USB adapters and converters connect devices whose plugs or standards do not match: older equipment to a new laptop, a monitor to a USB-C port, or a network cable to a computer without an Ethernet socket. Our range has over 180 models, mostly from Delock, Equip, Conceptronic and Terratec.
How to choose a USB adapter or converter
Connectors and direction. Start by identifying the port on your computer and the one on the device: USB-A, USB-C, micro USB or something else. Check plug versus socket and the direction of the signal. A USB-C to HDMI adapter sends video from the computer to a screen, not the other way round.
Speed. USB 2.0 is enough for a mouse, a keyboard or a serial port converter, but an external drive or a gigabit network adapter should go on USB 3.x. In a slower port the device will usually still work, just at a limited speed.
Video output. For a video converter, check the maximum resolution and refresh rate, for example 4K at 60 Hz. The USB-C port on your computer must support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt), otherwise the adapter will not show a picture.
Compatibility. See which operating systems the manufacturer lists: Windows, macOS or Linux. Network, serial and some audio converters may need a driver, and converters based on a DisplayLink chip do not work without one.
Power and form. Some converters draw power straight from the USB port, but a connected drive or several screens may call for an external power supply. An adapter on a short cable puts less strain on the port than a rigid plug sticking out of the side of a laptop.
Brands we carry
- Delock: a German manufacturer known for a very large catalogue of connectors, adapters and interface cards, so it often has solutions for less common connections.
- Terratec: a German company best known for sound cards and TV tuners, and in USB devices it mainly offers audio and multimedia accessories.
- Lindy: German-rooted maker specialising in cables and audio-video connectivity used in offices and meeting rooms.
- Digitus: known for cabling and network equipment used by both home users and IT professionals.
- Level One: best known as a network equipment brand, so its USB network adapters sit naturally alongside other networking hardware.
- Inter-Tech: a German manufacturer known for PC cases and power supplies.
- Conceptronic: focuses on consumer computer peripherals and accessories for everyday home use.
Also in our range: Equip, Manhattan, Good Connections, Inca and Graugear.
Frequently asked questions about USB adapters and converters
Will a USB 3.0 adapter work in a USB 2.0 port?
Yes, USB standards are backwards compatible, so the adapter will work in an older port. Data transfer is limited by the slowest part of the chain, so in a USB 2.0 port you will not get USB 3.x speeds.
Does a USB-C to HDMI adapter work with any USB-C port?
No, it only works if the computer's USB-C port supports video output. Many newer laptops do, but some USB-C ports are meant only for data or charging. Check the device specification to be sure.
Does a USB network adapter need a driver?
It depends on the chipset and the operating system. Many gigabit adapters are recognised automatically in Windows, macOS and Linux, or the system installs the driver itself. If that does not happen, download the driver from the manufacturer's website.
What is the difference between an adapter and a converter?
An adapter only changes the physical shape of a connection, for example USB-A to USB-C. A converter also translates the signal or protocol, such as USB to Ethernet, HDMI or serial, so it contains a chip and sometimes needs a driver. Shops often use the two words interchangeably, so the described function is the better guide.
