Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →No. HDMI and USB are different interface families: HDMI is primarily for digital audio and video between a source and a display, while USB handles data and power. A USB-C port may also carry video, but only if that specific device supports a compatible video mode. The connector’s shape alone does not tell you.
How HDMI and USB differ
| Question | HDMI | USB / USB-C |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for | Digital audio and video, chiefly between source equipment and a display. HDMI Licensing Administrator | Data and power. Some USB-C implementations can also carry video using an alternate mode. VESA: DisplayPort over USB-C |
| What the name identifies | An interface family and its compatible HDMI connections. | USB-C identifies a connector shape, not a guarantee of particular signals or features. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode |
| Can it connect to an HDMI screen? | Yes, when the source and display have compatible HDMI connections. | Sometimes: the source must support video output, and the cable or adapter must suit the connection. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode |
| What to check | The specific product’s supported HDMI features. | Video-mode support on the device, connection direction, and adapter or cable specifications. Microsoft Support |
USB-C and HDMI are not interchangeable standards. HDMI ports carry HDMI signals; USB ports use USB specifications. USB-C is a connector that can support different signal types depending on how the manufacturer implemented it. DisplayPort over USB-C
Can USB-C connect to HDMI?
Yes, if the USB-C source supports video output and you use an accessory designed to connect that source to an HDMI display. A USB-C-to-HDMI cable may connect a compatible source directly to a TV, monitor, or projector. A suitable adapter is another option when the source supports a compatible video mode, such as DisplayPort Alt Mode. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode VESA: DisplayPort over USB-C
That does not mean every USB-C port outputs video or every cable works with every device. HDMI describes its USB-C Alt Mode connection as a USB-C source connected to a native HDMI display; do not assume that a cable for this direction will work in reverse. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How to check whether your USB-C port supports video
- Identify the exact device model. Check its product specifications or manual rather than relying on the USB-C port’s appearance.
- Look for video support. Search the manufacturer’s documentation for USB-C video output, DisplayPort Alt Mode, HDMI Alt Mode, or external-display support. Not every device implements the same features. Microsoft Support
- Match the accessory to the signal path. For the common setup, choose a USB-C source-to-HDMI display cable or adapter. Verify that its direction and supported resolution and refresh rate meet your needs.
- Check power and display features. Confirm whether the accessory needs external power and whether the full setup supports the audio and display capabilities you want.
HDMI Licensing Administrator advises checking manufacturers’ product materials and markings because they are responsible for communicating which features a device supports. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode
What the port’s shape can—and cannot—tell you
A full-size HDMI port and a USB-A port have different visible shapes. USB-C is compact and reversible, but its shape alone cannot show whether it carries video. Check the device’s documentation for the actual supported signals; a USB-C port may offer data and charging without video output. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choosing a cable or adapter
- USB-C-to-HDMI cable: A straightforward option when the USB-C source supports a compatible video mode and the display has an HDMI input.
- USB-C-to-HDMI adapter: Useful for the same source-to-display path when the adapter supports the source’s video mode. Check its stated resolution, refresh rate, and power requirements.
- HDMI-to-USB cable: Do not treat this as a universal, passive way to send HDMI video into a USB port. The documented USB-C connection path is a compatible USB-C source to a native HDMI display, not a universal bidirectional conversion. HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI Alt Mode
Why HDMI features depend on the device and version
Having an HDMI port does not guarantee support for every HDMI feature. Capabilities depend on the specification version and the implementation in the particular device. For example, HDMI 1.4b documentation describes Audio Return Channel (ARC), which lets a compatible TV send audio upstream to an AV receiver or soundbar. That example should not be taken to mean every HDMI port supports ARC. HDMI Specification 1.4b
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
