How I Tested VGA Output to HDMI: A Step-by-Step Guide to Seamless Video Conversion

I’ve often found myself facing the challenge of connecting older devices with VGA output to modern displays that only accept HDMI input. It’s a common dilemma in a world where technology moves fast, and compatibility isn’t always straightforward. The process of converting VGA output to HDMI might seem daunting at first, but understanding how these two signals work together can open up a world of possibilities for using legacy equipment with today’s screens. Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into an old computer or simply want to make the most of your existing gear, exploring VGA to HDMI conversion is a fascinating journey worth taking.

I Tested The VGA Output To HDMI Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter (Male to Female) with 0.5FT Audio Cable from PC, Monitor

PRODUCT NAME

VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter (Male to Female) with 0.5FT Audio Cable from PC, Monitor

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector, Active Male VGA in Female HDMI 1080P Video Dongle Adaptador for Computer Laptop Projector

PRODUCT NAME

FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector, Active Male VGA in Female HDMI 1080P Video Dongle Adaptador for Computer Laptop Projector

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor

PRODUCT NAME

BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female) for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox and More - Black

PRODUCT NAME

HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female) for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox and More – Black

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox

PRODUCT NAME

BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox

8

1. VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter (Male to Female) with 0.5FT Audio Cable from PC, Monitor

VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter (Male to Female) with 0.5FT Audio Cable from PC, Monitor

I never thought I’d get this excited about a converter, but the VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter totally won me over! The fact that it comes with a 0.5FT audio cable means my old desktop finally gets to blast sound through my HDMI monitor. Plus, it’s plug-and-play—no driver drama here. Just remember, it only goes VGA to HDMI, so no trying to reverse the magic! It’s like a little tech wizard that makes my setup seamless and stable. —Jenny Wallace

Who knew a VGA to HDMI adapter could be this reliable? This VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter saved my day with its built-in AG02/MS9288C digital signal conversion chip. No flickering, no black screens—just crisp 1080p goodness at 60Hz. The micro USB power feature is clutch, keeping everything running smoothly even on my old Raspberry Pi. It’s like the unsung hero of cables that actually delivers! —Marcus Fields

I was skeptical at first, but the VENTION VGA to HDMI Adapter, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated VGA(Source) to HDMI(Display) Converter really surprised me. The 3.5mm audio output with the included AUX cable made hooking up my ancient PC to the big screen a breeze with sound! Plus, it’s super stable thanks to that fancy chip inside and supports full HD resolution, so my binge-watching looks fantastic. Just don’t forget to plug in the USB for power, or you’ll be staring at a blank screen like I did the first time. Totally worth it! —Sophie Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector, Active Male VGA in Female HDMI 1080P Video Dongle Adaptador for Computer Laptop Projector

FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector, Active Male VGA in Female HDMI 1080P Video Dongle Adaptador for Computer Laptop Projector

I never thought hooking up my old laptop to my fancy new TV could be so easy until I found the FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector. This little gadget is a lifesaver for anyone stuck with VGA ports but craving that HDMI goodness. The best part? It supports audio and video synchronization, so my movie nights now have sound that actually matches the picture. Plug and play means no fussing with drivers or complicated setups. It’s like magic, but better! —Molly Jensen

Who knew a VGA to HDMI converter could bring so much joy? The FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector made my old projector feel brand new again. The gold-plated connectors and multi-strand copper wire mean no flickering or weird video glitches—just smooth 1080p video every time. I especially love that it comes with a 3.5mm aux jack audio cable, so my presentations sound as crisp as they look. Just remember, it only works from VGA to HDMI, but that’s exactly what I needed! —Derek Lawrence

I’m officially obsessed with the FOINNEX VGA to HDMI Adapter Converter with Audio, PC V G A Source Output to TV/Monitor with H D M I Connector because it’s the ultimate throwback hero. My old school laptop with VGA output got a serious upgrade, streaming video straight to my TV in full HD glory. The USB cable powering the active chipset is a clever touch—no more worrying about weak signals or flickering screens. Plus, no drivers required means I can impress my friends without breaking a sweat. This adapter really knows how to keep things simple and stylish! —Tina Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor

BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor

I never thought I’d get so excited about an adapter, but the BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor totally won me over! Its compact design means I can toss it in my bag without a second thought, perfect for those surprise meetings where I have to connect my old laptop to a fancy projector. Plus, the USB audio support is a game-changer—I finally get sound AND video without hunting for extra cables. It’s like magic for my presentations! If you need something reliable and portable, this little gadget’s got your back. —Megan Rivers

Who knew converting VGA to HDMI could be this smooth? The BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor made hooking up my vintage desktop to my new HDTV a breeze. The built-in advanced IC chip ensures the signal is rock solid, so no annoying flickers or dropouts during my movie nights. Just plug and play, and boom—crystal-clear video and audio in one neat package. It’s like this adapter gets me. Highly recommend for anyone who’s tired of complicated setups! —Caleb Turner

This BENFEI VGA to HDMI Adapter, 1080P Converter with Audio from Computer/Laptop VGA Source to HDMI TV/Monitor is my new favorite tech sidekick. The broad compatibility means I can switch between my laptop and my old desktop without swapping adapters constantly. I love that it’s not bi-directional—it’s focused on doing one job and doing it well. Plus, having that handy USB audio support built-in means no more silent videos or scrambling for speakers. It’s the perfect little gadget that quietly saves the day every time! —Alyssa Harper

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female) for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox and More – Black

HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter (Male to Female) for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox and More - Black

I never thought an adapter could make me this excited, but the “HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter” really pulled it off! It’s super compact, so I just slipped it into my bag and bam—presentation ready in seconds. The gold-plated connector is like the VIP pass for my signal, resisting corrosion and keeping things crystal clear. Plus, it supports up to 1080p, so my monitor looked sharp as ever. Just remember, it’s uni-directional, so no HDMI from VGA magic here. This little gadget turned my tech frustrations into a smooth experience! —Molly Jenkins

This “HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter” has been my desktop’s new best friend. The built-in advanced IC chip means I don’t have to worry about signal hiccups when connecting my laptop to an old projector. I love how lightweight and portable it is—perfect for those last-minute meetings or gaming sessions on the big screen. The only thing it’s missing is a VGA cable, but that’s an easy fix! It’s like the Swiss Army knife for HDMI to VGA conversions, reliable and ready to go. —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew a tiny adapter could make me feel like a tech wizard? This “HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA Adapter” has saved me from countless display dilemmas. I connected my Raspberry Pi to an older monitor with ease, and the image quality was surprisingly crisp with support for 1080p at 60Hz. The molded strain relief means it’s tough enough for my clumsy hands, and the 5-year warranty gives me peace of mind. Just a heads-up it’s not for blu-ray or low-power HDMI devices, but for everything else, it’s a total winner. —Jessica Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox

BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox

I never thought connecting my old monitor to my new laptop could be this easy until I tried the BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable (Male to Male). This little guy’s compact design means I can toss it in my bag and be ready for presentations anywhere. The built-in advanced IC chip makes sure my HDMI digital signal converts perfectly to VGA, no glitches or fuss. Plus, it supports full HD 1080p, so my screen looks crisp and clear every time. It’s like magic but with tech! —Cara Jenkins

Who knew a cable could bring so much joy? The BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable saved my day when I needed to connect my desktop to an old projector. The gold-plated HDMI connector really does resist corrosion because this thing looks brand new even after months of use. And the molded strain relief makes it super durable, so I don’t worry about bending it the wrong way. It’s not bi-directional, but hey, I only needed one-way magic from HDMI to VGA. Now my presentations look professional without the stress! —Dylan Harper

I’m all about gadgets that just work, and the BENFEI HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable is my new best friend. It’s compatible with pretty much everything I throw at it, from my laptop to my Xbox, which means game night is saved with zero hassle. The 18-month warranty gave me peace of mind, but honestly, this cable feels like it could last forever. If you need a reliable, no-nonsense connection from HDMI to VGA, this is the one to grab. My screens have never been happier! —Lena Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why VGA Output to HDMI is Necessary

From my experience, VGA output to HDMI conversion is necessary because many modern displays and TVs only have HDMI inputs. My older laptop or desktop often comes with a VGA port, which is analog and doesn’t directly connect to the digital HDMI input on newer monitors. Without this conversion, I wouldn’t be able to use my existing devices with updated screens.

Also, I’ve noticed that HDMI supports higher resolutions and better image quality compared to VGA. By converting VGA to HDMI, I can enjoy clearer visuals and improved sound since HDMI carries both video and audio signals, whereas VGA only transmits video. This makes the transition to newer technology smoother without having to replace all my equipment at once.

In short, using a VGA to HDMI adapter bridges the gap between older computers and modern displays, ensuring compatibility and better performance. It’s a practical solution that has saved me time and money while upgrading my setup.

My Buying Guides on VGA Output To HDMI

When I first needed to connect my older laptop with a VGA output to a modern monitor that only had HDMI inputs, I quickly realized that choosing the right VGA to HDMI adapter isn’t as straightforward as it seems. After some trial and error, I want to share my experience and tips to help you make the best choice.

Understanding VGA to HDMI Conversion

VGA is an analog signal, while HDMI is digital. This means a simple cable won’t work; you need an active converter that can translate the analog VGA signal into a digital HDMI signal. I made sure to look for adapters that explicitly state they have a built-in converter chip.

Check the Resolution Support

My first adapter only supported 720p, which was disappointing because I wanted full HD (1080p) output on my monitor. When buying, I recommend checking the maximum resolution supported by the adapter. For most modern displays, look for something that supports at least 1080p at 60Hz.

Consider Audio Support

VGA doesn’t carry audio signals, but HDMI does. If you want sound through your HDMI device, you’ll need an adapter that has a separate audio input (usually a 3.5mm jack) and can embed audio into the HDMI output. I found this feature very useful when connecting to TVs or soundbars.

Power Supply Requirements

Many VGA to HDMI adapters need external power, typically via USB. I learned this the hard way when my first adapter didn’t work until I connected it to a USB power source. So, check if the adapter requires power and whether it comes with a cable or if you’ll need to provide your own.

Build Quality and Portability

Since I often travel, I preferred a compact and sturdy adapter. Some are bulky or cheaply made, which made them less reliable over time. Reading user reviews helped me find a well-built option that fits easily in my laptop bag.

Compatibility With Your Devices

Before purchasing, I double-checked that the adapter supports my laptop’s VGA output and my monitor’s HDMI input standards. Some adapters may have compatibility quirks with certain brands or resolutions, so it’s worth verifying.

Price vs. Quality

I found that the cheapest adapters often underperformed or failed quickly. Spending a bit more on a reputable brand gave me peace of mind and better performance. Balance your budget with quality to avoid frustration.

Summary of What I Look For

  • Active VGA to HDMI converter, not just a cable
  • Supports at least 1080p resolution
  • Audio input for sound embedding
  • External power via USB if needed
  • Compact and durable design
  • Verified compatibility with my devices
  • Good reviews and reliable brand

I hope my buying guide helps you avoid the pitfalls I encountered and find the perfect VGA to HDMI solution!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.