You must’ve noticed that the USB-C port appears in almost every new gadget today. With laptops and smartphones making the jump fast and quick, it’s safe to say that USB-C connectors are here to stay. That said, several devices like wired mice, keyboards, and extension cables of SSDs are yet to crossover. And until we have a complete ecosystem with USB-C, we’ll have to get ourselves a bunch of USB-C to USB-A adapters to bridge the gap.
These nifty USB-C adapters help you save a lot of time and work. So even if you have a USB-C-only laptop like the Apple MacBook Pro or the Apple MacBook Air, these adapters will become a part of your workflow seamlessly, be it connecting your laptop to an external display or transferring contents from an SD card. Plus, some of those adapters brilliantly with smartphones.
So, what are we waiting for? Here are our recommendations for the best USB-C to USB-A adapters that you can buy. But first,
- Here are the top 5 wireless mice with USB-C connector
- Apple user? Take a look at these fast-charging USB-C to Lightning cables
1. Anker USB-C Adapter
If you are looking for a USB-C to USB-A adapter that’s durable and functions well, trust this adapter by Anker. One of the most important things is that it supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, meaning you’ll get faster transfer speeds. If we talk numbers, this one gets you as far as 5Gbps. It’s worth noting that USB 3.2 Gen 1 (previously known as USB 3.1 Gen 1) delivers approximately 10 times faster speed than its predecessor.
Apart from that, there’s a durable wire connecting both the USB ports. This design gives you ample space to attach other USB peripherals to your laptop.
This nifty adapter lets you do a lot from connecting older USB flash drives and keyboards and data cables. In fact, it has been praised by many users for its performance and portability.
So far, users like it for reliability and performance. Fakespot estimates that around 90% of those user reviews on Amazon can be trusted and are reliable.
2. AmazonBasics USB Type-C Adapter
Another USB-C adapter at a similar price as the one listed above is the one by AmazonBasics. It’s a USB 3.2 Gen 1 device, and you get almost the same speed as the Anker one. It has an aesthetically inoffensive look with a thick wire connecting both the USB ends, and that’s about it. Some might even say that the design resemblance between this unit and Anker’s is uncanny.
Apart from letting you connect to your laptop, this one lets you connect a USB-C adapter directly to your phone to transfer content.
For the price, this adapter seems reasonably durable, and several users have backed this claim. However, it would be best not to expect the world out of a product that costs less than $10. Nevertheless, this one works as advertised and allows for better transfer speeds.
3. Aukey USB-C Adapter
The first thing-you will notice about the Aukey USB-C adapter is its small and compact form factor. This one is shaped just like a flash drive, which makes it portable. Since there is no wire, you do not have to worry about wire ends splitting and fraying. Thanks to its size, you can connect it your laptop or phone, connect the required USB-A peripheral and that’s about it.
Like its counterparts above, it’s also a USB 3.2 Gen 1 device. This, if you ask me, is a good enough speed for transferring media and files to and fro from phones and laptops. Of course, it also depends on the media that you have connected.
However, the compact shape of the USB adapter has its downside. For one, you won’t be able to stick two adapters side-by-side. For this, you will either have to use them on opposite sides of your laptop or look for an adapter with a wire.
This one comes in a pack of 3 and is quite popular on Amazon, and has collected over six thousand reviews.
4. Syntech USB C to USB Adapter
Another small and compact USB-C to USB-A adapter that’s worth a peek at is the one by Syntech. It’s shaped like a mini flash drive and plugs into laptops and smartphones just fine. However, do note that the adapter’s body is a little wide and is not suitable for you, especially if the USB-C ports are placed side by side on your laptop.
You should not confused with its Thunderbolt 3 compatibility claim. It’s a standard USB 3.2 Gen 1 device, and you’ll get the standard speed up to 5Gbps. If you must know, Thunderbolt 3 (see best 4K monÂiÂtors with ThunÂderÂbolt 3 ports) supports theoretical data transfer rates up to 40Gbps.
On the upside, you can find tiny grooves built on the sides, which lets you grip it better.
This device has seen its share of popularity on Amazon and has a whopping thirty thousand reviews on Amazon. As per Fakespot’sestimates, around 61% of the reviews are genuine and can be trusted.
5. HooToo USB-C Hub
If the simple USB-C to USB-A adapter won’t do the job for you and you need to expand the scope of the humble USB-C port on your laptop, then you can’t go wrong with the HooToo USB-C Hub. Apart from bringing three USB 3.0 ports to the foyer, it brings a couple of additional options. For starters, you will get the advantage of a USB-C Power Delivery port along with an HDMI port and an SD card reader slot.
The remarkable thing about the USB-C PD port is that it provides power passthrough up to 100W. Meanwhile, the HDMI port will help you connect your laptop to an external display, and you can stream high-resolution content. If we talk numbers, you will be able to stream 4K @ 30Hz and FHD @ 60Hz. Cool, I would say.
Quite naturally, the additional options mean that the Hootoo USB-C Hub is expensive than its counterparts above. This one costs a little more than double the price tags of the adapters above. But given the convenience it brings to the table, I’d say it’s worth it.
6. Vava USB C Hub
Last but not least, we have the VAVA USB-C Hub. Like its counterpart above, this gives you several additional ports in addition to the standard USB 3.0 ports. You get an HDMI port, a USB-C PD port, and two slots each for SD cards and TF cards (micro SD cards). Quite naturally, it adds a flexibility quotient to your laptop. The only issue with this hub is that all the USB 3.0 ports are placed on the same side, so unless you have slim USB-A peripherals, you might have issues fitting all three together.
On the upside, the spec sheets look good. You get a 100W Power Delivery slot to charge your laptop. And with flash drives connected to the USB 3.0 ports, you will get faster speeds.
It’s small and slim and the space grey color variant will sit well with the color of your MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
Connect Like a Pro
While standalone USB-C adapters can ease your work several folds by letting you connect your favorite accessories to your USB-C-only laptop, devices like USB-C hubs let you connect a slew of devices and at the same time helps you reduce your desk clutter. It goes without saying that, USB standard names are confusing, hence you should double-check the adapters, cables, and your system to ensure there is no bottleneck anywhere.
The idea here is to see which of these devices will fit your requirement the best. And well, it’s simply not the performance alone that you should be checked but also the design and the usability factor.
So, which one of these will you buy?
Last updated on 16 March, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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