We have been lucky to find the best Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with 4K support, a high-quality connector, and durability. Every Microsoft device, including the Surface Pro series, Surface 3, Surface Book, and Surface Dock, uses Mini DisplayPort to connect to external displays.
SEE ALSO:
- Best Active Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter for Microsoft Surface
- Best Active Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort for Microsoft Surface
Active vs Passive Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
When looking for an adapter to convert from Mini DisplayPort to HDMI for your Surface devices, you must know the difference between passive and active adapters.
Many users experience problems when they try to connect dual external displays to their Surface Dock. The main reason is that the Surface Dock doesn’t support dual-mode Display (DP++). The DP++ can dynamically convert the signal from Mini DisplayPort to HDMI. So, the Surface Dock needs an active adapter with a particular signal conversion chip.
Generally, an active adapter is more expensive than a passive adapter. However, if you have a Surface Dock or plan to get one to connect to two additional monitors, then the active adapter will be your only choice. Here are the best active adapters that allow your Surface devices to output a full 4K display with audio support.
| Best Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter for Microsoft Surface | ||
|---|---|---|
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1. - Cable Matters Gold Plated Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Male to Female Adapter By Cable Matters $16.99 | |
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2. gofanco® Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Converter By gofanco Not Available | |
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3. - StarTech.com MDP2HD4KS Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Audio/Video Converter By StarTech.com $25.99 $31.99 19% OFF | |
- Cable Matters Gold Plated Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Male to Female Adapter
Firstly, the Microsoft Surface team recommends this Cable Matters Gold plated Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for use with the Surface devices especially the Surface Dock. This active adapter allows your Surface devices to output 4K @60Hz resolution and audio pass-thru for 7.1, 5.1, and stereo channels to your 4K display @ 60Hz via HDMI port.
This cable features a lightweight and portable design and durable gold-plated connectors for improving data transmission. This active adapter allows your Surface Dock to connect to a dual 4K display @30Hz without any problems. This adapter also supports AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology and compatible with all Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt Port that available on Surface/Mac/PC and tablets.
- Lightweight, portable with gold-plated connectors.
- Support Active Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™ 2 port.
- Supports AMD Eyefinity.
- Output up to 3840×2160 (Ultra HD) 4K at 60Hz.
- Uncompressed digital audio 7.1, 5.1, or 2 channels.
gofanco® Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Converter
You will need an adapter when you want to connect to an external display at home or at school. We recommend the GOFANCO Active Gold Plated Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Convert adapter for connecting to the HDMI display. This active adapter is also recommended by the Microsoft Surface team. This active adapter is designed to compatible with Microsoft Surface Dock.
It has been tested to support resolution up to 1080p @60Hz or 4K (3840×2160) @60Hz. This active adapter also allows 7.1 surround audio pass-thru to the HDMI output. It compatible with all Surface Pro series, Surface 3, Surface Book, other ultrabooks, and laptops with a Mini DisplayPort output.
SEE ALSO:
- Support Active Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™ 2 port.
- Claimed to work with Surface Dock.
- Compliant with DisplayPort 1.2a, HDMI 2.0, and HDCP.
- Supports 4K (3840×2160) @60Hz, 1080p @120Hz.
- Supports AMD Eyefinity.
- StarTech.com MDP2HD4KS Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Audio/Video Converter
The last one is the StarTech.com active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Audio/Video Converter adapter. This active adapter supports Mini DisplayPort 1.2 while also backward compatible with mDP 1.0 and 1.1. This adapter will convert Mini DisplayPort to HDMI while maintaining the high quality of the picture.
This active adapter is capable of resolution up to 1080p @120Hz and Ultra HD 4K @30Hz. This adapter is also compatible with all tablets, ultrabooks, and laptops with a Mini DisplayPort Output and HDMI-enabled HDTV, monitors, and projectors.
- Support Active Mini DisplayPort.
- Compliant with DisplayPort 1.2a.
- Supports 4K (3840×2160) @30Hz, 1080p @120Hz.
- Not support 4K @60Hz.
- Not support AMD Eyefinity.
Conclusion
Those are the best Active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Converter Adapter that works perfectly with your Microsoft Surface devices and Surface Dock. Any of those adapters will bring you the full 4K resolution to your 4K TVs and monitors. They will allow your Surface Dock to connect to two additional displays without any problems.
Please kindly share with us any problems you experienced with our recommended active adapters in the comments section below.
