The value of mini DisplayPort (DP) cables is unquestionable, especially for laptop owners who connect their laptops to high-resolution external monitors. I am always in the market for a quality mini DP to DP/HDMI/DVI/VGA, depending on one's needs. One thing we can all agree on is that low-quality cables don't last long. It is very easy to end up with unsupported signal messages or a bent cable that becomes useless within a few months. In this post, we will detail the best mini DisplayPort cables in terms of signal quality and durability that will give you the best shot at longevity.
DisplayPort is Not Dead
DisplayPort is essentially a technology some people try to replace with HDMI. The huge difference is that HDMI before 1.4 does not support resolutions higher than Full HD. Many consumers, including myself, own 2K or higher resolution monitors, costly ones that support only HDMI 1.2. However, even HDMI 1.4 support would not be enough today as it only supports 4K resolutions at 30Hz.
Meanwhile, version 2.1 of HDMI supports:
- A maximum video format of 10K at 120 Hz
- Dynamic HDR for specifying HDR metadata on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis.
- Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 is used for video formats higher than 8K with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling.
- High Frame Rate (HFR) for 4K, 8K, and 10K, which adds support for refresh rates up to 120 Hz.
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for object-based audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
What makes Displayport still viable is that even DisplayPort 1.2, released as early as 2010, supports resolutions up to 3840×2160 (4K) at an acceptable refresh rate of 60Hz.
My personal opinion is that from generation to generation, DisplayPort always outclasses HDMI, but HDMI updates generally come earlier, so there is a temporary advantage.
Best Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cables
We'll start with a widespread option for many readers, mini DP to DP cables. Like it or not, many of us still need those cables. These cables are convenient to connect a mini DP/Thunderbolt 2 port to a compatible DisplayPort projector or monitor. Mini DP/Thunderbolt to DisplayPort cables support 4K (3840×2160@60hz), 2K (2560×1440@144Hz) HD resolution, and flawless audio pass-thru for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1, or 2 channels.
Cable Matters 4K Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable
The first option and one of the best cables you will find on Amazon comes from Cable Matters, one of the most popular cable manufacturers. Most people won't need this high-end cable variation as it is only necessary for those who want to go beyond 4K resolutions. The cable supports 8K (7680×4320 @ 60Hz), 5K (5120×2880 @ 60Hz), 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160 @ 60Hz) , and Full HD resolutions (1080p), while it is backwards compatible with with DisplayPort 1.2, so it may a good future-proof investment for some.
The Cable Matters 4K Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable has the following features:
- It comes in 3 lengths; 3 feet, 6 feet, or 10 feet and only in black.
- The cable is bidirectional (mini DP to DP 1.4, DP 1.4 to mini DP).
- Support for 32.4 Gbps bandwidth (HBR3), DSC 1.2 display stream compression, FEC forward error correction, and 32 audio channels.
- Compatibility with 144Hz gaming monitors.
- MacBook, Laptop, Monitor compatibility.
- Gold-plated connectors for corrosion resistance and durability, along with improved signal transmission.
- Foil & braid shielding to reduce EM interference.
- Bare copper conductor for enhanced performance.
- Ergonomic low-profile mini DP connector head.
Note: The cable is not compatible with Apple's Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
Cable Matters 4K Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable
The second option and one of the best cables you will find on Amazon comes from Cable Matters. The cable supports 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160 @ 60Hz), Full HD resolutions (1080p), and even lower resolutions.
The Cable Matters 4K Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable has the following features:
- It comes in 4 lengths; 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, or 15 feet and two available colors (Black and White).
- The cable is bidirectional (mini DP to DP, DP to mini DP).
- MacBook, Laptop, Monitor compatibility.
- Gold-plated connectors for corrosion resistance and durability, along with improved signal transmission.
- Foil & braid shielding to reduce EM interference.
- Bare copper conductor for enhanced performance.
- Ergonomic low-profile mini DP connector head.
Note: The cable is not compatible with Apple's Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
Amazon Basics 4K Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable
The third option comes from Amazon Basics.
The Amazon Basics 4K Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable offers the following features:
- It comes in 3 lengths; 3 feet, 6 feet, or 10 feet and is available only in black.
- The cable is bidirectional (mini DP to DP, DP to mini DP).
- Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable transmits audio and video from computer or tablet to HD display
- Gold-plated connectors, bare copper conductors, and foil-and-braid shielding for strength and reliable connectivity
- Seamless audio for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1, or 2 channels.
- It supports Display port 1.2 video resolutions up to 4Kx2K.
- Low-profile connector head design.
- Works with DP, DP++, and DisplayPort++; supports video resolutions up to 4Kx2K; VESA certified.
The Best Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables
Now let's see the top mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables for those who prefer this format.
Amazon Basics Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Display Adapter Cable 4K@60Hz
The Amazon Basics Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Display Adapter Cable 4K@60Hz comes with the following specs:
- It comes in 2 lengths; 3 feet or 6 feet and is available only in black.
- Mini DisplayPort HDMI cable for transmitting high-def audio and video from mini DisplayPort enabled computers to HDMI displays
- Supports 4K@60Hz; for enhanced gaming or streaming video to a HDTV, projector, or monitor with 4K high resolution
- Easily connect and configure monitors for dual screen or mirrored display
- Gold-plated connectors deliver crystal clear audio and video; durable cable housing for longevity
- From DisplayPort to HDMI only (not bi-directional).
- Backed by an Amazon Basics 1-Year Limited Warranty.
- Note: Does not support LVDS signal sources such as audio/video players.
Amazon Basics DisplayPort to HDMI Display Cable 4K@30Hz
The second option also comes from Amazon Basics, but its 4K support is limited to a 30Hz refresh rate.
The Amazon Basics DisplayPort to HDMI Display Cable 4K@30Hz comes with the following specs:
- It comes in 4 lengths; 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, or 15 feet and is available only in black.
- DisplayPort to HDMI Cable connects your computer to an HDTV for audio/video streaming or to an HD monitor or projector.
- Gold-plated connectors, bare copper conductors, and foil-and-braid shielding for high picture quality and pure sound.
- Supports video resolutions up to 4K@30Hz and uncompressed digital audio channels (7.1, 5.1, or 2).
- Show movies on a big-screen HDTV, present work on a projector, or create/configure a second monitor or mirrored displays.
- Backed by an Amazon Basics 1-Year Limited Warranty.
- Note: Does not support LVDS signal sources such as audio/video players.
Rankie Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP) to HDMI Cable, 4K Ready
This option from Rankie is really affordable but take note of the 4K@30Hz requirement. Devices that support higher refresh rates seem to be incompatible. Please keep in mind that this cable is unidirectional; it only converts Mini DP to HDMI.
The Rankie Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP) to HDMI Cable, 4K Ready comes with the following features:
- It comes in 3 lengths; 6 feet, 10 feet, or 15 feet and is available only in black.
- The cable is not bi-directional (Mini DP to DP).
- Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable transmits audio and video from computer or tablet to HD display
- Gold-plated connectors, bare copper conductors, and foil-and-braid shielding for strength and reliable connectivity
- For 4K usage, the cable requires device to support only 4K/30Hz, not 60Hz. Supports resolutions up to 4K x 2K, and flawless audio pass-thru for uncompressed digital 7.1, 5.1 or 2 channels.
- Low-profile connector head design.
The Best Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables
Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables are definitely rare. This is quite an unpopular pick this decade. Unfortunately, I could not find many options on Amazon, and none is currently available. Nevertheless, let's see the top MiniDisplayPort to DVI choice.
Benfei Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cable
This is a choice of full backward compatibility at the expense of audio transmission and high resolution.
The Benfei Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cable comes with the following features:
- This cable come only in one length; 6 feet.
- Supports video resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 and 1080p@60Hz (Full HD)
- A chip solution and professional multiple shielding that allow instaneous and accurate data streaming.
- 24K gold-plated pure copper connectors guarantee stable transmission so as to provide superb quality video.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro; Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Surfacebook (NOT Surface for Windows RT); ThinkPad X1 Carbon, X230/X240s, L540, T540p, W540, Helix; Dell XPS 13/14/15/17, Latitude E7240/E7440, Precision M3800; Alienware 14/17/18; Acer Aspire R7/S7/V5/V7; Intel NUC; Asus Zenbook; HP Envy 14/17; Google Chromebook Pixel; Cyberpower Zeusbook Edge X6; Toshiba Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11/A11.
- 15,000+ bend lifespan and advanced PCBA solution that provide you with a heavy-duty Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt 2 Compatible) to DVI Adapter that offers extreme durability.
- Ideal for Apple MacBook Air, Apple MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro, iMac, Surface Book, Surface Studio, monitor (HP, Samsung, Dell, Acer, LG, ASUS), projector, Microsoft Surface Dock, TV, etc.
- Exclusive Benfei Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
The Best Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cables
Mini DP to VGA is an even rarer option with no real benefits, as the one cable I managed to find was limited to 1920 x 1200 and 1080p at 60Hz. On most modern graphics cards, the maximum resolution for VGA is 2048×1536, but it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. I have used HDMI to VGA in the past to get that 2048×1536, and frankly, the quality is terrible, so I recommend avoiding VGA altogether as it has been pretty much phased out already.
CableDeconn Thunderbolt Port Compatible Mini DP to VGA Male to Female Adapter Converter
This cable comes from CABLEDECONN, but it is unavailable at the moment.
The CableDeconn Mini DP to VGA comes with the following features:
- Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP or m DP)/Thunderbolt port compatible computer to an HDTV, monitor, or projector with VGA.
- Not compatible with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
- Gold-plated connectors resist corrosion, provide rigidity, and improve the signal performance.
- Transmits video from computer or tablet to monitor display; Supports video resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 and 1080p (Full HD)
- Low-profile connector does not block adjacent ports on your computer, has molded strain-relief for long life, and has ergonomically designed treads for easy plugging and unplugging.
- Compatible with Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro; Microsoft Surface Pro/Pro 2/Pro 3 (NOT Surface for Windows RT); Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, X230/X240s, L430/L440/L530/L540, T430/T440/T440s/T440p/T530/540p, W530/W540, Helix; Dell XPS 13/14/15/17, Latitude E7240/E7440, Precision M3800; Alienware 14/17/18; Acer Aspire R7/S7/V5/V7; Intel NUC; Asus Zenbook; HP Envy 14/17; Google Chromebook Pixel; Cyberpower Zeusbook Edge X6; Toshiba Satellite Pro S500, Tecra M11/A11.
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