Essential USB-C Adapters for MacBook 12, New MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Samuel J Tan Laptops, Mobile Devices 0

Now that the dust has settled, both new generation MacBook 12 and new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar are out, we have Apple to thank for those USB-C only ports.

While the ports double as super fast Thunderbolt 3 for data transfer to external storage, multimedia output to external display and even offers power to charge your devices, not many, not even the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7s comes with a cable that lets you connect to the USB-C port.

If you look around, even smartphones with USB-C offers cable from standard USB-A port to USB-C on the smartphone, not a USB-C to USB-C cable.

The absolute must have adapter or cable has to be a USB-C to USB-C connector. This lets you connect your USB-C device if you have one (since its still rare), to take advantage of the port.

Apple has always been an early adopter, a sort of trail blazer with technology. While you may argue that the move causes the need for adapters and cables for your existing devices, soon these devices will need to be replaced, and when that happens, most manufacturers would roll out the support for USB-C.

Until then, here are your essential USB-C adapters if you have a MacBook 12, New MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.

Table of Contents

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter – VIDEO

If you have to connect to an external display for use as a workstation when at the office or at home, to connect to a big screen TV for entertainment or to connect to a projector for presentation then the Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is a must have for you. It also offers a standard USB connection and a USB-C charging port so you can keep your MacBook charged while using the external display and/or USB.

Connect your MacBook with a USB-C port to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging port.
Mirror your MacBook display to your HDMI-enabled TV or display in up to 1080p at 60Hz or UHD (3840×2160) at 30Hz
Use the standard USB port to connect devices such as your flash drive or camera or a USB cable for syncing and charging your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

Note: The Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is not compatible with the G-Tech G-DRIVE mobile USB 3.0 Hard Drive (Apple part number HF4F2VC/A)

Small and portable, the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is great for meetings and connecting to device that use standard USB port.

Towabo USB 3.1 Type-C To HDMI Adapter 4K+USB 3.0+USB-C Charging Port adapter for New Macbook Towabo USB 3.1 Type-C To HDMI Adapter 4K+USB 3.0+USB-C Charging Port adapter for New Macbook – VIDEO

Much like the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, the Towabo has a HDMI 4K output, USB 3.0 port and a USB-C port. The USB-C port on the adapter has power delivery (PD) function that allows you to charge your MacBook at the same time. However, it does not support data transfer.

USB PD(Power Delivery) Function, can charge your new MacBook but is Type C/F so do not supports data transfer, only charging.
Standard USB port to connect devices, such as your flash drive or camera or a USB cable for syncing and charging your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Also connect peripheral such as keyboard or mouse.
Support charging and connecting with device by USB or HDMI port together.
Mirror your MacBook display to your HDMI-enabled TV or display in up to 1080p at 60Hz or UHD (3840×2160) at 30Hz.

An alternative to the Apple’s digital AV Multiport adapter offering the same level of connectivity

HooToo USB C Adapter 3.1 Type C Hub with Power Delivery for Charging, HDMI Output, Card Reader, 3 USB 3.0 Ports – WORKSTATION HUB, VIDEO

If the standard 1 x HDMI, 1 x standard USB and 1 x USB Type-C for Power Delivery is not enough, the HooToo offers, HDMI port, 3 x full size USB 3.0 Ports, SD Memory Card Reader and a USB Type-C Power Delivery port. It is probably the best choice for setting up a workstation hub. As the size is bigger than the standard 3-in-1s, you might want to leave it permanently hooked up on the desk. It is available in silver, gold, gray and pink aluminium alloy exterior to match the colour of your MacBook.

USB-C Hub with charging port, HDMI Port, 3 x USB 3.0 Ports, SD Memory Card
Power Delivery: charge your MacBook Pro while connecting multiple peripherals and transferring data
4K Video Adapter: Mirror or extend your screen with USB C Hub HDMI port and directly stream 4K UHD or Full HD 1080p video to HDTV, monitor or projector
USB 3.0 Ports: Allow you to connect keyboard, mouse, thumb drive to MacBook Pro or other Type-C devices, and access files from SD card reader

Great as a desktop hub for a workstation setup. When you arrive, simply plug in the hub and have all your screen, peripheral and charging all ready to go .

Larnn USB-C 3.0 Type C Adapter Multiport Converter for New MacBook

If you are after purely USB connectivity for your existing devices, this Type-C hub is for your. It comes with 3 x USB 3.0 ports . It has a sleek and slim aluminium casing for portability and durability and is even available in Gold or Grey to match your MacBook.

Type C hub 3.1 hub with 2 x USB 2.0 and 1 x USB 3.0 ports let you connect up to three USB enabled devices simultaneously and sync your photos, music and data
A female USB Type-C port lets you charge your MacBook while
Super fast data transfer speed: Up to 5 Gbps data speeds let you transfer an HD movie in seconds
Sleek and slim style & aluminium design goes perfectly with 2015 MacBook
Built-in surge protection keeps your devices and data safe, plug and play supports hot swapping

If you just need the standard USB ports for data transfer, the Type-C Hub lets you connect to your USB peripherals and devices, as well as charge your MacBook using the Type-C charging port. It is small enough to fit in the laptop bag and take with you anywhere you go.

beegod USB-C 3.0 Type C Adapter Multiport Converter for New MacBook

Pretty much the same as the USB-C multiport hub above, the beegood offering is also available in Rose Gold and Silver to match your MacBook.

Compatible with Apple MacBook (12 inch, 2015)
The type C hub 3.1 hub with 3 USB 3.0 ports let you connect up to three USB enabled devices simultaneously and sync your photos, music and data
Super fast data transfer speed: Up to 5 Gbps data speeds let you transfer an HD movie in seconds
Sleek and slim style & aluminum design goes perfectly with 2015 MacBook
Built-in surge protection keeps your devices and data safe, plug and play supports hot swapping

dodocool 4 port USB 3.0 Hub Type C Adapter with USB C Female Charging Port for New MacBook

The triangular arrangement lets you access the 4 USB 3.0 full size ports easily to hook up your devices. One one end is the USB-C charging port where you can connect your MacBook’s power adapter to pass power through to your MacBook and on the opposite end, a cable with a male USB-C connector to go to your MacBook. The case is crafted with durable aluminum to give it a premium finish.

PD (Power Delivery) function enables you to charge your Apple new MacBook via the USB-C female port while using USB 3.0 ports for data transfer.
USB 3.0 supports data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Backwards compatible with USB 2.0/USB 1.1.
The USB-C female port ONLY works with Apple new MacBooks and devices support USB-C PD function
Reversible USB-C connector lets you connect cable to USB-C device in any direction, plug and play, hot swap, no extra driver required.

May not be the best option for travelling given its shape but if you just need it to be in one place, on the desk, the dodocool is especially stable and ergonomically designed to easy access.