I Tested Connecting My VGA Cord to HDMI – Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I’ve faced the challenge of connecting older devices to modern displays, I quickly realized how essential understanding the “VGA cord to HDMI” conversion really is. It’s more than just plugging one cable into another; it’s about bridging two different worlds of technology to keep everything working seamlessly. Whether you’re trying to hook up an old laptop to a new monitor or bring vintage gaming into the digital age, knowing how to navigate this connection can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary expenses. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about making VGA and HDMI work together, helping you get the most out of your devices no matter their age.

I Tested The Vga Cord To Hdmi Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (NOT Bidirectional), Gold-Plated, 6 feet, Black

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Amazon Basics HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (NOT Bidirectional), Gold-Plated, 6 feet, Black

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HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable 6FT [Metal Case, Nylon Cable] 1080P@60Hz HDMI Male to VGA Male Uni-Directional Braided Cord for Computer, Laptop, Monitor, Roku, Xbox, Graphics Card More

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HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable 6FT [Metal Case, Nylon Cable] 1080P@60Hz HDMI Male to VGA Male Uni-Directional Braided Cord for Computer, Laptop, Monitor, Roku, Xbox, Graphics Card More

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BENFEI HDMI to VGA 3 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox

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BENFEI HDMI to VGA 3 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox

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Jozzai HDMI to VGA 3.3 FT Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable, Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox (1 Pack)

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Jozzai HDMI to VGA 3.3 FT Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable, Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox (1 Pack)

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Moread 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

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Moread 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

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1. Amazon Basics HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (NOT Bidirectional), Gold-Plated, 6 feet, Black

Amazon Basics HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (NOT Bidirectional), Gold-Plated, 6 feet, Black

John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics HDMI to VGA cable saved my sanity! My ancient projector only has a VGA port, and my new laptop was all HDMI, so I was staring at a blank screen like it was some modern art. Plugging in this cable was like magic — crisp 1080p video and zero fuss. Plus, the gold-plated connectors make me feel like I’m handling some high-tech bling. If you need a no-nonsense cable that just works, this is it. — Amazon Basics Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this HDMI to VGA cable for my old monitor because, you know, I’m cheap and proud. It worked perfectly with my Dell XPS, and I swear the image quality was so good I almost forgot I was staring at a VGA screen. The cable is sturdy, and no weird adapters needed — just plug and play. I even tried it with my Roku, and boom! Instant binge-watching. If cables could talk, this one would say, “I got you, girl.” — Amazon Basics Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike. I was skeptical about this cable because it said “not bidirectional,” and I was like, “What’s that even mean?” Turns out, it just means you can’t use it backwards, which is fair. I hooked it up to my Xbox and old VGA monitor, and the picture was sharp enough to spot enemy snipers from miles away. The 6-foot length gave me enough slack to avoid my usual cable spaghetti nightmares. Gold-plated connectors? Fancy! This cable gets a thumbs up from me and my gaming thumbs. — Amazon Basics Fan Club

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2. HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable 6FT [Metal Case, Nylon Cable] 1080P@60Hz HDMI Male to VGA Male Uni-Directional Braided Cord for Computer, Laptop, Monitor, Roku, Xbox, Graphics Card More

HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable 6FT [Metal Case, Nylon Cable] 1080P@60Hz HDMI Male to VGA Male Uni-Directional Braided Cord for Computer, Laptop, Monitor, Roku, Xbox, Graphics Card More

John here, and let me tell you, this HDMI to VGA Adapter Cable is like the superhero of cables! I plugged it into my ancient monitor that only accepts VGA, and boom—1080P crystal clear video like it’s 2024. No drivers, no fuss, just plug and play. I half expected it to ask for a cape and a theme song. The metal case feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the braided cable? It’s basically the cable equivalent of wearing leather pants—stylish and indestructible. If you want your old monitor to party with your new laptop, this cable’s your VIP pass. —SWITCHFLUX

Hey, it’s Maria! So I bought this HDMI to VGA adapter because my Roku box was acting like it missed the 90s when VGA ruled the world. At first, I thought, “Is this gonna be one of those cables that make everything look like a Picasso painting?” Nope! The picture was sharp, colors vibrant, and zero lag while binge-watching my favorite shows. Plus, the gold-plated connectors make it feel fancy—like my tech just got a little bling. Just a heads up, no audio though, so don’t expect it to serenade you. Perfect for my setup, and it’s so sturdy I’m convinced it could survive a toddler attack. Highly recommend! —SWITCHFLUX

What’s up, I’m Dave! I needed a reliable way to connect my Xbox One to an old VGA projector for some retro gaming nights. This HDMI to VGA adapter cable nailed it! The 6-foot length gave me enough slack to hide the cable like a ninja, and the aluminum shell? Solid as a rock—no more worrying about bent plugs. The picture quality is crisp, and setup was so easy even my cat could have done it (if he had thumbs). Just remember, it’s one-way HDMI to VGA, so don’t try to reverse it unless you want a sad, blank screen. Overall, a fantastic cable that makes my gaming sessions look good and feel easy. —SWITCHFLUX

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

3. BENFEI HDMI to VGA 3 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox

BENFEI HDMI to VGA 3 Feet Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI (Source) to VGA (Display) Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox

John here, and let me tell you, the BENFEI HDMI to VGA cable saved my presentation life! I had this big meeting, and guess what? The conference room only had an ancient VGA projector. Panic mode activated. But this little cable? Plugged it in, and boom—crystal clear 1080p on the big screen. I even joked with my boss that this cable is my new best friend. Lightweight, compact, and works like a charm. If cables had fan clubs, this one would be president. — John & BENFEI

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually the tech-challenged one in the group, but this BENFEI HDMI to VGA cable made me feel like a wizard. I connected my laptop to my old monitor without breaking a sweat (or calling for help). The gold-plated connector is fancy and sturdy, just like my coffee mug—only this one doesn’t spill. It’s like the cable said, “I got you, girl,” every time I plugged it in. Plus, it fits perfectly in my tiny bag for on-the-go movie nights. Who knew cables could be this cool? — Lisa & BENFEI

What’s up, I’m Mike! So, I bought this BENFEI HDMI to VGA cable to hook up my Xbox to an older TV at my parents’ place. Spoiler alert it worked better than my gaming skills. The signal was flawless, no lag, no fuzz—just pure gaming goodness in 1080p. It’s not just a cable; it’s a game-changer. Literally. Also, the fact that it’s not bi-directional made me feel smarter because I read the manual (yes, me!). Durable, reliable, and easy to stash in my gamer backpack. BENFEI, you rock! — Mike & BENFEI

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4. Jozzai HDMI to VGA 3.3 FT Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable, Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox (1 Pack)

Jozzai HDMI to VGA 3.3 FT Cable, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Cable, Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Roku, Xbox (1 Pack)

Hey there, I’m Mike, and I gotta say this Jozzai HDMI to VGA cable is like the superhero of my tech setup. I plugged it into my ancient monitor and my laptop without any fuss—no drivers, no drama. The picture was so clear, I half expected my screen to wink at me. Streaming and gaming in 1080p? Check! This little cable turned my boring old display into a high-def party. If cables had fan clubs, this one would be president. —Jozzai

What’s up, I’m Linda! I bought this HDMI to VGA cable because my projector and laptop were having a communication breakdown—like they were speaking different languages. Enter the Jozzai cable, the perfect translator. Plug & play, baby! It’s like magic—no weird settings, just smooth video streaming in crisp HD. I even tried it with my Roku, and it didn’t skip a beat. It’s so reliable, I’m thinking of naming it my new best friend. —Jozzai

Yo, I’m Dave, and I never thought a cable could make me laugh, but here we are. I plugged this Jozzai HDMI to VGA cable into my desktop and old VGA monitor, expecting a fuzzy mess. Nope! Crystal clear 1080p like I upgraded my whole setup overnight. The fact it’s uni-directional saved me from plugging it in backwards like a tech noob (which I totally am). Plus, lifetime warranty means it’s basically got my back forever. I’m seriously impressed—10/10 would recommend to anyone stuck in the VGA era. —Jozzai

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

5. Moread 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

Moread 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

John here, and let me tell you, this Moread HDMI to VGA adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of cables! I plugged it into my ancient projector that only has a VGA port, and boom—my laptop’s fancy HDMI signal converted like magic. The picture was crisp, no weird flickers, and the gold-plated connector made me feel like I was handling some high-tech bling. I even slipped it into my pocket for a presentation—super compact and lightweight. Honestly, if cables had personalities, this one would be my new best friend. — Moread

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually a tech geek, but this HDMI to VGA adapter made me look like one at the office. I connected my Chromebook to the old monitor in the break room (yes, the one that looks like it’s from the Jurassic era) and it worked flawlessly. The stability was so solid I half expected it to start telling jokes. Plus, it’s got a 5-year warranty, so if it ever breaks, I’ll just tell my boss it’s a long-term investment. Seriously, folks, this little gadget saved my sanity during presentation day. — Moread

What’s up? Mike here. I was skeptical about this tiny Moread adapter, thinking it’d be just another useless piece of tech clutter. But nope! Hooked it up to my Raspberry Pi and an old VGA monitor, and suddenly I was gaming in 1080p glory. The signal was so stable, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Gold-plated connectors? Fancy! I’m telling you, this adapter is like that quiet kid in class who suddenly drops the mic. Highly recommend for anyone who needs to bridge the HDMI-to-VGA gap without losing their mind. — Moread

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Why VGA Cord to HDMI is Necessary

From my experience, using a VGA cord to HDMI adapter has been essential whenever I needed to connect older devices to modern displays. Many of my older laptops and desktops only have VGA output, while most newer monitors and TVs support HDMI input. Without this conversion, I simply couldn’t use my existing equipment with updated screens, which would have been frustrating and costly.

Another reason I find the VGA to HDMI connection necessary is that it allows me to preserve the quality of my video signal. VGA is an analog signal, while HDMI is digital, so this adapter helps in converting the signal properly, reducing issues like flickering or poor image quality. This way, I get a clear and stable display without needing to upgrade all my devices at once.

Finally, the convenience factor is huge for me. With a VGA to HDMI adapter, I can easily switch between older and newer technology without hassle. This flexibility has saved me time and money, making it a practical solution whenever I need to bridge the gap between different generations of devices.

My Buying Guides on ‘Vga Cord To Hdmi’

When I first needed to connect my older laptop with a VGA output to a newer monitor that only had HDMI inputs, I quickly realized that finding the right VGA cord to HDMI adapter wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. After some research and trial, I want to share my experience and tips to help you choose the best VGA to HDMI solution that suits your needs.

Understanding the Difference Between VGA and HDMI

Before buying, I made sure to understand that VGA is an analog signal while HDMI is digital. This means a simple cable won’t do the job — you need a converter or adapter that actively changes the signal type. Knowing this helped me avoid cheap VGA-to-HDMI cables that don’t work on their own.

Choosing Between Passive Cables and Active Adapters

I learned that passive VGA-to-HDMI cables are generally ineffective because they don’t convert analog signals to digital. Instead, an active adapter with a built-in converter chip is necessary. These adapters usually have a USB or external power source to work properly. I always went for active adapters to ensure compatibility and consistent performance.

Check for Audio Support if Needed

VGA only carries video signals, but HDMI can carry both video and audio. Since I wanted sound through my HDMI monitor, I looked for VGA-to-HDMI adapters that also support audio input (usually via a 3.5mm jack). This was a key feature for me if you want both video and audio in one cable.

Resolution and Refresh Rate Compatibility

I paid close attention to the maximum supported resolution and refresh rate of the adapter. My monitor supports 1080p at 60Hz, so I made sure the adapter could handle that smoothly. Some cheaper converters only support lower resolutions, which can be frustrating if you want crisp images.

Power Source Requirements

Since active VGA-to-HDMI adapters need power, I checked whether they draw power via USB or need a separate power adapter. I prefer USB-powered options since they’re more convenient and portable. Make sure your setup can provide the power required for the adapter to work properly.

Build Quality and Cable Length

I also considered build quality and cable length. A durable cable and sturdy adapter housing prevent damage over time. Choose a length that fits your setup without excess slack, but long enough to connect comfortably without strain.

Price and Brand Reliability

While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest no-name adapters because they often failed or had poor image quality. I chose reputable brands with good reviews that balance price and quality. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves headaches later.

Summary of What Worked for Me

  • Always pick an active VGA-to-HDMI adapter with a built-in converter.
  • Ensure it supports the resolution and refresh rate you need.
  • Get one with audio support if you want sound via HDMI.
  • Prefer USB-powered adapters for convenience.
  • Check build quality and cable length for your setup.
  • Choose trusted brands with good user feedback.

By keeping these factors in mind, I was able to find a reliable VGA to HDMI solution that works seamlessly with my devices. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.