Which USB-C to HDMI cable to buy for an Android phone
Short version: a passive USB-C to HDMI 2.0 cable, 1 to 2 metres, rated 4K 60Hz, from any brand with a return policy. Everything else on this page explains why, and when you need something different.
Before you buy anything
The cable cannot be the fix if the phone lacks DisplayPort Alt Mode. Nearly every one-star review of every USB-C to HDMI cable on Amazon is from someone with a phone that has no video output. Check your phone first. If it is not supported, do not buy a cable; use wireless casting instead.
The three options
| Type | Best for | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C to HDMI cable | Phone next to a TV, travel | $10 to $20 | Simplest. One piece, nothing to lose. Buy 1 or 2 m. |
| USB-C to HDMI adapter | Reusing an HDMI cable you already have, hotel TVs | $10 to $15 | Adapter plus HDMI cable. Two connections, but easy to replace either half. |
| USB-C hub with HDMI and power delivery | DeX or desktop mode with keyboard and mouse, long sessions | $25 to $50 | Charges the phone while it outputs. Needs a USB-C charger plugged into the hub. |
What the specs mean
4K 60Hz vs 4K 30Hz
Older or cheaper cables are HDMI 1.4 and top out at 4K 30Hz. That is fine for photos and video, but scrolling and desktop mode feel choppy. Look for HDMI 2.0 and 4K 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 and 8K ratings are marketing for phones: no phone outputs more than 4K 60Hz.
Passive vs active
A passive cable contains a small DisplayPort to HDMI converter chip powered by the phone. That is all you need up to about 2 m. Active cables add signal boosting for longer runs, cost more, and sometimes draw more power than a phone likes.
Audio
Every DisplayPort Alt Mode cable carries audio over HDMI. If you get picture but no sound, the cause is on the phone or TV side, not the cable. See no sound through HDMI.
Charging while casting
A plain cable does not charge the phone. For a two hour movie that is fine. For a full evening or DeX work, use a hub with a power delivery input and plug the phone charger into it.
What to avoid
- Anything described as MHL or SlimPort. Those are older standards for micro-USB phones and will not work on any modern USB-C phone.
- Cables over 3 m unless labelled active.
- USB-C to HDMI cables sold for laptops with a note that says it does not support Samsung phones. Those are usually fine, the note is there because of the Galaxy A confusion, but it is a sign of a seller who gets returns.
- Wireless HDMI dongles that need an app on the TV. They solve a different problem.
Where to buy
We do not sell cables. The links below open Amazon searches for the exact type described, so you can pick by rating and price. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
- USB-C to HDMI cable, 4K 60Hz, 6 ft
- USB-C to HDMI adapter, 4K 60Hz
- USB-C hub with HDMI and power delivery
For Samsung DeX with a keyboard and mouse, see DeX vs screen mirroring. For the difference between a cable, adapter and hub in more depth, see cable vs adapter vs hub.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a special USB-C to HDMI cable for Samsung DeX?
- No. Any USB-C to HDMI cable that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode works with DeX. Samsung's own adapters are fine but not required.
- Is a USB-C to HDMI cable better than an adapter?
- A single cable has one fewer connection to fail and is cheaper. An adapter lets you reuse an HDMI cable you already own and is easier to replace. Both perform the same.
- Will a Thunderbolt cable work for phone to HDMI?
- A Thunderbolt cable is a USB-C to USB-C cable, so it only helps if the TV or monitor has a USB-C input. For an HDMI port you need a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter.
- Why does my cable work on my laptop but not my phone?
- The cable is fine. The phone lacks DisplayPort Alt Mode. Laptops almost always have it, most Android phones do not. Check the compatibility list.
- Does cable length matter?
- Yes. Passive USB-C to HDMI cables are reliable up to about 2 metres at 4K 60Hz. Longer runs need an active cable or a short adapter plus a good HDMI cable.
- Do I need an active cable?
- Only for long runs or if a passive cable shows flicker at 4K. For a phone next to a TV, passive is the right choice.