Choosing adapters and converters: which connection do you need?

Door TB Creations

July 7, 2026 8 min leestijd

Adapters en converters kiezen: welke aansluiting heb je nodig? - Ibley

Sometimes you have exactly the right device, but not the right connection. For example, you might want to use a USB device with a laptop that only has USB-C, connect your iPhone or iPad to another device, send video to a screen, or transfer files from external storage.

With the right adapters and converters, you can make devices, cables, and connections more compatible with one another. In this blog, we explain the different types of adapters, what to consider when choosing one, and which connection is right for your needs.

What is the difference between an adapter and a converter?

An adapter is usually used to make one connector fit another. Examples include a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a Lightning to USB adapter. The signal often stays the same, but the connection changes.

A converter sometimes goes a step further. It can change not only the connection but also the signal. Examples include video, audio, data, or networking applications. In practice, the terms adapter and converter are often used interchangeably, so it’s important to check what the product actually does.

When do you need an adapter or converter?

An adapter or converter is useful when two devices don’t connect directly but are technically compatible. This often happens with modern laptops, smartphones, tablets, monitors, TVs, and accessories.

You might use an adapter or converter when:

your laptop no longer has a USB-A port;
you want to connect a USB device to USB-C;
you want to connect an iPhone or iPad to another device;
you want to send video to a TV, monitor, or projector;
you want to connect audio to a device without a headphone jack;
you want to use data, internet, or storage through a different connection.

What types of adapters and converters are available?

Adapters and converters can serve a variety of purposes. The right choice depends on what you want to connect and which signal you need: data, video, audio, internet, storage, or power.

Common types of adapters and converters include:

USB-C adapters for modern laptops, tablets, and phones;
Lightning adapters for iPhone and iPad;
HDMI adapters for sending video to screens and TVs;
audio adapters for headphones and speakers;
camera adapters for files and USB devices;
network and storage adapters for internet access or external drives;
connectors for extending or joining cables or connections.

USB-C adapters

USB-C is a widely used connection on modern laptops, tablets, phones, and accessories. However, many existing devices still use a different connection, such as USB-A, Lightning, HDMI, or 3.5 mm audio.

A USB-C adapter is useful when you want to use a modern port with older or different accessories. For example, a USB-C to USB-A adapter for USB drives, mice, keyboards, or other USB-A accessories.

Lightning adapters for iPhone and iPad

Many older iPhones and iPads use a Lightning connection. Want to connect a USB device, camera, card reader, or another accessory? You’ll often need a suitable Lightning adapter.

One example is the Lightning to USB 3.0 camera adapter. It’s designed for connecting compatible USB devices to an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connection.

Have a newer device with USB-C and want to use a Lightning cable or accessory? A USB-C to Lightning adapter may be useful.

HDMI adapters for connecting to a TV or monitor

Use an HDMI adapter when you want to send video to a TV, monitor, or projector. This can be useful for presentations, videos, photos, movies, or viewing your screen on a larger display.

Check the direction of the connection carefully when choosing an HDMI adapter. Not every adapter works both ways. Your device also needs to support video output through the connection being used. So choosing an HDMI adapter isn’t just about whether the plug fits—it’s also about whether your device supports video through that port.

Audio adapters

More and more smartphones, tablets, and laptops no longer have a separate 3.5 mm headphone jack. In some cases, an audio adapter lets you use wired headphones, a headset, a speaker, or an AUX cable.

Do you mainly use audio accessories? Take a look at our audio adapters too. This collection focuses specifically on audio solutions, while adapters and converters cover a broader range of uses, including data, video, storage, internet, and other connections.

Camera adapters and data adapters

Camera adapters and data adapters are especially useful for transferring files or connecting USB devices. This includes photos, videos, documents, and other files from a camera, USB drive, card reader, or another external device.

Do you use SD or microSD cards often? A separate card reader is often more practical. If you want to connect a USB device to a phone or tablet, an adapter or converter is usually the better option.

Network, storage, and other converters

Some adapters are designed for more specific uses, such as internet access, storage, or internal hardware. Examples include network connectors, SATA adapters, and other converters that connect devices or components that don’t normally plug directly into one another.

These accessories are particularly useful when working with computers, storage media, cables, or technical equipment. For these types of products, always check that the connection, speed, and intended use match your needs.

USB-C, USB-A, Lightning, and HDMI: what’s the difference?

The connection determines which adapter you physically need. These are the most common connections:

USB-C: a modern, oval-shaped connection for phones, tablets, laptops, and accessories;
USB-A: a traditional rectangular USB connection found on many older laptops, PCs, and USB devices;
Lightning: the connection used on many older iPhones and iPads;
HDMI: a connection for sending video and audio to TVs, monitors, and projectors;
3.5 mm jack: a connection for headphones, speakers, and AUX cables.

Not sure whether you need USB-C or Lightning? Read our blog USB-C vs. Lightning: what’s the difference? too.

Data, video, audio, or charging?

A common mistake is assuming that every adapter with the same connection also supports the same functions. That’s not always the case. For example, a USB-C adapter may support data, charging, video, or audio—but not necessarily all of them.

So always consider what you want to do:

Data: transfer files or use USB devices;
Video: mirror your screen or send video to a TV or monitor;
Audio: send sound to headphones or a speaker;
Charging: supply power to a phone, tablet, or laptop;
Internet: connect to or extend a network connection;
Storage: connect external drives, memory cards, or hardware.

Plug & play: what does it mean?

Many adapters and converters are plug & play. This means you can usually connect them straight away without a complicated setup. That’s handy for everyday use, when you’re on the go, or when you need to make a connection quickly.

However, plug & play doesn’t mean that every device automatically supports every function. Your phone, tablet, laptop, operating system, or app must also support the function you need. So always check the product information if you have a specific use in mind.

Choosing an adapter for iPhone or iPad

Use an iPhone or iPad? First check whether your device has Lightning or USB-C. Older models often use Lightning, while newer models increasingly use USB-C.

For iPhones and iPads with a Lightning connection, adapters for USB, HDMI, or camera use are often a good option. If you have an iPad or iPhone with USB-C, you’ll need USB-C adapters or converters instead.

Choosing an adapter for a laptop or MacBook

With laptops and MacBooks, the issue is often missing ports. Many modern models have mostly USB-C ports, while accessories still use USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, or other connections.

Use your laptop for work, study, or travel? A compact adapter is handy. If you work in one place with several devices, a more versatile hub or converter may be more practical.

Choosing an adapter for a TV, monitor, or projector

Want to display video on a larger screen? HDMI is often the way to go. Check which connection your source device has and which input your screen uses.

For a laptop, for example, this might mean USB-C to HDMI. Older Apple devices may need a Lightning to HDMI solution. Always check the resolution, compatibility, and whether your device supports video output.

What should you consider when choosing?

To choose the right adapter or converter, first identify your device, its connection, and what you want to do. Don’t choose based only on appearance or price—compatibility matters most.

When choosing, consider:

which connection your device has;
which connection your accessory, cable, or screen has;
whether you want to use data, video, audio, power, internet, or storage;
whether your device supports the function you need;
whether the adapter works in one direction or both;
whether the product is compatible with your brand or operating system;
whether the devices or accessories shown are included.

Universal or designed for a specific device?

Some adapters are fairly universal as long as the connection and function are right. Others are designed specifically for certain devices, brands, or systems.

Do you use Apple devices, Windows laptops, Android devices, Nintendo products, or TVs? Always check that the product is suitable for your needs. If in doubt, it’s better to check beforehand than to find out later that the adapter doesn’t work as expected.

Adapter or card reader?

An adapter is mainly used to connect different connections or functions. A card reader is specifically designed to read SD or microSD cards.

Want to transfer photos or videos from a memory card? Take a look at our card readers. If you want to connect a USB device, audio accessory, HDMI screen, or another device, an adapter or converter is often a better fit.

Which adapter or converter is right for you?

Want to connect devices, cables, or connections? Browse all our adapters and converters. If you mainly use Apple devices, check carefully whether you need Lightning or USB-C.

Looking for a solution specifically for memory cards? Take a look at our card readers. If you’re mainly looking for audio solutions, browse our audio adapters.

Not sure which adapter is right for your device? Feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help you find the right one.

Frequently asked questions about adapters and converters

What is an adapter?

An adapter is used to make a connection fit between two devices, cables, or accessories.

What is a converter?

In addition to changing the connection, a converter can sometimes also change the signal or function, for example for video, audio, data, or storage.

Does every USB-C adapter work with every USB-C device?

No, not automatically. USB-C refers to the shape of the connection, but supported functions vary by device, cable, and adapter.

Which adapter do I need for my iPhone or iPad?

That depends on your connection. Older iPhones and iPads often use Lightning, while newer models use USB-C.

Can I use an adapter to send video to a TV?

Only if your device and adapter support video output. Always check the product information.

When should I choose a card reader instead of an adapter?

Choose a card reader when you want to read SD or microSD cards. Choose an adapter or converter when you mainly want to connect devices, cables, or connections.