BestUSB-C Adapters for MacBook ProiMore2020

Our Top 10 Best Hdmi Over Cat5 Extenders List will show you the most affordable, rated and good reviewed extenders. It is very important to choose right. When it comes time to purchase an external monitor for your MacBook Air, there are several things to keep in mind, including display performance, size, and price. Each year at iMore, we look at the newest monitors and put them through the paces. Based on this, we consider the LG 27UK850-W the best.

If you've invested in a new MacBook Pro and you've concluded that, although USB-C is fantastic, having a laptop with nothing but USB-C isn't particularly convenient, you're probably looking for some port options. For example, if you just want to connect a USB-A device like your iPhone or iPad, you're probably in the market for a USB-C adapter.

For USB-A: Apple's USB-C to USB Adapter

Staff favorite

Nothing is simpler and more necessary than a single-use USB-A to USB-C adapter, and nothing is more reliable than having one directly from Apple. With this 'dongle,' you won't ever have to worry about whether it'll be supported with future updates. It does support syncing and charging, so you're covered for all of your basic iPhone to MacBook Pro needs.

$19 at Apple

Best budget adapter: AmazonBasics USB-C to USB 3.1 adapter

For a no-frills connection, you aren't going to get any cheaper than this. Amazon's simple connector charges your USB-A device and supports 5Gbps data transfer. It's similar to Apple's adapter but costs just one-third the price.

$9 at Amazon

For HDMI: Kalyuan USB-C-to-HDMI adapter

If you're planning on connecting your MacBook Pro to a TV set or external display, you're going to need a video adapter like an HDMI cable. This lets you connect your MacBook Pro to a display and stream everything that's on your screen. The braided nylon cable makes this adapter extra rugged.

$16 at Amazon

For SD cards: Apple USB-C-to-SD Card reader

When it comes to transferring your precious memories, you don't want to use something low-quality. That's why I recommend using Apple's SD card reader even though it's a bit more expensive than the competition. It transfers high-resolution photos at UHS-II speeds for ultra-fast transferring. You won't have to worry about it failing with future macOS updates either.

$39 at Apple

For monitors: Apple USB-C Digital VGA adapter

This three-port adapter lets you connect to VGA, USB-C, and USB-A. It supports Thunderbolt 3 super high-speed data transfer and supports audio and video passthrough. You can mirror to your VGA enabled TV or display what's on your Mac in 1080p. It's perfect for people that want to play movies from an external drive through their Mac and display it on a big-screen TV. Mac webcam software.

$69 at Apple

For headphones: Kimwood USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter

You don't really need a USB-C headphone adapter for any MacBook (at least not yet). But if you stumbled across this page looking for something for your iPad Pro or Nintendo Switch, or if you want to plug in two pair of headphones into your MacBook Pro, this is the adapter you'll want. It has a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) chip, which is what's happening when you plug a pair of 3.5mm headphones into a device with a USB-C port.

$13 at Amazon

MagSafe copycat: Dreamvasion magnetic charger adapter

If you long for the old days, when your MacBook Pro charging cable was a MagSafe connector, you can relive those times again with Dreamvasion's fast-charging cable adapter. It doesn't support data transfer or video streaming, but it does fast charge with 4.3A speed. If you've ever accidentally dragged your MacBook Pro off the table because your foot hooked to the USB-C cable while it was charging, you'll thank me for introducing you to this MagSafe copycat.

$16 at Amazon

Tiny port changer: nonda USB-C adapter

The company calls it the 'world's smallest USB-C to USB-A adapter.' I haven't measured every single one of them, but I can say that this adapter is tiny. Instead of a cable, like most adapters, this is a direct port-to-port adapter. It's so small you can leave it in, and it won't get in the way. It charges your devices and supports data transfer up to 5 Gbps. It also comes in gold, silver, and space gray.

From $8 at Amazon

Hardwired internet: Belkin USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter

Gamers, presenters, and people on conference calls know how important it is to have a hardwired internet connection, but unfortunately, the MacBook Pro doesn't have an Ethernet port. Belkin's adapter provides Gigabit Ethernet connection speeds so you can play online games, video chat with your entire company, or download that document your boss wanted you to read without worrying about throttling your Wi-Fi connection.

$22 at Amazon

Extra length: Nomad USB-C Universal cable

This universal cable is made of kevlar and has three connector options; USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB. It also supports USB-C PD (power delivery) at up to 100 watts. It's my favorite adapter cable, and I take it with me on all my trips. It's 1.5 meters long and made out of kevlar, so you could throw it off the side of a cliff, and it'll still work like new to connect your devices to your MacBook Pro.

$35 at Nomad

For awkward places: Ruaeoda Right Angle USB-C adapter

It's USB-C-to-USB-C, but it's got a totally different angle. If your MacBook Pro sits close to a wall, you're probably constantly irritated when plugging in or unplugging a USB-C cable. Well, with this 90-degree angle adapter, you can plug in sideways or from the top (this comes in a two-pack with one of each angle).

$9 at Amazon

Interchangeable Flash drive: Oscoo 2-in-1 USB-C USB-A Flash Drive

OK, so this isn't an adapter at all, but I love it, so I want to tell you about it. It's not a USB-C flash drive, and it's not a USB-A flash drive — It's both! It has a USB-C adapter on one side and a USB-A adapter on the other. Slide the switch one direction or the other to change your options. I use mine all the time to transfer stuff from my MacBook Pro to a computer that only has USB-A ports. It's not even expensive, even though it has more options.

$14 at Amazon

Adapter, hub, or docking station: Which one is right for you?

Adapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. They are almost always a single-port changeover, like USB-C-to-USB-A or USB-to-Lightning, though sometimes they may have one or two additional ports, like HDMI. They're the least expensive but usually only do one thing. My personal recommendation is to always have a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter like the one Apple sells on hand because that's the most commonly used cable for connecting peripherals to your computer.

Hubs are designed to make your MacBook Pro more versatile, providing several different ports. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't usually need their own wall plug). If the adapters listed here aren't going to give you enough options, you may need a hub instead. Check out our list of the best USB-C hubs for MacBook Pro.

Docking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. If you're looking for the ultimate tool for your high-speed data transfer, multi-display 4K or 5K connection, and built-in charging, check out our list of best docking stations for MacBook Pro.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Enhance your security cameras

Take your Arlo Cameras to new heights with the best accessories around

If you’re looking to get more out of your Arlo security cameras, the right accessories can go a long way. Here are our favorite Arlo accessories that you can buy today.

BestUSB-C Adapters for MacBook ProiMore2020

If you've invested in a new MacBook Pro and you've concluded that, although USB-C is fantastic, having a laptop with nothing but USB-C isn't particularly convenient, you're probably looking for some port options. For example, if you just want to connect a USB-A device like your iPhone or iPad, you're probably in the market for a USB-C adapter.

For USB-A: Apple's USB-C to USB Adapter

Staff favorite

Nothing is simpler and more necessary than a single-use USB-A to USB-C adapter, and nothing is more reliable than having one directly from Apple. With this 'dongle,' you won't ever have to worry about whether it'll be supported with future updates. It does support syncing and charging, so you're covered for all of your basic iPhone to MacBook Pro needs.

$19 at Apple

Best budget adapter: AmazonBasics USB-C to USB 3.1 adapter

For a no-frills connection, you aren't going to get any cheaper than this. Amazon's simple connector charges your USB-A device and supports 5Gbps data transfer. It's similar to Apple's adapter but costs just one-third the price.

$9 at Amazon

For HDMI: Kalyuan USB-C-to-HDMI adapter

If you're planning on connecting your MacBook Pro to a TV set or external display, you're going to need a video adapter like an HDMI cable. This lets you connect your MacBook Pro to a display and stream everything that's on your screen. The braided nylon cable makes this adapter extra rugged.

$16 at Amazon

For SD cards: Apple USB-C-to-SD Card reader

When it comes to transferring your precious memories, you don't want to use something low-quality. That's why I recommend using Apple's SD card reader even though it's a bit more expensive than the competition. It transfers high-resolution photos at UHS-II speeds for ultra-fast transferring. You won't have to worry about it failing with future macOS updates either.

$39 at Apple

For monitors: Apple USB-C Digital VGA adapter

This three-port adapter lets you connect to VGA, USB-C, and USB-A. It supports Thunderbolt 3 super high-speed data transfer and supports audio and video passthrough. You can mirror to your VGA enabled TV or display what's on your Mac in 1080p. It's perfect for people that want to play movies from an external drive through their Mac and display it on a big-screen TV.

$69 at Apple

For headphones: Kimwood USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter

You don't really need a USB-C headphone adapter for any MacBook (at least not yet). But if you stumbled across this page looking for something for your iPad Pro or Nintendo Switch, or if you want to plug in two pair of headphones into your MacBook Pro, this is the adapter you'll want. It has a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) chip, which is what's happening when you plug a pair of 3.5mm headphones into a device with a USB-C port.

$13 at Amazon

MagSafe copycat: Dreamvasion magnetic charger adapter

If you long for the old days, when your MacBook Pro charging cable was a MagSafe connector, you can relive those times again with Dreamvasion's fast-charging cable adapter. It doesn't support data transfer or video streaming, but it does fast charge with 4.3A speed. If you've ever accidentally dragged your MacBook Pro off the table because your foot hooked to the USB-C cable while it was charging, you'll thank me for introducing you to this MagSafe copycat.

$16 at Amazon

Tiny port changer: nonda USB-C adapter

The company calls it the 'world's smallest USB-C to USB-A adapter.' I haven't measured every single one of them, but I can say that this adapter is tiny. Instead of a cable, like most adapters, this is a direct port-to-port adapter. It's so small you can leave it in, and it won't get in the way. It charges your devices and supports data transfer up to 5 Gbps. It also comes in gold, silver, and space gray.

From $8 at Amazon

Hardwired internet: Belkin USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter

Gamers, presenters, and people on conference calls know how important it is to have a hardwired internet connection, but unfortunately, the MacBook Pro doesn't have an Ethernet port. Belkin's adapter provides Gigabit Ethernet connection speeds so you can play online games, video chat with your entire company, or download that document your boss wanted you to read without worrying about throttling your Wi-Fi connection.

$22 at Amazon

Extra length: Nomad USB-C Universal cable

This universal cable is made of kevlar and has three connector options; USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB. It also supports USB-C PD (power delivery) at up to 100 watts. It's my favorite adapter cable, and I take it with me on all my trips. It's 1.5 meters long and made out of kevlar, so you could throw it off the side of a cliff, and it'll still work like new to connect your devices to your MacBook Pro.

$35 at Nomad

For awkward places: Ruaeoda Right Angle USB-C adapter

It's USB-C-to-USB-C, but it's got a totally different angle. If your MacBook Pro sits close to a wall, you're probably constantly irritated when plugging in or unplugging a USB-C cable. Well, with this 90-degree angle adapter, you can plug in sideways or from the top (this comes in a two-pack with one of each angle).

$9 at Amazon

Interchangeable Flash drive: Oscoo 2-in-1 USB-C USB-A Flash Drive

OK, so this isn't an adapter at all, but I love it, so I want to tell you about it. It's not a USB-C flash drive, and it's not a USB-A flash drive — It's both! It has a USB-C adapter on one side and a USB-A adapter on the other. Slide the switch one direction or the other to change your options. I use mine all the time to transfer stuff from my MacBook Pro to a computer that only has USB-A ports. It's not even expensive, even though it has more options.

$14 at Amazon

Adapter, hub, or docking station: Which one is right for you?

Adapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. They are almost always a single-port changeover, like USB-C-to-USB-A or USB-to-Lightning, though sometimes they may have one or two additional ports, like HDMI. They're the least expensive but usually only do one thing. My personal recommendation is to always have a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter like the one Apple sells on hand because that's the most commonly used cable for connecting peripherals to your computer.

Hubs are designed to make your MacBook Pro more versatile, providing several different ports. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't usually need their own wall plug). If the adapters listed here aren't going to give you enough options, you may need a hub instead. Check out our list of the best USB-C hubs for MacBook Pro.

Docking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. If you're looking for the ultimate tool for your high-speed data transfer, multi-display 4K or 5K connection, and built-in charging, check out our list of best docking stations for MacBook Pro.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Enhance your security cameras

Take your Arlo Cameras to new heights with the best accessories around

If you’re looking to get more out of your Arlo security cameras, the right accessories can go a long way. Here are our favorite Arlo accessories that you can buy today.