Apple USB C to A adapter vs 3rd party adapter

[High Rez]

Hello. I am trying to decide which adapter to get, the one apple makes or one made by decent 3rd party brand. Does it matter? Is there a chance of damage to my device or mac if I choose the 3rd party adapter? Are these all able to deliver the proper amount of current to devices I might plug in? I am planning on plugging in USB thumb drives, USB harddrive, or DVD writer. Here are the ones I am considering:

Targus adapter

Apple adapter

 

[Fishrrman]

Be aware that the "tiny" adapters can block adjacent ports when plugged in.

For that reason, I'd recommend a "dongle" style adapter (or two).
Here's one I have:

Cable Matters 5Gbps USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter - 6 Inches, USBC Male to USBA Female OTG Adapter, Black

The Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type-C to Type-A adapter provides a convenient connection between the newest devices with USB Type-C and legacy USB peripherals with Type A. It adapts the Type-C port on a computer to connect all legacy equipment, peripherals, cables, hubs and chargers that ...

www.amazon.com

 

[JSRinUK]

I have a couple of UGREEN ones. I use them for external hard drives, an old printer, USB sticks, etc. I was also going to say I’d used one for my DVD drive, but then realised I plugged that into a dock.

 

[Brian33]

I've used quite a few of these Anker brand adapters. I haven't yet had any problem with them obstructing nearby ports, but of course that would depend upon the device. (In my case, Mac Mini M4 and Apple Studio Display). I felt Anker might have a little higher quality fit than some generic non-brand...?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HZ6PS61?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

They have a tiny white light that comes on when they're plugged in. That could be good (shows good connection) or bad (annoying in the dark?). Mine are all behind me devices so I never notice the light.

I've used them for keyboard, mouse transmitter, Apple Superdrive (optical disc), SSDs, thumb drives.

I also have one Apple dongle, in case I run into the situation where the ports are too crowded for the bulkier ones.

 

[High Rez]

Be aware that the "tiny" adapters can block adjacent ports when plugged in.

For that reason, I'd recommend a "dongle" style adapter (or two).
Here's one I have:

Cable Matters 5Gbps USB C to USB 3.0 Adapter - 6 Inches, USBC Male to USBA Female OTG Adapter, Black

The Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type-C to Type-A adapter provides a convenient connection between the newest devices with USB Type-C and legacy USB peripherals with Type A. It adapts the Type-C port on a computer to connect all legacy equipment, peripherals, cables, hubs and chargers that ...

www.amazon.com

Didn’t think about possible port blockage, good point. Thanks.

 

[High Rez]

I've used quite a few of these Anker brand adapters. I haven't yet had any problem with them obstructing nearby ports, but of course that would depend upon the device. (In my case, Mac Mini M4 and Apple Studio Display). I felt Anker might have a little higher quality fit than some generic non-brand...?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HZ6PS61?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

They have a tiny white light that comes on when they're plugged in. That could be good (shows good connection) or bad (annoying in the dark?). Mine are all behind me devices so I never notice the light.

I've used them for keyboard, mouse transmitter, Apple Superdrive (optical disc), SSDs, thumb drives.

I also have one Apple dongle, in case I run into the situation where the ports are too crowded for the bulkier ones.

Thanks for the info. I was also looking at this anker one that you have linked. Basically I am either buying the apple one or one from a reputable brand like Anker or Targus etc. Nothing too cheap. I have a Mac Mini M4 too, so your real world info helps. Basically if these 3rd party ones don’t cause damage or issues, then it seems to be a matter of personal preference.

 

[Ray2]

I have an off-brand tiny one permanently plugged into a port on my ASD. Flawless operation no matter what I plug into it. I think they were 6 adapters for $8.