What’s the Best File Transfer Cable Solution? Let’s Compare
Product Owners | December 19, 2025
Migrating to a new PC doesn’t have to mean slow cloud syncs, awkward network shares, or shuttling a thumb drive back and forth. Plugable provides multiple cable-based options designed to make file transfers fast, secure, and user-friendly.
Plugable USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt Transfer Cables
Best for: General file migration and two-way folder sync on a budget
Speed: High-speed USB 3.0 or USB-C
Software Required: Bravura Easy Computer Sync (license included with Plugable transfer cables)
Plugable's USB Transfer Cables offer an effective, budget-friendly method for file migration. They’re powered by USB 3.0, USB-C, or even Thunderbolt, depending on your ports. And like the TBT-TRAN, they include Bravura's Easy Computer Sync software. Simple split-screen UI, one-click PC migration, and two-way sync for people who keep files on multiple systems. Works offline via direct cable for speed and security
Important: Easy Computer Sync and Plugable transfer cables are Windows-to-Windows only. No macOS compatibility.
Buy the Thunderbolt™ 3 / 4 and USB4 Easy Transfer Cable
List Price: $44.95
Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping on Orders Over $35!
Buy the Plugable USB Data Transfer Cable with USB-C Adapters, 6.6ft
List Price: $44.95
Intel Thunderbolt Share (TBT-Share)
Best for: Premium dual-PC Thunderbolt setups, streamers, content creators, and users who work between two Windows PCs every day
Speed: Ultra-fast Thunderbolt 4/5 with near-zero latency for screen sharing, file transfers, and control of two computers with one keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Software Required: Intel Thunderbolt Share (Requires licensed Plugable Thunderbolt docks such as the TBT-UDT3)
Thunderbolt Share is a high-end alternative that allows zero-lag screen sharing, drag-and-drop transfers, and KVM functionality. Both PCs connect through the dock to establish a connection through Thunderbolt Share. Only works with licensed Thunderbolt hardware, not just any Thunderbolt cable. For IT teams with Thunderbolt-equipped environments, it’s a premium option.
Buy the Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 3x Thunderbolt 5 Ports, 140W Laptop Charging
List Price: $299.95
Emerging Option: Microsoft’s PC-to-PC Tool for Windows 11
Best for: Simple file transfers, including documents, photos, and videos. This also transfers over wallpapers, themes, and other personalized settings.
Limitation: Requires a Wi-Fi network connection. Requires setting up a Microsoft account. Does not support older versions of Windows. Transferring to a new PC only supports Windows 11.
Microsoft has a new file transfer tool featured in the ‘Windows Backup’ application that allows Windows PCs to transfer data over shared wireless networks. Microsoft requires that the new PC must be on Windows 11, while the previous PC can run Windows 10. The file transfer process has a graphical user interface that allows you to select which files and folders to send from your old PC to your new PC. File transferring over Wi-Fi can be slower, especially for larger file sizes, and could potentially pose a security risk.
Old-School Methods: Plugable USBC-NVME Enclosure
Best for: On the spot transfers, ideal for one way file transfers
Pros: No software or setup required
Cons: Manual, less secure, higher risk of data loss or theft
This is the "manual" method of copying files to an external drive and physically moving it to the new computer. However, using a modern NVMe enclosure is vastly superior to using cheap USB thumb drives. Generic thumb drives often throttle down to 20-30 MB/s when moving large files and are suited for small file transfers. An NVMe enclosure utilizes USB 3.1 Gen 2 to achieve speeds of ~1,000 MB/s—roughly 10x to 20x . faster
Buy the Plugable USB 3.1 Gen 2 Tool-free NVMe Enclosure
List Price: $22.95
Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping on Orders Over $35!
Which File Transfer Solution Is Best?
| Solution | Best Use Case | Speed | Software Required | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt Share | Premium ecosystem setups | Ultra-fast | Thunderbolt Share | Screen sharing, KVM, drag & drop |
| TBT-TRAN | High-speed, secure PC-to-PC transfers | Ultra-fast | Easy Computer Sync | Remote desktop and file migration and folder syncing |
| USB 3.0 / USB-C Cable | General-purpose users | Fast | Easy Computer Sync | Split-screen UI, folder sync |
| External Drive (Plugable USBC-NVME) | One-off large transfers | Variable | None | Portable |
| Microsoft PC-to-PC (Upcoming) | Windows 11 native users | Moderate | Built-in (coming soon) | Simplified local backup |
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