Cable finder

Find the right cable or adapter

Choose what you have and what you want to connect to. We’ll tell you what to buy, whether the direction matters, and what mistake to avoid.

Guides

Popular cable and adapter guides

USB-C to HDMI adapter

One-way

Use this to connect a USB-C laptop, tablet, or phone to an HDMI monitor, TV, or projector.

Watch out: Not every USB-C port supports video.

DisplayPort to HDMI adapter

One-way

Use this to connect a desktop or laptop DisplayPort output to an HDMI monitor, TV, or projector.

Watch out: This adapter is directional. DisplayPort to HDMI is not the same as HDMI to DisplayPort.

HDMI to DisplayPort active adapter

One-way

Use this when your computer or console has HDMI output but your monitor only has DisplayPort input.

Watch out: HDMI to DisplayPort usually requires an active powered adapter.

VGA to HDMI active adapter

One-way

Use this to connect an old computer with VGA output to a newer HDMI monitor or TV.

Watch out: VGA is analog and HDMI is digital, so this is not just a simple cable.

HDMI to VGA active adapter

One-way

Use this to connect a newer HDMI laptop or desktop to an older VGA monitor or projector.

Watch out: HDMI to VGA is directional.

USB-C to Ethernet adapter

One-way

Use this to add a wired network port to a laptop, tablet, or phone with USB-C.

Watch out: For faster connections, choose a gigabit Ethernet adapter.

USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter

One-way

Use this to connect wired headphones or speakers to a phone, tablet, or laptop with USB-C.

Watch out: When unsure, buy a USB-C audio adapter that says it includes a DAC.

USB-A to USB-C cable

Use this to connect older USB-A chargers or computers to newer USB-C phones, tablets, and accessories.

Watch out: Some cheap cables are charge-only and do not transfer data.

USB-A to USB-B printer cable

Use this to connect a computer to many printers, scanners, audio interfaces, and older USB devices.

Watch out: This is the classic printer cable. It is not the same as the small USB cables used by old phones.

Why cable direction matters

Many adapters look reversible but are not. DisplayPort to HDMI is not the same thing as HDMI to DisplayPort. VGA to HDMI is not the same thing as HDMI to VGA. USB-C can also be confusing because some USB-C ports support video, while others only support charging or data.

The safest way to buy is to start with the port on the device sending the signal, then choose the port on the screen, printer, headphones, network, or accessory receiving it.