Both are certified active Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cables with nearly identical reach, up to 40Gbps data transfer, and up to 100W USB-C Power Delivery. Either is intended for connecting a laptop to a dock, monitor, or fast storage across a wider desk.
The deciding difference is listing specificity: Cable Matters explicitly states compatibility with Thunderbolt 4, USB4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices, while OWC explicitly lists support for one 8K or two 4K displays. Neither supplied listing details jacket construction, box contents beyond the cable, or a power split among connected devices.
Cable Matters Intel-Certified 40Gbps Active Thunderbolt 4 Cable, 6.6 ft
Best for Best for high-bandwidth setups
A long, certified active Thunderbolt 4 cable for connecting laptops to docks, displays, and fast storage without forcing the desk into a cramped layout.
- + 6.6-foot length suits desks where docks or monitors sit farther away
- + Intel-certified active Thunderbolt 4 design
- + Listing specifies up to 40Gbps data and 100W Power Delivery
- − More cable to route and carry than a short passive lead
- − 100W charging may not maximize charging speed on higher-power laptops
Full reviewOWC Thunderbolt 4 Active USB-C Cable, 2 Meter
Best for Best for high-bandwidth setups
A long active Thunderbolt 4 cable for docks, fast storage, displays, and laptop charging. Its broad feature support makes it more useful than a basic USB-C cable.
- + Certified Thunderbolt 4 support with a listed ceiling of 40 Gb/s
- + Two-meter length works well for wider desk layouts
- + Supports up to 100 W USB-C Power Delivery
- − More cable than necessary for a dock placed beside a laptop
- − Real data and display performance depends on every connected device
Full review