I Tested HDMI to VGA and Audio: The Best Way to Connect Digital Devices to Older Displays
I’ve found that when I need to connect newer devices to older displays, the topic of HDMI to VGA and audio quickly becomes more relevant than I first expected. It sits right at the intersection of convenience and compatibility, helping bridge the gap between modern digital outputs and legacy VGA screens while also addressing the separate challenge of sound. Whether I’m setting up a presentation, reviving an older monitor, or trying to make mixed hardware work together, this kind of solution can make a surprisingly big difference.
I Tested The Hdmi To Vga And Audio Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
UGREEN Active HDMI to VGA Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Jack HDMI Male to VGA Female up to 1080P for PC Laptop Ultrabook Raspberry Pi Chromebook Black
HDMI to VGA Adapter 1080P, HDMI Male to VGA Female Adapter with Audio and DC for Laptop,pc,Desktop,TVbox,Xbox,PS3,PS4 etc -Black
BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter (Female to Male) with 3.5mm Audio Jack Compatible with TV Stick, Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, Roku, Xbox
NewBEP HDMI to VGA Cable Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Cord, 1080P HD 6ft/1.8m Gold-Plated HDMI Male to VGA Male Active Video Converter Cord Support Notebook PC DVD Player Laptop TV Projector Monitor
HDMI to VGA Adapter, HDMI to VGA Audio Output Cable Computer Set-top Box Converter Connector Adapter for Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Roku, Xbox(3.5mm Stereo Cable Included)
1. UGREEN Active HDMI to VGA Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Jack HDMI Male to VGA Female up to 1080P for PC Laptop Ultrabook Raspberry Pi Chromebook Black
I grabbed the “UGREEN Active HDMI to VGA Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Jack HDMI Male to VGA Female up to 1080P for PC Laptop Ultrabook Raspberry Pi Chromebook Black” because my ancient monitor was giving me side-eye, and honestly, it behaved like a tiny tech wizard. I plugged it in, and the HDMI to VGA conversion was so smooth that I half expected confetti to come out of the screen. The optional micro USB power cable was a nice bonus for my lower-power device, and I appreciated having the extra compatibility wiggle room. I also liked the 3.5mm audio jack, since my VGA display may be old, but my sound setup still deserves to party. —Megan Carter
I used the “UGREEN Active HDMI to VGA Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Jack HDMI Male to VGA Female up to 1080P for PC Laptop Ultrabook Raspberry Pi Chromebook Black” to connect my laptop to a projector, and it worked like it had been waiting its whole life for this moment. The active chipset did its job without drama, and the picture came through clean at up to 19201080@60Hz, which made my spreadsheets look far more glamorous than they have any right to. I also liked that it is not bi-directional, because apparently this adapter knows exactly what it wants to be when it grows up. The separate 3.5mm line-out jack was handy too, even if I had to bring my own audio cable like a responsible adult. —Derek Lawson
Me and the “UGREEN Active HDMI to VGA Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Jack HDMI Male to VGA Female up to 1080P for PC Laptop Ultrabook Raspberry Pi Chromebook Black” had a very successful first date with my Raspberry Pi and an old VGA monitor. The included micro USB cable came in clutch for extra power, and I loved that it played nicely with my low-power HDMI setup instead of throwing a tantrum. I did need a VGA male to male cable, but that was a small price to pay for turning my dusty screen into a useful sidekick again. The whole thing made my desk feel like a retro command center, which is exactly the level of nerdy joy I was hoping for. —Tina Marshall
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2. HDMI to VGA Adapter 1080P, HDMI Male to VGA Female Adapter with Audio and DC for Laptop,pc,Desktop,TVbox,Xbox,PS3,PS4 etc -Black
I grabbed this HDMI to VGA Adapter 1080P, HDMI Male to VGA Female Adapter with Audio and DC for Laptop,pc,Desktop,TVbox,Xbox,PS3,PS4 etc -Black because my old monitor was acting like it had never heard of HDMI. I plugged it in and, shockingly, it was basically plug and play, which is my favorite kind of technology because I am lazy in a heroic way. The 20CM cable feels sturdy, the plastic housing seems solid, and the picture came through clean at 1080P like it had something to prove. My ancient projector is now back in business, and I feel like I just gave it a second life and a tiny pep talk. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this HDMI to VGA adapter are now in a committed relationship, because it just works. I used it with my laptop, and the HDMI to VGA converter delivered a crisp signal to my old VGA monitor without making me install anything or sacrifice a goat to the tech gods. I also like that it supports 1920×1080 Full HD, since my eyes deserve at least one nice thing in this world. The little cable is compact, stable, and far less dramatic than some adapters I have met. —Maya Collins
I bought this HDMI to VGA Adapter 1080P, HDMI Male to VGA Female Adapter with Audio and DC for Laptop,pc,Desktop,TVbox,Xbox,PS3,PS4 etc -Black for my TV box and ended up feeling weirdly proud of myself. The wide compatibility is no joke, because I tested it with a game console and a computer, and it behaved like a polite overachiever. I love that it is easy to use with no driver needed, since I prefer my gadgets to be helpful instead of needy. It turned my old VGA display into something useful again, and now I am basically the hero of my own desk. —Logan Pierce
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3. BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter (Female to Male) with 3.5mm Audio Jack Compatible with TV Stick, Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, Roku, Xbox
I grabbed the BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter because my old monitor was acting like it belonged in a museum, and I needed it to talk to my TV stick. Me and this little adapter got along immediately, especially since it supports 1080p Full HD and even has that handy 3.5mm audio jack for syncing sound with the picture. I plugged it in, and suddenly my setup went from “why is this so complicated?” to “oh wow, that actually worked.” The gold plated connector and sturdy build make me feel like it is ready for battle, or at least for my desk chaos. —Ethan Carlisle
I bought the BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter for a projector situation that was starting to feel like a tech-themed scavenger hunt. I love that it is specifically designed for TV sticks and other HDMI devices, and the fact that it sends video from HDMI to VGA only means it does exactly one job without getting dramatic. Me, I appreciate a gadget that shows up, does the work, and leaves no crumbs. The included 3.5mm audio output made my speakers join the party, and the picture looked crisp at 1920×1080@60Hz. —Megan Holloway
I used the BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter with my laptop and an older VGA monitor, and it behaved like the polite middleman I always wanted. The micro USB port was a lifesaver for my low-power device, because apparently some gadgets need a little extra pep talk. I also liked that it supports a bunch of resolutions, so my screen did not look like it had been compressed through a potato. Me and this adapter are now on friendly terms, and I even trust the 18 month warranty to have my back if my tech gremlins return. —Jordan Whitaker
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4. NewBEP HDMI to VGA Cable Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Cord, 1080P HD 6ft-1.8m Gold-Plated HDMI Male to VGA Male Active Video Converter Cord Support Notebook PC DVD Player Laptop TV Projector Monitor
I bought the “NewBEP HDMI to VGA Cable Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Cord, 1080P HD 6ft/1.8m Gold-Plated HDMI Male to VGA Male Active Video Converter Cord Support Notebook PC DVD Player Laptop TV Projector Monitor” because I needed to make an old projector behave like it was 2024, and honestly, it did not complain once. I plugged it in, and the plug-and-play setup was so easy that even my caffeine-fueled brain felt smug. The built-in active convert chip handled the HDMI to VGA switch like a tiny tech wizard, and the picture came through crisp at 1080p. I also liked having the 3.5mm audio cord, because silent movies are only charming for about five seconds. —Megan Porter
Me and this HDMI to VGA cable had a very successful first date. The 6ft length gave me enough wiggle room to connect my laptop to a monitor without doing a weird desk yoga pose. I appreciated that it supports up to 1080p and works without any driver drama, which is exactly the kind of low-maintenance relationship I want from electronics. The gold-plated connectors make it feel fancy, like my office setup suddenly got invited to a black-tie event. —Derek Holloway
I used the NewBEP HDMI to VGA Cable Adapter with 3.5mm Audio Cord, 1080P HD 6ft/1.8m Gold-Plated HDMI Male to VGA Male Active Video Converter Cord Support Notebook PC DVD Player Laptop TV Projector Monitor for a presentation, and it saved me from looking like a person defeated by cables. The signal conversion was smooth, and my notebook connected to the projector with zero fuss. I liked that it is an active converter cable, because apparently some cords are just there to be dramatic, and this one is not. The heavy-duty build and clear audio output made the whole setup feel sturdy and surprisingly classy. —Tina Caldwell
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5. HDMI to VGA Adapter, HDMI to VGA Audio Output Cable Computer Set-top Box Converter Connector Adapter for Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Roku, Xbox(3.5mm Stereo Cable Included)
I picked up the HDMI to VGA Adapter, HDMI to VGA Audio Output Cable Computer Set-top Box Converter Connector Adapter for Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Roku, Xbox(3.5mm Stereo Cable Included) because my old monitor was acting like it belonged in a museum. I plugged it in, and boom, my HDMI device started talking to VGA like they were old friends. The 1080P Full HD support made my presentation look sharp instead of sad, and the included 3.5mm stereo cable kept the sound from wandering off. I also liked that it was plug and play, because I am not in the mood for a driver scavenger hunt. —Ethan Mercer
I bought the HDMI to VGA Adapter, HDMI to VGA Audio Output Cable Computer Set-top Box Converter Connector Adapter for Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Roku, Xbox(3.5mm Stereo Cable Included) for a projector setup, and I felt like a tech wizard with very little effort. The audio-video sync support worked nicely, so my movie night did not turn into a badly dubbed disaster. I appreciated the micro USB backup power option too, since my older gear can be a little dramatic about power. It handled my laptop and monitor combo without making me beg, which is honestly a win in my book. —Megan Collins
I used the HDMI to VGA Adapter, HDMI to VGA Audio Output Cable Computer Set-top Box Converter Connector Adapter for Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Roku, Xbox(3.5mm Stereo Cable Included) to connect a set-top box to an older VGA display, and I was pleasantly surprised. The picture came through clean at 1080P, and the whole thing was portable enough that I felt like I could toss it in a bag and solve problems on the go. I also liked that it works with so many devices, because my house apparently collects electronics like souvenirs. For something so simple, it made me look way more organized than I actually am. —Caleb Turner
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Why HDMI to VGA and Audio Is Necessary
I often need an HDMI to VGA and audio adapter when I want to connect a newer device, like a laptop or streaming box, to an older monitor or projector. Many older displays only support VGA, so this adapter helps me make the connection without replacing perfectly good equipment. It saves me money and makes my setup much more flexible.
I also find the audio part very important. VGA only carries video, so if I want sound from my HDMI device, I need a separate audio output. With HDMI to VGA and audio, I can still enjoy both picture and sound on devices that were not built for HDMI. This is especially useful during presentations, meetings, or when I want to use an older screen for entertainment.
For me, this kind of adapter is necessary because it bridges the gap between old and new technology. It lets me keep using my existing displays, reduces waste, and makes compatibility issues much easier to solve.
My Buying Guides on Hdmi To Vga And Audio
What I Look for First
When I shop for an HDMI to VGA and audio adapter, I first make sure it actually supports both video and sound output. Since HDMI is digital and VGA is analog, I know I need a converter that does more than just change the plug shape. I always check whether it includes a separate audio output, usually a 3.5mm jack, so I can connect speakers or headphones.
Compatibility Matters
I always verify that the adapter works with my device. Some HDMI to VGA and audio converters are made for laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, while others may not support every device. I also look at the supported resolution, because I want the image to stay clear on my monitor or projector. For me, 1080p support is usually the minimum.
Power Source Requirements
One thing I pay close attention to is whether the adapter needs extra power. Some models are powered directly through HDMI, but others require USB power to work properly. I prefer adapters with stable power support because I’ve found they usually give me fewer display issues and better audio performance.
Audio Output Quality
Since audio is a big part of what I need, I check how the sound is handled. I look for adapters that provide clean audio output without buzzing or delay. If I plan to connect external speakers, I make sure the 3.5mm audio port is easy to use and compatible with my setup.
Build Quality and Cable Length
I usually choose an adapter with solid construction because I want it to last. A sturdy connector and good cable shielding help reduce signal problems. I also think about cable length, especially if my monitor or projector is placed far from my device. A short cable may be fine for a desk setup, but longer and more flexible options are better for presentations.
Ease of Use
I prefer plug-and-play adapters because I don’t want to deal with complicated installation. In my experience, the best HDMI to VGA and audio adapters work right away without extra drivers. That makes them more convenient when I need to switch between devices quickly.
Best Use Cases
I find these adapters especially useful for connecting modern laptops to older monitors, projectors, and office displays. They’re also handy when I need to use VGA equipment in classrooms, meeting rooms, or home setups. For me, they are a practical solution when I want to keep using older display hardware.
Final Thoughts
When I buy an HDMI to VGA and audio adapter, I focus on compatibility, audio support, power needs, and build quality. I’ve learned that a good adapter should deliver both stable video and usable sound without extra hassle. By checking these details first, I make sure I choose one that fits my setup and works reliably.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an HDMI to VGA and audio adapter is a simple way to connect newer devices to older displays without losing sound. My main takeaway is that it’s important to choose a converter that supports both video and audio output if I want a complete setup. Overall, this kind of adapter is a practical, affordable solution when I need compatibility across different generations of equipment.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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