Here are ways to connect a variety of VGA-, DVI-, and HDMI-compatible monitors.īuy or use a new MacBook Pro, and you’ll likely encounter trouble connecting external displays using cables and adapters that worked well with older MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros. If you're looking for the ultimate tool for your high-speed data transfer, multi-display 4K or 5K connection, and built-in charging, a docking station may be your best bet.How to connect external displays to a 2017 MacBook ProĬonnecting external displays to a new MacBook Pro can be confusing. For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. If the adapters listed here aren't going to give you enough options, you may need a hub instead.ĭocking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't usually need their own wall plug). Hubs are designed to make your MacBook Pro more versatile, providing several different ports. My personal recommendation is to always have a USB-A-to-USB-C adapter like the one Apple sells on hand because that's the most commonly used cable for connecting peripherals to your computer. They're the least expensive but usually only do one thing. They are almost always a single-port changeover, like USB-C-to-USB-A or USB-to-Lightning, though sometimes they may have one or two additional ports, like HDMI. $45 at Nomad Adapter, hub, or docking station: Which one is right for you?Īdapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. It's 1.5 meters long and made out of kevlar, so you could throw it off the side of a cliff, and it'll still work like new to connect your devices to your MacBook Pro. It's my favorite adapter cable, and I take it with me on all my trips. It also supports USB-C PD (power delivery) at up to 100 watts.

This universal cable is made of kevlar and has three connector options USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB.

Macbook pro cable adapter