HDMI adapters in our range join HDMI devices whose ports do not match or are awkward to reach, such as laptops, monitors, TVs and projectors. You will find full-size HDMI Type A adapters and Mini HDMI to HDMI adapters from brands including StarTech.com, Qoltec, Gembird and Techly.
How to choose an HDMI adapter
Connector type. Full-size HDMI is Type A, used on most TVs, monitors and laptops. Mini HDMI is a smaller plug found on some cameras and tablets, so check the port on the smaller device before ordering. Both HDMI Type A and Mini HDMI options are available in our range.
Gender of the connectors. A male connector has pins and plugs in, while a female connector is the socket. Our range includes adapters with a male plug on one end and a female socket on the other, which is what you need to rotate, extend or convert a port. Work out which end goes into the device and which receives the cable.
HDMI version and resolution. Look for the supported version rather than the shape alone. HDMI 1.4 handles 4K at 30 Hz, HDMI 2.0 is needed for 4K at 60 Hz, and HDMI 2.1 is aimed at higher refresh rates and 8K. The adapter, the cable, the source and the screen must all support a mode, or the connection falls back to the weakest link.
Adapter or converter. A simple HDMI adapter changes the shape or direction of the connector and nothing else. If your devices use different video standards, such as HDMI on one side and VGA or DisplayPort on the other, a signal converter is required, and an HDMI-to-HDMI adapter will not do the job.
Fit and strain. A rigid adapter hanging off a laptop port can put stress on the socket. Where the port is recessed behind a wall-mounted TV or sits tight against a wall, a short adapter or an angled one is easier to fit and kinder to the connector.
HDMI adapter brands we carry
- StarTech.com: a connectivity specialist that makes adapters, cables and docking products mainly for business and IT use.
- Gembird: a European supplier of budget-friendly cables and adapters, which also sells under the Cablexpert name.
- ATEN: best known for KVM switches and professional AV equipment, so its products are found in server rooms and meeting spaces.
- Lindy: a German-based maker of cables and AV connectivity accessories, with a focus on installation and office use.
- DIGITUS: the connectivity brand of ASSMANN Electronic, covering network, cabling and video accessories.
- AKASA: mainly known for PC cooling and cases, with a range of cables and adapters alongside.
Also in our range: Qoltec, Techly, Good Connections, LogiLink, Lanberg and Shiverpeaks.
HDMI adapters: frequently asked questions
What is an HDMI adapter used for?
An HDMI adapter connects two HDMI connectors that differ in size or gender, or that sit in an inconvenient position. Typical uses include linking a Mini HDMI camera to a standard HDMI cable, or extending a port that is hard to reach behind a TV.
Does an HDMI adapter reduce picture quality?
A well-made passive HDMI adapter should not noticeably reduce picture quality, because it only passes the signal through. Problems arise when the adapter does not support the version your devices need, for example when it limits 4K to 30 Hz instead of 60 Hz. Check the stated specification before buying.
What is the difference between male and female HDMI connectors?
A male HDMI connector is the plug with exposed contacts, and a female connector is the socket that it fits into. Most devices have female sockets, and most cables have male plugs. An adapter with one male and one female end lets you extend or reposition a connection.
Can I use a Mini HDMI to HDMI adapter for 4K?
Yes, provided the adapter, the Mini HDMI device, the cable and the screen all support 4K at the refresh rate you want. Many adapters list the HDMI version they support, and for 4K at 60 Hz you should look for HDMI 2.0 or newer.
