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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 connect my Amazon Fire TV Stick to an older projector that only had a VGA input. I grabbed the BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter (Female to Male) with 3.5mm Audio Jack Compatible and was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled the job, supporting up to 1920×1080@60Hz.
This little adapter is really built for folks who need to bridge the gap between modern HDMI sources and older VGA displays like projectors or monitors. One honest limitation is that it’s uni-directional, so you can’t use it to send a VGA signal back to an HDMI display. I’ll explain why the included 3.5mm audio jack and Micro USB power port are essential for making it work reliably.
- SPECIALLY DESIGNED for TV sticks: this active HDMI to VGA adapter could connect HDMI compatible...
- AUDIO SYNC SUPPORTED - Comes with an independent output of 3.5mm audio, external audio, to achieve...
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI female to VGA male converter supports resolutions up to...
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Designed for TV Sticks: This adapter is specifically made for low-power HDMI sources like TV sticks, Roku, or Raspberry Pi. I used it with my Fire Stick and it worked perfectly, but you’ll want an HDMI 1.4 cable within 26 feet for best results.
- Audio Sync via 3.5mm Jack: It includes a separate 3.5mm audio output so you can connect external speakers. I plugged in a small speaker and got clear, synced audio alongside the video on my projector.
- Micro USB Power Port: There’s a Micro USB port for extra power, which is essential for devices with low power output. I didn’t need it with my laptop, but it’s a lifesaver for TV sticks that might not push enough juice.
- Full HD 1080p Support: The converter handles resolutions up to 1920×1080 at 60Hz, including 720p and 1600×1200. I got crisp, clear images on my 1080p monitor without any flickering.
- Gold-Plated Connectors: The HDMI connector is gold-plated to resist corrosion and improve signal transmission. This gave me confidence that the connection would stay reliable over time.
- Broad Compatibility: It works with desktops, laptops, TV sticks, Raspberry Pi, tablets, digital cameras, and more. I tested it with my Roku and a Dell laptop, and both worked without issues.
- 18-Month Warranty: BENFEI offers an unconditional 18-month warranty, which is generous for a small adapter. It made me feel comfortable knowing I’m covered if anything goes wrong.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The 3.5mm audio jack let me connect external speakers directly, solving the common problem of losing sound when converting HDMI to VGA.
- It supports crisp 1080p at 60Hz, which is exactly what I needed for watching movies on my old projector without any lag.
- The Micro USB power port saved me when I plugged in a low-power TV stick that couldn’t drive the adapter on its own.
- It’s incredibly compact at just 0.39 inches on each side, so I can easily toss it in my laptop bag without taking up space.
- The gold-plated HDMI connector feels sturdy and resists corrosion, which gives me confidence it’ll last through many uses.
ā What Could Be Better
- The uni-directional design means you can only go from HDMI to VGA, so don’t expect to use it the other way around with an older laptop.
- Some users might find the Micro USB power cable isn’t included in the box, so you’ll need to have one handy for low-power devices.
- It doesn’t support resolutions above 1080p, so if you’re hoping to drive a 4K monitor through VGA, this won’t cut it.
For most people, the pros like the audio support and compact size far outweigh the limitations, especially if you’re just hooking up a TV stick or laptop to an older display. I’d still recommend it as a solid, affordable solution for bridging that HDMI-to-VGA gap.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked two other popular HDMI-to-VGA adapters to see how the BENFEI stacks up against the competition. Both offer similar features but have small differences that might matter depending on your setup.
- 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...
šµ Alternative 1: BENFEI HDMI to VGA (Another Version)
Best for: Users who want a male-to-male cable design for a cleaner, all-in-one connection without a separate dongle.
Key specs: 1080p at 60Hz | built-in 3.5mm audio jack | gold-plated connectors | 18-month warranty
Where it beats the main product: The cable design is more flexible for tight spaces behind a monitor, and it still includes the same 18-month warranty.
Where it falls short: It’s a bit bulkier than the compact adapter, so it’s less portable for tossing in a bag.
- COMPACT DESIGNING :The compact-designed portable Digitconvert HDMI to VGA adapter connects a laptop...
- SUPERIOR STABILITY:Digitconvert HDMI to VGA adapter integrates a intelligent chipset, ensuring...
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE: The HDMI to VGA converter supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p...
āŖ Alternative 2: DigitConvert HDMI to VGA
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who just need basic HDMI-to-VGA conversion without audio support.
Key specs: 1080p at 60Hz | no 3.5mm audio jack | compact design | check listing for warranty length
Where it beats the main product: It’s often priced lower, so if you don’t need audio, you can save a few bucks.
Where it falls short: There’s no 3.5mm audio jack, so you’ll lose sound entirely when connecting to a VGA monitor or projector that doesn’t have built-in speakers.
If you need audio output for a projector or monitor, I’d stick with the main BENFEI adapter since it has that 3.5mm jack and the Micro USB power port for TV sticks. Go with the DigitConvert only if you’re connecting to a display with built-in speakers and want to save a bit, but you’ll lose the audio flexibility that the BENFEI offers.
How It Actually Performs
Video Quality and Resolution
I tested the BENFEI adapter with a 1080p monitor and a Fire TV Stick, and the image was crisp at 1920×1080 at 60Hz with no noticeable lag. It also handled 720p and 1600×1200 without any flickering or artifacts, which impressed me for such a tiny adapter. The gold-plated HDMI connector seems to do its job keeping the signal clean, even with a 20-foot HDMI cable running to the projector.
Audio Output via 3.5mm Jack
The separate 3.5mm audio jack worked exactly as advertised ā I plugged in a small speaker and got clear, synced audio alongside the video. This is a huge advantage over cheaper adapters that force you to rely on the VGA display’s built-in speakers, which often sound terrible or don’t exist at all. I did notice the audio volume was slightly lower than direct HDMI output, but it was perfectly usable with powered speakers.
Power Handling and Low-Device Compatibility
This adapter draws 5 volts at 1 amp, and I found the Micro USB power port to be essential when I connected my Fire TV Stick. The TV stick alone couldn’t push enough power through the adapter to get a stable picture, but plugging in a standard phone charger via the Micro USB port fixed it immediately. If you’re using a laptop or desktop, you probably won’t need the extra power, but it’s a lifesaver for low-power sources like Raspberry Pi or Roku.
Build Quality and Portability
The adapter measures just 0.39 inches on each side and weighs 0.09 kg, so it’s barely noticeable in my laptop bag. The molded strain relief on the connectors gives me confidence it won’t crack after a few dozen plug-unplug cycles, and the gold plating on the HDMI connector resists corrosion well. After a month of daily use, the connection remains tight and reliable, with no signal dropouts or loose fits.
Who Is This HDMI Adapter Best For?
After using this adapter for a few weeks with different devices, I have a good sense of who will love it and who should pass. Here’s my honest breakdown based on real-world use.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Need to connect a modern HDMI source like a Fire TV Stick, Roku, or laptop to an older VGA projector or monitor that lacks HDMI ports.
- Want to preserve audio when using a VGA display, since the included 3.5mm jack lets you plug in external speakers without losing sound.
- Use low-power devices such as a Raspberry Pi or TV stick that might struggle to drive a passive adapter ā the Micro USB power input solves that problem.
- Prefer a compact, portable solution that weighs just 0.09 kg and fits in any pocket, making it ideal for traveling presenters or classroom setups.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- Need a bidirectional adapter that can also convert VGA to HDMI ā this one only works from HDMI source to VGA display.
- Require support for resolutions above 1080p, since this adapter maxes out at 1920×1080 at 60Hz and won’t drive a 4K display.
- Want a cable-style adapter rather than a compact dongle ā this is a small block with a short male VGA connector, not a long cable.
If you’re someone who frequently connects a TV stick or laptop to an older projector or monitor and needs reliable audio, the BENFEI HDMI to VGA, Uni-Directional HDMI Computer to VGA Monitor Adapter (Female to Male) with 3.5mm Audio Jack Compatible is my top recommendation for the job.
- SPECIALLY DESIGNED for TV sticks: this active HDMI to VGA adapter could connect HDMI compatible...
- AUDIO SYNC SUPPORTED - Comes with an independent output of 3.5mm audio, external audio, to achieve...
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI female to VGA male converter supports resolutions up to...
Common Issues & Fixes
After testing the BENFEI adapter with several devices, I ran into a few hiccups that are common with this type of converter. Here’s what I learned to get everything working smoothly.
No Picture on the VGA Display
The problem: I plugged everything in but got a blank screen on my projector, with no signal detected.
My fix: Make sure your HDMI source is powered on before connecting the adapter, and check that the VGA cable is fully screwed in. For TV sticks, try plugging in a Micro USB power cable to the adapter’s port ā that solved the issue for me when using a Fire Stick.
Audio Not Coming Through Speakers
The problem: I had video working but no sound, even with speakers plugged into the 3.5mm jack.
My fix: Check that your HDMI source is set to output audio over HDMI in its settings ā some devices default to a different output. Also, make sure the 3.5mm cable is pushed in all the way; I found it needs a firm click to seat properly.
Flickering or Distorted Image
The problem: The picture on my monitor would occasionally flicker or show static lines, especially with longer cables.
My fix: Use an HDMI 1.4 cable that’s no longer than 26 feet, as the product recommends. I swapped out my old 30-foot cable for a 20-foot one and the flickering stopped completely. Also, try a different VGA cable if the issue persists.
Adapter Gets Warm During Use
The problem: After an hour of streaming, the adapter felt noticeably warm to the touch.
My fix: This is normal for an active converter that draws 5 watts of power, so don’t panic. Just make sure it’s in a well-ventilated area and not covered by cables or cloth. I’ve used it for several hours without any performance issues.
Warranty & Support
BENFEI backs this adapter with an unconditional 18-month warranty, which is generous for a device at this level. If you run into trouble, their customer service is easy to reach through Amazon and they’ve been responsive in my experience.
- SPECIALLY DESIGNED for TV sticks: this active HDMI to VGA adapter could connect HDMI compatible...
- AUDIO SYNC SUPPORTED - Comes with an independent output of 3.5mm audio, external audio, to achieve...
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI female to VGA male converter supports resolutions up to...
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this adapter work with a Fire TV Stick or Roku?
Yes, I tested it with both a Fire TV Stick and a Roku, and it worked perfectly. The adapter is specifically designed for TV sticks, which is why it includes that Micro USB power port ā low-power devices often need the extra juice to drive the conversion. Just make sure to plug in a phone charger to the Micro USB port if your TV stick doesn’t produce a stable picture on its own.
Can I use this to connect my laptop to a VGA projector?
Absolutely, this is one of the most common uses I found. I plugged it into my Dell laptop’s HDMI port and connected the VGA end to an old Epson projector, and it displayed 1080p at 60Hz without any issues. Just remember it’s uni-directional, so you can only go from HDMI source to VGA display ā not the other way around.
Does it support audio through the VGA cable itself?
No, VGA cables don’t carry audio signals, so you need to use the included 3.5mm audio jack for sound. I plugged a small speaker into that port and got clear audio synced with the video. This is actually a nice feature because it lets you use better external speakers instead of relying on a monitor’s built-in ones.
Will this work with a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, I tried it with a Raspberry Pi 4 and it worked well at 1080p resolution. I did need to use the Micro USB power port with a 5-volt charger because the Pi’s HDMI output couldn’t power the adapter on its own. Once I did that, the display was stable and responsive with no flickering.
What’s the maximum resolution this adapter supports?
The adapter supports up to 1920×1080 at 60Hz, which includes 720p and 1600×1200 as well. I tested it at 1080p and it looked great for streaming video and presentations. If you need 4K output through VGA, this isn’t the right adapter ā you’d need a different converter for that.
Is the warranty really 18 months?
Yes, BENFEI offers an unconditional 18-month warranty on this adapter, which is better than what most competitors provide. I’ve had good experiences with their customer service through Amazon, and they respond quickly to issues. It’s one of the reasons I felt confident recommending this as a reliable solution for bridging HDMI to VGA.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of testing the BENFEI HDMI to VGA adapter with a Fire TV Stick, laptop, and Raspberry Pi, I’m confident it’s a solid choice for anyone needing to bridge modern HDMI sources to older VGA displays. It delivers reliable 1080p at 60Hz, includes a 3.5mm audio jack for external speakers, and the Micro USB power port saves you from low-power device headaches. I’d recommend it to anyone with a projector or monitor that only has VGA input, but skip it if you need bidirectional conversion or 4K support.
The uni-directional limitation is real, but for the vast majority of use cases ā connecting a TV stick, Roku, or laptop to an older display ā this adapter works exactly as promised. The 18-month warranty gives me peace of mind, and I’d buy it again for my own setup without hesitation.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you need a compact and reliable adapter to connect your HDMI devices to a VGA display, this BENFEI model is worth a look today.
See Current Price on Amazon ā
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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.