Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports). Thunderbolt 3 hub,Ansbell Aluminum USB Type-C Hub Multiport Adapter for MacBook Pro 2016/2017 Thunderbolt 3 Port 5K@60Hz, 4K HDMI,Pass-Through.
The new MacBook Pro comes with two or four external ports, depending on the model you pick. But those ports are only of one type: Thunderbolt 3, which is compatible with USB-C.
But you probably have devices that use USB-A, Thunderbolt 1, Thunderbolt 2, DisplayPort, HDMI, or something else. How do you connect these devices? With an adapter.
If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook Pro, make sure you set aside a considerable amount of cash for the adapters you need. Apple doesn’t include any in the box, except for a power adapter.
Your best bet is to get a combination dock, like the Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter ($60 on Amazon). It connects to the MacBook Pro via USB-C, and includes a USB-C pass-through port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port with 4K (30Hz) support. With this, you don’t have to carry around multiple adapters.
If you don’t want a dock, or you can’t find a dock with the mix of connections you need, Apple or another company probably has an adapter for you. We’ve come up with this guide to help you sort out what you need, and we link to the appropriate adapter in the online Apple Store or on Amazon. You can also use the quick link list below to jump to the info you need.
How to connect:
Be sure to check the return policies; sometimes adapters from third-parties don’t work. Read user reviews whenever possible, and read the specifications to make sure the adapter can do what you need it to do.
If there’s a connection we missed, or you have advice on what adapters to buy, let us know in the comments.
How to connect USB-C devices
The Thunderbolt 3 ports in the MacBook Pro work with USB-C devices, which have the same connector shape. So if you want to use a USB-C device, you can just plug it into one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports. No adapter necessary. Whew.
How to connect USB-A devices
USB-A is the USB connector with which you’re probably most familiar. It’s the USB connector that was on the previous MacBooks, and it’s the connector that comes on your iOS device’s sync cable in the box. (Terms like USB 3 and USB 2 refer to the speed at which data travels through the connector.)
This problem first came up when Apple released the 12-inch MacBook, which has a single USB-C port. You can get a dock, like the before-mentioned Satechi. Or you can get Apple’s $19 USB-C to USB Adapter.
How to connect micro USB devices
Devices like iPhone battery cases and some external hard drives use micro USB ports. To connect to the MacBook Pro, you can use an adapter like the Aukey USB C to Micro USB Adapter, which is available as a two-pack for $8 on Amazon.
How to connect micro B SuperSpeed USB devices
This connector is often used with external storage devices. You’ll need a new cable, like the Belkin USB-C to Micro-B Cable (USB 3.1), which is $30 in the Apple Store.
The name of the Belkin cable is confusing, because it could be mistaken for micro USB (see section just above). But if you check the product page on Belkin’s website, you can see a clear shot of the micro B SuperSpeed connector on the cable, which is quite different from micro USB. Also, Belkin sells the cable in black, while the Apple Store version is white.
How to connect an iPhone or iPad
If you are still using the USB-A to Lightning (or 30-pin, if you’re using an older iOS device) cable that came with your device, you can get the USB-C to USB Adapter mentioned above in the USB-A section.
Don’t want an adapter? Buy a $25 (1 meter) USB-C to Lightning Cable. A 2-meter version of the cable is available for $35.
![2017 macbook pro usb c adapter 2017 macbook pro usb c adapter](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125692271/548431257.jpg)
How to connect the Lightning EarPods
As of this writing, it can’t be done. Apple has a Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter for connecting headphones with a 3.5mm audio plug to the iPhone 7. But what’s need here is a female Lightning to 3.5mm audio plug or USB-C adapter. Right now, it doesn’t exist. (Which brings up the whole issue of connectivity compatibility in Apple’s ecosystem.) While you wait for someone to make one, you’ll have to use another pair of headphones.
How to connect headphones with a 3.5mm headphone plug
You’re in luck. The MacBook Pro comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. That was easy.
How to connect Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 devices
Older versions of Thunderbolt have a different connector than Thunderbolt 3. There aren’t any docks that have an old Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt 3 connection, so you need to buy a separate adapter.
The adapter you need is Apple’s $49 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.
At least this pricey adapter is bi-directional. That means you can use it to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 port on an older Mac.
How to connect an external display
This one can eat up a chunk of your budget, because there are so many different types of display connectors. Be prepared to buy several adapters.
DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort
To connect to a DisplayPort display, you need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or adapter. Amazon sells the Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter cable for $20, and it supports 4K video at 30Hz.
To connect a display with mini DisplayPort, you need an adapter like the Allsmartlife USB C Type to Mini DisplayPort/Mini DP Adapter Cable ($17 on Amazon).
HDMI
Apple offers the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, a $69 device that also provides a USB-A port and a USB-C port that’s for charging only.
If you don’t want to spend that much, you can get an adapter that’s just USB-C to HDMI adapter, such as Aukey’s USB C to HDMI Adapter ($20 on Amazon). When shopping for such adapters, look out for 1080p support.
DVI
Kanex has a USB-C to DVI Adapter ($16 on Amazon). They have other USB-C video adapters, including a VGA adapter, a HDMI adapter, and a DisplayPort adapter.
VGA
To connect a VGA display, Apple has a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter for $69. In addition to a VGA to USB-C connection, it also provides a USB-A port for connecting a USB device, and a USB-C charging port to keep your laptop battery happy.
More on the affordable side but without the USB ports is the Belkin USB-C to VGA Adapter, which is available on the Apple Store for $40.
How to connect the MacBook Pro to ethernet
You’ll probably use Wi-Fi most of the time, but using a wired ethernet connection has its advantages. To connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter like the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, which is available in the Apple Store for $35.
How to connect SD cards
If you use a DLSR or other type of stand-alone camera, it might have a way to transfer your files wirelessly. If not, you need an adapter to access the SD card, like the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD UHS-II Card USB-C Reader ($50 on the Apple Store).
If you have a USB-A card reader, you can try using the Apple’s $19 USB-C to USB Adapter, or get a USB-C dock.
How to connect FireWire devices
Ugh, this one could be a problem. Apple sells a Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter for $29, but it has a older Thunderbolt connect that doesn’t plug into the Thunderbolt 3 port on a new MacBook Pro.
You could try daisy-chaining adapters, but that’s always risky and may not work. Plug the Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter into Apple’s $49 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter and then plug that into the MacBook Pro. (I haven’t tried this myself, but I’ll see if I can get my hands on both adapters and see if it works.)
An alternative (and pricey) solution is to get a USB dock with FireWire. For example, OWC’s Thunderbolt 2 Dock ($244 on Amazon) has a FireWire port, as well as five USB 3 ports, ethernet, HDMI, and more. You will need the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter to connect it to the MacBook Pro, so plan on spending an additional $49 at the Apple Store.
This story, 'The MacBook Pro Thunderbolt 3 adapter guide' was originally published by Macworld.
BestUSB-C Adapters for MacBook ProiMore2019
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 favoriteNothing 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 AppleBest 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 AmazonFor 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 AmazonFor 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 AppleFor 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 AppleFor 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 AmazonMagSafe 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 AmazonTiny 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 AmazonHardwired 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 AmazonExtra 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 NomadFor 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 AmazonInterchangeable 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 AmazonAdapter, 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.
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Watch the skies!Best Drones for kids in 2019
Drones can be a fun hobby to share with younger kids, but you'll want to start out with something that's kid-friendly andwallet-friendly, too. Here are some of the best drones you can buy for kids and novice pilots.