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10 Best Thunderbolt Card Options for High-Speed Connectivity in 2025
In the realm of high-speed connectivity, the best Thunderbolt card has become a vital component for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s for gaming, video editing, or data transfers, these cards enhance the capability of your devices. In 2025, we see a plethora of options available, each with its unique features and specifications. This article delves into the top 10 Thunderbolt cards available on Amazon, giving you an in-depth review of their features, pros, and cons.
1. Sonnet Allegro 5-Port Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card
- 4-Port USB 3.2 Gen2 – Adds four 10Gbps USB-C ports (not Thunderbolt) to your Mac Pro or Windows PC with PCIe slots
- Dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Controllers – Support data transfers at up to twice as fast as USB 3 Gen 1
- Powered Ports – Supports USB-C bus-powered SSD or SSD RAID with up to 7.5W per port
- Protected Power Delivery – Independent per-port power regulation isolates each port to prevent cross-coupled power glitches that may cause accidental disconnects
- Mac, Windows 11+, and Linux Compatible
Best for: Expansion of Ports
The Sonnet Allegro 5-Port Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card is perfectly designed for users who need multiple Thunderbolt connections. This card brings five Thunderbolt 3 ports onto your system, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals effortlessly.
Features:
- Five Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- Supports up to 40Gbps data transfer.
- Compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.
- Hot-swappable.
Pros:
- Excellent port expansion.
- Fast data transfer rates.
- Good compatibility.
Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Requires a PCIe slot.
2. Asus ThunderboltEX 3-TR Card
- 1. Intel Thunderbolt 4 JHL 8540 controller
- 2. Ultrafast connectivity: Two Type-C ports with USB 4 support, up to 40Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth, per port allows you to connect up to five Thunderbolt-enabled devices in a daisy-chain configuration using Thunderbolt cables.
- DisplayPort 1.4: support up to 8K resolution monitors
- Quick charge solution: up to 100W quick charge
Best for: Asus Motherboards
The Asus ThunderboltEX 3-TR Card is specifically designed for Asus motherboards, making it the ideal choice for those already invested in the Asus ecosystem.
Features:
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports.
- Supports DisplayPort 1.4.
- Daisy-chain up to six devices.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Asus motherboards.
- High-resolution display support.
- Fast data transfer rates.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with non-Asus boards.
- Installation can be complex for beginners.
3. StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card
−$29.65
- THUNDERBOLT 3 PCIE EXPANSION CHASSIS: Add PCI Express support to a Thunderbolt 3/4 capable laptop / desktop computer; Increased productivity with Thunderbolt 3 and up to 40Gbps bandwidth; One external PCIe 3.0 x16 slot; Thunderbolt cable included
- EXPANDABILITY FOR LAPTOPS: Integrate video capture cards, high-speed fiber / ethernet connectivity, NVMe drives, FireWire cards, and more to unlock the potential of a notebook using this Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe chassis; Toolless design; Aluminum build
- 5K & 4K DISPLAY SUPPORT: Connect a display through the external PCIe enclosure; The DisplayPort and TB3 ports support various video outputs up to 4K/5K 60Hz (other video resolutions are also supported); PCIe Box does not support GPU graphic cards
- ROBUST POWER: The chassis delivers 25W via the PCIe slot and the LP4 port on the other side of the unit supports up to 30W between the 12V and 5V rails.; 12V 5A (65W) universal power adapter is included and is compatible w/ NA/JP, UK, EU, and ANZ regions
- COMPATIBILITY: Use single-width cards up to 8in (20.3cm) long; Built-in fan for active cooling; Daisy chain compatible with multiple TB3/4 devices; The chassis is driverless and is compatible with macOS, Windows; TAA-compliant
Best for: Versatility
StarTech’s Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card provides an adaptable solution designed for various systems aiming for high-speed connectivity.
Features:
- Single Thunderbolt 3 port.
- Data transfer speed of up to 40Gbps.
- Fully compatible with macOS and Windows.
Pros:
- Highly versatile compatibility.
- Supports daisy-chaining for peripherals.
- Offers excellent performance.
Cons:
- Lacks multiple port options.
- Price point may deter casual users.
4. Gigabyte GC-Titan Ridge Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Expansion Card
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Best for: High-End GPUs
The Gigabyte GC-Titan Ridge is specially crafted for users needing high-speed data transfers and compatibility with high-end graphics cards.
Features:
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports.
- Can support displays in 4K resolution.
- Daisy-chaining up to six devices.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance for high-end setups.
- Great for 4K video output.
- Future-proof.
Cons:
- Only works with select motherboards.
- Price is on the higher end.
5. HighPoint RocketU 1344A Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card
- 4 USB Type-C ports support any industry-standard USB device or peripheral
- 1000 MB/s of transfer bandwidth per USB port
- Up to PCIe 3.0 x4 Host Interface
- xHCI Compliant: Driverless installation
Best for: Data Storage Solutions
The HighPoint RocketU 1344A is aimed at users who need extensive data storage options and fast transfer speeds.
Features:
- Supports up to 10Gbps per port.
- Four USB-A 3.1 ports.
- Compatible with various operating systems.
Pros:
- Great for storage solutions.
- Very fast data transfers.
- Multi-device support.
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer Thunderbolt 4 support.
- More complex installation.
6. Akitio Thunder3 PCIe Card
- Supports auto-negotiation for 10G, 5G, 2.5G, 1G, 100M
- Runs up to 10G at 100m with Cat-6A cable or 5G with Cat-6 cable
- Backward compatible with 1000Base-T, 100Base-T Networks
- PCI Express Gen-3 x4 host bus interface
- 16K Jumbo Frames
Best for: Compact Designs
The Akitio Thunder3 PCIe Card is perfect for users desiring a more compact solution for their digital tasks.
Features:
- Single Thunderbolt 3 port.
- Up to 40Gbps data transfer rate.
- Compatible with both Windows and macOS.
Pros:
- Compact and ideal for smaller builds.
- Easy to install.
- Reasonable pricing.
Cons:
- Only one port available.
- Lacks daisy-chaining options.
7. CalDigit /Tuff Dock Thunderbolt 3 Card
−$69.96
- 18 Ports of Extreme Connectivity - Featuring an impressive 18 ports, the TS4 has enough connectivity for even the most demanding of workflows. This includes a built-in DisplayPort 1.4 connector, a total of 8x USB ports with full 10Gb/s performance, SD & microSD 4.0 UHS-II Card Readers, 3x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) ports, 3x Audio ports, 2.5GbE, and a security slot.
- Powerful 98W Charging - The TS4’s power delivery is ideal for any Thunderbolt or USB-C (with data, video, and power support) host device, including larger screen laptops that require more power. A single cable will charge your laptop and connect 18 devices at the same time.
- Single 8K or Dual 6K 60Hz Displays - Windows users can connect a single monitor up to 8K resolution. macOS users can connect a single display up to 6K 60Hz. For anyone looking to add dual displays, Windows users can connect up to dual 4K 60Hz monitors. Users on M1 - M4 Pro, M Ultra and Max can connect up to dual 6K 60Hz display. Users with M1 - M3 (Non Pro) Macs are limited to a single display only due to host hardware limitations.
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet - The TS4’s 2.5GbE port is 2.5X faster than standard 1GbE, allowing users to connect to faster networks, routers, and NAS devices. This powerful Ethernet port is fully backwards compatible with 1GbE devices. 2.5GbE performance requires a Thunderbolt host connection and 2.5GbE compatible devices or above.
- Universally Compatible - The TS4 works with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C* computers, including Apple M1 - M4, M1 Pro - M4 Pro, M Max and M Ultra, Windows PCs, and Chrome OS devices. Also compatible with the USB-C iPhone 15 - 16 Pro, iPads and Windows tablets that feature Thunderbolt or USB-C. **USB-C port must support data, video, and power for functionality
Best for: Ruggedness
CalDigit’s /Tuff Dock is designed for users who work in harsh environments and require a robust Thunderbolt 3 card.
Features:
- Built for durability and reliability.
- Supports high-speed data transfer (up to 40Gbps).
- Compatible with multiple operating systems.
Pros:
- Highly durable design.
- Good data transfer capabilities.
- Excellent compatibility.
Cons:
- Heavier than most competitors.
- Might be overbuilt for casual use.
8. MSI Thunderbolt M2 PCIe Card
- Adapted server-grade PCB supports up to four PCIe 5.0/4.0 M.2 drives, with up to 512 Gbps bandwidth for smooth data transfers
- 1 x 6-pin PCIe Power connector and Two-phase power solution up to 14-watt output support the latest NVMe drives
- Large heatsink, top and bottom thermal pad, and active fan reduces M.2 SSD temperatures for unthrottled transfer speeds and enhanced reliability, extra fan cable support fan control from MB chassis fan header
- Support Raid functions across different platforms to create a bootable RAID array with up to four M.2 SSDs.
Best for: MSI Motherboards
An excellent choice for MSI motherboard owners, the MSI Thunderbolt M2 card integrates seamlessly with various MSI systems.
Features:
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2.
- Up to 40Gbps data transfer.
Pros:
- Easy installation with MSI boards.
- Good performance.
- Supports multiple daisy-chained devices.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with non-MSI systems.
- Slightly more expensive.
9. Razer Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card
- Compatible graphics cards: Any GPU with available drivers on the official NVIDIA or AMD websites can be used. For NVIDIA, this ranges from the top-end RTX 5090 all the way down to the GTX 450. The same applies to AMD graphics cards. (Do not recommend Graphics Cards with Intel)
- Compatible devices: Most Windows10/11/Linux -based laptop, desktop, or console (including the Lenovo Legion Go) with a Thunderbolt port and an Intel/AMD processor can be used (some console with USB4 may require a BIOS update to enable USB4 functionality), Compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4
- Transfer speed: The device uses the JHL6340 controller, delivering speeds around 22Gbps, compatible with both Win10 and Win11—offering better stability. Perfect for graphics work, video editing, AI art, and AAA gaming
- Flexible 4 power input options (choose one): CPU (4+4-pin), Molex, PD 3.0 (12V Max 60W), or DC5521 (12V Max 120W)
- Packing Includes: PCIE 3.0 x16 eGPU Dock withThunderbolt Port, High-quality Standard Thunderbolt 4 Cable (23.6 inch), a 24Pin Power Jumper Cable
Best for: Gamers
The Razer Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Card focuses on enhancing the gaming experience by providing fast connectivity for various peripherals.
Features:
- Supports high-resolution displays and VR.
- Dual Thunderbolt ports.
- Data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps.
Pros:
- Perfect for gamers.
- Excellent visual output.
- Fast transfer rates.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with non-Razer systems.
- Higher price point.
10. TerraMaster 2-Bay Thunderbolt 3 Card
- Portable design for professionals especially those with strict speed and safety requirements, including 4K video editing. Starting from March 26th, 2021, Mac with M1 security chip was fully supported.
- Two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, reading speeds up to 760MB/s (with SSHD in RAID 0). Compatible with 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD.
- Hardware RAID: RAID0, RAID1, JBOD, SINGLE; Support up to 40TB storage capacity (20TB x 2, in RAID 0); Daisy-chain up to 6 devices;
- Capitalising on the Thunderbolt 3 and DP interfaces, the TD2 Thunderbolt 3 supports multi-screen display with up to 3 screens.
- Power delivery provides up to 15W of power to recharge compatible laptops (Mac only, Windows not supported). Aluminum-alloy shell, 80mm fan ensures great heat dispersion.
Best for: NAS Systems
The TerraMaster 2-Bay Thunderbolt 3 card is tailored for network-attached storage (NAS) systems, focusing on data accessibility and sharing.
Features:
- Supports RAID 0/1.
- Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- Up to 40Gbps data transfer.
Pros:
- Excellent for NAS setups.
- Good versatility in configuration.
- High data accessibility.
Cons:
- Specific use, not for general connectivity.
- Price might be high for casual users.
This comprehensive guide covers some of the best Thunderbolt cards available on Amazon in 2025, giving you essential insights to help you find the perfect product for your needs.
Buying Guide for Thunderbolt Cards
Thunderbolt technology has revolutionized data transfer and connectivity. If you’re considering purchasing a Thunderbolt card, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Understanding Thunderbolt Technology
-
Versions: Thunderbolt has had several versions, including Thunderbolt 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each version increases data transfer speeds and capabilities.
- Thunderbolt 1: Up to 10 Gbps
- Thunderbolt 2: Up to 20 Gbps
- Thunderbolt 3: Up to 40 Gbps (USB-C compatible)
- Thunderbolt 4: Enhanced capabilities, backward compatible
-
Use Cases: Thunderbolt cards are ideal for high-speed data transfer, connecting multiple peripherals (monitors, external storage, docking stations), and supporting creative applications (video editing, gaming).
2. Key Features to Consider
a. Compatibility
- Motherboard: Ensure the Thunderbolt card is compatible with your motherboard. Check for Thunderbolt support, type of PCIe slot (e.g., PCIe x4), and whether any specific BIOS settings are needed.
- Operating System: Confirm compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
b. Data Transfer Speed
- Requirement: Choose a card supporting at least Thunderbolt 3 for optimal performance. Consider your uses; if you’re transferring large files regularly (e.g., 4K video), Thunderbolt 4 is ideal.
c. Port Configuration
- Number of Ports: Determine how many Thunderbolt and USB ports you need. More ports allow for connecting multiple devices without requiring separate hubs.
- Type of Ports: Thunderbolt 3 and later use USB-C connectors; make sure your peripherals are compatible or consider adapters.
d. Power Delivery (PD)
- Some Thunderbolt cards support power delivery, allowing you to charge devices through the Thunderbolt connection. If this is important for your setup, look for cards with PD capabilities.
e. Cooling Solutions
- High-speed data transfer can generate heat. Consider cards that feature active or passive cooling solutions to maintain optimal performance.
3. Performance Considerations
a. Latency
- For time-sensitive applications (like gaming or video conferencing), look for low-latency performance specifications.
b. Bandwidth Sharing
- Understand how bandwidth is shared among connected devices if you plan to plug multiple peripherals.
4. Budgeting
- Thunderbolt cards vary in price based on features and brand. Set a budget but also consider the long-term value based on your needs, especially if using for professional work.
5. Reputable Brands
- Some well-known brands include:
- Gemini: Known for reliability in connectivity solutions.
- ASUS/ASRock: Offers user-friendly and high-performance options.
- Sonnet: Specialized in high-performance Thunderbolt solutions.
6. User Reviews and Community Feedback
- Reading user reviews and feedback on forums like Reddit can provide insights into real-world performance, stability, and any issues faced after purchase.
7. Warranty and Support
- Look for cards with good warranties and customer support options. Since Thunderbolt technology can be complex, reliable support can be invaluable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Thunderbolt card involves balancing compatibility, performance, and budget. Assess your needs and consider the above factors to select a card that enhances your system’s capabilities.
