How to connect a Macbook/Macbook Pro to a TV

Apple’s Macbook, Macbook Air and Macbook Pro models are each a bit different and so there are a few different ways to hook these Macs up to a television. In this article we will demonstrate several ways you can hook up your Mac laptop to a TV. These will be divided by each model of Macbook, so keep scrolling until you find the Macbook you have.

How to connect a 2016-2017-2018 single port USB-C Macbook to a TV

how to connect macbook one port to a tv

The newest Macbooks only have two ports: a headphone jack on the right side and a single USB-C port on the left which is used for charging and data. Here’s how to connect a new single port Macbook to a TV:

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

This official adapter dongle from Apple plugs into your Macbook’s USB C port and provides you with three ports in exchange. A HDMI video out port, a normal sized USB A port and a tiny USB-C port which allows you to charge or attach other devices to your laptop.

You can attach your Macbook to a television using this adapter by first plugging it into your laptop’s USB C port, attaching a normal HDMI cable to the adapter, and plugging that into the HDMI port on the back or rear of the TV.

Normally your Mac will automatically recognize whatever it is plugged into and use that device as a secondary display but if for some reason it doesn’t show up when both devices are plugged in or turned on, go to the Apple menu on your Mac, and choose System Preferences. From there select Displays in the second row and select whichever display you prefer. You can also choose whether or not you want to mirror your display from there (duplicating whatever is on your computer on the TV) or extending your desktop instead (to use the TV as a second monitor).

USB C to HDMI Cable

If you don’t need all those additional ports on the standard Apple USB C to multiport adapter, you can always get a plain old USB C to HDMI adapter cable like this one. It measures 6 feet long and has a USB C port on one end (which plugs into your Macbook) and an HDMI port on the other (which plugs into your television’s HDMI port on the side or rear, depending on your TV model. Note that with this adapter, you will not be able to simultaneously charge your laptop and also connect it to a television because you’ll be occupying your laptop’s only port.

If your Mac doesn’t automatically recognize that you’ve plugged in the TV (once it’s powered on) go to Displays under System Preferences (found under the Apple menu). You can also choose whether or not you want to mirror your display from there (duplicating whatever is on your computer on the TV) or extending your desktop instead (to use the TV as a second monitor).

How to connect a Macbook Air a TV

how to connect macbook air to a tv

Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt to HDMI

Apple’s Macbook Air laptops have a Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort port on their right side. This port can be plugged into a Television using an adapter cable. This Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt to HDMI cable lets you connect your Macbook Air to a television quite easily.

Normally once you plug this cable in and turn on your television, your Macbook Air will automatically recognize it and use it as a second display. If it doesn’t, open System Preferences from the Apple Menu and select Displays to specify which displays to use.

How to connect a Macbook Pro with USB C ports a TV

If you have one of the new Macbook Pros that have four identical USB C ports, here’s how to connect them to a television.

how to connect macbook pro to a tv

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

Apple’s official USB C to multiport adapter provides you with an HDMI video out port (which you can plug into a television using a normal HDMI cable, a USB type A port, and a USB type C port to charge your laptop while you connect it to a television.

Normally your Mac will automatically recognize whatever it is plugged into and use that device as a secondary display but if for some reason it doesn’t show up when both devices are plugged in or turned on, go to the Apple menu on your Mac, and choose System Preferences. From there select Displays in the second row and select whichever display you prefer. You can also choose whether or not you want to mirror your display from there (duplicating whatever is on your computer on the TV) or extending your desktop instead (to use the TV as a second monitor).

USB C to HDMI Cable

If you don’t need all those additional ports on the standard Apple USB C to multiport adapter, you can always get a plain old USB C to HDMI adapter cable like this one. It measures 6 feet long and has a USB C port on one end (which plugs into your Macbook Pro) and an HDMI port on the other (which plugs into your television’s HDMI port on the side or rear, depending on your TV model.

If your Mac laptop doesn’t automatically recognize that you’ve plugged in the TV (once it’s powered on) go to Displays under System Preferences (found under the Apple menu). You can also choose whether or not you want to mirror your display from there (duplicating whatever is on your computer on the TV) or extending your desktop instead (to use the TV as a second monitor).

How to connect a Macbook Pro without USB C ports a TV

how to connect hdmi macbook pro to a tv

USB C to HDMI Cable

If your Macbook has an HDMI port like the one pictured above, connecting to a television is extremely easy. All you’ll need is a regular old standard HDMI cable since this model of Macbook will allow you to directly connect your laptop to a television to use it as an external display.

Simply plug your HDMI cable into your Macbook Pro’s HDMI port on the right side of the unit. Then plug the other side into your television and turn it on. Your Macbook Pro will automatically recognize it as an external display and mirror your screen to it. If it doesn’t, open System Preferences under the Apple Menu on your laptop and choose Displays.

How to connect a Macbook to a TV wirelessly

how to wirelessly connect a macbook to a tv

If you have an Apple TV connected to your television, you can actually connect your Macbook to your TV wirelessly. To do this, use Airplay Mirroring, a feature accessible on your Mac laptop’s menu bar, and select Apple TV.

Using Airplay with your Macbook and an Apple TV you are able to broadcast your screen, plus and video or audio you’re listening to to your television.

Frequently asked questions about connecting a Macbook to a television

Can I use a television as an external display for my Macbook? Technically yes, you can, however there are a few reasons you might not want to. The typical television may be physically too large to fit on a desk or practically use as a monitor for your computer. But beyond that, the average television has only a 1920 x 1080 resolution regardless of its size. For a computer with a small screen that might be a reasonable pixel density, but the same images blown up to “television size” may be blurry or seem pixelated. Mousing around may also be annoying on a television.

What is the best way to connect my Macbook to a television? Generally we’d suggest whichever way uses the least number of cables or adapters because that usually means there’s less that can go wrong. However in some cases you may want to use an adapter dongle like the USB C adapters because they are useful in other ways (providing additional ports to your laptop).

I connected my Mac laptop to a television using a cable but it isn’t working. First, try opening System Preferences under the Apple menu and selecting Displays. If your TV isn’t showing up under that menu, turn the television off and then turn it back on and try re-plugging in the cable. If that still doesn’t work, it may be time to reboot your computer. If problems persist, try a different HDMI port on the television or a different HDMI cable.

The Best USB C Adapters for the new Macbook & Macbook Pro, Chromebook Pixel

Apple’s new Macbook and new Macbook Pro and Google’s new Chromebook Pixel are thinner and lighter than ever but all that downsizing comes at a cost: there are now fewer ports on these machines than ever before. So, what do you do when you don’t have all the built in ports you used to? A slew of new dongles and adapters are available for these new laptops with USB Type C ports and little else. Here are some of the most important USB C adapters out that every new Macbook and Chromebook Pixel owner should consider purchasing.

Most important USB C adapters for Macbook and Chromebook Pixel Owners

USB C to USB Type A Adapters

USB Type C to USB Type A AdapterUSB Type C to Type A Adapter Dongle (2 Pack)

As anybody that’s ever tried to plug anything into a new laptop knows, the world of computer peripherals is still stuck in USB Type A land (the old legacy connector), even while our computers have moved on to the new, thinner and faster USB Type C spec. So just about every Macbook Pro or Chromebook Pixel owner that ever needs to plug anything into their laptops will need a USB C to USB A adapter.

This two pack of USB-C to USB-A adapters allow you to plug in external hard drives, keyboards, wired mice, printers, scanners and a whole slew of other peripheral devices. Works with the new USB 3.0 high speed transfer specification.

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USB Type C to Headphone jackUSB C headphone port

As more and more devices are abandoning headphone jacks, USB C to headphone jack adapters may become increasingly necessary to use your wired headphones with various devices including new laptops and cell phones with a USB C port but no headphone jack. This USB C to headphone adapter provides headphone jack attached to a durable anti-twist cable. Compatible with laptops, tablets and phones, like the Huawei P9, LG G5/Nexus 5X, Microsoft Lumia 950/950XL, HTC 10/Nexus 6P, Alcatel Idol Series, Nubia Z11/Z11 mini and more.

USB Type C to Type A Hub

These new laptops often have less overall ports than ever before so you might find that being able to convert just one port to USB Type A isn’t enough to use all of your devices– especially if you’re using one of your USB-C ports to charge your laptop. So if you’re in need of a lot of ports this USB C to A hub might be exactly what you need.

It converts a single USB C port into three normal USB A 3.0 ports, plus gives you an HDMI port to connect to an external display at up to 2K resolution. Plus it’s silver, matching the aesthetic of many of the new laptops such as the Google Chromebook Pixel and the new Macbook and Macbook Pro laptops from Apple.

USB Type C to Gigabit EthernetUSB Type C to Ethernet Adapter

Wifi doesn’t exist everywhere and even in places where wireless internet is available it’s often not as fast as plugging your laptop into an Ethernet cable connected straight to the network. Unfortunately virtually zero laptops shipping with USB C ports today also offer Ethernet networking ports. This USBC to Ethernet adapter solves that problem by converting one USB C port into an Ethernet port. Capable of up to gigabit speeds, if the network you’re plugging into can provide that. An LED status light will appear indicating network activity.

USB Type C to multiport hubUSB Type C to Multi-port Hub

Apple’s older pro laptops offerred SD card slots, USB ports and HDMI outputs. This hub restores all that functionality and more by converting a USB C port into two normal USB A ports, an HDMI output to connect to external monitors or televisions or projectors, an SD card slot for reading camera memory cards, a micro SD card slot (also called Trans Flash or TF), and even an additional USB C port to replace the one that you’re using up, which you can use to connect additional peripheral devices or recharge your laptop. Works with Apple Macbooks, HP Pavilions, Dell Venue Pros, Alienware, Lenovo Yoga, Chromebook Pixel, and many other laptops with USB C ports running Mac, Linux or Windows.

USB Type C docking stationUSB Type C Docking station for Laptops

Perhaps you’re noticing a trend with this list: each USB C adapter seems to have more and more expandable options than the last. Well, this one just about takes the cake. It’s a USB C docking station for laptops like the Chromebook Pixel or the Macbook Pro and it offers a ton of expandability. For pros that work with a laptop from their desk, this might be just about the ultimate USB C adapter. Here’s what it offers:

  • A headphone port
  • A microphone input
  • 1 USB 3.0 port on the front and 3 more on the back
  • 1 USB C port on the front to replace the one you’re taking up by plugging this in
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
  • 2 HDMI outputs to connect to external displays (one of them capable of 4K video)
  • 1 DVI port to connect to legacy monitors
  • 1 USB C port on the back to recharge your laptop via USB C passthrough charging

Wow! That’s a lot. Works with Macs, PCs runing Windows and Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions about USB C Adapters

Can I recharge my laptop via USB C?

Generally speaking, yes. Laptops that offer USB C ports often include the ability to charge via any USB C port. If you connect a USB C dongle adapter that provides other types of ports including a replacement USB C port that makes up for the one you’re using to plug it in, often that USB C port will provide what is called charge through ability, meaning you can plug in the laptop’s power adapter to that port and it will charge your laptop. Manufacturers of these adapters will generally say whether or not their device supports this ability or not.

Can I recharge my device using the USB Type A port on my USB C adapter?

It depends. Virtually any USB C adapter or hub will allow you to charge a cell phone or use a bus powered external hard drive via a USB A port. Some adapters will not charge larger devices like iPads or other tablets, or multiple phones or external hard drives at once because the amount of power provided is not adequate to charge it quickly.

Will this USB C to HDMI converter support 4K video?

It depends. Some USB C to HDMI adapters support 4K video and some don’t. That sounds simple enough but even adapters that support ultra high definition video don’t support it at 60hz per second, meaning for some uses like gaming it may be a seem jerky. Be sure to check exactly what the manufacturer says about the 4K HDMI abilities of their devices if that’s important to you.

Related USB C Adapters and Accessories:
USB Type C Data Sticks, Thumbdrives, USB-C Flash Drives, and USB C Keys

The Best USB C Adapters for the new Macbook & Macbook Pro, Chromebook Pixel

Best USB Type C to Normal USB Type A Adapters

USB-C to Headphone Jack Adapters for Cell Phones, Laptops & More

How to Connect Galaxy S6 to TV

How to connect Galaxy S6 to TV

If you’re not sure how to connect Galaxy S6 to TV, we’ve got the info you need. Connecting your Samsung Galaxy S6 to a television can be quite useful when you want to show your phone’s photos, streaming video or music on your television. Unfortunately, Samsung does not allow you to connect your Galaxy S6 to your television using a physical HDMI cable, so instead, you will have to connect it wirelessly. Streaming wirelessly to your TV allows you to keep your phone on the couch with you, instead of having to get up to pause it because your phone is connected to the television with a cable.

How to connect Galaxy S6 to TV?

Use a Fire TV Stick to connect your Samsung Galaxy S6 to your TV

How to connect Galaxy S6 to TV

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick looks like a USB stick but it plugs directly into a spare HDMI port on your TV. It doesn’t need to be plugged into the wall– it’s powered by your television, and it connects to the same home wifi network that your phone is on. When both your Galaxy S6 and your Fire TV stick are connected to the same wifi network, you can download the free AllCast Android app to your phone and then wirelessly connect your Galaxy S6 to your TV, and play music and movies, or display photos in a slideshow.

As a bonus, the Fire TV stick can also display thousands of channels, apps like Netflix, and games on your television using its included remote control (even without the phone).

How much does the Fire TV wireless streaming stick cost?



Use a Roku Streaming Stick to connect your Samsung Galaxy S6 to your TV

How to connect Galaxy S6 to TV

Another way to connect your Galaxy S6 to your television is by getting a Roku streaming stick. It’s like the Amazon Fire Stick in that it connects to your television’s HDMI port and wirelessly streams video from your Galaxy S6 using the free AllCast Android app. The Roku TV streaming stick has a faster wireless chip in it than the Fire Stick, although it is slightly more expensive. And, like the Fire Stick, the Roku can also install all sorts of apps like Netflix to stream video and play small games, stream music and more as well. Because of its faster wireless capabilities however, the Roku will need additional power source (unlike the Fire TV stick which just draws its power from the HDMI port). So you’ll need to plug in the Roku stick into your television’s HDMI port as well as your TV’s USB port if it has one. If your television doesn’t have a USB port for charging, you can just plug the Roku stick into a normal wall power outlet (it includes cables for either).

How much does the Roku wireless streaming stick cost?

If you already have a relatively new Samsung TV, you may also be able to connect your Galaxy S6 to it wirelessly without the use of an external streaming stick using their Samsung Cast mirroring technology. We predict that as wireless streaming becomes more popular, more and more people will be connecting their Samsung Galaxy S6s to their TVs in the future.

The Best HDMI Right Angle Adapters

HDMI right angle adapters are very useful for plugging in HDMI devices in cramped areas, such as the back of a television inside a small entertainment center, or mounted on a wall. There are a few different types of HDMI right angle adapters, so getting the right kind of adapter is important.

Here are some of the best HDMI right angle adapters:

90 degree/270 degree right angle HDMI adapters
Best HDMI Right Angle Adapter

These adapters will help you plug into an HDMI port when space is limited (such as right in front of a wall, where there might not be room for a full HDMI cable to bend and snake its way out). This kit includes both one 90 degree HDMI right angle adapter and one 270 degree right angle HDMI adapter, meaning that whether your port is right side up or upside down, you’ll have the correct adapter for either situation.




90 degree/270 degree flat right angle HDMI adapters
Best HDMI Right Angle Adapter

In circumstances when your HDMI port is mounted vertically (i.e. on the side of a tv for instance), a flat HDMI adapter may work better than a horizontal one. This kit features two flat HDMI right angle adapters: one with the output facing up, and the other with the output facing downward.

Male to female adjustable right angle HDMI adapter
Best HDMI Right Angle Adapter

This adapter can help you in circumstances when space is truly at a premium and you want to be able to get an HDMI input port at a customizable angle.

The Best HDMI Connectors & Extenders

HDMI connectors and extenders help you join two normal male-to-male HDMI cables, creating a single longer HDMI cable. HDMI extenders can be quite useful when you have two HDMI cables that together are the correct length for your intended use but neither one is long enough on their own.

There are two types of HDMI extenders: HDMI coupler extenders and HDMI over Ethernet extenders.

The Best HDMI Coupler Extender
Best HDMI Coupler

When all you need is to join two normal length HDMI cables (50 feet or shorter), HDMI couplers can work well to suit your needs. They’re easy to figure out too: HDMI coupler extenders work by providing a female-to-female HDMI connection that your normal HDMI male-to-male cables can plug into.




The Best HDMI over Ethernet Extender
Best HDMI Coupler

When you need to send an HDMI signal over a distance of longer than 50 feet (the limit at which HDMI cables begin to become unreliable), an HDMI over Ethernet solution is more practical and less error prone. HDMI over Ethernet converters are made up of two separate devices, usually two separate boxes. One box, the transmitter, takes your incoming HDMI signal (say from a computer for instance), and outputs it over an ethernet cable, which then connects to the second box. The second box, the receiver, accepts the HDMI signal sent over your very long ethernet cable (perhaps even hundreds of feet long) and then converts it back to a normal HDMI outlet.

To set up an HDMI to ethernet extender, you’ll need the extender itself (which is two boxes; a transmitter and a receiver), two HDMI cables, and an ethernet cable.

There are similar devices to convert HDMI to coaxial cable as well.

The Best HDMI Cables for TVs, External Monitors and More

HDMI cables are useful for a variety of purposes, like hooking up a Blu Ray player to a television, or hooking up a laptop with HDMI out to a second monitor that accepts HDMI input. Here are some of the best HDMI cables available with the most highly rated customer reviews. We’ll separate these by length, since you probably already know the right length cable you need for your specific HDMI cable usage. As always, we recommend you use a measuring tape before ordering a cable of a specific size, just to make sure you’re getting the appropriate length.

The best short HDMI cables:

Mediabridge 1 Foot HDMI Cable – High-Speed Supports 4K, Ethernet, 3D and Audio Return
Best HDMI Cable

This is a 1 foot HDMI cable with very positive ratings on Amazon. Hundreds of customers have used this 1 foot HDMI cable and had no complaints. Short HDMI cables like this 1 foot HDMI cable are useful when you’re looking to connect two devices to each other, space is at a premium (you don’t want to waste space on extra cable you’re not going to use), and you won’t need to move the two devices apart anytime soon, necessitating a longer cable to connect them.




Exheed 3 Foot HDMI Cable
Best HDMI Cable

In the same vein, here’s another short HDMI cable that’s got very good reviews on Amazon. It measures 3 feet in length which can give you a bit more wiggle room than a 1 foot cable like the model above, and it even comes with an HDMI right angle adapter, in case you don’t have space to have an HDMI cable wrapping behind the device you’ve got it plugged into (such as in a cramped entertainment system).

The best medium length HDMI cables:

Monoprice 6 Foot HDMI Cable = Supports Ethernet, 3D, 4K and Audio Return
Best HDMI Cable

This basic no frills HDMI cable measures 6 feet in length and gets great reviews from hundreds of Amazon customers. It also comes in a variety of colors including black, white, red, green, blue and purple and orange and yellow.

Aurum 12 Foot Hdmi Cable with Ethernet – Supports 3D & Audio Return Channel
Best HDMI Cable

This HDMI cable is 12 feet long and gets really fantastic reviews from Amazon customers. It does exactly what you’d expect it to do, and nothing else.

Mediabridge 1 Foot HDMI Cable – High-Speed Supports 4K, Ethernet, 3D and Audio Return
Best HDMI Cable

KabelDirekt (20 feet) HDMI Cable (1080p 4K 3D High Speed with Ethernet ARC)
Here’s a 20 foot HDMI cable for all your 20 foot HDMI cable needs. It comes highly reccomended by Amazon customers and supports 4K and 3D if you need that sort of thing.

The best long HDMI cables:

Twisted Veins 50′ High Speed HDMI Cable + Right Angle Adapter and Three Micro Velcro Cable Ties
Best HDMI Cable

Sometimes you need a really long HDMI cable. So here’s a 50 foot HDMI cable that’s highly reviewed on Amazon for just those occasions. The reason why we recommend this one is that it comes with an HDMI right angle adapter and some velcro cable ties, which you might very well need for cable management if you’re not using all 50 feet of this HDMI cable at once.

The longest HDMI cable setups:

HDMI cables tend to max out at about 50 feet in length. At longer lengths they become unreliable and may stop working or may transmit signals only partially or incorrectly. If you absolutely do need to string HDMI cable over a distance longer than 50 feet, you can use HDMI extenders to couple together two long HDMI cables. Additionally, there is a protocol called HDMI over Ethernet which allows you to send HDMI signals over a much longer ethernet cable and then convert them back to HDMI to plug into your device.

The Best USB Type C to HDMI Adapters and Converters

USB-C to HDMI port adapters allow you to connect your laptop or other device with USB C outputs to an external display with an HDMI input, like a monitor, video projector, or television with HDMI ports.

Example uses for USB C to HDMI Adapters and Converters

You might want a simple way to connect your laptop (like a new Macbook that only has a single USB-C port) to your TV, which has an HDMI port. You can use a USB Type C to HDMI adapter to help bridge that gap.

The Best USB Type C to HDMI Adapters and Converters

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter


USB Type C to HDMI Adapter

Apple makes a USBC to HDMI port adapter for Macbooks that supplies you with three different ports: An additional USB Type C port for charging, an HDMI port, and a normal USB Type A port. This is especially handy if you plan on needing to charge your new Macbook while you use the HDMI output at the same time. Note that you’ll still need an HDMI cable of the appropriate length if you choose this adapter.




QGeeM USB C to HDMI Adapter 4K Cable

This simple USB C to HDMI adapter provides you with one HDMI port that plugs into your USB-C port. It’s Thunderbolt 3 compatible, perfect for sharing your screen for work presentations or watching movies on your HD TV at home.

It doesn’t include an HDMI cable so you’ll need to get one separately or bring your own. This adapter is an affordable and compact option for connecting USB C to HDMI.

CableCreation 10FT USB Type C to HDMI Cable

USB Type C to HDMI Adapter

This USB-C to HDMI cable is an all in one solution to connect your laptop or computer to a television, projector or second monitor with HDMI input. It doesn’t need an additional HDMI cable; instead, this is a male to male cable that connects directly to your HDMI device. The supplied cable is 10 feet long.

If you frequently give presentations at work that require connecting to a television or projector via HDMI cable, make sure to have one of these cables in your bag.

Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI / VGA / Ethernet / USB Multiport 4K UHD Adapter

Apple Pencil Charging Cable

This USB C dongle adapts the USB C port on your laptop to an HDMI port for video out, a USB Type A port for legacy devices like plug-in keyboards and mice or scanners, an Ethernet port for networking and a VGA port to connect to legacy displays or projectors. Wow, that’s a lot! Supports 4K video output via HDMI if you have a 4K monitor that you’re planning on using with your laptop. Compatible with Macbooks, Dell XPS Alienware and Dell Precision laptops.

USB-C Hub, HDMI Output 3.1 Type-C Hub with Power Delivery

Apple Pencil Charging Cable

This is just about the most impressive USB-C adapter dongle we’ve seen so far. It converts a single USB C port on your laptop to 3 superfast USB 3.0 type A ports, one HDMI output port, a USB C port for charging and even an SD card slot to read media cards from cameras and other devices. That’s a quite a lot! It’s also designed in silver to match the look and feel of new Macbooks and Chromebook Pixels. Note that although this USB Type C to HDMI adapter supports 4K video it only does 4K up to 30Hz meaning its refresh rate may be a bit delayed on super high definition 4K monitors. But if you’re using USB-C to HDMI with a normal HD monitor that’s not 4K it’ll work normally.

Factors to consider when choosing a USB C to HDMI adapter

Do I need more than just a USB-C to HDMI adapter? Plenty of devices like new Macbooks or Chromebook Pixels only ship with USB C ports while you may have other peripheral devices that don’t have USB C cables and require the old legacy USB type A ports. So if you’re in that camp (and many people are) you may want to get a multi-port adapter for your laptop so you’ll be able to do more than just convert USB C to HDMI. Additionally, if you’re frequently in need of USB type A ports to charge your phone or plug in other devices at the same time, you might want to consider a USB C hub with multiple USB A ports instead of just one.

Length Most of these USB C to HDMI adapters are just short dongles but if you need a long cable you might want to consider the black 10 foot HDMI to USB C from the list above.

Color Some people are more concerned about matching the color of their laptop to accessories like hubs, adapters, and dongles than others. If you’re picky, this will be a factor to consider when choosing which USB type C to HDMI port hub you select.

The Best USB Type C to DVI Adapters and Converters

USB-C to DVI adapters and converters help you connect your computer with a USB C port to a variety of devices with DVI inputs, such as external monitors (second monitors) and digital video projectors.

Example uses for USB C to DVI Adapters and Converters

For instance, you might have a new Macbook or Chromebook Pixel that only has USB C ports on it but you want to do a presentation on a video projector that has a DVI input to do a presentation on it. You can use a USBC to DVI cable to help bridge that gap.

The Best USB Type C to DVI Adapters and Converters

USB Type C to DVI 3 in 1 Adapter

This USB Type C to DVI adapter does more than most. It will convert your USB C port to a DVI port for starters, but it allows you to hook up an HDMI display, such as a television (or second monitor) and it even provides a VGA port to plug in a VGA-based monitor. Note that you’ll still need a DVI male to male cable to finish hooking up this converter to your DVI device (i.e. projector, monitor, etc).




Cable Matters USB 3.1 Type C to DVI Adapter
USB Type C to DVI Adapter

If you’re just looking for a simple USB-C to DVI port adapter, this could be the best converter for you, especially if you’ve already got a DVI male to male cable that’s the appropriate length for your usage plans.

It is available in both white and black.

CableCreation 6FT USB Type C (USB-C) to DVI Male to Male Cable
USB Type C to DVI Adapter

If you don’t already have a DVI male to male cable and you’re looking for an all in one solution to convert the USB port on your computer to a DVI port that can plug directly into a video projector or second monitor, this could be a good solution. It’s a six foot long cable that has USB on one and and DVI on the other end, so you won’t need any additional cables.

The Best USB Type C to VGA Adapters and Converters

USB Type C to VGA adapters are useful when you need to hook up your computer with a USB C port (such as a new Macbook or Chromebook Pixel) to a video projector or an external monitor with a VGA input.

Example uses for USB Type C to VGA Adapters and Converters:

For instance you might have a new Macbook– which only has a single USB Type C port– and you’d like to attach it to a video projector that only accepts VGA input. You can use a USB-C to VGA adapter to help bridge that gap.

The Best USB Type C to VGA Adapters and Converters:

Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter
USB Type C to VGA Adapter

The Apple USB-C to VGA multiport adapter plugs into your Macbook (or other laptop or computer with a USB C port, like a Chromebook Pixel) and in exchange gives you three ports: Another USB-C port for charging, a female VGA video out port, and a regular USB-A port which you can use to attach an external mouse for instance. Note that you’ll still need a VGA male cable to finish hooking up to your external VGA input device.




Nearpow USB 3.1 Type C to VGA for New Macbook 12 inch, Google ChromeBook Pixel
USB Type C to VGA Adapter

This USB C to VGA adapter is cheaper than the Apple model but only has VGA out, meaning that if you want additional USB A ports or a USB Type C port for charging, you’re out of luck. But if all you need is a USB Type C to VGA adapter with no added frills, this is a great option. Note that you’ll still need a VGA male cable to finish hooking up to your external VGA input device.

CableCreation 6ft USB Type C (USB-C) to VGA Cable
USB Type C to VGA Adapter

This is an all in one USB-C to VGA adapter cable which features the normal USB C port on one end and a male VGA cable on the other end, ready to hook directly into a projector or external display that accepts VGA input (no additional VGA cable is necessary to complete the connection). This particular cable measures 6 feet long and is available in black.

The Best USB to DVI Adapters and Converters

As long as you’ve got a USB port, you can hook your computer up to a DVI device, such as an external display, with one of these USB to DVI converters. Note that these converters often require you to install special software provided by the manufacturer on their website or included on a CD.

Example uses for USB to DVI adapters and converters:

You might want to put together a dual monitor setup for your computer, but your computer only has a single DVI output (or even no DVI outputs at all). You can add that monitor (or second monitor) using a device like this one.

Best USB to DVI adapters and converters:

StarTech USB to DVI External Video Card Multi Monitor Adapter with 1920×1200 Graphics Cards
USB to DVI Adapter

This USB to DVI video converter works on both Macs and PCs and provides you with an additional external display option. This product comes with software on an installation CD but you can also download it from the manufacturer’s website.

It also works with either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports.




Anker Dual Display Universal Docking Station with DVI/HDMI, Audio, Gigabit Ethernet, 6 USB ports
USB to DVI Adapter

This item is more than just a USB to DVI external display converter, it offers additional USB ports, an HDMI port, ethernet networking, and even a headphone jack. It stands upright on your desk so it’s easy to access, but it’s also less portable.

Note that it requires USB 3.0 port to work at USB 3.0 speeds and it works on Windows PCs only.

Plugable USB 3.0 to VGA / DVI / HDMI Video Graphics Adapter for Multiple Monitors
USB to DVI Adapter

This is a simple USB to DVI adapter that also comes with an additional DVI to VGA plug, meaning you can “daisy chain” the two adapters together to output either DVI or VGA from a USB port.

Note that it only supports Windows PCs and comes with special software that needs to be installed in order for it to work.

J-Tech Digital ® USB 3.0 Dual-Head Graphics and Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (HDMI up to 2560×1440 and DVI / VGA 1920×1200. Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP)
USB to DVI Adapter

This USB to DVI converter provides not only DVI output to connect to an external display, but also HDMI and an ethernet networking port. Note that this item supports Windows PCs only (not Macs).