How we pick our products
As technology continues to penetrate all aspects of modern life, we find ourselves constantly surrounded by different types of tech devices. Aa technology continues to develop at high speeds, new devices with different connection characteristics and standards are constantly being created. For this reason, it is often necessary to have adapters that allow you to connect one device to another.
Because of the ever-evolving nature of technology, choosing the right adapter may not always be an easy task. You will find endless options created and tailored for different types of equipment. Aside from offering different features, they all also offer different levels of performance. This guide is designed to give you all the information you need in order to choose the best HDMI for you.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 The 5 best HDMI adapters on U.S. the market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about HDMI adapters
- 3.1 What is an HDMI adapter exactly?
- 3.2 What are the elements that make up an adapter?
- 3.3 What function does the HDMI cable have?
- 3.4 What are the main uses for HDMI converters?
- 3.5 What are the advantages and disadvantages of HDMI adapters?
- 3.6 When and how are HDMI adapters used?
- 3.7 Who are HDMI cables recommended for?
- 3.8 What other types of adapters are there?
- 3.9 What kind of care do HDMI adapters require?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Adapters or converters, allow you to connect equipment of incompatible inputs and outputs.
- The most basic model will have an input port, a connection cable and an output port.
- There are many different types of adapters and the two most common are USB to HDMI adapter and HDMI to VGA adapter.
The 5 best HDMI adapters on U.S. the market
This section includes our ranking of the 5 best HDMI adaptors currently available to you. In this list, we have made sure to include top quality items that offer you the best value for your money. Read on to better understand the types of features you can find in these types of devices.
BENFEI – DisplayPort to HDMI 4K UHD Adapter
This 4K portable adapter connects a DisplayPort (DP, DP++, DisplayPort++) equipped laptop or desktop to an HDTV monitor or projector with an HDMI input. This adapter transmits high-definition audio and video from your computer to an HDTV for video streaming or gaming. Connect and configure your monitor for an extended desktop or mirrored displays. It supports 4K ultra HD resolution and uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 audio channels.
Gold-plated connectors resist corrosion, provide durability and improve the overall signal transmission for clear and interrupted viewing. This DisplayPort connector by Benfei has latches that provide a more secure connection with a release button that must be pressed before unplugging. This is a cost-effective solution that allows your DisplayPort compatible computers to work with HDMI displays for business, entertainment and more. HDMI cables are not included with your purchase.
AmazonBasics – HDMI Female to Female Coupler Adapter
This HDMI female-to-female coupler easily connects two HDMI A Male to A Male cables together. Ideal for extended reach when connecting Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, computers and other HDMI-enables devices to TVs, displays, A/V receivers and more. This adapter supports ethernet, 3D, 4K video and audio return channel (ARC). It is 29 x 22mm and comes in a sleek black color.
It’s compatible with the latest HDMI standard; 4K video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48-bit/px color depth). It supports bandwidth up to 18Gbps and is backward compatible with earlier versions. It’s a simple device that allows you to connect two HDMI cables to extend the length as well as adding a firestick or smart TV item directly into an HDMI cable for convenience. AmazonBasics offers a reliable and long-lasting adapter at an extremely affordable price that is back by an AmazonBasics limited one-year warranty.
Moread – HDMI to VGA Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter
The compact-designed portable Moread HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop or other devices with HDMI port to a monitor, projector, HDTV or any other device that has a VGA port. Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, giving you the ability to extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV. The built-in advanced IC chip converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal. The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with PC’s, laptops, ultrabooks, notebooks, Chromebooks, Xbox One and more!
It is not a bi-directional converter and cannot transmit signals from VGA to HDMI. It supports male (HDMI) to female (VGA) conversion with resolution up to 1920×1080 at 60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600×1200, 1280×1024 for high definition monitors or projectors. The gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improves the signal transmission performance. It has a molded strain release covering that increases cable durability.
GANA – HDMI Switch
This HDMI Adapter is equipped with a smart manual operation switch that incorporates a key-press-switching function when converting your display screens from one device to another. It is a 3-port HDMI adapter in 1; made for various devices including Xbox 360, PS3, Beamer, DVB Receivers, Blu-ray players, Apple TVs, Laptops and other miscellaneous HDTV/HD Monitors. It supports HDTV 4K (3840x2160P) at a 30 Hz resolution. It is HDMI 1.4 compatible with 3D display.
This is a 1.8 ft HDMI (pigtail) cable that functions via a simple plug and play mechanism. It is HD audio and HDCP compliant with various audio supported formats including LPCM, DOLBY AC3, DTS7.1, and Direct Stream Digital. There is never any distortion of audio or video and no delay in signal transference. It has a 24K gold plated corrosion-resistant connectors that ensure superior signal transfer. It has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.
iVanky – Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
This super slim, nylon braided adapter allows you to connect laptops with mini DP ports to external displays such as TVs or projectors, enabling you to easily give work presentations of watch 1080PHD videos with your laptop, projected onto a bigger screen. There is a noticeable difference in build quality in comparison to other brands of HDMI adapters. The combination of an aluminum shell and fabric braided nylon cable provides you with heavy-duty Thunderbolt to HDMI cord.
This adapter cord is ideal for Apple Macbook Air (before 2018), Apple Macbook Pro (before 2016), iMac (before 2017), Microsoft Surface Pro Lineup, Surface Laptop and all other laptops built with a Mini DisplayPort Output. It supports resolutions up to 1920 by 1090 and quality audio pass through. With this mini DP adapter with an iVanky HDMI cable to get better video/audio quality assurance. iVanky promises a lifetime warranty policy that leaves you in safe hands.
Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about HDMI adapters
In order to get an adapter that works as you need it to, it is important to consider some relevant aspects. Keep in mind that there are many types of adapters with varying features and capabilities. This next section is designed to give you all the information you need to make a good purchase. We have also included answers to the most frequently asked questions among users.
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What is an HDMI adapter exactly?
What are the elements that make up an adapter?
What function does the HDMI cable have?
For instance, you can use these cables to connect your computer to a Smart TV. This not only allows you to watch any content from your computer or tablet on a much larger screen, but it also offers the video and audio in a digital format, which means a much better viewing experience.
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What are the main uses for HDMI converters?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of HDMI adapters?
When and how are HDMI adapters used?
However, if one of the devices doesn’t have an HDMI port, you’ll need an HDMI converter. The adapter you choose should then have a USB/Lightning/Other output that would connect to the device lacking the HDMI port. The HDMI cable would then be used to connect the adapter/computer to the other device (in this case, the TV screen).
[su_noteAny USB output can be made compatible with an HDMI input by using a USB to HDMI converter box.[/su_note]
Who are HDMI cables recommended for?
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What other types of adapters are there?
| Adapter | USB to HDMI | HDMI to VGA |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Connects a computer to a monitor or display with HDMI input | Connects a computer, game console, or other device to a monitor with an analog VGA input. |
| Signal conversion | Sends signal from USB port to HDMI port | Converts digitally formatted signal to an analog format. |
What kind of care do HDMI adapters require?
Shopping Criteria
In this section, we want to give you an additional set of criteria you should consider before buying an HDMI adapter. Some of these are general aspects one should keep in mind before any purchase, others are aspects specifically relevant to these types of adaptes.
- Intended Use
- Compatibility
- Connectors
- 4K Conversion
- Cables
- Design
- Quality of materials
- Brand
Intended Use
First and foremost, you should consider what you need the adapter for and what kind of use you want to give it. You should think about how often and in which spaces you will be using it. Also, make sure to think about what equipment you need it for. The adapter you’ll need will differ depending on whether you’re always going to use it with the same computer in a fixed location, or, if you plan to use it with different tech in different locations, for example.
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Compatibility
Making sure the device has solved the compatibility issues you have is crucial. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions and read the manual. This way, you’ll be sure the item you choose is suitable to play content from Macbooks, Chromebook Pixel, mobile phones, laptops, tablets or game consoles.
It is not uncommon for people to buy adapters without previously checking the compatibility of their device to the converter. If the device turns out to be the wrong one, you will not be happy when finally try to use it. We would suggest that you choose a converter with the highest compatibility, so you can use it with multiple devices.
Connectors
Some adapters offer more connections than just an HDMI port. For example, you can find adapters that have DVI connections or 3.5 mm jack plugs for audio. Others may even have multiple connections of one kind and some models will even have capabilities for power cables and SD card slots.
4K Conversion
This aspect is often overlooked by inexperienced buyers. Keep in mind that some adapters support 4K content transfer, which would allow you to enjoy a much higher image and sound quality. Nonetheless, not every adapter will have this feature, so make sure the adapter you choose is up to the task if you’re planning to watch 4K video.
Cables
As with most electronics, the characteristics of the connecting cables are an aspect you should consider. Some of the things to look out for are the length of the cables, their thickness, their flexibility, and their ruggedness. Last but not least, make sure to take into account whether the adapter has a 3.5 mm jack or not, in which case this will be another cable you will need.
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Design
In North American markets, you’ll find a large selection of adapter designs. You will have no trouble finding what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking to finding basic and compact designs, or others of larger size with multiple ports. For instance, if you plan to always carry the adapter with you, you should probably opt for a lighter, more portable design.
Quality of materials
When making any type of purchase, this is an aspect you should never overlook. The quality of the materials will determine the adapter’s efficiency and durability. Meaning that checking the quality and endurance of the materials is of utmost importance. Pro tip: adapters with gold tips will allow you to enjoy an image with a higher degree of sharpness and accuracy.
Some of the most prestigious brands are StarTech, DeLOCK, and MINIX.
Summary
As technology continues to change, adapters have become essential tools in helping you connect various incompatible electronic devices. While adding more devices and cables to your life can be sometimes cumbersome, converters are often worth the while, since they are extremely useful. Remember that these devices will help you avoid the frustration of not being able to connect two devices.
There are different types of converters on the U.S. markets, however, the two most commonly used are USB to HDMI and HDMI to VGA adapters. Keep in mind that regardless of which type of connection you need, it is always essential to take into account some relevant criteria before making a final choice. For instance, considering its intended use, compatibility and the reputation behind the brand is always beneficial.
We hope this guide answered any questions you may have had regarding these adapters. Don’t forget to share this valuable information with those on your social networks!
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