Best Firewire Adapters of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Firewire adapters are devices that allow users to connect Firewire-enabled devices to computers that do not have Firewire ports. These adapters come in different shapes and sizes, with some designed for specific types of Firewire connections. They are commonly used to connect camcorders, external hard drives, and audio interfaces to computers, particularly those running older operating systems. Firewire adapters are known for their fast data transfer speeds and reliability, making them a popular choice for professionals working with multimedia applications.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter Cover #TOP 1
elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
CablesOnline Firewire Adapter, AD-FW2 Cover #TOP 2
CablesOnline Firewire Adapter, AD-FW2
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FastSun Firewire to USB Adapter Cover #TOP 3
FastSun Firewire to USB Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Firewire Adapters

#TOP 1

elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter

FBA_EL-FW-ADAP-WH-FBA
White
elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter Cover
elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac and All Other Computers

The elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter is a connector adapter that enables you to connect FireWire 400 devices to FireWire 800 ports. It is IEEE 1394 compliant and compatible with standard 6-pin male FW400 cables. Specifically designed for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac and all other computers, this adapter provides a convenient and cost-effective solution to connect FireWire devices to newer Macs with FireWire 800 ports.

What We Like
Allows you to connect FireWire 400 devices to FireWire 800 ports
Works with standard 6-pin male FW400 cables
Compatible with Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac and all other computers
#TOP 2

CablesOnline Firewire Adapter, AD-FW2

CablesOnline Firewire Adapter, AD-FW2 Cover
CablesOnline 6-Pin Female to 4-Pin Male IEEE-1394a Firewire Adapter, AD-FW2

The CablesOnline Firewire Adapter, AD-FW2, is designed to connect Firewire 6-Pin Female to Firewire 4-Pin Male, compliant with IEEE 1394 and IEEE 1394a. With a transfer rate of up to 400 Mbps, it supports Plug & Play specifications, allowing you to quickly and easily connect your devices without the need for additional software or drivers.

What We Like
Connects Firewire 6-Pin Female to Firewire 4-Pin Male
Compliant with IEEE 1394 and IEEE 1394a standards
Transfer rate of up to 400 Mbps
#TOP 3

FastSun Firewire to USB Adapter

Fastsun
Black
FastSun Firewire to USB Adapter Cover
FastSun Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin Female to USB Male Adaptor Convertor 1PCS

The FastSun USB Adapter allows you to connect various devices like video cameras, printers, and MP3 players to your computer effortlessly. It is compatible with both USB 1.1 and 2.0, meaning you can simply plug it in without needing to install any software. This convenience makes it easy to expand your computer's connectivity options. However, it's important to note that this adapter does not support CD-ROM drives or external sound cards. If you encounter issues with your camera, a quick driver check on your computer may resolve them.

What We Like
Plug and play functionality
Compatible with multiple devices
No software installation required
Expands connectivity options
#TOP 4

LIONX Firewire to USB Adaptor Converter

LIONX
LIONX Firewire to USB Adaptor Converter Cover
LIONX Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin Female F to USB M Male Adaptor Converter

The LIONX Firewire Converter allows you to easily connect devices like digital cameras and camcorders with IEEE 1394 6 pin connectors to your computer using a USB port. It supports full-speed (12Mbps) specification, ensuring seamless data transfer. The adapter is brand new and of high quality, meeting or even exceeding your expectations. With this converter, you can effortlessly link your PC with a firewire port to various devices such as external hard drives, printers, and scanners, making data transfer a breeze for you.

What We Like
Plug and play connections
Full-speed data transfer
High-quality build
#TOP 5

LBSC Firewire to USB Adapter

LBSC
Black
5.8×5×1.8cm
LBSC Firewire to USB Adapter Cover
LBSC 2 Pieces Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin USB Adapter Firewire to USB Converter for Printer, Digital Camera, PDA, Hard Disk,Scanner

LBSC Firewire Adapter allows you to connect various devices like video cameras, printers, digital cameras, MP3 players, PDAs, scanners, and hard disks to your computer. No software installation is needed; just plug the firewire cable into the adapter and then into your computer's USB port. Made of durable plastic, this adapter ensures safety with over 20 inspection procedures. Keep in mind that converting the 1394 interface to a USB port may affect the camera's voltage and current, requiring a check on the camera driver if the computer does not respond.

What We Like
Compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0
Easy plug-and-play setup
Durable plastic material
#TOP 6

Blacell USB to Firewire Adaptor

CFA000
Black
Blacell USB to Firewire Adaptor Cover
Blacell USB 2.0 A Male to Firewire IEEE 1394 6P Female Adaptor Converter Connector F/M

Blacell Firewire Adaptor is a convenient plug and play device that allows you to connect your firewire peripheral devices to your computer's USB port. It is compatible with both USB 1.1 and 2.0. With this adapter, you can easily link your firewire cable to your computer for seamless data transfer. The adapter is lightweight and made of durable plastic in a sleek black color. Say goodbye to complicated setups as you effortlessly connect your devices with the Blacell Firewire Adaptor.

What We Like
Plug and play
USB 1.1/2.0 compatible
Lightweight and durable
#TOP 7

NECABLES FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter

110701-2P
black
NECABLES FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter Cover
NECABLES 2Pack FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter Converter IEEE 1394a 6-Pin Female to 1394b 9-Pin Male

The NECABLES 2Pack FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter Converter allows you to connect your old FireWire 400 cable to FireWire 800 port equipped host devices. It is compatible with Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac and other host devices with FireWire 800 port. The adapter enables your FireWire 400 peripherals, such as digital cameras, hard drives, audio interfaces, and DVDs to work again. It has stable and high-speed transmission, with a data transfer rate of up to 400Mbps.

What We Like
Compatible with various Mac devices and FireWire 800 port equipped host devices.
Allows you to use your old FireWire 400 peripherals again.
Stable and reliable data transfer rate up to 400Mbps.
#TOP 8

CablesOnline Firewire Adapter AD-FW1

CablesOnline Firewire Adapter AD-FW1 Cover
CablesOnline 6-Pin Male to 4-Pin Female IEEE-1394a Firewire Adapter, AD-FW1

CablesOnline Adapter is a handy tool for connecting devices with different Firewire ports. The adapter features a Firewire 6-Pin Male to Firewire 4-Pin Female connection, allowing you to easily transfer data at speeds of up to 400 Mbps. It is compliant with IEEE 1394 and IEEE 1394a standards, ensuring compatibility with various devices. The Plug & Play support makes it effortless to use, eliminating the need for complicated setup processes. With this adapter, you can seamlessly connect your Firewire-enabled devices and enjoy fast data transfer speeds.

What We Like
Fast data transfer
Plug & Play
Compatible with various devices
#TOP 9

Hididi Firewire to USB Adapter

Hididi
Black
Hididi Firewire to USB Adapter Cover
Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin USB Adapter Firewire to USB Converter for Printer, Digital Camera, PDA, Hard Disk,Scanner

Hididi USB Adapter is a convenient solution for connecting various devices to your computer. With this adapter, you can easily connect your video camera, printer, digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, scanner, and hard disk. It is a plug-and-play adapter compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0, requiring no additional software or power source. The reliable plastic construction ensures safety through multiple inspection procedures. However, keep in mind that converting the 1394 interface to a USB port may affect the voltage and current of the connected devices, so always check the camera driver if the computer doesn't respond.

What We Like
Plug-and-play
Compatible with USB 1.1/2.0
No additional power needed
#TOP 10

Toptekits Firewire to USB Convertor Adapter

LYSB019677YF6-CMPTRACCS
black
Toptekits Firewire to USB Convertor Adapter Cover
Toptekits Firewire IEEE 1394 6 Pin Male to USB A Male Convertor Jack M/M Adapter

Toptekits Firewire Adapter is a convenient and useful device that allows you to make plug-and-play connections between devices with IEEE 1394 6-pin connectors and USB Type A male connectors. This adapter is compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 specifications and is easy to use. With this adapter, you can connect your Firewire-enabled devices to your computer or other USB-enabled devices. This adapter is ideal for those who need to transfer data quickly and easily from one device to another. The adapter is compact and easy to carry, making it a great travel accessory.

What We Like
Plug-and-play
Compact
Easy to use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a FireWire adapter used for?

A FireWire adapter, also known as IEEE 1394, is primarily used for connecting peripherals to a computer. It is commonly used for devices that require a high transfer rate, such as external hard drives and digital camcorders.

2. What are the different types of FireWire connectors?

There are two types of FireWire connectors: 6-pin and 4-pin. The 6-pin connector, usually found on computers, provides signal wires and power wires for external equipment. Many FireWire peripherals draw power directly from the interface.

3. Is there a way to convert FireWire to USB?

Yes, you can use a FireWire to USB adapter or a hub that supports both technologies to connect FireWire devices to USB ports. These adapters or hubs allow compatibility between FireWire and USB devices.

4. Can I connect a FireWire device to a USB port?

No, it is not possible to directly connect a FireWire device to a USB port using a FireWire to USB adapter. The USB connection is not sufficient to run a FireWire device like an audio interface.

5. Can I connect FireWire to USB C?

To connect a FireWire device to a Mac with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, you will need two adapters: Apple's Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and Apple's Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 adapter. Additionally, you will need a FireWire cable with an 800 port on one end and a 400 port on the other.

6. What can I do with a FireWire port?

A FireWire port can be used for various purposes. It is commonly used to connect audio and video devices like digital camcorders. Additionally, FireWire can be used to set up ad-hoc networks without the need for routers.

7. Are FireWire cables obsolete?

While FireWire can still be used today, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are considered the ports of the future. FireWire may have niche advantages over USB and Thunderbolt, but it is no longer as widely used or supported.

8. Why does FireWire to USB not work?

FireWire and USB operate on different voltages and have different interfaces and protocols, making them incompatible. FireWire can directly address memory on a computer, which is not supported by USB.

Editor's Notes

During our firewire adapter research, we found 24 firewire adapter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 17,212 customer reviews through our big data system to write the firewire adapters list. We found that most customers choose firewire adapters with an average price of $6.94.

The firewire adapters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of firewire adapters, including elago, CABLESONLINE.COM ATLANTIC COMPUTERTECH, Fastsun, LIONX, LBSC. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,688 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.