Home » PC » Calling all dongles — these are the best for MacBook Pro!

Calling all dongles — these are the best for MacBook Pro!

If you’ve invested in a new MacBook Pro and you’ve come to the conclusion that, although USB-C is awesome, 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

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 definitely 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

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###Multi-port {.category .reco-block} ####Scosche USB-C Hub {.product} Maybe you need just a *little* more than a single-use adapter. Maybe you’d like to be able to charge your iPhone and connect your MacBook Pro to your TV set. That’s where Scosche comes in. This awesome dongle has a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a second USB-C port. You can mirror to HDMI displays and sync your iPhone or iPad at the same time. I use mine as a portable HDMI adapter for my Nintendo Switch. If you need a little more, but not a LOT more variety, you’ve got options. [$39 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/SCOSCHE-USB-C-USB-Type-Hub/dp/B06XXRKDZR?tag=imoreb-20&ascsubtag=UUimUdUnU47071){.cta .shop.nofollow} {.end}
–>

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.

$18 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, which is 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

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

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.

$24 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. It comes in white and silver or gold and black.

From $9 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 a number of 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.

Source of the article – iMore