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The 5 best adapters you'll probably need for the new MacBook Pros

By Antonio Villas-Boas
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macbook pro (SMALLER)
Steve Kovach/Business Insider

So here it is, the future of the MacBook Pro, and it's full of adapters.

The new MacBook Pros exclusively feature USB-C ports, which means your old USB accessories and peripherals wont plug into the new MacBook Pro without an adapter. 

We're not particularly fond of adapters. They're "extra" bits to worry about, and add extra cost to connecting our old stuff, which cost no money to connect in the past.

It'll take some time until everyone eventually replaces their old accessories with new models that support USB-C. Until then, we've found a few that could ease the transition.

Check them out:

 

For the minimalist.

moshi usb to usb-c adapter
Moshi

A single, clean, and simple USB-C to USB 3 adapter for the person who connects only one peripheral or accessory at a time to their laptop. You could also use it to plug in your regular multi-USB hub, too.

$20 on Amazon. 

If you use a display.

moshi multiport adapter
Moshi

You could get a new monitor that has USB-C for the new MacBook Pros, or you could just get an adapter, which won't cost you as much.

The Multiport adapter, also from Moshi, has an HDMI port that will let you plug into your legacy monitor. Yes, monitors without USB-C are now entering the "legacy" status.

$80 on Amazon.

The power user.

satechi usb c adapter
Satechi

Satechi's Aluminum Multi-Port 4K HDMI Adapter gives you the three USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, one Ethernet port, one USB-C port, an SD card port, and a microSD card port.

With the Ethernet and USB-C ports, it gives the new MacBook Pro more ports than the previous MacBook Pros.

$80 on Amazon.

Everything but the kitchen sink.

belkin thunderbolt 3 usb-c dock
Belkin

As its name suggests, Belkin's Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD is more of a dock than it is an adapter, as it needs its own power supply. 

It has three USB 3 ports, a headphone jack, a microphone jack, a DisplayPort, an Ethernet port, and two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3. Its special feature is that either one of those USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 can be used to charge the new MacBook Pros.

That means a single USB-C cable can charge the new MacBook Pros and connect to the Belkin dock, making it a quick and easy affair to connect and disconnect from the dock when you want to go mobile.

As comprehensive as Belkin's dock is, the "kitchen sink" that's missing is the SD card ports that the Satechi adapters have. Also, it's good to make sure what ports your monitor support, as Belkin's dock only features a DisplayPort connection, not an HDMI port.

At $400, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD shows that versatility doesn't come cheap. It's not available to buy yet, but Belkin says it's coming soon.

Bring back the MagSafe!

griffin magsafe usb-c adapter
Griffin

 One of Apple's best innovations was the MagSafe power connector, as the magnetic connector would safely disconnect if anyone tripped or snagged on the power cord.

With the new MacBook Pros, Apple has replaced the MagSafe connector with USB-C, which isn't as safe against trips and snags, but has a long list of benefits, like transmitting data as well as power.

If you can't part with the MagSafe, Griffin has your back with the BreakSafe Magnetic USB-C Power Cable. It comes with a magnetic USB-C adapter that plugs into one of the new MacBook Pros' USB-C ports, and the other side lets you connect a magnetic connector.

Unfortunately, the magnetic connector is proprietary, which means you can't plug in your old MagSafe power cord to the USB-C adapter, and you can only use the cable that's included. It's not the ultimate solution, but it's safer for your new Mac.

$35 on Amazon.

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Antonio Villas Boas
Antonio Villas-Boas
Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.
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