Best Low-cost Alternatives to Apple's USB-C Adapter

Dongles
Dongles (Image credit: Rene Ritchie/iMore)

Not everyone needs a ton of ports or wants to spend the money on a USB-C hub for their new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Sometimes all you need is a simple adapter so you can use your USB peripherals with your Mac with no issues. While Apple does sell its own adapter, it's not the cheapest one you can get. If you're looking or a simple USB-C to USB adapter, here are the best ones.

Most adapters offer similar preformance

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There isn't a huge difference in USB-C adapters so any one you get will help out your best Mac. These days all the major manufacturers for these types of accessories have perfected their design and implementation, so you really can't go wrong with any option. Of course, if you want a lot more ports, you'll need to look on of the best USB-C ports instead.

I would personally suggest the two-pack of the Anker USB-C to USB Adapter because you get two!. If you have the MacBook Air, this means you can have both of your USB-C ports working for you and your USB accessories, rather than only having the one. It just gives you more options if you need them.

Of course, there is something to be said for the usefulness of a flexible cable on the adapter — like the one on the AmazonBasics USB-C to USB-A Adapter. If you have a tight space or your MacBook Pro is connected to a monitor, having that little extra length can make help you ensure the adapter works in the area you have.

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.