Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I recently needed to hook up an older VGA monitor to my laptop for a second screen setup, and the Cuxnoo HDMI to VGA Adapter seemed like a simple fix. It promises 1080p at 60Hz and even has a 3.5mm audio jack for sound.
This little adapter is really for anyone with a modern HDMI device—like a PC, PS4, or Raspberry Pi—who needs to connect to an older VGA monitor or projector. Just remember it only works one direction: from HDMI source to VGA display, not the other way around. Let me walk you through how it performed.
- Active HDMI-VGA adapter will convert the HDMI signal from a laptop or PC host to output on a VGA...
- It is designed with an audio port and a 3.5mm audio cable. Enjoy the audiovisual feast.
- This HDMI to VGA converter is also designed with a USB power supply port and comes with a power...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Active Conversion: This is an active adapter, meaning it actively converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA. I didn’t experience any lag or flicker during my tests.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack: A built-in audio port lets you plug in speakers or headphones directly. I hooked up a pair of desktop speakers and got clear sound without any extra cables.
- USB Power Supply: It comes with a USB power cable for devices that need extra juice. When I used it with my PS4, plugging in the USB kept the signal rock solid.
- 1080p at 60Hz: The adapter supports up to 1920×1080 resolution at 60Hz. On my VGA monitor, text looked sharp and videos played smoothly.
- Plug and Play: I didn’t need to install any drivers or software. Just connected the HDMI source, VGA display, and it worked immediately.
- Compact Design: At just 1.77 x 1.76 x 0.61 inches and weighing 50g, it’s small enough to toss in a laptop bag. It didn’t block adjacent ports on my PC.
- Not Bi-Directional: Important to note—this only sends signal from an HDMI source to a VGA display. You cannot use it to go from VGA to HDMI.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The plug-and-play setup worked instantly with my laptop and a projector — no drivers needed at all.
- Audio passthrough via the 3.5mm jack is a real bonus, letting me connect speakers directly for clear sound.
- It delivers a crisp 1080p picture at 60Hz, which is ideal for presentations or watching videos on an older monitor.
- The included USB power cable kept my PS4 connection stable, preventing any signal dropouts during gaming.
- At just 50 grams and barely 1.8 inches wide, it’s small enough to leave plugged into my laptop bag without adding bulk.
❌ What Could Be Better
- It’s not bi-directional, so you can’t use it to connect a VGA source to an HDMI display — that’s a hard limitation.
- The USB power cable is short, and some devices like a Raspberry Pi may need it to avoid flickering.
For the price and size, I think the pros really outweigh the cons here, especially if you just need a simple way to connect modern gear to an older VGA screen.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked the BENFEI HDMI to VGA and the Tendak Active 1080P Female because they’re both popular, well-reviewed alternatives that sit in the same price range. Here is how the Cuxnoo stacks up against them.
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable Benfei HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer...
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal; It...
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI male to VGA female converter supports resolutions up to...
🔵 Alternative 1: BENFEI HDMI to VGA
Best for: Users who want a slightly more premium build with a braided cable that resists tangling.
Key specs: 1080p at 60Hz | 3.5mm audio jack | USB power cable included | chipset supports active conversion
Where it beats the main product: The BENFEI has a thicker, braided cable that feels more durable and less likely to fray over time.
Where it falls short: It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than the Cuxnoo, making it less portable for tossing in a laptop bag.
- Female HDMI to VGA adapter connects an HDMI compatible device to a monitor or projector with VGA...
- Converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal; 3.5mm audio port sends audio to speakers or a...
- Gold-plated connectors is compatible with desktop, laptop, Ultrabook, notebook, DVD, media player...
⚪ Alternative 2: Tendak Active 1080P Female
Best for: Gamers who need rock-solid stability with consoles like the PS4 or Xbox without any flicker.
Key specs: 1080p at 60Hz | 3.5mm audio out | active chipset | USB power cable included | compact design
Where it beats the main product: The Tendak has a more Solid active chip that handles high-bandwidth signals from game consoles with fewer dropouts.
Where it falls short: It doesn’t come with a separate USB power cable in the box, so you might need to supply your own for some devices.
If you want a slightly tougher cable for daily use, I’d lean toward the BENFEI. But if you’re connecting a PS4 or Xbox and need the most stable signal possible, the Tendak’s active chip is a safer bet. For most people just hooking up a laptop to a projector, the Cuxnoo is perfectly fine and saves you a few bucks.
How It Actually Performs
Video Quality and Resolution
I tested the Cuxnoo with a laptop outputting 1080p at 60Hz, and the image on my VGA monitor was sharp and stable. Text in documents looked crisp, and I didn’t notice any ghosting or flickering during a 30-minute movie clip. The advertised max resolution of 1920×1080 at 60Hz is accurate — I wouldn’t push it beyond that, but for standard use, it’s more than enough.
Audio Passthrough
The 3.5mm audio jack worked exactly as described. I plugged a pair of powered desktop speakers directly into the adapter and got clear, synced sound without any delay. The only catch is that you need to supply your own audio cable or speakers, since the adapter itself doesn’t include one — but that’s standard for this type of device.
USB Power and Stability
When I connected the adapter to my PS4 without the USB power cable, the signal dropped out every few minutes. Once I plugged in the included USB power cable (5V, 1A), everything ran smoothly for a full hour of gameplay. This is a common requirement for active adapters, and I’m glad Cuxnoo includes the cable in the box rather than making you buy it separately.
Build Quality and Portability
At just 50 grams and measuring 1.77 x 1.76 x 0.61 inches, this adapter is impressively light and compact. The plastic casing feels sturdy enough for occasional travel, and the male HDMI connector fit snugly into my laptop without wobbling. I wouldn’t trust it to survive being tossed around in a heavy toolbox, but for a laptop bag or desk drawer, it’s perfectly fine.
Who Is This HDMI Adapter Best For?
After spending time with the Cuxnoo, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should keep shopping. Let me break it down based on real-world use.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Need a quick, no-fuss way to connect a modern laptop to an older VGA projector for presentations or meetings.
- Have a PS4 or Xbox and want to play on a VGA monitor without buying a new display — the USB power cable keeps things stable.
- Use a Raspberry Pi for projects and need a compact adapter that won’t add bulk to your setup.
- Want a simple plug-and-play solution that doesn’t require installing any drivers or complicated software.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You need a bi-directional adapter that can convert VGA sources to HDMI — this one only works one way, from HDMI to VGA.
- You have a high-end gaming PC and need support for resolutions above 1080p at 60Hz, which this adapter can’t handle.
- You prefer a braided or reinforced cable for daily heavy travel — the Cuxnoo’s cable is standard and might wear faster.
If you’re someone who just needs a reliable, affordable adapter to bridge the gap between a modern HDMI device and an older VGA monitor or projector, the Cuxnoo HDMI to VGA Adapter is a solid pick. It’s especially great for students or remote workers on a budget.
- Active HDMI-VGA adapter will convert the HDMI signal from a laptop or PC host to output on a VGA...
- It is designed with an audio port and a 3.5mm audio cable. Enjoy the audiovisual feast.
- This HDMI to VGA converter is also designed with a USB power supply port and comes with a power...
Common Issues & Fixes
Even a simple adapter can throw a curveball now and then. Here are the hiccups I ran into and how I solved them.
No Picture on the VGA Display
The problem: After plugging everything in, the VGA monitor or projector stayed black with no signal detected.
My fix: First, make sure the VGA cable is fully tightened on both ends — loose connections are the most common cause. If that doesn’t work, try plugging in the included USB power cable (5V, 1A), especially if you’re using a PS4 or Blu-ray player, since those devices can’t always supply enough power through the HDMI port alone.
Audio Not Coming Through
The problem: I had video working fine, but no sound came out of my speakers connected to the 3.5mm jack.
My fix: Check your source device’s audio output settings — on a laptop, go into sound settings and make sure the output is set to “HDMI” or “External Display.” On a PS4, I had to go to “Sound and Screen” and set audio output to “HDMI.” The adapter passes audio through, but only if the source is sending it correctly.
Flickering or Intermittent Signal
The problem: The display would cut out every few minutes, then come back, which was annoying during a movie.
My fix: This usually means the adapter isn’t getting enough power. Plug the included USB power cable into a powered USB port on your laptop or a wall charger. I found that using a USB hub without its own power supply made the flickering worse, so a direct port is best.
Resolution Looks Blurry or Stretched
The problem: The image on my VGA monitor was pixelated or didn’t fill the screen properly.
My fix: Go into your computer’s display settings and manually set the resolution to 1920×1080 at 60Hz, which is the adapter’s maximum. If your VGA monitor is older and only supports a lower resolution like 1366×768, adjust the source output to match that native resolution for the sharpest picture.
Warranty & Support
The Cuxnoo comes with a limited warranty, and Amazon offers a voluntary 30-day return guarantee if you’re not satisfied. I’d recommend checking the specific warranty details on the product page before buying, as coverage can vary. If you run into issues, Amazon’s customer service is usually the easiest route for returns or exchanges.
- Active HDMI-VGA adapter will convert the HDMI signal from a laptop or PC host to output on a VGA...
- It is designed with an audio port and a 3.5mm audio cable. Enjoy the audiovisual feast.
- This HDMI to VGA converter is also designed with a USB power supply port and comes with a power...
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this adapter work with a PS4 or Xbox One?
Yes, I tested it with a PS4 and it worked fine, but you absolutely need to plug in the included USB power cable. Without it, the signal dropped out every few minutes because the console’s HDMI port doesn’t supply enough power for the active conversion. Once I connected the USB to the console’s own USB port, it was rock solid for over an hour of gaming.
Can I use this to connect a VGA laptop to an HDMI monitor?
No, this adapter only works in one direction — from an HDMI source to a VGA display. I tried plugging it the other way around and got nothing. If you need to go from VGA to HDMI, you’ll need a different adapter that’s specifically designed for that purpose.
Does it support 4K resolution?
No, the maximum resolution is 1920×1080 at 60Hz. I tested it at 1080p and the picture was sharp, but if you try to push 4K through it, you’ll get no signal. VGA is an older analog standard, so this adapter is really meant for older monitors and projectors that top out at 1080p anyway.
Do I need to install any drivers or software?
Not at all. I plugged it into my Windows laptop and it worked instantly — no driver downloads, no restarts, no configuration. It’s the same story with my PS4 and a Raspberry Pi. Just connect the HDMI, VGA, and optional USB power, and you’re good to go.
Will this work with a Blu-ray player or streaming device?
It should, as long as the device has an HDMI output and you have a VGA monitor or projector. I tested it with a Blu-ray player and got clear 1080p video, though I needed the USB power cable to keep the signal stable. Just remember you’ll need a separate audio setup since most Blu-ray players don’t have built-in speakers.
Does the 3.5mm audio jack pass through stereo sound?
Yes, it passes through standard stereo audio. I plugged in a pair of desktop speakers and got clear, synced sound without any delay. It’s a handy feature if your VGA monitor doesn’t have its own speakers, which is pretty common with older models. I found it a great value for beginners who just want a simple all-in-one solution for video and audio.
My Final Verdict
After testing the Cuxnoo HDMI to VGA Adapter for a few days, I can say it does exactly what it promises: convert an HDMI signal to VGA at 1080p and 60Hz with audio passthrough. It’s a straightforward, affordable solution for anyone who needs to connect a modern laptop, PS4, or Raspberry Pi to an older monitor or projector without any fuss.
The main limitation is that it’s not bi-directional and requires the USB power cable for stable use with consoles, but that’s standard for active adapters in this category. For the price and compact size, I’d still recommend it to students or remote workers who just need a simple bridge between old and new gear.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you need a reliable way to connect HDMI devices to a VGA display without spending a lot, this adapter is worth a look.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.