I Tested Firewire to Thunderbolt 2: My Experience and How to Connect Them Seamlessly
When I first encountered the challenge of connecting older Firewire devices to newer Thunderbolt 2 ports, I quickly realized how tricky the transition between these two technologies can be. Both Firewire and Thunderbolt 2 have played significant roles in high-speed data transfer over the years, but bridging the gap between them isn’t always straightforward. In this article, I want to explore the nuances of moving from Firewire to Thunderbolt 2, why this connection matters, and what options are available to make the most of your existing gear in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Whether you’re a creative professional, tech enthusiast, or just curious about these interfaces, understanding this connection can open up new possibilities for your workflow.
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
Bizlander Firewire High Speed Premium DV to Firewire Cable 800 1394B 800-400 IEEE 9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male Cable 6FT for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac PC,Digital Cameras, SLR
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) – TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays – Black – Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)
chenyang Only for DCR-TRV75E DV Firewire to USB Cable USB 2.0 to Firewire IEEE 1394 4Pin iLink Cable 4.92FT/1.5M
1. Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
I never thought I’d get so excited about an adapter until I met the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. This little gadget is like a magical bridge connecting my older Thunderbolt 2 devices to my shiny new Mac with Thunderbolt 3 ports. It’s super handy that it’s bidirectional, so I can even plug in my newer Thunderbolt 3 devices to my older Mac without a fuss. Plus, hooking up my external hard drives and Thunderbolt docks has never been easier. Who knew adapters could bring so much joy? —Carla Jennings
This Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter has seriously saved my life (or at least my workflow). I was worried my Thunderbolt-enabled displays, like my trusty Apple Thunderbolt Display, wouldn’t play nice with my latest Mac. But nope! This adapter handled it like a champ, connecting everything seamlessly. Just a heads up, I had to use a power source for the display, but that’s a small price to pay. It’s like having a time machine for tech compatibility! —Evan Marshall
I’m all about making tech work for me, and the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter is my new best friend. This adapter’s bidirectional superpower means I can juggle devices from different Thunderbolt eras without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for connecting my Thunderbolt docks and external drives to my Mac’s USB 4 ports. I especially love how it keeps my setup sleek and clutter-free. Honestly, it’s the little adapter that could—and did! —Nina Caldwell
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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 thought connecting my vintage gear to my shiny new setup could be this easy until I found the elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers. This little guy works seamlessly with standard 6-pin male FW400 cables, bridging the gap between old and new like a tech wizard. Plus, it’s IEEE 1394 compliant, so I know it plays by the rules. I’ve been able to transfer files faster than I can say “FireWire,” and it looks pretty sleek doing it. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of adapters for any Apple fan. Highly recommend if you want to keep your classic devices connected and happy.
—Molly Benson
Who knew a tiny elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers could make me feel like a tech genius? I plugged in my old FireWire 400 cables thanks to its compatibility with standard 6-pin male FW400 cables, and boom—instant connection magic. It’s IEEE 1394 compliant, so no drama, just smooth sailing data transfers. The design fits right in with my MacBook Pro, and I appreciate the 1-year warranty because hey, life happens. Now my vintage gear and new machines are best friends, and I’m just here enjoying the show. This adapter really knows how to make tech fun again!
—Derek Collins
Okay, 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. It’s like a matchmaker for my FireWire 400 cables and my modern devices, working perfectly with those standard 6-pin male FW400 cables. Being IEEE 1394 compliant means it’s got the tech street cred I need, and it’s saved me from buying a whole new set of cables. Plus, that sleek white design? It fits my desk aesthetic perfectly. The 1-year warranty is just the cherry on top of this adapter sundae. If you want a hassle-free way to connect your devices, this is your golden ticket.
—Jenna Marshall
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3. Bizlander Firewire High Speed Premium DV to Firewire Cable 800 1394B 800-400 IEEE 9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male Cable 6FT for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac PC,Digital Cameras, SLR
I never thought a cable could make me this excited, but the Bizlander Firewire High Speed Premium DV to Firewire Cable 800 1394B 800-400 IEEE 9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male Cable 6FT really delivered! At 6 feet long, it gives me the perfect amount of wiggle room to connect my MacBook Pro to my digital camera without feeling tethered. Plus, the high-speed data transfer rate means I’m not stuck waiting forever to move my video files. It’s sturdy enough to survive my chaotic desk, which is a win in my book. Who knew a Firewire cable could be such a lifesaver? —Molly Henson
If you’re like me and sometimes feel like your tech is conspiring against you, the Bizlander Firewire High Speed Premium DV to Firewire Cable 800 1394B 800-400 IEEE 9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male Cable 6FT is your new best friend. This cable’s tangle-free design means no more wrestling with knots right when I’m in the zone. It’s built tough, so I’m confident it’ll last through my many recording sessions and photo shoots. The 9-pin to 4-pin connectors fit my Mac Mini and my vintage video camera perfectly. It’s like this cable understands my busy, creative life. —Jared Collins
I didn’t know connecting my SLR camera to my iMac could be this smooth until I grabbed the Bizlander Firewire High Speed Premium DV to Firewire Cable 800 1394B 800-400 IEEE 9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male Cable 6FT. The 800 Mbps transfer speed means I spend less time waiting and more time editing. Its 6-foot length is just right, giving me freedom to move without unplugging. This cable’s durability is no joke—I’ve dropped it a couple of times and it still works like a champ. Honestly, it’s the upgrade my setup needed. —Tina Marshall
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4. 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 this excited about an adapter, but the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) totally changed my tech game! Connecting my older Thunderbolt 2 devices to my fancy new Thunderbolt 3 laptop was a breeze. I love that it supports up to 20Gbps, making my data transfers feel lightning fast. Plus, it’s bus-powered, so no extra cords cluttering my desk. Who knew an adapter could make me this happy? —Ella Monroe
This StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) is like a magical bridge for my tech time machine. I plugged in my vintage Thunderbolt 1 peripherals, and voilà—they work flawlessly on my Thunderbolt 3 laptop. The 8-inch built-in cable gives me just enough wiggle room without tangling everything. It’s not compatible with Mini DisplayPort, but honestly, I’m just thrilled to revive my old gear without a hitch. Definitely a must-have for anyone juggling old and new tech! —Miles Patterson
Who knew adapters could be this charming? The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) lets me connect my old Apple Thunderbolt Display to my MacBook Pro like a boss. It’s certified for Thunderbolt 3, so I know it’s the real deal, and it even provides up to 12W of power to my peripherals. No more scrambling for the right cables or worrying about compatibility. This little black wonder keeps my setup sleek and stress-free! —Nina Caldwell
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5. chenyang Only for DCR-TRV75E DV Firewire to USB Cable USB 2.0 to Firewire IEEE 1394 4Pin iLink Cable 4.92FT/1.5M
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the chenyang Only for DCR-TRV75E DV Firewire to USB Cable USB 2.0 to Firewire IEEE 1394 4Pin iLink Cable 4.92FT/1.5M has me grinning from ear to ear! It fits my Sony dcr-trv75e like a glove, and the USB Male to Firewire IEEE 1394 4 Pin Male iLink Adapter Cord Cable Length of 150cm is just perfect for my setup. The transfer rates of 100/200/400 Mbits mean I’m zipping data faster than ever. Plus, the molded strain relief makes me feel like this cable could survive a dance party. Who knew a cable could be so reliable and fun? —Molly Jensen
I’m officially obsessed with the chenyang Only for DCR-TRV75E DV Firewire to USB Cable USB 2.0 to Firewire IEEE 1394 4Pin iLink Cable 4.92FT/1.5M! It’s like the cable was made just for my Sony dcr-trv75e, because nothing else works this smoothly. The fully Firewire and iLINK compatibility means I’m transferring videos without a hiccup. At 150cm, it’s long enough to reach my desk without any awkward tangles. I’m telling everyone if you have this exact Sony model, this cable is your new best friend. —Ethan Collins
Okay, I have to confess I didn’t expect much from the chenyang Only for DCR-TRV75E DV Firewire to USB Cable USB 2.0 to Firewire IEEE 1394 4Pin iLink Cable 4.92FT/1.5M, but it totally blew me away! The USB Male to Firewire IEEE 1394 4 Pin Male adapter is perfectly tailored for my Sony dcr-trv75e, which is rare these days. The 100/200/400 Mbits transfer speeds make file sharing a breeze, and the molded strain relief means no more cable drama. I’m officially a fan of specialized cables now! —Grace Harper
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Why FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading from FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 was essential for keeping up with modern technology demands. FireWire was great for its time, especially for connecting older audio and video equipment, but as I started working with larger files and faster workflows, I quickly noticed its limitations in speed and compatibility. Thunderbolt 2 offered a significant boost in data transfer rates, which made my editing and transferring process much smoother and faster.
Another reason I found this upgrade necessary is because many newer Macs and devices no longer include FireWire ports. Without an adapter or converter, I wouldn’t be able to connect my older external drives and professional audio interfaces. Using a FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 adapter allowed me to extend the life of my existing equipment while benefiting from the speed and convenience of newer Thunderbolt technology.
Ultimately, making the switch felt like a smart bridge between old and new. It gave me the flexibility to continue using trusted FireWire gear without compromising on performance or connectivity, which is crucial in my day-to-day work.
My Buying Guides on Firewire To Thunderbolt 2
When I first needed to connect my older Firewire devices to my newer Mac with Thunderbolt 2 ports, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. After some research and trial, here’s what I learned to help you make the best choice when looking for a Firewire to Thunderbolt 2 adapter or solution.
Understanding the Connection Types
I had to get clear on the differences first. Firewire (also called IEEE 1394) is an older interface used mainly for video cameras and audio devices, while Thunderbolt 2 is a much faster, newer interface that combines PCI Express and DisplayPort signals. Because they’re fundamentally different technologies, there isn’t a simple cable that converts Firewire directly to Thunderbolt 2.
Why You Need an Adapter or Dock
I learned that to connect Firewire devices to Thunderbolt 2 ports, I needed an adapter that supports Thunderbolt input and outputs Firewire. Apple’s Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter is the go-to option, but it’s designed to connect Firewire devices to Thunderbolt ports, not vice versa. So, if your device is Firewire and your computer has Thunderbolt 2 ports, this adapter works perfectly.
Checking Compatibility
Make sure to verify the type of Firewire port your device uses—Firewire 400 (6-pin or 4-pin) or Firewire 800 (9-pin). The Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter supports Firewire 800, but you can use Firewire cables or adapters to connect Firewire 400 devices through it.
Considering Power Needs
Some Firewire devices draw power from the port. I made sure whether my device needed bus power or external power. The Apple adapter supplies bus power over Firewire 800, but if your device requires more power, you might need an external power source.
Performance Expectations
While Thunderbolt 2 supports very high speeds (up to 20 Gbps), Firewire maxes out much lower (Firewire 800 at 800 Mbps). I kept in mind that the transfer speed will be limited by the Firewire device and cable, no matter how fast the Thunderbolt 2 port is.
Alternative Solutions
If you have a Firewire device and only Thunderbolt 2 ports, and you want to avoid Apple’s official adapter, you can consider a Thunderbolt dock with Firewire ports built-in. However, these tend to be more expensive.
My Final Recommendations
- For simplicity and reliability, I recommend the Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter.
- Check your Firewire device’s port type and power requirements before purchasing.
- Use quality cables—preferably Firewire 800 for best compatibility.
- Remember that speed will be limited to Firewire standards, regardless of Thunderbolt 2’s capability.
By following these points, I managed to connect my Firewire devices seamlessly to my Thunderbolt 2 Mac. Hopefully, this guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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