Compatibility Checker

Check if two connectors are compatible. Find out if you need an adapter and which one to get.

How to Use

  1. 1
    Pick the first connector

    Select the connector type on your source device, such as USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort.

  2. 2
    Pick the second connector

    Select the connector on the device you want to connect to.

  3. 3
    Check the result

    See whether a direct connection works or if you need a specific adapter.

About

Connector compatibility is one of the most confusing aspects of modern cabling. The proliferation of standards sharing the same physical connector shape, particularly USB-C, means that two cables can look identical yet support entirely different features. A USB-C cable might carry only USB 2.0 data, or it could support Thunderbolt 4 with full 40 Gbps bandwidth, 100 W power delivery, and dual 4K display output.

Directional compatibility adds another layer of complexity. Many adapters only work in one direction. A DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter connects a DP source to an HDMI display, but cannot be used the other way around without an active converter chip. This is because DisplayPort and HDMI use different signaling protocols, and passive adapters rely on the Dual-Mode DisplayPort (DP++) feature available only on the source side.

Protocol negotiation also matters. When two USB-C devices connect, they perform a handshake to determine the highest mutually supported USB version, power delivery profile, and alternate mode capability. If either device or the cable itself lacks support for a feature, the connection falls back to the lowest common denominator.

The Compatibility Checker eliminates guesswork by analyzing the electrical and protocol requirements of each connector pair and telling you exactly what will work, what needs an adapter, and what combination is not possible.

FAQ

Can I connect DisplayPort to HDMI?
Yes, with the right adapter. DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are common and inexpensive, but they are directional. A DP-to-HDMI adapter converts a DisplayPort source to an HDMI display. Adapters going the other direction (HDMI to DP) require an active converter and are less common.
Is USB-C the same as Thunderbolt?
Not exactly. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 use the USB-C connector shape, but USB-C does not guarantee Thunderbolt support. Thunderbolt adds PCIe tunneling and guarantees 40 Gbps, while a basic USB-C port may only support USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps.
Do adapters reduce signal quality?
A single high-quality adapter typically introduces negligible signal loss. However, chaining multiple adapters can cause measurable degradation, especially for high-bandwidth signals like 4K at 120 Hz. Each conversion step adds potential for latency and signal attenuation.
Can I use a USB-C to Lightning cable for data?
Yes. USB-C to Lightning cables support both charging and data transfer. Apple devices with Lightning ports use these cables for syncing. Charging speed depends on whether the Apple device supports USB Power Delivery through its Lightning controller.
Why do some adapters need external power?
Active adapters convert signals between incompatible protocols, which requires processing power. For example, an HDMI-to-DisplayPort active adapter must re-encode the video signal, needing more power than the source port provides. A USB power input or built-in chip supplies the extra energy.