The ports on a modern MacBook all look the same: oval, USB-C. Yet one port can do more than another, and the cable you use matters. Thunderbolt, USB-C, USB 4, MagSafe: this article explains the difference, which ports your MacBook has, and what you can plug in where for charging, displays and fast drives.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam, including ports that no longer work.
USB-C is the shape, Thunderbolt is what goes through it
USB-C is the shape of the plug. Different things can go through that plug: normal USB data, power, video and Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is the fastest variant: up to 40 Gbit/s for Thunderbolt 3 and 4, and faster still for Thunderbolt 5. A Thunderbolt port can do everything a USB-C port can, but not the other way round.
Which ports does your MacBook have?
- MacBook Air with Apple chip: two Thunderbolt ports, and on newer models MagSafe too.
- MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inch: three Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 5 on the M4 Pro and Max), MagSafe, HDMI and an SD card slot.
- MacBook Neo: two USB-C ports, no Thunderbolt and no MagSafe. One port is USB 3, the other USB 2. See MacBook Neo or Air.
- Intel MacBook Pro 2016-2020: two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Exactly which ports you have is shown under About This Mac, More Info, System Report, under USB and Thunderbolt/USB4.
Charging
You can charge a MacBook via MagSafe or via a USB-C or Thunderbolt port. MagSafe comes loose if someone trips over the cable and keeps your ports free. See MagSafe 3 or USB-C and which charger fits.
Displays
You connect an external display to a Thunderbolt port with a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports video, with an adapter to HDMI or DisplayPort, or to the HDMI port of a MacBook Pro. How many displays your MacBook supports depends on the chip. See two external displays and connecting to a monitor or TV.
Fast drives
A Thunderbolt SSD only reaches full speed on a Thunderbolt port with a Thunderbolt cable. A USB SSD works on any port. See external SSD for your Mac.
Cables: not every USB-C cable is equal
- Charging cables that come with a charger are often USB 2 only: fine for charging, slow for data and often no video.
- USB-C cables rated 10 or 20 Gbit/s are good for drives and often for video.
- Thunderbolt cables have a lightning bolt on the plug and can do everything.
If something does not work, try another cable first.
Connecting older devices
Still have a USB-A stick, a printer with an old USB cable, a network cable or a display with VGA or DVI? There is an adapter to USB-C for almost everything. For Thunderbolt 2 devices, such as older drives and displays from around 2013 to 2015, use an official Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter; a plain Mini DisplayPort adapter will not carry data. Also see wired internet.
Hubs and docks
With a hub or dock you get extra USB-A, HDMI, network and card reader ports through one cable. A Thunderbolt dock handles more displays and higher speeds than a simple USB-C hub. See choosing a dock, hub or adapter.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
If a port no longer works, your MacBook only charges on one side, or a port is loose, we test the ports and replace what is broken. More on our page about MacBook port repair.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a USB-A stick?
Yes, with a small USB-C to USB-A adapter, or via a hub.
Do Thunderbolt 3 devices work on Thunderbolt 4 or 5?
Yes, newer Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible.
Why does my MacBook Neo have no Thunderbolt?
The Neo is the entry MacBook with an A chip. For most everyday tasks USB-C is enough.
