Laptops with Thunderbolt – When it comes to laptops, I’ve always been a bit of a stickler for performance. There’s nothing worse than trying to get some serious work done or enjoy a movie, only for your laptop to slow down or fail to keep up. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of having the right tech to make everything run smoothly, and Thunderbolt 3 has become one of those essential features for me. If you’re not familiar, Thunderbolt 3 is a game-changing connection standard that lets you transfer data at lightning-fast speeds, connect multiple monitors, or hook up an external GPU for gaming or creative work—all through a single port.
I remember when I first upgraded to a laptop with Thunderbolt 3. It was like going from dial-up internet to fiber optic speed. Suddenly, file transfers were practically instant, and I could run multiple external displays without breaking a sweat. If you’re looking to do anything resource-heavy—like video editing, gaming, or 3D modeling—a laptop with Thunderbolt 3 support is a total game-changer. So, I’ve rounded up a list of four of the best laptops with Thunderbolt 3 for 2024, based on performance, value for money, and overall user experience. Whether you’re a pro content creator, a gamer, or just need a machine that can do it all, these laptops have got you covered.

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ToggleBest Laptops with Thunderbolt 3 for 2024
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2024)
Okay, I know, I know… Apple products are a bit of a love-or-hate thing, but I have to admit, the new MacBook Pro 16-inch (2024) is hard to beat when it comes to Thunderbolt 3. For starters, it’s got not one, but two Thunderbolt 3 ports (or Thunderbolt 4, technically, but they’re backward compatible). For me, this is a huge plus because you’re not limited to just one port for your peripherals, which is a problem some other laptops struggle with.
Apple has gone all-in with their M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, which are fast, efficient, and make multitasking an absolute breeze. I’ve used this laptop for everything from video editing to running a bunch of applications at the same time, and it just never stutters. If you’re into creative work, the 16-inch Retina display with its bright, color-accurate screen is also an absolute dream.
And let’s not forget the battery life. With Thunderbolt 3, you can easily hook up an external monitor or storage device, and you’ll still get around 12-14 hours of battery life, depending on your workload. Honestly, it’s the kind of laptop that makes you feel like you’re using the future. Of course, the price tag is a bit on the high side, but if you need something that checks every box—power, Thunderbolt 3, and a beautiful screen—the MacBook Pro 16-inch is a top pick.
2. Dell XPS 15 (2024)
If you’re looking for something that balances performance, style, and price, the Dell XPS 15 (2024) is a strong contender. I had the chance to test out this laptop for a few weeks, and I was seriously impressed. The build quality is fantastic, with an ultra-thin bezel and a stunning 15.6-inch 4K OLED display that makes everything look vibrant and crisp. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or gaming, this screen is a joy to use.
The XPS 15 is equipped with Thunderbolt 3 ports (two, to be exact), which is perfect for high-speed data transfer and connecting to multiple external devices. I hooked up an external SSD and a second monitor, and the laptop handled everything without a hitch. The Intel Core i7 or i9 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card makes this laptop powerful enough for video editing, gaming, and other graphics-intensive tasks.
What I love about the XPS 15 is its portability. It’s not too heavy, and the slim design makes it easy to take on the go, whether I’m hopping on a flight or carrying it around campus (pre-pandemic, of course). The battery life is also solid for a laptop with this much power, lasting around 8-10 hours with moderate use, which is pretty impressive for its class.
3. Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2024)
For gamers and power users, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced is one of the best laptops out there that combines Thunderbolt 3 with incredible gaming performance. I’ve been using the Razer Blade 15 for a while now, and let me tell you—it’s a beast. Whether I’m gaming or running resource-heavy programs like 3D rendering software, the laptop never seems to break a sweat.
The Razer Blade 15 comes with Thunderbolt 3 (two ports), which is ideal for connecting an external GPU to take your gaming performance to the next level. The 15.6-inch display comes with options for Full HD (360Hz) or 4K OLED (a real treat for media consumption), and the color accuracy is spot on. I’ve noticed that when I’m gaming, everything runs smoothly at high settings, with very little lag or frame drop.
Inside, you’ll find an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, along with an NVIDIA RTX 3070 or 3080 GPU, which gives this laptop all the muscle it needs to handle AAA games or any intensive graphics work. As for battery life, don’t expect marathon sessions away from the plug—gaming laptops usually struggle in this department—but you can get about 5-6 hours with general use.
If you’re someone who wants to game on the go without sacrificing performance, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced is worth every penny.
4. HP Spectre x360 14 (2024)
If you’re in the market for a more convertible laptop that still packs a punch, the HP Spectre x360 14 is one of the best options for 2024. While it’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro or the Razer Blade, this 2-in-1 laptop comes with Thunderbolt 3 support and has all the versatility you could ask for. I’ve always been a fan of convertible laptops, and the Spectre x360 checks all the right boxes—plus, it’s a lot more affordable compared to some of the higher-end models.
The 13.5-inch OLED touchscreen is sharp and vibrant, and the build quality is top-notch. The laptop comes with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, and while it’s not going to handle heavy gaming like the Razer Blade, it’s more than capable for productivity tasks, media editing, and even light gaming. The Thunderbolt 3 port makes it easy to connect to external monitors or devices, and with the 360-degree hinge, you can use it as a traditional laptop, a tablet, or anything in between.
Battery life on the Spectre x360 is impressive, with up to 10-12 hours depending on usage, which is great for those long workdays or flights. The lightweight design and portability make it perfect for anyone who needs a reliable laptop that can double as a tablet when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right laptop with Thunderbolt 3 really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a creative professional, the MacBook Pro 16-inch might be the dream machine for you. For a solid all-around laptop that’s sleek and powerful, the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent choice. If gaming or high-performance tasks are a priority, the Razer Blade 15 won’t let you down. And for a more budget-friendly yet versatile option, the HP Spectre x360 14 should definitely be on your radar.
No matter which one you pick, Thunderbolt 3 is a must-have feature in 2024, and all of these laptops have it covered—delivering fast data transfer speeds, easy peripheral connections, and the future-proofing you need for years to come.