USB-C to HDMI cables

USB-C to HDMI cable — does your port support video?

A USB-C to HDMI cable only works if the USB-C port on your device outputs a video signal. Look for DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 — sometimes a lightning bolt or a DisplayPort icon appears next to the port, but the specifications are the most reliable source. Devices that output video over USB-C include MacBooks, laptops with Thunderbolt, iPads with USB-C, iPhone 15 and later models with USB-C, and flagship Samsung Galaxy phones with DeX. Many budget phones and some laptops have USB-C for charging and data only — in that case no cable will display a picture.

4K 30 Hz, 4K 60 Hz or 8K

• 4K 30 Hz — enough for films, photos and presentations on a projector.
• 4K 60 Hz — smooth picture for desktop work, scrolling web pages and gaming. Choose this option for a 4K monitor.
• 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz — HDMI 2.1 cables for laptops with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 and TVs with an HDMI 2.1 input.

The actual resolution depends on what the port on your laptop or phone supports, so it is worth checking its specifications before choosing a cable.

USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter

A USB-C to HDMI cable connects your laptop to a screen with a single lead and takes up no extra space at the port. A USB-C to HDMI adapter (with an HDMI socket) is useful when you already have an HDMI cable, for example by the TV or in a meeting room, and only want a small dongle in your bag. Right-angle cables make it easier to plug in when the USB-C port is on the side of a laptop close to a wall.

Adapters that work the other way round, from HDMI to USB-C, are also available. They connect a console or computer with an HDMI output to a portable monitor with a USB-C input and usually need extra power from a USB port.

If you need charging and USB ports as well as video, choose USB-C hubs with HDMI. Connect a monitor with a DisplayPort input using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable, and a monitor with USB-C using a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports video. You will find the other cables in the video cables category.

Frequently asked questions

Does a USB-C to HDMI cable work with a phone?

Yes, if the phone supports video output over USB-C. Phones that do include iPhone 15 and later models with USB-C, as well as Samsung Galaxy S series phones with DeX. On models without this feature the cable will not display a picture.

How do I connect a console to a USB-C monitor?

Use an HDMI to USB-C adapter. Plug the HDMI end into the console and the USB-C end into the monitor. This type of adapter usually needs extra power from a USB port, and the supported resolution is listed on the product page.