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Plugable HDMI 2.1 USB-C to HDMI Adapter, Supports 4K 144Hz or 8K 60Hz
$26.95 USD
SKU: USBC-HDMI8KAmazon Rating : (86 Reviews)
Features
- At a Glance—HDMI 2.1 Plug and Play USB-C to HDMI adapter 8K (USB-C to HDMI 8K) supports HDMI 4K 144Hz and 8K at 60Hz (DSC), HDR, HDCP; Compatible with USB-C DP 1.4 for high-res gaming, home theater & professional use
- Future Proof—Connect this HDMI to USB C adapter to a USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt 4 / 3 port for crisp, fluid motion at 4K 120Hz; And if you ever upgrade your monitor, get resolutions up to 8K 60Hz (DSC); macOS supports up to 4K at 60Hz, but higher refresh rates are not supported. This includes 4K at 120Hz, which is not available on macOS.
- High Performance—From pixelated pirates to picas and pantones, this Type C to HDMI adapter with an aluminum casing for travel and heat dissipation is designed for gamers, artists, and professionals. If you haven’t seen 4K at 144Hz, you haven’t seen UHD performance
- Works With—This USB to HDMI adapter is plug and play compatible with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS systems with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt that support DP 1.4; On Mac, max resolution is 4K 60Hz; No driver download required
- Enhance Your Viewing Experience—Elevate your gaming, design work, or entertainment with seamless 4K and 8K resolution support, using this USB-C to HDMI Adapter for monitor ensuring you never miss a detail or frame
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Experience the brilliant picture your screen was designed to display. The Plugable USB-C to HDMI 8K Adapter (USBC-HDMI8K) isn’t just designed for the monitor you have today — although that monitor will look fantastic with ultra-sharp resolutions up to 4K 144Hz. Console and PC gamers alike will also appreciate the adapter's support for 4K 120Hz, offering a smooth, lag-free, and immersive experience.
The USBC-HDMI8K is also your gateway to the future of display technology, supporting up to 8K 60Hz (Max resolution on Mac is 4K 60Hz). If you're a gamer seeking immersive gameplay, a designer working on intricate projects, or simply someone who enjoys high-definition entertainment, this HDMI to USBC adapter brings your screen to life with unmatched clarity and detail.
But it's not just about the resolution. This HDMI USB C adapter supports HDMI 2.1 features, including HDR, and it’s HDCP compliant so you won’t have a problem streaming. This means richer colors, deeper contrasts, and a sound experience that's as good as it gets, making everything from fast-paced games to high-resolution video editing a true pleasure. Plus, its design ensures you're ready for the next generation of displays, whether that's a 6K or 8K screen.
Compatibility is key, and that’s where our HDMI adapter for laptop excels. It works seamlessly with any PC that has a USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt port supporting DP 1.4. When using this USB-C to HDMI adapter with a Mac, or as a MacBook HDMI adapter, max resolution is 4K 60Hz. That means easy connectivity to a variety of HDMI 2.1-enabled displays. And, it’s Plug and Play, so there aren’t any drivers to download.
A: The USBC-HDMI8K 2.1 adapter is plug-and-play, it requires no installation of drivers or software.
A: A certified HDMI 2.1 cable is ideal for the best experience.
A: Yes, on Windows 10 and 11 systems 4K 144hz refresh rate is supported on systems with Display Stream Compression (DSC). On macOS 4K 60hz refresh rate is supported.
A: The adapter supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), HDR10+ as well as support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
A: For display modes above 4K120 or 8K30 (such as 4K144 or 8K60) the host device must support DSC (Display Stream Compression), an optional feature of the DisplayPort spec which is enabled in most modern hosts with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.
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 |
 |
 |
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|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# of Displays |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
Video Ports |
HDMI |
HDMI |
HDMI |
HDMI |
HDMI |
HDMI |
Max Resolution |
4K 144Hz / 8K 60Hz (DSC) w/ HDR |
3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
4K @ 30Hz |
1920x1080 @ 60hz |
1920x1080 @ 60Hz |
1920x1080 @ 60Hz |
Laptop Connection |
USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB4 |
USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB4 |
USB 3.0 |
USB 3/4, USB-C, Thunderbolt |
USB 3/4, USB-C, Thunderbolt |
USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB4 |
Driver Download Required |
X |
X |
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Portable |
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Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.
DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.
HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.
Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.
We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.
No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.
Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:
- Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
- Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
- A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
- USB microphones
- Audio jacks on a docking station
These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).
Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.
Set Audio Output Device
Set Audio Recording Device
Set Default Playback Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 3.0 Silicon Motion docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as SMI USB Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Playback Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Output
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Playback Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
Set Default Recording Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Recording Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Input
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Recording Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
Can I use an Alt Mode video adapter with my Mac?
Most modern MacBooks with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports support Alt Mode-based video adapters, making them compatible with Plugable Alt Mode video adapters. This includes:
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- Mac Mini (2018 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later)
- Mac Studio
Important Note:
M1, M2, M3, and newer MacBooks support only one external display via Alt Mode (with exceptions for the MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max). If you need multiple external displays for a Mac with a base M1, M2, or M3 chip, consider Plugable’s USB Graphics Adapters instead.
How To: Set the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Many modern displays can support above the default 60Hz refresh rate, however this may need to be manually set within Windows 11. Please note, not all computers, graphics adapters, and docking stations can support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Setting the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu
2. Scroll down to the Related settings subsection and select Advanced display
3. At the top of the Advanced display window, select the external display from the drop-down menu
4. From the Choose a refresh rate drop-down menu select the desired refresh rate
Refresh Rate Limitations
With Windows 24H2 and newer, dynamic refresh rates are supported, this allows the system to adjust the display refresh rate to save power, up to the selected refresh rate. As a consequence of this new mode, when selecting the display refresh rate you may see an asterisk. This indicates that selecting the specific refresh rate may reduce the display resolution or image quality in order to prioritize the refresh rate. This exposes the refresh rate option from the display even if the display cable or computer is incapable of supporting that refresh rate at the native resolution and is the intended behavior per Microsoft. [1]
In the screenshot below the left side shows the 4K 120Hz capable display limited to 60Hz refresh rate without asterisks, and on the right the same display after setting the refresh rate to “120 Hz*”, the “Desktop mode” resolution has been reduced to 2560 x 1440 (1440p) instead of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). Unlike when using the display scaling option this also causes a reduction in image quality. On the right side asterisks are no longer shown in the refresh rate list. Setting the refresh rate back to 60Hz does not change the resolution, you will have to go back one page and set the resolution manually.
References
[1] Windows Insider description of new behavior (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25941-canary-channel/)
How to Determine Your USB-C Port Video Capabilities
Understanding your laptop's video output capabilities is essential when connecting to external displays. This guide will help you identify what video technologies your laptop supports and how to find the relevant information.
Common Video Output Technologies
Modern laptops commonly use one or more of the following technologies to transmit video to external monitors:
1. Thunderbolt 3
- Supports video output using the DisplayPort protocol.
- Capable of driving up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 60Hz.
- Uses a USB-C connector and features a lightning bolt symbol next to the port.
Note: An example of Thunderbolt 3 ports
2. Thunderbolt 4
- Provides improved performance over Thunderbolt 3.
- Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display.
- Uses a USB-C connector with the same lightning bolt symbol but may also include the number "4" for identification.
Note: Thunderbolt 4 has the same physical connection and “lightning” bolt icon as Thunderbolt 3
3. USB-C DisplayPort "Alt Mode"
- Allows video output directly through the USB-C port using DisplayPort technology.
- Commonly supports one 4K display at 60Hz, but capabilities may vary.
- Often marked with a DisplayPort ("DP") symbol, but this feature may also be specified in your system's documentation.
Note: An example of a USB-C port with DisplayPort capabilities
How to Identify Your Laptop's Video Capabilities
To determine what video technologies your laptop supports, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Laptop's User Manual:
- Locate your laptop's user manual (often available online from the manufacturer's support site).
- Search for keywords like "Thunderbolt," "DisplayPort Alt Mode," or "video output capabilities."
2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:
- Go to the support page for your laptop model and find the technical specifications section.
- Look for details on Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities.
3. Inspect Your Laptop's Ports:
-
Check for identifying symbols next to USB-C ports:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 ports may have a lightning bolt symbol.
- DisplayPort Alt Mode may be marked with a "DP" icon.
“What if I do not have the above technologies?”: USB 3.0 (Type-A) and Display Expansion
While USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports do not support native video output, they can still be used to extend to two or more displays using software-based solutions like DisplayLink or Silicon Motion's InstantView. These technologies enable video through USB-A ports by utilizing dedicated drivers and software.
If your laptop lacks Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities, DisplayLink or InstantView may be a viable alternative for expanding your display setup. A few other things to consider:
- Not all USB-C ports support video output. Checking your laptop's documentation is crucial to confirm this capability.
- Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode but provide enhanced performance and flexibility.
If you have further questions about connecting your Plugable docking station or adapter to your laptop, please reach out to our support team for guidance.
