Like most people, I own a lot of USB gadgets that I use occasionally, everything from external drives and SD card readers to a few old keyboards and a gaming controller. They’ve been faithful companions through years of laptops and desktops. But recently, I ran into a problem when I bought a new laptop that only came with USB-C ports.
It’s a common trend with today’s slimmer devices, so it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Still, it left me in a bit of a bind. Sure, I could plug those old USB gadgets into my TV, monitor, or one of my older laptops that still had USB-A ports, but I wanted to use them with my main machine too. So, I went ahead and grabbed a USB-C to USB-A dongle—and honestly, it’s something everyone should have.
Amazon Product
Brand
Syntech
Input
USB
Output
USB-C
Cable Included
USB to USB
Why I needed a USB-C to USB-A dongle
The problem with modern laptops and missing ports
Pankil Shah / MakeUseOfCredit: Pankil Shah / MakeUseOf
Like most people, I’ve slowly watched my collection of gadgets evolve—but not always in sync. My new laptop has only USB-C ports on either side, and while that’s great for design and faster data transfer, it left me staring at a drawer full of accessories I could no longer plug in.
My old USB flash drive full of travel photos, my reliable gaming controller, and even the microphone I’ve used for years—all suddenly felt outdated. Even my wireless keyboard and mouse, each relying on a tiny USB-A dongle, were left behind by the march of progress.
My previous laptop had a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports, so I never had to think twice about compatibility. I could plug in anything and get straight to work. But this new generation of slim laptops—whether it’s a MacBook or a Dell XPS—has almost completely phased out USB-A. It’s the trade-off we make for thinner designs and newer technology standards.
The simplest solution to this problem was to grab a few USB-C to USB-A adapters. These tiny gadgets are surprisingly affordable—you can find a two-pack from Anker for $9 on Amazon, while lesser-known brands sell them even cheaper, offering a three-pack for around $5. If you want a bit more flexibility, you can also get a USB-C to USB-A cable adapter that works just as well.
I can finally use my old USB devices with my phone, tablet, and laptop
A tiny adapter makes all my devices work together
The best part about getting a USB-C to USB-A adapter is how surprisingly versatile it is. Even if your laptop has a USB-A port, it still makes sense to have one of these around. That’s because it works with far more than just computers—you can use it with any smartphone or tablet that has a USB-C port.
You can plug in a mouse or keyboard for better control, a gaming controller for mobile gaming sessions, or even a microphone and capture card if you’re into streaming or content creation. I’ve used mine to connect a USB flash drive to back up files and even a printer to print directly from my phone.
It basically adds a USB-A port to your phone or tablet, which means you can even connect wireless peripherals using their USB dongles. I tried it with my wireless mouse and keyboard, and it worked flawlessly.
What started as a solution to use my old accessories with my new laptop, the USB-C to USB-A adapter ended up becoming a little tool I use across all my devices.
This adapter is a must-have for everyone
USB-C is the future, but USB-A isn’t going anywhere
Pankil Shah / MakeUseOfCredit: Pankil Shah / MakeUseOf
Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love USB-C. These days, I try to choose devices that include it whenever possible. It’s faster, more versatile, and reversible. USB-C is clearly the future, and it’s only a matter of time before most devices phase out USB-A ports entirely.
But here’s the thing: the future doesn’t mean the past is useless. There are still countless great USB-A accessories out there, and for good reason. And it’s not just older tech—plenty of modern devices like TVs, monitors, cars, and even gaming consoles continue to include USB-A ports, and likely will for a few years to come.
That’s why having a simple USB-C to USB-A adapter makes sense. It bridges the gap between old and new. And honestly, it’s one of the cheapest tech upgrades you can buy.
For something that costs less than a cup of coffee, this adapter has saved me from replacing perfectly good gear and made my tech setup far more flexible. Now, whether I’m working on my laptop, streaming from my tablet, or backing up files on my phone, I can use the same trusted accessories I’ve had for years.
