10 Best HDMI Adapters of 2026, USB-C, DisplayPort and Lightning to HDMI Picks Compared
Most HDMI headaches start with the wrong port, not the wrong adapter. A USB-C laptop, a DisplayPort graphics card, a Lightning iPhone and a Micro HDMI camera each need a different plug to reach the same TV. After working through UK roundups, spec sheets and amazon.co.uk listings, the best hdmi adapter for most laptops is the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C hub, because it adds 4K HDMI, Ethernet, card slots and 85W pass-through charging in one go.
I didn't test these hands-on. Four picks appear in independent roundups; the rest, my top pick included, are judged on their listings. If you only want a plain usb c to hdmi adapter, the Acer and Cable Matters are simpler buys.
- Sharp video output: 4K at 60Hz over HDMI from DP 1.4 laptops. DP 1.2 drops to 30Hz.
- Wide device support: USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt hosts. Covers macOS, Windows and ChromeOS.
- Simple plug-in setup: Built-in USB-C cable stays attached. Nothing extra to pack or lose.
- Travel-friendly build: Measures 12.1 by 5.5 cm. Slips into a laptop sleeve pocket.
- Handy extras: Gigabit Ethernet and card slots. Two USB-A ports for older kit.
- Future-proof headroom: Up to 85W pass-through charging. One cable runs the desk.
- Single video port: Only the HDMI port outputs video. One external screen per hub.
- Sharp video output: 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz with DSC. HDR and VRR supported.
- Wide device support: USB-C, Thunderbolt and USB4 hosts. Needs DP Alt Mode to work.
- Simple plug-in setup: Plug into a video-capable USB-C port. Add an HDMI 2.1 cable.
- Travel-friendly build: Braided cable resists fraying. Metal connectors and an aluminium shell.
- Handy extras: Certified HDMI 2.1 at 48Gbps. Suits new TVs and gaming monitors.
- Future-proof headroom: Bandwidth for 8K and high-refresh 4K. Ready for your next screen.
- Mac limit: Cable Matters notes a 4K 60Hz cap on macOS. Mac users gain little.
- Sharp video output: 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz. HDR10+ for compatible content.
- Wide device support: Listed for Chromebooks, MacBooks and iPad Pro. Other USB-C devices too.
- Simple plug-in setup: Tethered lead plugs straight in. HDCP 2.2 for protected streaming content.
- Travel-friendly build: About 11 cm of tethered cable. Takes strain off the laptop port.
- Handy extras: USB-IF certified, with HBR3 and DSC. Built for demanding displays.
- Single job: Video only, with no charging port listed. Pricier than most single adapters.
- Sharp video output: Mirrors the screen to HDMI displays. Video plays at up to 1080p.
- Wide device support: Lightning iPhones, iPads and iPod touch. Every iPad line is listed.
- Simple plug-in setup: Attach it to the Lightning port. Add an HDMI cable to the TV.
- Travel-friendly build: One compact dongle, no hub to carry. Good for presentations away.
- Handy extras: Second Lightning port charges while connected. Long films won't drain the phone.
- 1080p ceiling: Video tops out at 1080p. No use for USB-C iPhones at all.
- Sharp video output: 4K at 60Hz over its single HDMI port. Crisp for presentations and films.
- Wide device support: Lists MacBooks, iPad Pro, ThinkPad and XPS. Windows and ChromeOS too.
- Simple plug-in setup: Plug and play over USB-C. An indicator light shows it's powered.
- Travel-friendly build: Aluminium body weighing 80 grams. Fits a laptop bag's front pocket.
- Handy extras: Card readers up to 170MB/s. Two 10Gbps USB-C data ports.
- No Ethernet: No wired network port at all. Desk users may prefer the Anker.
- Charger needed: Needs your own 100W PD charger for 85W. None is included.
- Sharp video output: 1080p at 60Hz with audio carried. Fine for office monitors and projectors.
- Wide device support: Any DisplayPort source to HDMI. Lenovo, Dell, HP and Asus named.
- Simple plug-in setup: Latching DP plug clicks in securely. Press the release button to remove.
- Travel-friendly build: Compact enough to keep in a laptop bag. Light, simple and easy to replace.
- 1080p only: Tops out at 1080p, with no 4K. Works one way, DP to HDMI.
- Sharp video output: 4K at 60Hz with HDR from DisplayPort 1.4. Backwards compatible with 1080p.
- Wide device support: Works with DP and DP++ sources. macOS, Windows and Ubuntu, no drivers.
- Simple plug-in setup: Active converter with a latching DP connector. Nothing to install first.
- Travel-friendly build: Attached 11 cm cable with EMI shielding. Small enough to move between desks.
- HDMI 2.0 cap: 4K tops out at 60Hz here. No HDMI 2.1 features.
- Host minimum: Needs a DP 1.2 host and HDMI 2.0 screen. Older kit gets less.
- Sharp video output: 8K at 60Hz with DSC, or 30Hz without. HDR supported too.
- Wide device support: Thunderbolt, USB4 or USB-C video ports. macOS, iPadOS and Windows listed.
- Simple plug-in setup: No driver installation required. Reversible USB-C plug goes in either way.
- Travel-friendly build: Dongle format with no long lead. Easy to leave in a laptop sleeve.
- Handy extras: HDCP 2.3 and DSC support. Protected streams and high-res modes covered.
- Thin listing: Few details beyond resolution and ports. No refresh-rate claims for 4K.
- No charging: No charging port is listed. It occupies a USB-C port outright.
- Sharp video output: 4K at 60Hz with HDR over HDMI 2.0. Smoother than 30Hz adapters.
- Wide device support: Thunderbolt laptops are listed. Newer iPhones and Galaxy phones too.
- Simple plug-in setup: Plug and play with no drivers. Works with projectors, monitors and TVs.
- Travel-friendly build: Braided nylon cable and aluminium housing. Non-slip grip for unplugging.
- Handy extras: HDCP 2.2 for streaming apps. Backed by a 12-month Acer warranty.
- No pass-through: Video only, no charging port. Single-port laptops can't charge meanwhile.
- HDMI 2.0 only: Tops out at 4K 60Hz. High-refresh gaming screens need HDMI 2.1.
- Listing-led: No roundup we read covered it. Judged on its listing and specs.
- Sharp video output: HDMI 2.1 rated for 8K at 60Hz. Also 4K at 120Hz.
- Wide device support: Raspberry Pi boards, GoPros and mirrorless cameras. Sony and Nikon named.
- Simple plug-in setup: Plug and play, nothing to install. Male Micro HDMI to female HDMI.
- Travel-friendly build: Nylon braided and lightweight. Easy to keep in a camera bag.
- Easy to mismatch: Micro HDMI only, not Mini HDMI. Check the camera's socket first.
- GoPro caveat: GoPro cameras need their media accessory. Not a direct plug-in.
- Thin backing: Missing from the roundups we read. Specs come from the listing alone.
Other HDMI Adapters Worth Considering
- Fits older MacBooks, iMacs and Surface Pro models.
- Aluminium shell with gold-plated pins.
- Goes beyond 1080p to 4K.
- 4K is limited to 30Hz.
- No use on modern USB-C laptops.
- Adds extra screens over USB.
- Hybrid cable fits USB-C and USB-A.
- Headphone and microphone jacks built in.
- Needs the DisplayLink driver installed first.
- Tops out at 2K and is sold for Windows.
- Active chip for DisplayPort graphics cards.
- 4K at 60Hz with HDR.
- A short cable eases strain on the port.
- HDMI 2.0b, not HDMI 2.1.
- A very thin listing with few details.
- Charges the laptop while running a screen.
- Plug and play, with no driver to install.
- Mirror or extend to a TV or monitor.
- No other ports beyond HDMI and PD.
- The listing gives two different charging figures.
In-Depth Reviews of Our 10 HDMI Adapter Picks
What each adapter plugs into, and where it falls short.
#1 · Editor's Choice
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C-to-HDMI Multiport Hub with Ethernet
If your laptop has one or two USB-C ports and you keep running out, this is the adapter I'd buy. Sold as the Anker 555, it hangs a 4K HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, a USB-C data port, a pair of USB-A sockets and both card slots off one short cable, with up to 85W of pass-through charging. On my desk that means one cable for everything. There are limits, though: only the HDMI port carries video, DP 1.2 laptops drop to 30Hz, and the hub keeps 15W for itself. No roundup we read covered this exact model.
The verdict: The most useful buy here if your USB-C port carries video and you need more than HDMI.
#2 · Runner-Up
Cable Matters 48Gbps USB-C-to-HDMI 2.1 Adapter, 201388
Judge this by what it's for and it's hard to fault. The Cable Matters 201388 is a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 adapter, good for 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz with DSC, plus HDR and VRR, from any USB-C, Thunderbolt or USB4 port with DP Alt Mode. It's the one I'd pair with a high-refresh gaming monitor off a Windows laptop, which is my own setup. One HDMI 2.1 roundup rates it a strong non-Mac choice, but Cable Matters notes a 4K 60Hz limit on macOS. MacBook owners would do as well with the Acer.
The verdict: The pick for high-refresh screens on Windows. Mac owners won't see the extra headroom.
#3 · Premium Pick
Belkin USB-C-to-HDMI 2.1 Adapter with Tethered Cable, AVC013
You notice the short lead first. Belkin's adapter hangs off a tethered cable of about 11 cm, which spares the laptop port when someone trips over the HDMI cable, a familiar sight under my desk. On paper it covers 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz, HDR10+, HBR3, DSC and HDCP 2.2, and it's USB-IF certified, which is why one HDMI 2.1 roundup names it as its tethered pick. It costs more than the Cable Matters for a similar job, though, and the listing shows no charging port.
The verdict: Worth the premium for a certified HDMI 2.1 adapter that spares your port.
#4 · Best for Lightning iPhones
Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter for iPhone and iPad
Got an older iPhone or iPad with a Lightning port? This is Apple's own way onto a TV. It mirrors the screen and plays films at up to 1080p, and a second Lightning port charges the phone meanwhile, handy on a long Sunday film night. Bring your own HDMI cable. The downside is the ceiling: 1080p is the limit, and it's no use for iPhone 15 or later, which switched to USB-C; for those, buy the Acer. It's one of the few picks here that appears in a UK roundup.
The verdict: The straightforward choice for Lightning iPhones and iPads, if 1080p is enough.
#5 · Best for SD Cards
Ugreen Revodok Pro 108 8-in-1 USB-C-to-HDMI Hub
Most 8-in-1 hubs spend a port on Ethernet. UGREEN's Revodok Pro 108 spends it on USB instead: a 4K at 60Hz HDMI port, two 10Gbps USB-C data ports, two USB-A ports and card readers rated up to 170MB/s, with 100W PD pass-through that sends up to 85W to the laptop. For offloading camera cards on a train, that beats a network socket. Two downsides. The USB-C data ports carry no video or charging, and with no Ethernet, the Anker 555 is better for a wired desk.
The verdict: A smart hub for photographers who can live without Ethernet.
#6 · Best for 1080p Screens
Benfei DisplayPort-to-HDMI 1080p Adapter with Latching Connector
I'll be straight: this is the least capable adapter here on paper, and it still earns its place. The Benfei converts DisplayPort to HDMI at up to 1080p at 60Hz, carries audio, and has a latching plug. That's all my colleague Mark's DisplayPort-only work PC needed for a second screen. It only works one way, DisplayPort out to HDMI in. Nothing in the roundups we read covers it. If your screen is 4K, skip to the StarTech.
The verdict: The budget fix for a 1080p screen on a DisplayPort-only PC.
#7 · Best for 4K Desktops
StarTech.com Active DisplayPort-to-HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz Adapter, DP2HD4K60S
This is the fix for a desktop graphics card with spare DisplayPort outputs and a 4K TV across the room. StarTech's DP2HD4K60S is an active DP 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 converter, handling 4K at 60Hz with HDR, 7.1-channel audio and HDCP 2.2 from a DP 1.2 or newer host. An attached 11 cm cable keeps weight off the port, and no drivers are needed. Every PC I've built has ended up with more DisplayPort sockets than HDMI ones, which is exactly the gap this fills. The only real limit is HDMI 2.0, so 4K stops at 60Hz.
The verdict: The DisplayPort adapter to buy for a 4K TV or monitor off a desktop GPU.
#8 · Best HDMI 2.1 Dongle
CalDigit USB-C-to-HDMI 2.1 8K Display Adapter, USBC-HDMI21
Small, shiny and plug-and-play, this is the HDMI 2.1 adapter I'd leave in a MacBook sleeve. CalDigit rates it for 8K at 60Hz with DSC, or 30Hz without, with HDCP 2.3 and HDR, from Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4 or any USB-C port with video output. It needs no driver, and one HDMI 2.1 roundup includes it. Next to the Cable Matters it lacks a 4K at 240Hz claim, and the listing is thin on detail.
The verdict: A tidy HDMI 2.1 dongle for Macs and iPads rather than gaming rigs.
#9 · Best Budget
Acer USB-C-to-HDMI 4K 60Hz HDR Adapter, OCB570
Buy this if you just want a laptop or phone on a TV without fuss. Acer's adapter outputs 4K at 60Hz with HDR, supports HDCP 2.2 for streaming apps, and needs no drivers. The listing names Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 laptops, iPhone 15 to 17 and recent Galaxy phones. It's the most affordable USB-C pick here, the sort of thing I'd keep in a commuter bag for meeting-room TVs. The only catch is no pass-through charging, and it hasn't shown up in a roundup we read.
The verdict: The sensible usb c to hdmi adapter for most laptops and newer phones.
#10 · Best for Cameras and Pi
Silkland Micro-HDMI-to-HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter, S2313
Check the socket before you order. Silkland's adapter is Micro HDMI, which is smaller than Mini HDMI, so it won't fit a Mini HDMI camera. If the port matches, it gets a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, a GoPro or a mirrorless camera onto a TV, rated for 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz over HDMI 2.1. It's a minor point, but GoPros need their media accessory. Like most of the cheaper picks, it's assessed on the listing alone. I'd keep one in the drawer with my Pi.
The verdict: A tiny adapter for a Pi or camera, as long as the socket really is Micro HDMI.
How We Researched and Scored These HDMI Adapters
We didn't test these HDMI adapters hands-on or in a lab. The ranking is built from UK and international editorial roundups, manufacturer spec sheets and amazon.co.uk listings, checked against one another. The Cable Matters, Belkin, CalDigit and Apple picks appear in those roundups; the other six, my top pick included, are judged on their published specs. Where research data and a listing disagreed, as with the Club 3D, I followed the listing title.
What we compared for every adapter:
- Input connector: USB-C, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, Micro HDMI or Lightning
- HDMI version, maximum resolution and refresh rate
- HDR, HDCP and DSC support
- Extras: pass-through charging, Ethernet, card readers
- Driver needs and operating-system support
- Editorial backing versus listing-only evidence
How we weighted the scores:
- Video output (30%): resolution, refresh rate and HDMI version
- Compatibility (25%): which ports, devices and systems it works with
- Extras and build (15%): charging, additional ports and cable design
- Ease of use (10%): plug and play versus drivers
- Evidence (20%): editorial coverage versus listing claims
What to Look For in an HDMI Adapter
Start with the port on your device, not the TV. USB-C is the trickiest, because the same oval socket may or may not carry video: a USB-C to HDMI adapter needs DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt or USB4 on that port, so check the laptop's spec sheet first. Full-size DisplayPort turns up on desktop graphics cards, Mini DisplayPort on older MacBooks and Surface Pro models (the Warrky covers those), Micro HDMI on Raspberry Pi boards and cameras, and Lightning on iPhones before the 15.
Then match the HDMI version to the screen. A 1080p monitor or projector is happy with the Benfei. A 4K TV at 60Hz needs HDMI 2.0, like the Acer or StarTech. HDMI 2.1 only earns its place with a high-refresh gaming monitor or an 8K TV. From a desktop graphics card, an active converter such as the StarTech or Club 3D is the safer bet.
Hubs like the Anker 555 add ports and pass charging through, but want a decent USB-C PD charger; a single dongle has fewer things to go wrong. Searching for a dual HDMI adapter? Every pick here has one HDMI output, and the Wavlink's DisplayLink chip is the route to extra monitors on Windows, at 2K and with a driver. An HDMI adapter for a Wii or PS2 is a different gadget altogether.
On budget, the Benfei, Silkland, Warrky, Acer and UGREEN are entry-level, the Apple, Belkin and Wavlink sit at the premium end, and the rest are mid-range. If you just want a laptop on the living-room TV, buy the Acer and call it a day.
Key Specs Compared
| Product | Input | Output | Max Resolution | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C-to-HDMI Multiport Hub with Ethernet | USB-C | HDMI 4K at 60 Hz | Not listed | 9.8 |
| Cable Matters 48Gbps USB-C-to-HDMI 2.1 Adapter, 201388 | USB-C / Thunderbolt / USB4 | HDMI 2.1, 48 Gbps | 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 240 Hz (with DSC) | 9.6 |
| Belkin USB-C-to-HDMI 2.1 Adapter with Tethered Cable, AVC013 | USB-C | HDMI 2.1 | 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 144 Hz | 9.5 |
| Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter for iPhone and iPad | Lightning | HDMI + Lightning charging port | 1080p | 9.3 |
| Ugreen Revodok Pro 108 8-in-1 USB-C-to-HDMI Hub | USB-C | HDMI 4K at 60 Hz | Not listed | 9.1 |
| Benfei DisplayPort-to-HDMI 1080p Adapter with Latching Connector | DisplayPort (male) | HDMI (female) | 1080p at 60 Hz | 9.0 |
| StarTech.com Active DisplayPort-to-HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz Adapter, DP2HD4K60S | DisplayPort 1.4 | HDMI 2.0 | 4K at 60 Hz, HDR | 8.9 |
| CalDigit USB-C-to-HDMI 2.1 8K Display Adapter, USBC-HDMI21 | USB-C / Thunderbolt | HDMI 2.1 | 8K at 60 Hz with DSC, 8K 30 Hz without | 8.8 |
| Acer USB-C-to-HDMI 4K 60Hz HDR Adapter, OCB570 | USB-C | HDMI | 4K at 60 Hz, HDR | 8.7 |
| Silkland Micro-HDMI-to-HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter, S2313 | Micro HDMI (Type D) | HDMI (Type A) female | 8K at 60 Hz / 4K at 120 Hz | 8.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best HDMI adapter?
For most laptops, the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C hub, because it adds 4K HDMI, Ethernet, card readers and pass-through charging. For video only, the Acer is the simple, affordable choice, and the Cable Matters suits HDMI 2.1 screens. Lightning iPhones need Apple's own adapter.
Why does my USB-C to HDMI adapter show no picture?
Usually because the laptop's USB-C port doesn't carry video. It needs DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt or USB4, so check the spec sheet. On a hub, only the HDMI port carries video, and DisplayLink adapters like the Wavlink need their driver installed first.
How do I connect my phone to my TV using HDMI?
Use an adapter that matches your phone's port, plus an HDMI cable. Lightning iPhones and iPads need Apple's Lightning Digital AV Adapter, which mirrors the screen at up to 1080p. USB-C iPhones and many Android phones work with a USB-C adapter such as the Acer, but check your phone supports video out first.
Do I need an HDMI 2.1 adapter?
Only for a high-refresh gaming monitor or an 8K TV. HDMI 2.0 adapters handle 4K at 60Hz, which covers most TVs. HDMI 2.1 models like the Cable Matters, Belkin and CalDigit add 8K and higher 4K refresh rates, but your laptop's port and the screen both need to support those modes.
Is Anker or Belkin better for a USB-C to HDMI adapter?
They suit different jobs. The Anker here is an 8-in-1 hub with 4K HDMI, Ethernet and 85W pass-through charging, ideal for a desk. The Belkin is a single-port, USB-IF certified HDMI 2.1 adapter rated for 4K at 144Hz. Pick the Anker for ports and the Belkin for high-end video.
What is the difference between active and passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters?
An active adapter has its own chip to convert the signal,, so it works from a plain DisplayPort socket. Passive adapters need a dual-mode DP++ port. For 4K at 60Hz from a desktop graphics card, an active converter like the StarTech or Club 3D is the safer buy.
The Bottom Line
If your laptop's USB-C port carries video and you're short of ports, the Anker 555 8-in-1 hub is the one I'd buy. For a plain adapter, the Acer is the sensible budget choice and the Cable Matters is the HDMI 2.1 pick for Windows gaming screens. Lightning iPhones need Apple's adapter, and desktop PCs suit the StarTech.
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