my laptop?
Yes. It supports USB Power Delivery 3.0 with up to 100W charging, which is sufficient for most laptops that accept USB-C charging.

Can it connect a Thunderbolt 3 device?
Yes. The cable is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices and hosts, providing full backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 standards.

Does it work with USB4 hosts?
Yes. The cable also functions as a USB4 cable and can reach up to 40Gbps depending on host and device USB4 support.