We all love our new laptops, but why do manufacturers insist on taking away our beloved USB-A and SD card ports? Well, here’s the workaround: USB adapters! There’s a good chance that you still have a lot of tech that’s not USB-C. A handy USB adapter can link your new computer with your USB-A hard drives and other tech so you don’t need to upgrade your entire technological life just because you got a new computer.
There are a few different varieties of USB adapters:
- Single port adapters
- Docks
- Cables
If you are looking to turn one or two of those USB-C cables into several USB-A, HDMI and other ports, you’ll definitely want to spend a bit more money and go with a dock. But if you just need a single USB-C to USB-A port conversion, you can save a bunch of money and go with a single adapter or cable. Regardless, we’ve got you covered.
Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best USB adapters available.
1. Anker USB-C to USB-A Adapter
AMAZON CHOICE
Instead of carrying around a whole USB-C dock to convert your ports into USB-A, these handy little Anker USB-C adapters are small enough to fit into the little front pocket in your jeans, but can transform the utility of your MacBook or Dell XPS. These convert those USB-C ports into USB-A so you can plug in other devices such as external hard drives or a wireless mouse. These USB adapters come in a two-pack for extra utility. There’s good reason why these adapters have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.
2. SanDisk 64GB Ultra Dual Drive USB-C to USB-3.1
ADAPTING THUMB DRIVE
Not a USB adapter in the classic sense — instead this SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive ups the ante by allowing you to store data on the drive, but can switch from a USB-C to a USB-A port by moving the slider from one side to the other. This is incredibly handy when you want to transfer something from your work computer over to your personal computer quickly and efficiently. This is definitely a must-have in your laptop bag for those looking for a USB adapter.
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3. Kingston Nucleum USB-C Hub
7-1 HUB
This USB adapter is affordable and incredibly convenient turning one USB-C port into several useful ports giving you the connectivity you want (and need, honestly). The hub features two USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI port, an SD port, a MicroSD port, and a USB-C for charging and one for connectivity. It is also slim and can conveniently fit into your laptop bag. If you want to get the most bang for your buck from a single USB-C port on your laptop, this is a smart way to go about it.
4. Anker USB-C Hub PowerExpand 8-1 USB-C Adapter
FAST CHARGING
If you are willing to fork out a little more cash than what it costs to go with the Kinston Nucleum, this Anker hub provides 8-1 connectivity featuring everything Kingston offers plus an Ethernet cable port. But let’s not forget the 100W power delivery for fast charging devices plugged into the hub. See, that extra money goes a long way.
5. Nonda USB-C USB Adapter
BEST BUDGET
Like those little Anker adapters, the Nonda USB-C to USB-A adapters are essentially the same concept — a tiny two-pack that turns your USB-C ports into handy USB-A ports. But these are about $6 dollars cheaper and the space gray matches nicely with your MacBook Pro (if you’re that into aesthetics).
6. Anker USB-C Hub for MacBook
BEST DOCK
If you can spare one side of your MacBook Pro, this Anker USB adapter can turn two of those USB-C ports into seven different ports including a display port, a 4K HDMI port, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and SD and MicroSD card readers. It’s even space gray to match your MacBook. You don’t lose charging or transfer speeds either. This is a great way to finally get the connectivity you’ve wanted from your MacBook.
7. Satechi USB-C 3-in-1 Combo Hub Adapter
USB-A AND CARD READERS
When you would like a few more USB 3.0 ports, but don’t need to go overboard with several different ports, you can go with the Satechi 3-1 Combo Hub Adapter. It provides three USB 3.0 ports as well as a Micro and SD card reader. Plus it’s space gray to match your MacBook. The best part is it only takes up one USB-C, leaving the other available if you need it.
8. Kevlar Lightning Cable USB-C
DURABLE CABLE
Sometimes all you need is a reliable USB-C-to-lightning cable to charge your iPhone from your computer. Is that so much to ask? This double-braided reinforced Kevlar cable will not only reliably charge your iPhone, but it will also withstand the test of time and not fall apart like those dinky cables Apple provides out of the box. And it charges your phone quickly going from zero to 50% charge in about 30 minutes. It’s a little on the pricey side, but it might be the last USB-C to lighting cable you’ll ever buy.
9. Apple USB-C to USB Adapter
MADE BY APPLE
If you don’t need anything too fancy, and you want something that you absolutely know is compatible with your MacBook, you can’t go wrong with this Apple USB adapter. There’s nothing flashy here — a single USB-C to USB 3.1 port, but if you’re all team Apple, this might be the way to go for you.