The Best USB Type C Adapters

USB Type C is quickly becoming the new standard for charging and connectivity, and for a good reason; it boasts powerful charging capabilities and faster data transfer speeds, and it’s easier to plug in than legacy USB connections. Because of their powerful, fast, and slim ports, more and more devices are allowing connectivity for Type C. If you have a USB-C device and are looking for a way to connect other ports to it, a Type C adapter is a solution. Here are some we recommend.

Buying Guide for USB Type C Adapters

Why buy a USB Type C adapter?

Most of us have a wide variety of non-USB Type C devices lying around that require a USB-A or Micro USB connection to charge or transfer data between devices. However, most modern tech (such as the latest laptops and smartphones) sport USB Type C ports. A USB Type C adapter can be used to connect USB Type C devices to older devices that use an older USB standard. This means you can effortlessly charge and transfer data between your devices without wasting money on an expensive upgrade.

What should you look for in a USB Type C adapter?

• Compatibility: USB Type C adapters are designed to connect USB-C devices to specific ports. There’s a world of difference between USB-A, HDMI, and Micro USB, so understanding what type of port you’re looking to connect your Type C device to is imperative.
• Durability: Plugging and unplugging your USB cable into an adapter will gradually cause wear and tear over time. For this reason, picking a durable USB Type C adapter with a solid build quality is extremely important. Most adapters are rated for a certain number of uses, but you can check reviews as well to ensure you select a product that’s built to last.
• Design: USB Type C adapters can come in different shapes and sizes, so finding an adapter that works for your application is important. Some adapters are designed with plug-and-play simplicity in mind, while others offer a portable design that can be taken anywhere.

How does a USB Type C adapter affect data transfer speed?

When using a USB Type C adapter, data transfer speed is determined by the slower side of the connection. Thus, connecting a Micro USB device to a MacBook Pro’s USB Type C port using an adapter will not grant your Micro USB device USB Type C transfer speeds. That being said, if your device uses a USB-A connection, it’s wise to find an adapter that sports the fastest connection that the device can handle (such as choosing a USB 3.1 adapter versus a USB 2.0 adapter).

Our Picks for the Best USB Type C Adapters

Pros: Featuring a wide range of connectivity options, the Falwedi 10-in-1 USB-C Hub is a versatile option that is perfect for USB Type C devices that won’t connect to other USB devices without an adapter. This USB-C hub sports three USB 3.0 ports for data transmission and a USB Type C passthrough port that serves as a reliable charging option. Despite this product’s affordable price, it also impresses in terms of its solid build quality, making it an excellent product that will exceed the needs of most.

Cons: Many reviewers have noted having issues with this product’s 3.5mm audio port, so if this is a primary need for you, exploring other USB Type C hubs would be wise. However, with the wealth of quality ports this hub provides, most people will probably not be too affected by this minor setback.

Bottom Line: This versatile USB Type C hub punches well above its weight in terms of performance and build quality, especially considering its affordable price tag. However, it’s not universally compatible with all USB Type C devices, so be sure to check the list of incompatible device models in order to ensure it is a perfect choice for your application.

 

Pros: If you recently purchased a new laptop, chances are you need a great USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect it with your old accessories. The Syntech USB-C to USB Adapter is definitely up to the task, thanks to its reliable USB 3.0 transfer speed and surprisingly durable build quality. Most importantly, both ends of this adapter afford a snug and secure connection that won’t harm your devices.

Cons: One (minor) qualm that some people have with this two-pack is that the adapters are slightly too large to be used side by side with each other on many devices. Unfortunately, this is fairly common with these types of adapters, given how much larger USB-A plugs are compared to USB-C plugs. That being the case, if you have a new MacBook Pro, you will likely only be able to use one adapter at a time.

Bottom Line: This USB Type C adapter will be incredibly handy for most people, given the prevalence of USB Type C ports in modern laptops. Unlike similar products, however, it offers a nice selection of color options and a rugged design that seems more than capable of taking plenty of use and abuse.

 

Pros: Anker has quickly become a trusted brand for tech supplies spanning USB-C cables to noise cancelling headphones, and their USB-C to Micro USB Adapter definitely lives up to the hype. This affordable two-pack of adapters sports the quality construction of a much pricier product, so you won’t have to deal with the poor performance of a stamped and folded USB-C plug. If outstanding durability is worth a few extra dollars to you, this set of adapters is a stellar choice.

Cons: These USB-C to Micro USB adapters are incredibly small, even compared to similar products. The small form factor is pretty understandable given the size of the ports they’re designed for, but this makes the adapters themselves fairly easy to misplace. The lack of eye-catching color options somewhat exacerbates this issue.

Bottom Line: While these aren’t the most budget-friendly USB-C to Micro USB adapters on the market, they just might be the most well-made and dependable. Given that choosing somewhat shoddy adapters will only save you a couple of bucks, we’d say these adapters from Anker are well worth the investment for those who need a reliable Micro USB connection.

 

Pros: Featuring corrosion-resistant gold plated connectors and a flexible cord, the QGeeM USB C to HDMI Adapter is an excellent choice for those seeking to connect an additional display to their USB Type C laptop. It’s also a solid option for ultra-high-definition displays since it can serve a 4K quality image at 30FPS (frames per second) if used with the right HDMI cable. This product also stands out for its plug-and-play simplicity and durable build quality, making it a versatile option that’s ready to tackle a wide range of applications.

Cons: There are other USB Type C adapters on the market that support 4K video at 60FPS, so if you have a very high-end display or 4K television that you need an adapter for, this one might not be your first choice. That being said, its resolution and frame rate offerings should suffice for the vast majority of users.

Bottom Line: USB Type C to HDMI adapters are not exactly known for durability, but this model really impresses, thanks to a smart, durable design and quality performance. If you need to add an additional display to your workstation via a USB Type C connection, this product will give you reliable results for an affordable price.

 

Pros: Featuring a minimalist design that does nothing to diminish the sleek aesthetics of your MacBook Pro, the Purgo USB-C Hub is the best choice for MacBook owners who want to add extra functionality to their laptops. This USB-C hub sports seven ports, including HDMI, Thunderbolt 3, and two USB 3.1 ports for data syncing. This adapter supports 100W PD charging and 4K display resolution, so it’s a superb value for its price.

Cons: Many reviews note that this hub is not compatible with a wide variety of MacBook Pro cases. So, if you protect your MacBook Pro with a case, you might want to do some additional research in order to determine if this device will work for your application.

Bottom Line: Many people out there are still adjusting to new USB-C laptops, so having a trusty USB-C hub like this one on hand will be a dream come true for many. Whether you are looking for memory expansion, to add a display, or to use USB-A accessories, this USB-C hub has you covered.

Final Thoughts

Even if many modern devices have moved on to the newest USB standard, it’s not time to abandon all of your old tech accessories quite yet. By investing in the right USB Type C adapter, you can save some money while gaining the ability to continue using your favorite devices.