However, some PCs and docking stations only come with DisplayPort output ports, which means you’ll need a converter to connect your smart TV or HDMI monitor.
Enter a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. These little dongles connect to the DisplayPort on your PC or docking station and offer an HDMI female port that allows you to connect an HDMI display using a standard HDMI cable.
These are the best DisplayPort to HDMI adapters available today.
Q: What Is the Difference Between Active and Passive DisplayPort Adapter?
An active DisplayPort adapter has a built-in chipset that does the DisplayPort to HDMI conversion, meaning it will work with any DisplayPort source device.
The adapter has a braided cable jacket and molded strain relief for improved durability. Also, a latch on the DisplayPort connector ensures a snug fit for uninterrupted viewing.
It’s more expensive than most adapters, but support for HDMI 2.1 and advanced video features like Dolby Vision HDR and chroma 4:4:4 support make it a worthwhile investment, especially for professional creatives and gamers.
You’ll still need a source device with DisplayPort version 1.2 or 1.4 for full 4K 60Hz compatibility. The adapter can output 4K at 60Hz with HDR when connected to a DP 1.4 source and either HDMI 2.0b or HDMI 2.1 display.
You can also enjoy faster refresh rates of up to 144Hz for 1080p monitors, which is ideal for competitive gaming.
The adapter is well built with gold-plated connectors and molded strain relief to make it last longer than most cheaper ones. However, since it’s a passive DisplayPort adapter, it will only work with source devices that support DP++.
That said, the Moread DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter is an excellent DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for 1080p monitors that doesn’t break the bank.
This adapter converts a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 2 port to HDMI, allowing you to connect an HDMI monitor, HD TV, or projector to your computer. It supports high resolution up to 4K at 60Hz, so you can enjoy smooth and crystal-clear video.
It’s an active adapter, so you don’t have to worry about your source supporting DP++. It’s also fully compatible with AMD Eyefinity Multi-Display Technology and Nvidia Surround Display.
The CalDigit Active DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 Adapter is another adapter that supports the full 4K resolution at 60Hz. It’s designed to work with computers and docking stations like the CalDigit TS3 Plus, allowing you to connect an HDMI monitor to the DisplayPort output of the PC or dock.
It’s an active adapter, so it should work with any docking station or PC with a DisplayPort. It’s fully compatible with AMD Eyefinity and NVIDIA’s Surround Display for multi-monitor setups. The CalDigit Active DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 Adapter is plug-and-play and can also pass through audio.
It works right away without any issues and can even carry audio, making it ideal for monitors with built-in speakers.
What makes this adapter stand out from the other adapters is its size. It comes in one solid aluminum unibody that makes it more compact and minimal than having a small cable between the two connectors.
The small form factor helps reduce clutter around your PC and lets you easily slip the adapter into your pocket to use it in your office or remote workplace.
On the other hand, passive DisplayPort adapters don’t have any additional chips and instead require a source that supports dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++) to do the conversion.
Active adapters are usually more expensive because of the additional chips, so if your device has DP++ and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on an adapter, you can save some bucks with a passive adapter.
There is no performance difference between an active and a passive adapter as both can support higher resolutions such as 4K at 60Hz.
Q: Do I Need a Active or Passive DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter?
You need an active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter if your source device does not support DP++ or for multi-monitor setups, especially if you are using Nvidia Surround Display or AMD Eyefinity Multi-Display.
If your device supports DP++, a passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter will work just fine.
Q: How Do I Know if My DisplayPort Is Dual Mode?
If you want to know whether your DisplayPort supports Dual-Mode, check the port on your device to see if it has two + signs next to the DisplayPort logo. The DisplayPort logo is a P inside of a letter D, and it usually has two stacked + signs if it supports DP++.
Q: Are DisplayPort to HDMI Adapters Any Good?
A DisplayPort to HDMI adapter is a great way to connect an HDMI display to a computer or docking station with a DisplayPort output only. But since HDMI has less bandwidth than DisplayPort, the connection won’t be as good as using DisplayPort to DisplayPort.
You’ll need an adapter that supports the latest HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 specifications to get features like 4K, VRR, and HDR to work.
Q: Does DisplayPort to HDMI Work Better Than HDMI?
As long as they support the same specification, a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter works similarly to an HDMI cable.
There is no noticeable difference in the picture quality when using a DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 adapter and an HDMI 2.0 cable. The HDMI version is more important, whether using an adapter or cable.
