These are my must-have Mac USB accessories

Summary

Apple frequently updates flagship products, leading to the need for new accessories or upgrades.
USB-C is prevalent in newer Apple computers, but USB accessories still work across models.
Key accessories like docking stations, power banks, and SSDs complement Mac products efficiently.

Keeping up with Apple’s designs can be a struggle. Not only does Apple come out with new iterations of their flagship products every year to every few years, but sometimes they make changes to their designs, too. If you think the next iPhone is better than the previous one, then you can upgrade immediately. If you are inclined to get a new Mac when it comes out, you may ditch your previous Mac when the time comes.

But what can be frustrating is having all the accessories needed for a specific Apple device only for the tech giant to change it just slightly and require you to purchase new accessories. For example, Apple got rid of the headphone jack in iPhones when it came out with AirPods, forcing users to either buy an adapter for their wired earphones, buy new wired earphones that fit the new charging port, or upgrade to AirPods.

The same can be said for computers. Apple has gone heavily in favor of Thunderbolt ports, but that doesn’t mean your USB accessories won’t work anymore. Every MacBook since 2015, iMac since 2021, Mac Studio since 2022, and the Mac minis introduced in 2024 all come with USB-C ports. Many of these devices can also be charged using USB-C cables. Here are some of the best USB-C accessories to use with your Mac.

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4, 2024)

The 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro carries over the design of Apple’s 2021 MacBook Pro, with the option for a nano-texture display, and a new, even more AI-friendly M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chip inside powering Apple Intelligence and the usual pro tasks.

Apple's 2024 Mac mini sitting on a railing

The M4 Mac mini is one of the best devices Apple has released in years

Thanks to its new sleek, small design and the M4 chip, the Mac mini is nearly perfect.

1 Anker 675 docking station

Give yourself more USB ports

Anker / Pocket-lint

If you want to set up your laptop or desktop Mac to fully experience how much you can do with it, the Anker 675 is a 10-in-1 docking station that can do just that. It offers:

Three USB-A ports
Two USB-C ports
An SD card slot
A microSD card slot
A 4K HDMI port
An Ethernet port
A wireless charging pad for your phone.

This serves as a laptop stand as well. You can hook up a bunch of additions to your computer without having to plug them into your computer individually. It’s a simple way to add a second screen. The 100W USB-C upstream port powers your laptop and keeps the battery charged for extended periods. Plus, the built-in cable management helps clear your desk of cables and clutter.

Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station (12-in-1, Monitor Stand, Wireless)

A combination stand and docking station, Anker’s 675 is a powerful and sturdy device made from aluminum alloy with plastic legs. It includes a plethora of ports, including five USB ports split between USB-A and USB-C, a headphone jack, HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, SD and micro SD.

Best MacBook Pro docking stations: Port expansion made easy

Expand your laptop’s port options with these docking stations for Apple’s high-end laptop.

2 Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC power bank

Charge your laptop quickly when you’re out

Goal Zero

How many times have you used your laptop while out and about and realized it’s about to die? Probably a lot because you can’t always find an outlet to plug into. Enter the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC power bank. This portable power bank can plug into your charging port with its USB-C connection and not just keep your laptop running, but charge it quickly.

With 100W of output, this delivers lasting charges. It has an aluminum casing that makes it great to use wherever you need to. It will also pick up power and continue to charge if you use the Goal Zero solar panel. It’s durable and easy to carry.

The Goal Zero solar panel is sold separately for $150 on Amazon.

Goal Zero Sherpa

$250 $300 Save $50

The Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC charger is made from rugged aluminum and chargers your laptop or other devices through its USB-C cable. This charger is easy to carry and works from anywhere.

A hand holding an iPhone with an Anker Magnetic Battery Pack attached to it over a background of lightning bolts.

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3 Keychron M3 wireless mouse

A good mouse on a budget

Keychron

There are a ton of mice that work well with Apple Macs. The Apple Magic Mouse is a favorite of many, but it’s a Bluetooth mouse. For a USB-C mouse that provides you with some great features and won’t set your budget back, the Keychron M3 wireless mouse is it. It features a lower profile, like the Magic Mouse, but it has a scroll wheel.

This is a terrific gaming mouse as it glides smoothly and picks up on the smallest of movements, thanks to its PAW3395 sensor. This is also a Bluetooth mouse, but it uses a USB-C receiver to connect to your Mac. It can last for up to 70 hours per charge, and you can adjust the 26,000 DPI without needing to adjust the software.

Keychron M3

The Keychron M3 mouse connects via Bluetooth through a USB-C receiver. This is a terrific gaming mouse with 26,000 DSI and top-notch sensors.

You might be able to talk to Apple’s Magic Mouse soon

Apple’s rumored Magic Mouse redesign might come with voice control capabilities.

Every MacBook since 2015, every iMac since 2021, every Mac Studio since 2022, and the Mac minis introduced in 2024 all have USB-C ports.

4 Samsung T9 portable SSD

Add more SSD storage to your Mac

A person using their computer outside on a mossy rock.

Samsung

If you want to store or transfer data in an efficient and speedy way, the Samsung T9 portable SSD is an ideal option for Mac users. This SSD can add 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB of storage to your device. It offers write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, meaning you can accomplish your tasks quickly.

It’s an ideal addition for any creator or photographer who wants to upload photos and videos quickly. The rugged build features a thermal solution that is made to withstand harsh temperatures. It’s made to be used a lot and with that amount of storage, you’ll be able to without worry.

Samsung T9 Portable SSD

$200 $300 Save $100

The Samsung T9 SSD offers a lot of storage to bring with you wherever you need it. It has a rugged thermal build to withstand harsh conditions.

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5 Anker 323 car charger

Power up from the car on the move

Anker

For those who like to work from the car, you can keep your MacBook Air powered up with the Anker 323 car charger. This USB-C car charger plugs into your cigarette adapter and delivers up to 30W of power. It has two ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once. It works with iPhones, Samsung phones, and even more devices.

It’s built to withstand any overheating and aims to safeguard your devices while they are charging. However, it doesn’t come with any cable, so you’ll need to have one on hand to charge your devices.

Anker 323 Car Charger

The Anker 323 Car Charger is a USB-A and a USB-C charger that plugs into your cigarette lighter adapter. It delivers up to 30W of power, allowing you to power multiple devices.