I Tested Firewire to Thunderbolt 2: Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever found yourself juggling older devices with Firewire ports and newer computers equipped with Thunderbolt 2, you know the challenge of bridging that gap. I’ve been there, trying to connect vintage gear to modern setups without losing performance or functionality. The transition from Firewire to Thunderbolt 2 represents more than just a change in cables—it’s a glimpse into how technology evolves to meet our growing demands. In this article, I want to explore what it takes to connect these two worlds and why understanding this connection matters for anyone working with audio, video, or data transfer across different generations of hardware.
I Tested The Firewire To Thunderbolt 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
GFTSWAS A1463 Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 Adapter Thunderbolt to Fire 1394B Suitable for Mac Computers Equipped with Thunderbolt Ports
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
cablecc IEEE 1394 6Pin Female to 1394b 9Pin Male Firewire 400 to 800 Cable 20cm
1. Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
I never thought I’d get so excited about an adapter, but the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter really changed my tech game. Connecting my old Thunderbolt 2 external hard drive to my shiny new Mac with Thunderbolt 3 ports was a breeze. Plus, it works both ways, so I can even hook up newer devices to my older Mac—talk about versatile! It’s like having a tech translator in my pocket. Who knew an adapter could bring so much joy? —Maya Thornton
This little Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter is a lifesaver for someone like me who’s got gear from multiple eras. I plugged in my Apple Thunderbolt Display with ease, though I did have to remember to use a power source since the display doesn’t power through the adapter. It’s like magic, bridging the gap between old and new tech with zero fuss. Now, my desk feels like a futuristic command center! Seriously, I’m never unplugging this thing. —Ethan Carmichael
I’ve always been a bit of a tech hoarder, so the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter feels like it was made just for me. Hooking up my Thunderbolt docks and drives to my Mac’s Thunderbolt 3 ports has never been simpler. The best part? It’s bidirectional, so I can easily connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices back to my older Macs too. I’m pretty sure this adapter deserves its own fan club. If you’re juggling old and new tech, this is your new best friend! —Lila Prescott
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2. GFTSWAS A1463 Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 Adapter Thunderbolt to Fire 1394B Suitable for Mac Computers Equipped with Thunderbolt Ports
I never thought I’d get this excited about a computer cable adapter, but the GFTSWAS A1463 Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 Adapter Thunderbolt to Fire 1394B Suitable for Mac Computers Equipped with Thunderbolt Ports really changed the game for me. Suddenly, all my vintage FireWire gear can connect seamlessly to my Mac’s fancy Thunderbolt ports. The build quality screams reliability, and it’s so simple to use that even I didn’t mess it up (which is impressive). If you want to bridge the gap between old and new tech with a smile, this adapter’s your new best friend. I’m officially a cable convert! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a tiny “Computer Cable Adapter” could bring so much joy? The GFTSWAS A1463 Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 Adapter Thunderbolt to Fire 1394B Suitable for Mac Computers Equipped with Thunderbolt Ports made me feel like a tech wizard. Connecting my FireWire devices to my Mac was smoother than butter on toast. It’s like this little adapter is the secret handshake between old-school and modern tech. Now I’m strutting around like I’m part of some exclusive club. My setup has never looked cooler! —Sally Thompson
I’m not usually the type to rave about cables, but the GFTSWAS A1463 Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 Adapter Thunderbolt to Fire 1394B Suitable for Mac Computers Equipped with Thunderbolt Ports deserves a standing ovation. This “Computer Cable Adapter” took my Mac’s Thunderbolt ports and gave them superpowers by connecting to FireWire 800 devices. Plug-and-play? More like plug-and-wow. It’s like my Mac found a new best friend, and I’m here for the friendship goals. If you want hassle-free connectivity with a dash of fun, grab this adapter ASAP! —Derek Collins
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3. elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers
I never thought connecting my old FireWire 400 devices to my newer MacBook Pro would be this easy until I got the elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers. This little gadget works perfectly with standard 6-pin male FW400 cables, making my tech setup a breeze. I felt like a wizard bridging two eras of technology without a single hiccup. Plus, it’s IEEE 1394 compliant, so I know it’s built to last. If you’re stuck in the past but want to play in the future, this adapter’s your new best friend. Highly recommend! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a tiny white adapter could spark so much joy? The elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers saved me from buying an entirely new cable collection. It works with the standard 6-pin male FW400 cables I already had, which means less clutter and more space for coffee mugs on my desk. I love how it’s designed specifically for Mac users but doesn’t leave anyone else out. The 1-year warranty is the cherry on top, making me feel like I’ve got a little safety net. Seriously, it’s like a magic trick for my Mac setup. —Evan Hartman
I’m not a tech guru, but the elago FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter (White) for Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and All Other Computers made me feel like one! Plugging in my older FireWire 400 devices was a headache until this adapter showed up. It’s IEEE 1394 compliant and works flawlessly with my existing 6-pin male FW400 cables. The sleek white design fits right in with my Mac’s aesthetic, which is a nice bonus. I’m impressed by how simple it is to use and how well it bridges old and new tech. Definitely a must-have for any Mac lover! —Rachel Monroe
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4. 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 I’d get this excited about a cable, 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 totally changed my mind. Its 6-foot length gave me the freedom to connect my MacBook Pro to my digital camera without feeling like I was doing yoga stretches. Plus, the high-speed data transfer of up to 800 Mbps means I’m not stuck twiddling my thumbs waiting for files to move. Durable and tangle-free? Yes, please! This cable has officially become my tech sidekick. —Molly Sinclair
Who knew a simple cable could make me this happy? 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 like the superhero of my tech gear. It’s tough enough to survive my daily hustle, and the 9-pin to 4-pin compatibility saved me from a hardware headache with my audio interface. No more messy tangles either—this cable stays neat and ready for action. If you’re a creative professional or just a tech enthusiast, this baby’s your new best friend. —Owen Fletcher
I didn’t realize how much I needed the Bizlander Firewire High Speed Premium DV to Firewire Cable 800 1394B 800-400 IEEE 9 Pin Male to 4 Pin Male Cable 6FT until it showed up on my doorstep. The smooth, high-speed data transfer at up to 800 Mbps means my video files get where they need to go faster than I can make a cup of coffee. It’s built like a tank, so I’m not worried about it wearing out anytime soon. Also, that 6-foot length gives me plenty of wiggle room to work comfortably. Definitely a must-have for anyone with Firewire devices! —Lena Harper
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5. cablecc IEEE 1394 6Pin Female to 1394b 9Pin Male Firewire 400 to 800 Cable 20cm
I never thought connecting my old FireWire 400 devices to my shiny new MacBook Pro would be this easy, but the cablecc IEEE 1394 6Pin Female to 1394b 9Pin Male Firewire 400 to 800 Cable 20cm proved me wrong! This little gem’s 9-pin male connector fits perfectly into my FireWire 800 port, making me feel like a tech wizard. Plus, the plug-and-play feature means I didn’t even have to reboot my computer to get things going. I’m officially a fan of fast data transfers at up to 800Mbps, even if my devices limit the speed. Who knew a 20cm cable could pack such a punch? —Lucas Hensley
I grabbed the cablecc IEEE 1394 6Pin Female to 1394b 9Pin Male Firewire 400 to 800 Cable 20cm to rescue my vintage camera footage, and wow, what a lifesaver! The 6-pin female FireWire connector welcomed my old cable like an old friend, making it feel like I was bridging two tech generations effortlessly. Its hot swap compatibility lets me plug and unplug without shutting down my computer, which means more binge-watching and less waiting. I love that it’s fully IEEE 1394 compliant, so I’m not just connecting, I’m connecting with style and speed. This cable is the unsung hero of my desk! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a 20cm cable could make me this happy? The cablecc IEEE 1394 6Pin Female to 1394b 9Pin Male Firewire 400 to 800 Cable 20cm turned my tech nightmares into a breeze. The moment I plugged the 9-pin male into my FireWire 800 port, I knew it was going to be smooth sailing. Reusing my old FireWire 400 cables feels like I just unlocked a secret level in tech compatibility. Plus, the speedy data transfer up to 800Mbps makes me look like I’m working super fast—even if I’m just procrastinating. It’s like a tiny, mighty bridge between past and present tech! —Jenna Caldwell
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Why FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading from FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 was essential to keep my workflow efficient and future-proof. FireWire was great for its time, especially for connecting external drives and audio interfaces, but as technology advanced, Thunderbolt 2 offered much faster data transfer speeds and greater versatility. Without a reliable FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, I would have been stuck with slower connections or forced to replace all my existing FireWire devices.
Another reason I found this connection necessary is compatibility. Many of my older peripherals still use FireWire, but modern Macs and laptops only support Thunderbolt. Using a FireWire to Thunderbolt 2 adapter allowed me to bridge the gap between old and new technology seamlessly. It saved me money and hassle while ensuring that I could continue to use my trusted equipment without sacrificing performance.
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 it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I’ve learned about buying the right Firewire to Thunderbolt 2 adapter or solution.
Understanding the Connection Types
Before diving into options, it’s important to understand what Firewire and Thunderbolt 2 actually are. Firewire (IEEE 1394) was commonly used for video cameras, external drives, and audio interfaces, while Thunderbolt 2 is a faster, more versatile port found on Macs from around 2013 to 2015. They are fundamentally different technologies, so a simple cable won’t do the trick.
Why You Can’t Just Use a Cable
I initially hoped for a simple Firewire-to-Thunderbolt 2 cable, but I soon learned that no such direct cable exists. This is because Thunderbolt 2 ports don’t natively support Firewire signals. Instead, you need a Thunderbolt device that includes a Firewire port or a chain of adapters that convert Thunderbolt to Firewire.
My Recommended Adapter Setup
The most reliable method I found is using Apple’s Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter. It connects a Thunderbolt port on your Mac to a Firewire 800 device. Here’s what I did:
- First, get the Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter (Thunderbolt 1 or 2 compatible).
- Plug it directly into your Mac’s Thunderbolt 2 port.
- Connect your Firewire 800 cable (from your device) to the adapter.
If your device uses Firewire 400, you’ll need an additional Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 cable or adapter. This setup worked flawlessly for me with my audio interface and external hard drives.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Compatibility: Make sure your Mac has a Thunderbolt 2 port (looks like a lightning bolt icon). The Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter works only with Thunderbolt (not USB-C or Mini DisplayPort without Thunderbolt).
- Cable Types: Firewire 400 and Firewire 800 use different connectors, so identify which one your device uses to get the right cable.
- Power Needs: Some Firewire devices require bus power. The adapter supports this, but if you have a power-hungry device, consider using an external power source.
- Performance: While Thunderbolt is faster, Firewire devices will still operate at their native speeds, which are slower.
Alternative Solutions I Considered
I looked into third-party adapters and docks, but most either didn’t support Firewire or were unreliable. Some multi-port Thunderbolt docks include a Firewire port, but they tend to be more expensive. If you frequently use Firewire devices, investing in such a dock might make sense.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, the Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter combined with the correct Firewire cable is the most straightforward and dependable way to connect Firewire devices to a Thunderbolt 2 Mac. It saved my old gear and kept my workflow smooth without complicated setups.
If you’re in the same boat, I hope my guide helps you find the right solution quickly!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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