Thunderbolt 3 ports are now crucial to most current laptops because they offer the fastest and most options. Thunderbolt 3 is necessary for getting the most work done, whether sending big files, connecting external displays, or using external GPUs. If you want to buy a laptop with Thunderbolt 3, this piece lists the best ones you can get in 2024. We will look at some models that meet various needs in terms of price, speed, and portability.
What is Thunderbolt 3?
The latest technology, Thunderbolt 3, can send data at up to 40 Gbps, four times faster than USB 3.1. Thunderbolt 3 lets you connect many external devices, like screens (up to two 4K monitors), storage devices, and other accessories. Because it has a USB-C port, it can also charge devices, making it a one-stop shop for many of your tech needs.
Why You Need a Laptop with Thunderbolt 3
High-Speed Data Transfer:
With speeds up to 40 Gbps, sending big files like those used for video editing or graphic design is easy.
External Display Support:
With Thunderbolt 3, you can add up to eight 4K or even 8K monitors for a more immersive experience.
Universal Port:
It works with USB-C, so you don’t have to worry about extra cords.
Power Delivery:
When you connect your laptop or other devices that use Thunderbolt 3, you can charge them.
External GPU Support:
Thunderbolt 3 lets gamers and video editors add external GPUs for better performance.
Best Laptops with Thunderbolt 3 Ports
Dell XPS 13 (2024 Edition)
Price: About $1,200
Key Features:
13.4-inch FHD+ screen
16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel Core i7 (12th Gen)
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
With its beautiful screen, powerful speed, and slim design, the Dell XPS 13 continues to lead the ultrabook market. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, so you can easily add more than one device. It’s great for business people who need to quickly transfer info or connect multiple external monitors. It is great for people who move a lot because the battery lasts a long time, it’s light, and the keyboard is excellent.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024)
Price: Starting at $2,000
Key Features:
Retina 14-inch screen,
16GB RAM and 512GB SSD (upgradeable).
Apple M2 Pro chip.
Three ports that are Thunderbolt 3/4
Apple’s MacBook Pro is great for artists and designers. It works smoothly while editing movies, writing code, or making graphics. With its three Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can easily connect up to three 4K screens, external storage, or even an external GPU. The MacBook Pro is a great choice for workers because it is powerful, has a beautiful Retina Display, and is well-built.
HP Spectre x360 14
Price: Around $1,300
Key Features:
13.5-inch OLED screen
Core i7 (12th Gen)
16GB RAM and 1TB SSD
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
HP’s Spectre x360 is a beautiful 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet. The OLED screen has bright colours, making it great for watching movies, designing graphics, and doing artistic work. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports let you connect and send data quickly to some external devices. Its 360-degree rotation gives more options for people who need a laptop that can also be used as a tablet.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
Price: Starting at $1,600
Key Features:
14-inch FHD+ screen
16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Intel Core i7 (12th Gen)
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
People who work in business always choose the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. This laptop is known for being durable, having a long battery life, and having a great screen. It is also very productive. It’s great for people who need to stay busy on the go because the ThinkPad X1 Carbon has Thunderbolt 3 ports that let you quickly move files and connect to external devices. A fingerprint reader and a webcam cover are just a few of the top-notch security features that come with it.
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15
Price: Around $2,500
Key Features:
15.6-inch 4K OLED screen plus a second screen
Core i9 (12th Gen) Atom
32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 has two 4K screens, making it great for creators and people who like doing many things simultaneously. The main screen is beautiful, and the second screen makes work easier. It’s great for professionals needing more than one screen, like video editors, graphic artists, etc. Due to its two Thunderbolt 3 ports, it is easy to move big files, connect external storage, and power high-resolution monitors.
Acer Swift 3
Price: Around $900
Key Features:
14-inch Full HD screen
AMD Athlon X5 11th Gen
8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD
One port for Thunderbolt 3
The Acer Swift 3 is a cheap choice without skimping on performance. It is a good choice for students and workers on a budget because it is thin and light. Even though the price is lower, the Thunderbolt 3 port ensures you can connect external devices like monitors or storage and transfer data quickly. If you need Thunderbolt 3 but don’t want to spend much money, the Swift 3 is a good option.
Razer Blade 15 (2024)
Price: Starting at $2,600
Key Features:
15.6-inch QHD screen
Intel Core i7 (13th Gen)
16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
The Razer Blade 15 is an advanced laptop made for gamers, but it’s also great for workers and content creators who need fast computers. The Thunderbolt 3 ports let you connect an external GPU, which improves games and video editing. The Razer Blade 15 is an excellent choice for people who want both speed and style. It has a beautiful screen, a high refresh rate, and exceptional build quality.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Price: Starting at $1,800
Key Features:
14.4-inch PixelSense screen
Intel Core i7 (12th Gen)
16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
People who make things and are artists will love Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio. Its unique folding design lets you use it as a laptop, tablet, or in the studio. The Thunderbolt 3 ports make connecting external displays or storage devices accessible, and the PixelSense monitor ensures that the colours are accurate. This laptop gives you the freedom and power you need, whether drawing, editing, or doing more than one thing simultaneously.
Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR
Price: Around $2,300
Key Features:
17.3-inch 4K HDR screen
Core i9 (12th Gen) Atom
32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD
Two ports for Thunderbolt 3
The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR is made for artists who need the best graphics. Its 4K HDR screen is excellent for professionals and content creators who work with high-resolution video. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports that let you quickly move files and connect external devices. Its strong internals let you edit videos, create 3D models, and do many other things simultaneously.
Conclusion
Thunderbolt 3 has changed how computers work because it gives them more options, faster speeds, and more power. If your laptop has Thunderbolt 3, you can quickly transfer data, attach multiple external devices, and improve speed with external GPUs. This is true whether you are a creative professional, a business user, or a gamer. The above computers, from the Dell XPS 13 for flexibility to the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo for multitasking, have different features that make them suitable for various uses.