Data Transfer Cables

312 products

USB, USB-C, and Thunderbolt Cables for Every Device

Island Electrical Supply stocks a wide selection of data transfer cables as part of our cables catalog. From USB 2.0 to Thunderbolt 4, we carry the right cable for connecting laptops, external drives, docking stations, printers, and peripherals at every speed standard.

Common Data Transfer Cable Applications

  • Laptop docking — USB-C and Thunderbolt cables for connecting to docking stations with video, data, and power delivery over a single cable
  • External storage connections — USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt cables for fast transfers to SSDs, hard drives, and NAS devices
  • Printer and scanner hookups — USB-A to USB-B cables for office printers, scanners, and multifunction devices
  • Mobile device charging and sync — USB-C and Micro-USB cables for phones, tablets, and portable devices
  • USB hub expansion — cables for connecting USB hubs and expanding port availability on desktop and laptop workstations

USB Cable Standards and Speeds

  • USB 2.0 — 480 Mbps. Standard for keyboards, mice, printers, and basic peripherals. Available in USB-A to USB-B, Micro-B, and Mini-B configurations.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) — 5 Gbps. Common for external hard drives and USB hubs. Blue connector inserts on USB-A ports.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2 — 10 Gbps. USB-C connector standard for modern laptops and high-speed storage.
  • USB4 — 40 Gbps. Built on Thunderbolt 3 architecture. USB-C connector with backward compatibility.
  • Thunderbolt 3/4 — 40 Gbps with PCIe tunneling for external GPUs, high-speed storage arrays, and daisy-chained peripherals. Thunderbolt 4 guarantees dual 4K display support.

Choosing the Right Data Transfer Cable

Match the cable to both your device ports and your speed requirements. For basic peripherals like keyboards and printers, USB 2.0 cables are sufficient and the most affordable option. For external SSDs and backup drives, USB 3.2 Gen 2 cables deliver full speed without bottlenecking the drive.

If your laptop has Thunderbolt ports, a single Thunderbolt 4 cable to a docking station can handle dual monitors, gigabit ethernet, and USB peripherals over one connection. This is the cleanest desk setup for hybrid workers who dock and undock daily.

Pay attention to cable length for USB 3.x and Thunderbolt. Signal quality degrades over longer runs. For USB 3.2, stick to 2 meters or less for reliable 10 Gbps performance. Thunderbolt 4 cables are typically 0.8m to 2m. For longer distances, use active cables or a powered USB hub as a repeater.

Why Buy Data Transfer Cables from Island Electrical Supply

In-stock data transfer cables ship same day, and qualifying orders ship free. We offer installer discounts, wholesale pricing, and net terms for qualified B2B accounts. Need help matching cables to your devices? Reach us directly any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt cables?

All Thunderbolt 3/4 cables use the USB-C connector, but not all USB-C cables support Thunderbolt speeds. Thunderbolt cables support up to 40 Gbps and can drive displays, while standard USB-C cables vary in speed from USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) to USB4 (40 Gbps).

Which USB cable do I need for my external hard drive?

Most modern external drives use USB-A to Micro-B (USB 3.0) or USB-C. Check your drive's port—if it's a small rectangular connector with a notch, you need Micro-B. If it's oval-shaped, you need USB-C.

Can I use any USB-C cable for charging?

For data transfer, any USB-C cable works, but for fast charging you need a cable rated for higher wattage. Check the cable specifications for power delivery (PD) support and wattage rating.