The new Apple MacBook Pros have had USB-C ports, also known as Thunderbolt 3, for just over three years for connecting devices, charging their batteries, and providing better connectivity. In this way, the whole family of current MacBook Pro and iMac adopts it as standard.
They are distinguished by their great versatility, since they can become a real connection hub. Prior to the implementation of this port, Apple included in its equipment the proprietary MagSafe charging port, another Thunderbolt, as well as the occasional traditional USB, and the one associated with the SD card reader.
You can check out this article where we guide you on which MacBook to buy this year.
USB-C is now compatible with devices using USB-A. You just have to keep in mind that you will need an adapter because the USB-C input is much smaller than that of traditional USB-A.
Check here how to access an external or USB drive which is not recognized by your MacBook computer.
One of the great benefits of Thunderbolt 3 is its ability to line up multiple peripherals and external displays using the same port. Newer Macs have all of these functions under the USB-C port, which requires the use of adapters or hub external companies that diversify their connection options.
Thunderbolt 3 combines its high bandwidth with the versatility of the USB-C standard to create a universal port that achieves speeds of up to 40 Gbps. It offers data transfer, power charging and video output in a single connector with twice the bandwidth of the previous generation.
Although Apple sells adapters to extend the functionality of a single port, there are some very interesting and cheaper alternatives on the market than Apple’s option, in the form of cables, chargers, hubs and stations mooring of any type. We will see the most important.
You can check here how to connect your Mac or MacBook to the TV.
Most of those discussed here also work on platforms other than macOS. Check here our article on what a hub, why is it and recommendations.
Best USB C hubs and adapters for Mac
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 PRO DOCK – ‘The most complete’
As a highlight of this report, we wanted to bring this solution from renowned manufacturer Elgato to anyone who demands maximum connectivity for their MacBook equipment. Really, you won’t go wanting.
It is the station mooring Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock By using a single USB C port, we activate a new Mac connection window.Up to 2 4K quality monitors can be added to your usual MacBook display through DisplayPort 1.2 ports.
You also have 2 USB 3.1 ports in 10 Gbps mode C, and 2 other USB 3.1 type A ports. It is the only hub of those analyzed that offers a 3.5 mm audio connector for microphone and speakers. , an amplified stereo port.
It also does not lack support for SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards with which you can make backup copies or transfer 4K videos in a matter of moments.
Obviously the price is well above average, but it is a base to use on a daily basis with your MacBook Pro computers as a complement to the desk, far from thinking that it is a hub that you can take anywhere in your trips.
Moshi USB-C Multimedia – ‘The most functional’
Moshi also offers a wide selection of USB-C accessories for MacBook and MacBook Pro computers. Analyze is one of our favorite products for its quality of construction, its finishes and the variety of connections offered.
You can handle two traditional USB-C ports, a boon for users of previous generations of Mac computers. You also have an HDMI port to use an additional monitor and an SD card slot as an additional item.
12-inch MacBook users should note that USB-C multimedia adapter el Moshi It doesn’t have a USB C port, so you won’t be able to use it dock while charging the laptop battery.
Kingston Nucleum – ‘The Traveling Companion’
The approach of The nucleus of Kingston with its concentrado is to offer a single accessory to which you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, without the transfer speed or performance being affected by the use of either.
With Nucleum, you can power by charging your MacBook battery while plugging in a USB stick or charging your iPhone. Its compact size, similar to the rest, and its integrated cable means you don’t leave it forgotten anywhere.
As a differentiating element, The heart of Kingston TL It offers a card slot reader, both microSD and SD, which professional camera users will positively appreciate. Also use the 4K HDMI port to connect a screen or projector.
8-in-1 USB VAVA with 4K HDMI – “ Most Affordable ”
The 8-in-1 USB-C VAVA Multi-Port Adapter, as the name suggests, has one Ethernet port, one USB-C charging port, another 4K quality HDMI, and one SD card reader. You can also use a TransFlash (TF) reader and three USB 3.0 ports.
In case you want to use RJ45 Ethernet connectivity, it is under a cover in order to reduce the size and thickness of the hub concentrator.
Finally, el VAVA USB-C Hub It has all the features you would expect from a USB-C hub, with the added benefit of being small and light enough to carry in your travel backpack. Its space gray finish resembles that of the new MacBooks.
Satechi Slim USB C Adapter – “ For additional video output ”
As with the Moshi USB C multimedia adapter, the Satechi brand offers brushed aluminum finishes very much in line with the current family of MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.
It offers 2 USB 3.0 ports and a 4K quality HDMI output. It doesn’t have a memory card reader, but it does include a pass-through USB-C port, so you don’t sacrifice the laptop port. This is something 12 inch MacBook users will appreciate.
The Satechi adapter You can find it with different finishes and shades (gold, pink, gray and silver), with an acceptable distance between the ports so that the connections do not accumulate or can interfere with the connection of USB drives or USB key.
Syncwire USB C to USB 3.0
Cables have become essential accessories in a world where connectivity is essential. Yes indeed, from Syncwire offers a converter cable from USB-C to USB 3.0 reinforced with a braided cable to ensure a certain durability.
Without sacrificing flexibility, the nylon fiber cable has dimensions of up to 2 meters in length so that it can handle the mobile or connected device while keeping it connected to the laptop.
What should I keep in mind when purchasing a USB C adapter?
USB-C is a new USB standard that allows transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbit / s, as opposed to the current 5 Gbit / s speed available with older USB 3.0, while still providing faster loading.
In fact, USB-C handles data transfer, video output, and power input. This way you will find Type C on the 12-inch MacBook and a faster variant (called Thunderbolt 3) on the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 15-inch, 16-inch), newer (post-2018 models) of the MacBook Air, the iMac (after 2017 ) and Mac mini (2018 and later).
Thunderbolt 3 Macs can use USB-C accessories, but they can lose some of their extra bandwidth – the T3’s 40 Gbps significantly exceeds the 5-10 Gbps of the USB-C port.
Like Apple’s Lightning connector, USB-C doesn’t need to be plugged in a certain orientation, which means you can say goodbye to the old USB guessing game in which way should I connect it?
Not many people have a full line of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 gear, so you’re probably one of those people who needs a USB-C hub to add different ports to your Mac.
Here, we’ve tested and reviewed the most premium USB-C hubs and adapters. There are many versions, maybe a lot cheaper, but the ones tested here are recommended for their quality and durability.
Keep in mind that most of the products tested here also work with non-Apple USB-C computers and laptops, so many can also be used with Windows computers or Chromebooks on the market.
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