The 10 Best USB Type-C To HDMI Adapters

Editor's Notes

December 10, 2020:

One of the main changes we've seen in the market in the last year is a considerable drop in price. The technology has been around longer, and with USB-C and HDMI both becoming increasingly ubiquitous among devices, there's a lot of demand, which has brought more competition to the market. Beyond the change in cost, we're also seeing later models that support higher refresh rates, even at 4K resolution. There are still some older options on this list, since they've been noted to be of good quality, and because most folks probably won't make use of the 4K at 60Hz displays, unless they're looking to connect a bigger monitor to their gaming laptops.

There are essentially three kinds of adapters that made this list: converters, which have a female HDMI port opposite the USB end; cables, which have a male HDMI plug that can go directly into your television without any need for another cord; and hubs, which have an HDMI port as well as jacks to plug in several other things. If you want to minimize the number of pieces connecting your devices, something like the ChoeTech 1201BK or Cable Matters 201062 are both solid, simple solutions that leave you with fewer parts to potentially lose and replace. These are best for people that plan on leaving the device plugged in, or for people that don't want to buy a HDMI cable in addition to a converter. If you already have the perfect size cable, the Uni F01 should work great, or for MacBook users, the Belkin F2CU038BT gets an unofficial endorsement from the brand as the only adapter sold directly on Apple's web page.

If you want to make the most of an adapter, hubs like the Minidi Purgo and Euasoo HB003C go beyond adding HDMI ports by adding slots to plug in additional USB-A or USB-C devices, and even SD cards. They're definitely pricier than simple converters, but if you're short on places to connect your add-ons, they're worth the money. The Satechi Multi-Port is also a solid pick, and it comes in a few colors for the aesthetically minded.

January 07, 2019:

We've finally reached a point in the lifespan of USB type C that it's extensively supported, and its accompanying accessories and peripherals are somewhat standardized and increasingly reliable. But that's not to say all adapters are created equal; far from it, in fact. Uni and Plugable both make very simple, very dependable products, which generally don't cost much; although we should note Plugable's very interesting, standalone DisplayLink module, which can keep the thinnest 2-in-1s from getting unnaturally hot, while still driving multiple, external, 4K displays. That one is actually pretty pricey, but extremely effective given the right use case. Choetech is a brand you may not have heard of, but as far as affordable products go, they're hard to beat; especially useful is their USB-C pass-through model, which will let you mirror your display without giving up your last type C port. We like Sabrent's docking station quite a bit, as it makes it quite easy to access large-format displays and non-travel-friendly keyboards, mice, and other peripherals, with only a single plug. Like many of their products, the CalDigit is particularly reliable, and offers dual video output, which isn't especially common. And if you're okay with a 30 hertz signal, the ColorfulDay is a good choice, as it's quite simple, and doesn't cost a whole lot.