In today’s modern world, you don’t even need to have a smart TV to enjoy your favorite streaming service—you can use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop or other devices to your television, projector, or monitor. However, if your devices still have the old VGA ports, you’ll need a USB to HDMI adapter.
Not only does it allow you to project your screen on another device, but it also provides high-definition video. To help you choose the right one for your setup, we’ve reviewed the best USB to HDMI adapters of 2025. We found that the Plugable adapter is a superior choice, offering wide compatibility and dual-monitor support.
Supe up your dual monitor setup with the Plugable USB to HDMI adapter, capable of connecting and mirroring extended displays with resolutions up to 1920×1080 at 60Hz all through a single connection. Featuring a hybrid 2-in-1 cable, this adapter can connect USB-C types to HDMI or even a USB 3.0 to an HDMI port as well. You can also easily connect to a USB-4, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 3.
Besides having amazing versatility, it can also work with many different operating systems, including Windows 10 and 11, and macOS 10.14 versions or later. Apps like Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Windows Office translate perfectly from one screen to another. It’s impeccable performance and versatility earned this USB to HDMI adapter the top spot on our list.
The Zulpunur USB to HDMI adapter offers both USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectivity, fast and stable performance, and high-definition and clear video. You can use this option to easily connect to your TV, monitor, or projector, and it’s also compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, as well as Windows 10.
You can easily connect your laptop or desktop to an external display using this adapter, and you can still enjoy clear and crisp video output with no latency or drop in picture quality. This USB to HDMI Adapter also allows you to mirror your screen, and you can use it to extend your display. This product is ideal for work, studying, gaming, entertainment, and more.
The Startech.com USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI adapter is a great choice if you’re looking to project or extend your display across multiple screens. This option helps you establish a secure and stable connection to dual screens without having to lay out a web of cables and connectors.
The greatest part about this adapter is that one port allows you to enjoy 4K video, while the other offers 1080p output. For a little extra, you can also find an adapter with Type-C connectivity and four output ports. You can use this option to extend your display to up to two devices without needing to install any drivers or software.
The Cable Matters Superspeed USB to HDMI adapter is a compact and high-quality device that allows you to connect your laptop or desktop to an HDTV, monitor, or projector with HDMI connectivity. It uses USB 3.0 technology to ensure a seamless display with a strong bandwidth of up to 5Gbps.
This option works just as well as a graphics card and delivers ultra-clear high-definition video with resolutions up to 2560 x 1440, as well as 1920 x 1080. So, you can enjoy both 1080p and 1440p picture quality. You can easily carry and transport this adapter in your laptop bag or backpack too, and it also comes with an HDMI to DVI adapter. This allows you to project the display to a monitor or projector that only has DVI ports.
The Raycue USB to HDMI adapter offers smooth and stable USB 3.0 connectivity and allows you to output video in a clear and stunning 1080p resolution. This option is compatible with USB 2.0 devices, so you don’t have to worry about it failing to work with your older laptop or desktop. It also allows you to extend or mirror your display to a TV, monitor, or projector.
Plus, you can enjoy clear and high-quality audio. You can use this product for various activities too, including conferences, meetings, work, gaming, entertainment, and more. This adapter works with devices that run Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10. All you need to do is install the included driver, and it will be ready to work with your device.
When you’re ready to upgrade your setup, here are all details you’ll need to keep in mind when shopping for a USB to HDMI adapter. From useful information to helpful buying tips, this guide can ensure you make the right selection.
As the name suggests, a USB to HDMI adapter allows you to output your screen to an external display, such as a monitor, HDTV, or projector. It consists of a USB plug at one end, and it connects to the laptop or desktop that you want to project. The adapter also has an HDMI port on the other side, so you can plug it into an HDMI cable that is connected to the external display.
Generally, USB to HDMI adapters have plug-and-play functionality, which means that you don’t need an external driver to get them to work. Since laptops or desktops usually have two or more USB ports, you won’t have any trouble extending your display. Using a USB to HDMI adapter, you can also mirror your display on another screen.
Most USB to HDMI adapters have one HDMI port, but if you need a dual or multiple display setup, you can look for ones that have two or four HDMI ports.
USB to HDMI Adapters are highly useful for various reasons. For starters, if you have a TV, projector, or monitor with only an HDMI port, but your laptop or desktop doesn’t have one, a USB to HDMI adapter is just what you need to extend or mirror your screen. Whether you’re looking to add a second screen to your work setup, or you want to play games, watch movies, or display something on a larger screen, a USB to HDMI adapter will help you do just that.
Some people also need to project their screen onto multiple displays, you can do this with an adapter with multiple HDMI ports. Or, you can get two USB to HDMI adapters and plug them into the USB ports of your desktop or laptop. This feature is useful if you are more productive using multiple displays.
It’s incredibly easy to use a USB to HDMI adapter. As mentioned above, it has plug-and-play functionality, so you don’t have to make any special preparations or install any drivers for it to work. All you need to do is plug the adapter into the USB port of your laptop or desktop. On the other hand, you can also plug in an HDMI cable. The other end of the cable goes into an HDTV, monitor, or projector with an HDMI port.
If your external display has a DVI or VGA port, you will also need an HDMI to DVI or HDMI to VGA convertor to make things work. Provided that you have plugged everything in securely, and both your peripheral devices are turned on, you should be able to see your screen extended or mirrored on the second screen.
When you’re shopping for a USB to HDMI adapter, several factors need to be considered. The main thing is that the adapter should fulfill all your requirements, and this is why we’ve listed a couple of important factors that you should keep in mind.
Before you start looking for a USB to HDMI adapter, make sure to look for the ports your device uses. Generally, older laptops or desktops have a standard USB 2.0 port, while newer ones come with a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connection. You will need to look for an option with the right kind of port. The best thing about USB 3.0 adapters is that they are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices.
If you want to extend the display of your smartphone or tablet, you might need a USB to HDMI adapter with USB-C connectivity. Another thing to check is whether your external display device has an HDMI port. Some devices have a full-size, standard HDMI port, while others have a micro-HDMI port. Make sure to check for these things before you start looking at suitable options.
Another factor to keep in mind when choosing a USB to HDMI adapter is the output resolution that you need. You should check the maximum resolution offered by your external display. For instance, if you get a USB to HDMI adapter with 4K resolution and your projector only has 1080p, then you will only be able to enjoy video output at 1080p. Still, it’s a good idea to have a 4K compatible adapter on hand, they can help you connect to any external display.
Even if you get a low-quality HDMI cable, it won’t impact the picture quality very much. The only benefit of using a high-quality HDMI cable is that it will last longer and be more durable.
If you have a USB to HDMI adapter with multiple HDMI ports, it works in the same way as an HDMI splitter. The only difference is that the HDMI splitter has a male HDMI port, while the adapter has a USB plug.
Most USB to HDMI adapters don’t work with gaming consoles, which is why you will have to look for other options.
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