USB-C to USB-A Cables, Adapters, and Hubs

What can USB-C to USB Type-A connectors be used for?

If you’ve bought a Windows laptop, MacBook, or Chromebook recently, there’s a good chance it’s equipped with USB-C ports. In fact it may only be equipped with USB-C ports. The question then becomes, how do you connect your legacy accessories and peripherals? Chances are, your thumb drives, external hard drives, wired keyboard, and others connect using a USB Type-A port.

That’s where a USB-C to USB-A adapter comes into play, allowing you to connect those devices to your laptop’s USB-C port.

What type of connectors are available for USB-C to USB-A?

There are three popular options to choose from. A USB-C to USB-A cable is the easiest. One end is a USB-C connector, the other is USB Type-A, and you simply connect the two devices by plugging into the matching ports. If you’d rather use your own USB cable, you can also choose a USB-C to USB-A adapter. This is usually a dongle, with a short USB-C cable ending in a USB Type-A port that you plug into.

Finally, there are hubs. A USB-C to USB-A hub has a cable and connector to plug into the laptop’s USB-C port. But instead of a single connection, the cable terminates in a hub with a series of ports. You can get hubs that are all USB-A ports, but there are also versions that expand the usefulness of that USB-C port even further, adding inputs and outputs such as Ethernet and HDMI. Some will also include an additional USB-C port, in case the laptop has only a single port that is also used for charging.

Best use cases for USB-C to USB-A adapters

USB-C to USB-A adapters and cables are ideal for ensuring your USB-C laptop can still be used with older peripherals and accessories that don’t support the new standard. After all, they still work, so why replace them? It’s a great idea for new laptop owners to have a USB-C to USB-A adapter with them at all times, as you never know when someone’s going to hand you files on a thumb drive.

What is the difference between a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a USB-C to USB-A hub?

USB-C to USB-A adapters and cables differ from hubs in that they are the solution for a single connection. Having one of these handy for occasional use is smart, and they’re compact enough to stash in your laptop bag.

USB-C to USB-A hubs are more typically used by someone who has a significant investment in accessories and peripherals. They need to connect to these devices frequently as part of their workflow, and may need access to more than one at a time. With a hub connected to a single USB-C port on their laptop, they can plug in a thumb drive, access files on an external USB hard drive, plug in their favourite USB mechanical keyboard, connect a camera to upload photos, and many USB-C hubs will also let them output video to a big screen monitor using HDMI.

More accessories and devices are beginning to offer USB-C support, but with a USB-C to USB-A adapter or hub, you aren’t forced to upgrade—you can continue to use your existing equipment.