Choosing up a strong USB to HDMI cable can open up a brand new world of connectivity, whether or not you need to hyperlink your laptop, pill, or smartphone and increase your display screen area.
Normally, you merely need to use an adapter to sync up these transportable gadgets with a monitor or TV for higher viewing. Fortunately, each HDMI and USB – significantly USB-C, which options closely on this information – are ubiquitous connection requirements that the newest tech is usually outfitted to deal with.
One thing that’s price nothing, nevertheless, is there’s a little bit of a limitation for Apple gadgets. Apple M1 and M2-powered gadgets have a built-in restrictor that permits for as much as 4K 60Hz over HDMI. These desirous to push 4K 120Hz or past will want a DisplayPort adapter or a USB-C monitor able to going sooner.
Best USB to HDMI cables: Our top picks
Anker / Pocket-lint
Anker USB C to HDMI Adapter
1. Best overall USB to HDMI cable
Easy is as easy does
$15 $18 Save $3
The Anker USB-C to HDMI adapter is a reasonable first choice. It’s not expensive, it works on everything that this tech is capable of working with, and it gets the job done. It works best with phones, MacBooks, and other devices that only need up to 4K 60Hz.
- Simple and easy to use
- Braided cable with solid-feeling connectors
- It works as advertised
- The adapter isn’t long so make sure your HDMI cable is long enough
- HDMI 2.1 adapters are more expensive, but also more capable
The Anker USB-C to HDMI Adapter is a good start for a product like this. It works with MacBooks, smartphones, and PCs that may help HDMI-out. There is not a lot to this adapter and that is a very good factor. It is quick with a braided cable, strong feeling connectors, and it will not break the financial institution when you purchase one. When it comes to usability, it is plug-and-play so all it’s a must to do is plug all of it in and it ought to work.
About the one factor we might think about taking a second take a look at is the truth that this is not an HDMI 2.1 dongle. That limits its capabilities to 4K 60Hz whereas HDMI 2.1 helps larger resolutions and refresh charges. Nevertheless, there aren’t a ton of gadgets outputting 8K, so older HDMI spec cables like this one ought to nonetheless work positive.
Uni / Pocket-lint
Uni USB C to HDMI Cable
2. Second finest USB-C to HDMI cable
This can be a cable greater than adapter, which is nice
An extended, high-performance cable that may ship quick connections between your gadgets.
- Nice measurement variations
- Works as marketed
- It is an entire cable, not simply an adapter, so you do not want one other cable
- Solely helps as much as 4K 30Hz
For those who’re after a USB-C to HDMI cable, Uni’s 6-foot wire is a superb choose to think about. You will not must solid out of your gadgets to a TV or monitor, with this direct line able to being as much as 15 ft lengthy. When it comes to specs, it will do 4K at 30Hz, 1440p at 60Hz, or 1080p at as much as 120Hz. That must be ok for many gadgets, however if you wish to push smoother 4K, you may want a cable with larger HDMI specs.
For the reason that design can also be constructed from braided nylon, it ought to stay sturdy and free from fraying. The connectors are hefty with out being too cumbersome. The cable can also be not terribly costly. The Anker adapter above is able to 4K 60Hz, however when you’re utilizing a cable for 1440p or below, this can be a good second choice.
Belkin / Pocket-lint
Belkin USB Sort C to HDMI 2.1 Cable
3. Finest USB-C to HDMI 2.1 cable
Good luck discovering one thing to max out this cable
$40 $50 Save $10
The Belkin USB Sort C to HDMI 2.1 Cable is probably the most superior cable on the record. Which means it is also the most costly. With HMDI 2.1 spec, this cable can do 8K video and 4K video at as much as 144Hz.
- HDMI 2.1 is far more highly effective than its prior iterations
- Able to doing as much as 8K 60Hz
- 6.6-foot size must be lengthy sufficient for many functions
- Not a braided cable
- Costly
This can be a no-nonsense cable for people who need the tippy-top of what is out there right now. The Belkin USB Sort C to HDMI 2.1 Cable makes use of HDMI 2.1 because it says within the product title. Which means it is able to supply as much as 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 144Hz, which is larger and sooner than a lot of the cables on this record. It is 6.6 ft lengthy which is a good size.
It is also backwards suitable with older HDMI gadgets, so it will nonetheless plug into all the identical gadgets as these different cables. This factor sounds fairly good, proper? Which means there should be a draw back. There’s, and it is that the cable is dear. It runs for $50 when not on sale, however that is the worth of getting the quickest doable HDMI cable.
Ugreen / Pocket-lint
Ugreen USB-C to HDMI cable
4. Finest versatile size USB to HDMI cable
One other cheap choice that will not break the financial institution
The Ugreen USB-C to HDMI Cable is a superb various that delivers as much as 4K 60Hz speeds for below $20.
- 4K 60Hz is about nearly as good because it will get for below $20
- Three size choices allow you to resolve how a lot cable you want
- Works as marketed
Ugreen’s 6.6-foot USB-C to HDMI cable is one other cheap contender for USB-C to HDMI adapters and cables. This one is kind of good and has as much as three measurement choices at 3.3, 6.6, and 10 ft to allow you to purchase as a lot or as little cable as you want. It helps as much as 4K 60Hz, which, whereas not USB 2.1, remains to be completely usable for many use instances.
Since it is a easy cable connection, there are not any drivers or software program downloads required to be used, with it in a position to just about act as a plug-and-play resolution for any suitable smartphone, pill, or laptop computer. The braided nylon design additionally implies that it ought to maintain up over time and keep away from fraying. Ugreen additionally sells a USB type-C to HDMI 2.1 cable similar to this, however it additionally prices greater than twice as a lot.
QGeeM / Pocket-lint
QGeeM USB C to HDMI Adapter
5. Finest price range USB to HDMI cable
Not unhealthy for less than a few bucks
$10 $13 Save $3
The QGeeM USB-C to HDMI Adapter is an effective alternative when you want one thing cheap and rapidly. It will not push full 60Hz at 4K, however it’ll work at 1080p with no downside.
- Easy design and it is easy to make use of
- Works as marketed
- Cheap
One other easy USB-C to HDMI adapter is accessible from QGeeM, which is ready to ship 4K decision at 30Hz. This one is an adapter moderately than a cable, so you may want your individual HDMI cable, however the profit is that you should utilize any size of HDMI cable you see match, it is a very versatile choice.
Naturally, it is suitable with all the things from newer Macbook gadgets to Android smartphones, with no software program or driver set up required for it. The design can also be compact and pretty sturdy, with the quick cable constructed from woven nylon and the connection itself coming gold-plate, it is nice for taking over the highway.
Anker / Pocket-lint
Anker USB C to Twin HDMI Adapter
6. Finest USB to multi-HDMI adapter
For these with twin monitor setups
$20 $35 Save $15
The Anker USB C to Twin HDMI adapter is an effective choice if it’s good to run a tool to 2 screens or TVs on the similar time.
- 4K at 60Hz when you use one port, 4K at 30Hz when you use each
- Plug-and-play
- One of many few merchandise in its class
- We hope an HDMI 2.1 model comes alongside finally
The Anker USB-C to Twin HDMI Adapter is precisely what the title implies. It permits you to cut up a single USB-C video sign into two HDMI-out alerts. Thus, you’ll be able to run your smartphone or iPad to 2 screens on the similar time. There are some limitations to this sort of expertise. For instance, on some gadgets, it will mirror the identical show to each monitor moderately than extending the show.
The great factor about this adapter is that it really works at 4K 60Hz if you’re utilizing simply one of many ports, so it additionally makes for a fairly good USB-C to HDMI adapter all by itself with the additional port in case you ever want it. It’s a good bit dearer than a single adapter, however there are some of us who might have this further performance. We do hope Anker does one in every of these for HDMI 2.1 the place the 4K 30Hz limitation shall be eliminated.
StarTech / Pocket-lint
StarTech.com USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter
7. Finest USB-A to HDMI adapter
For those who nonetheless want USB-A compatibility
$46 $79 Save $33
The StarTech USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter is not a USB-C cable, however when you’re right here, and you are not discovering what you are on the lookout for, this generally is a viable various
- It really works because it ought to
- USB 3.0 to HDMI is a tough adapter to search out
- Plug-and-play with auto driver set up on Home windows
- Maxes out at 1080p
- Home windows solely
For many who could have discovered their manner right here however really want final technology’s tech, that is most likely your finest guess. It is fairly costly, so we advocate trying out our different choices first. In any other case, it really works as anticipated. Video is shipped from USB 3.0 to HDMI. That is the place we see the restrictions of USB-A cables as this solely works on Home windows and at 1080p.
This one requires a driver set up, however it ought to obtain by itself when you plug within the adapter. When it comes to construct high quality, it is nothing particular, however it will not break when you take a look at it both. It is a cheap various to USB-C. That stated, USB-C is extra plentiful and extra highly effective than USB-A, so we solely advocate one thing like this when you completely want it.
Belkin / Pocket-lint
Belkin USB C Hub, 11-in-1 Multi-Port Laptop computer Dock
8. Finest USB-C to HDMI Hub
This hub can deal with virtually something
$89 $120 Save $31
The Belkin USB C Hub has extra ports and features than you’ll be able to shake a stick at. That features USB-C to HDMI performance together with primarily the rest you want.
- Slick and easy-to-use design with effectively laid out ports
- Loads of ports to attach your varied gadgets
- USB-C port is a 100W charging port with USB Energy Supply
- Maxes out at 4K 30Hz
- USB-C port is charge-only, no information
The Belkin USB-C Hub is an effective all-in-one resolution for this downside. It is fairly costly, however you get a headphone jack, VGA, HDMI, three USB-A ports, an SD card reader, a microSD card reader, and a 100W USB PD charging port. That is additionally largely meant as a laptop computer dock so when you want a daily hub, chances are you’ll need to attempt one thing else.
The one actual draw back to this one is that it helps HDMI 1.4, which is 4K at 30Hz, which is not perfect. Nevertheless, it will get full speeds in 1080p and 1440p, so in case your exterior monitor is a type of, you then’ll be positive. All this performance in a single spot is kind of good, particularly in case you have a laptop computer that does not have a ton of USB ports.
The underside line: What’s the finest USB to HDMI cable?
On the finish of the day, USB-C to HDMI cables is a broadly misunderstood line of merchandise. Plenty of of us do not know the distinction between HDMI 1.4, 2.0, and a couple of.1, and that may make issues just a little complicated. That stated, we’re assured that the Anker USB-C to HDMI adapter with its 4K 60Hz performance would be the finest for most individuals. Those that want extra can get the Belkin HDMI 2.1 adapter. It is dearer, however you get some future proofing there.
Anker / Pocket-lint
Anker USB C to HDMI Adapter
Editor’s Selection
$15 $18 Save $3
If you need one thing else, you’ve got tons of choices. The Ugreen and Uni cables offer you further extension whereas the Belkin laptop computer dock offers you a bunch of different ports to work with. Anker’s twin HDMI adapter is kind of good as effectively when you’re ever in want of it.
How did we select the perfect USB-C to HDMI cables?
Principally, it was choosing and selecting the stuff that works. We sourced quite a lot of info from on-line and buyer critiques. Each product on right here has been run via FakeSpot to make sure that critiques are at the least largely correct. From there, it was simply ensuring we coated quite a lot of HDMI adapters at quite a lot of value factors and HDMI specs. Thankfully, a lot of the merchandise on this class work the identical, so it is only a matter of discovering one that will not break on you.
Why cannot I output 4K 120Hz from my MacBook over HDMI?
So, this isn’t a widely known factor, however MacBooks outfitted with Apple chips cannot output video in 4K at 120Hz over HDMI. Since lots of people do not know this, you may see quite a lot of cable critiques from customers saying that it may well’t push 4K 120Hz on a MacBook, which is correct, none of those cables can try this. With a purpose to bypass this restriction, you may need to get a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or use a USB-C to USB-C reference to a suitable monitor.
Do I want HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, or HDMI 2.1?
It actually relies on your monitor. For instance, as of this writing, I’ve a 1080p 75Hz monitor. Thus, all of the adapters above will work in my use case no matter whether or not it is HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. The place it’s good to begin paying consideration is if you get to 4K.
You’ll be able to inform the distinction between the assorted HDMI specs by a product’s most output. If it is 4k at 30Hz or 4K at 60Hz with no HDR help, you are coping with HDMI 1.4. HDMI 2.0 is 4K at 60Hz (with HDR help). Lastly, HDMI 2.1 is 8K at 60Hz. Not each adapter works precisely at these specs, so we advocate rounding to the closest entire quantity, metaphorically talking. Thus, when you see one thing like 4K at 144Hz, you are more than likely coping with HDMI 2.1.
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