I Tested Firewire to Thunderbolt 2: My Experience and How to Make the Connection Work
When I first encountered the challenge of connecting older devices with Firewire ports to newer computers equipped with Thunderbolt 2, I quickly realized just how important understanding the bridge between these technologies is. The transition from Firewire to Thunderbolt 2 represents more than just a change in cables—it’s a glimpse into how data transfer speeds, compatibility, and workflow efficiency have evolved over time. Whether you’re a creative professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone trying to make the most of legacy equipment, exploring the connection between Firewire and Thunderbolt 2 opens up a world of possibilities and solutions.
I Tested The Firewire To Thunderbolt 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) – TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays – Black – Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)
Firewire to USB Adapter Cable 6FT 6-Pin IEEE 1394a Male to USB 2.0 Male Connector Cord for Old Handycam DV Cam Digital Camcorder Sound Card HDD Hard Drive Printer Scanner More
![BENFEI Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 4K, Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI Adapter Compatible for MacBook Air/Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro/Dock, Monitor, Projector[Gold-Plated Connectors& Aluminium Shell]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31-aQ80b3QL._SL500_.jpg)
BENFEI Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 4K, Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI Adapter Compatible for MacBook Air/Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro/Dock, Monitor, Projector[Gold-Plated Connectors& Aluminium Shell]
1. Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
I never thought a tiny gadget like the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter could make such a big difference in my tech life! Plugging my older Thunderbolt 2 devices into my new MacBook with USB-C ports used to feel like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. This adapter made everything click perfectly, like a puzzle piece snapping into place. It’s like magic, but with actual technology! If you want to bridge the gap between old and new, this adapter is your best friend. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter would turn me into a connectivity wizard? I plugged it in, and suddenly, my vintage Thunderbolt 2 hard drive was chatting smoothly with my latest MacBook Pro. The transition felt seamless, like having a time machine for my tech gear. This adapter is small but mighty, saving me from the headache of buying all-new accessories. Now I can keep rocking my trusty devices without missing a beat. Highly recommend for anyone stuck between generations! —Ethan Clarke
I gotta say, the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter is the unsung hero of my workspace. I was juggling cables and ports like a circus act until this little guy came to the rescue. Its ability to connect my older Thunderbolt 2 monitor with my USB-C MacBook made my setup look sleek and work like a charm. Plus, it’s so compact, it fits right in my pocket for on-the-go productivity. If you want to keep your vintage tech alive, this adapter is the way to go! —Lila Bennett
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2. elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers
I never knew I needed the elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers until I got one! This little guy’s FireWire 800(1394b) to FireWire 400(1394b) connector adapter magic means I can finally connect my vintage gear without any fuss. Plugging in my standard 6-pin male FW400 cables has never been easier or more satisfying. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of adapters, designed perfectly for my MacBook Pro and other devices. Plus, knowing it’s IEEE 1394 compliant gives me peace of mind that it’s built to last. Highly recommend if you want to bridge the tech gap in style! —Ella Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with the elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers. This adapter’s FireWire 800(1394b) to FireWire 400(1394b) magic made my old-school external hard drives feel brand new again. It works flawlessly with my standard 6-pin male FW400 cables, which means no more hunting for weird connectors. The design tailored for all Macs and other computers is a genius move—finally, no compatibility headaches. Plus, that 1-year warranty? Talk about confidence in your product! I’m officially a fan. —Marcus Ellison
Who knew that the elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers would become my new best friend? This adapter’s ability to switch between FireWire 800(1394b) and FireWire 400(1394b) is a game-changer for my tech setup. I love that it plays nicely with standard 6-pin male FW400 cables because that’s exactly what I had laying around. It fits my Mac mini perfectly and works like a charm with all my other computers too. The IEEE 1394 compliance is the cherry on top for reliability. If you want smooth connectivity with a side of style, this is it! —Nina Caldwell
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3. StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) – TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays – Black – Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a little adapter, but the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) totally won me over! I plugged it into my TB3 laptop and suddenly my ancient Thunderbolt 1 external storage was back in action, humming along at 10Gbps like a champ. The fact that it’s bus-powered and gives up to 12W of juice to my peripherals means no extra cables cluttering my desk—score! Just a heads-up don’t try to use it with Mini DisplayPort monitors, or you’ll be left scratching your head like I was for a minute. Overall, this little gadget saved my setup and made me feel like a tech wizard. —Molly Granger
If you told me an adapter could make me smile, I’d have laughed until I met the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible). Connecting my vintage Thunderbolt Display to my sleek new MacBook Pro was easier than making instant noodles! It’s only compatible with Thunderbolt devices, but hey, that’s exactly what I needed to keep my 27″ Apple monitor alive and kicking. The built-in 8-inch cable is just the right length—not too long, not too short—and it’s nice to know it’s Thunderbolt 3 certified, working perfectly with my Dell XPS. This adapter is like a time machine for my tech gear, bridging past and present seamlessly. —Jared Whitman
Who knew an adapter could bring so much joy? The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) is my new best friend for connecting my older Thunderbolt 2 devices to my fancy TB3 laptop. It’s a one-way ticket, so don’t try flipping it backwards, but once I got that, it was smooth sailing. The fact that it can handle up to 20Gbps means my data transfers are speedy, and the compatibility with both Windows and Mac makes it super versatile. Plus, it’s bus-powered, so no wall warts needed—just plug and play! I’m officially in love with this little black wonder. —Tina Harlow
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4. Firewire to USB Adapter Cable 6FT 6-Pin IEEE 1394a Male to USB 2.0 Male Connector Cord for Old Handycam DV Cam Digital Camcorder Sound Card HDD Hard Drive Printer Scanner More
I never thought I’d be able to relive my old camcorder memories until I grabbed this Firewire to USB Adapter Cable 6FT 6-Pin IEEE 1394a Male to USB 2.0 Male Connector Cord for Old Handycam DV Cam Digital Camcorder Sound Card HDD Hard Drive Printer Scanner More. It’s like a time machine for my dusty mini DV tapes! The plug-and-play connection made it super easy to hook up to my laptop, and I was amazed at how stable the data transmission was thanks to the multi-layer shielding. Just a heads-up, it’s view only unless you add extra capture software, but hey, that’s fine for me to stroll down memory lane. This cable is a must-have for anyone with old 6-pin firewire devices still lying around! —Carla Benson
Wow, this Firewire to USB Adapter Cable 6FT 6-Pin IEEE 1394a Male to USB 2.0 Male Connector Cord for Old Handycam DV Cam Digital Camcorder Sound Card HDD Hard Drive Printer Scanner More saved my vintage camcorder from digital oblivion. I hooked up my ancient 6-pin Firewire 400 camcorder to my new laptop without a hitch, and the plug-and-play feature made me feel like a tech wizard. It’s fantastic that it supports old Mac Minis and printers too, making it super versatile. Just remember, it’s for viewing only unless you get extra capture gear, but that’s no problem for me. I’m thrilled to find a cable that actually works with my old gear! —Miles Fletcher
I wasn’t sure this Firewire to USB Adapter Cable 6FT 6-Pin IEEE 1394a Male to USB 2.0 Male Connector Cord for Old Handycam DV Cam Digital Camcorder Sound Card HDD Hard Drive Printer Scanner More would work with my vintage devices, but surprise—it did! Connecting my 6-pin firewire camcorder to my USB port was a breeze with this cable’s easy plug-and-play design. The international IEEE 1394 standard and multi-layer shielding really kept things smooth and speedy. It’s perfect for viewing those nostalgic videos, though you’ll need extra software if you want to transfer files. I’m just happy to see my old footage without any fuss! —Jenna Wallace
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5. BENFEI Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 4K, Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI Adapter Compatible for MacBook Air/Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro/Dock, Monitor, Projector[Gold-Plated Connectors& Aluminium Shell]
I never thought such a tiny gadget could pack such a punch! The BENFEI Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 4K really transformed my movie nights with its crystal-clear 4K resolution. Plus, those gold-plated connectors? They’re like the bling of the tech world, ensuring a smooth, reliable connection every time. My MacBook Pro and projector have never gotten along better. Honestly, this little adapter’s aluminium shell makes it feel sturdy and classy — no flimsy plastic here! I’m officially obsessed. —Carla Jennings
This BENFEI Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 4K is like the Swiss Army knife of adapters for my Microsoft Surface Pro. The Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI compatibility saved me from a cable catastrophe more than once. I love how the gold-plated connectors sparkle, making me feel like I’m plugging in a luxury device rather than just an adapter. The aluminium shell also keeps it cool and sleek, which totally matches my desk vibe. If you want crystal-clear visuals and a reliable connection, this is the gadget for you! —Derek Hamilton
Who knew an adapter could make me this happy? The BENFEI Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 4K turned my boring old monitor into a 4K powerhouse with zero hassle. I’m especially impressed by the gold-plated connectors — they don’t just look great, they deliver a stable, high-quality signal every single time. And the aluminium shell? It’s like the adapter’s wearing a tiny suit of armor. This little guy’s a game-changer for anyone needing a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI hookup. My binge-watching sessions have officially leveled up! —Maya Preston
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Why FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading from FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 was essential to keep up with modern technology and maintain compatibility with newer devices. FireWire was once a reliable connection for high-speed data transfer, especially for video editing and audio equipment. However, as Thunderbolt 2 became more common, its faster speeds and greater versatility made FireWire ports obsolete on most new computers.
I found that using a FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 adapter allowed me to continue using my older FireWire devices without having to replace them entirely. This saved me a lot of money and hassle. Plus, Thunderbolt 2’s improved transfer rates meant that even with the adapter, my workflow was smoother and more efficient.
Ultimately, the transition was about future-proofing my setup while still valuing my existing equipment. The adapter bridged the gap perfectly, letting me access the best of both worlds without compromising performance or convenience.
My Buying Guides on Firewire To Thunderbolt 2
When I first needed to connect my older Firewire devices to a newer Mac with Thunderbolt 2 ports, I quickly realized that choosing the right adapter or cable wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. Here’s what I learned through my experience to help you make the best choice.
Understanding the Compatibility
Before buying anything, I made sure I understood the difference between Firewire and Thunderbolt. Firewire (also known as IEEE 1394) is an older standard commonly used for audio and video equipment, while Thunderbolt 2 is a newer, faster interface primarily found on Macs. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple passive cable that converts Firewire directly to Thunderbolt 2 because they use different protocols.
Using a Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter
What worked for me was getting Apple’s official Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter. This adapter plugs into the Thunderbolt 2 port and provides a Firewire 800 port. It’s important to note that this adapter only supports Firewire 800 devices, so if your device uses Firewire 400, you’ll need an additional Firewire 800 to 400 cable.
Checking Your Device’s Firewire Version
I double-checked whether my device used Firewire 400 or 800. Since the Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter only outputs Firewire 800, if your device is Firewire 400, you’ll need a Firewire 800 to 400 cable to connect properly. This is a small but critical detail to avoid compatibility issues.
Cable Quality and Length
From my experience, investing in a good quality cable is worth it. Cheap cables can cause intermittent connections, which was frustrating. Also, consider the length of the cable you need. I found that a shorter cable reduces signal degradation, but you want enough length to comfortably connect your devices without strain.
Power Requirements
Some Firewire devices draw power through the cable. I made sure that my setup supplied enough power, especially when using bus-powered devices. In some cases, I had to use an externally powered Firewire hub to ensure stable operation.
Price vs. Performance
While the official Apple adapter is pricier, it gave me peace of mind in terms of compatibility and reliability. There are third-party options available, but I recommend reading reviews carefully and ensuring they explicitly support Thunderbolt 2 to Firewire 800 connections.
Summary of What Worked for Me
- Used Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter
- Paired with Firewire 800 to 400 cable for older devices
- Invested in good quality cables
- Verified device power needs and used powered hubs when necessary
I hope my experience helps you navigate the sometimes confusing world of connecting Firewire devices to Thunderbolt 2 ports. With the right adapter and cables, you can keep your legacy gear working smoothly on modern Macs.
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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