People don’t really like USB-C adapters so much as they need them. If you want to connect your modern laptop to a peripheral device, there’s a good chance you’ll need an adapter. Adapters come in all forms and have all manner of ports on them; it’s just a matter of what you need. We’ve got a roundup of our favorites here for you. Bottom line, this is all the I/O you could possibly ask for and it works with Windows and macOS. It has a solid aluminum build and it’s fairly large at almost 23 centimeters, so it’s not the most mobile solution out there. But if you’re at a desk regularly and need more I/O for your laptop or even your mini-tower, this is a great way to go. The adapter is very small, great to slip into a backpack or camera bag. There are no external drivers to download and install. This is 100% plug and play. You even can use this with some phones. This adapter is limited to just reading memory cards, though, so if you’re looking for something more versatile, look elsewhere. At $40, this is not the best value on the list. You can get many more features for just a little bit more money. That may be due to the aluminum frame (while most of the rest of this list is plastic), but all the same, the price tag feels a little steep for what you’d get.
What to Look For in a USB-C Adapter
I/O: When your ports are limited on your laptop, you’re going to want to expand that as much as possible. Most adapters will have some combination of USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, Ethernet, card readers, and even more. Your workflow will help determine what you need in an adapter. Data Speeds: Not only do you need to pay attention to the type of I/O on an adapter, but what protocols are built in. USB is a port that has multiple standards. 3.1 is best with the highest data speeds. HDMI ports can have variable resolutions and frequencies. 4K is quickly becoming a standard in monitors, with 60hz being the minimum needed for most games. Portability: Laptops are inherently portable, so it’s important that your adapter be equally portable. The larger the adapter is, the less useful it will be on the road. It’s important to make sure you’re covering the basics of what you need without carrying around too much extra. Many USB hubs are designed to be portable, but the more you can cut down on features you don’t need, the more satisfied you’ll be with your ultimate purchase.
