Cable Matters USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: Cable Matters SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter (103046)
Brand: Cable Matters
SKU: 103046

The Cable Matters SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter (model 103046) is a DisplayLink-based video adapter that adds an HDMI display output to any computer with a USB-A port. It supports resolutions up to 2560x1440 over HDMI and includes a bundled HDMI-to-DVI adapter for legacy DVI monitors at up to 1920x1200. The adapter uses DisplayLink compression technology to render video over USB, which means driver installation is required but the adapter works on machines with no dedicated video output. Multiple adapters can be connected simultaneously to support up to six additional displays on Windows systems. The 103046 is bus powered from the USB port, so there is no external power brick to carry around. Cable Matters lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and XP SP2 as compatible, with macOS support through older versions (10.6 through 10.10) for video and audio on 10.8 and later. At $64.99, the adapter sits in the mid-range for USB 3.0 display adapters. It is not intended for gaming or high-refresh-rate work since DisplayLink adds processing overhead and the maximum refresh rate is 60Hz at 1080p or lower. For office productivity and extending your desktop to a second monitor, the Cable Matters 103046 is a straightforward solution that has been on the market for years with a proven track record.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

Reliable DisplayLink-based adapter with years of proven use and thousands of user reviews
Supports up to 2560x1440@60Hz for sharp display on 27-inch monitors
Includes HDMI-to-DVI adapter for connecting legacy DVI monitors
Bus powered from USB port - no external power adapter needed
Stack up to 6 adapters on Windows for multi-monitor setups
Works with any USB-A port - does not require Thunderbolt or USB-C

What Could Be Better

No macOS support for Big Sur (11) or later - limited to legacy macOS versions
Workaround: For modern macOS support including Apple Silicon, use the Plugable UGA-4KHDMI which supports macOS 10.14 and later.
Maximum resolution is 2560x1440 - no 4K output support
Workaround: If you need 4K output over USB-A, consider the Plugable UGA-4KHDMI which supports 3840x2160@30Hz.
DisplayLink driver required - not plug and play
Workaround: Download the latest DisplayLink driver from displaylink.com before connecting the adapter. Windows 10 may install it automatically via Windows Update.
No HDCP support - DRM-protected streaming apps will not play back content
Workaround: Use a web browser for streaming services. Chrome and Edge bypass HDCP enforcement for web-based playback.
Not suitable for gaming or video editing due to DisplayLink compression latency

Display Support

Max Displays: 1

1 display (2560x1440@60Hz via HDMI output. Maximum supported resolution.)

2560x1440 @ 60Hz

1 display (1920x1080@60Hz via HDMI. Recommended for smooth desktop use.)

1920x1080 @ 60Hz

1 display (Up to 1920x1200@60Hz via included HDMI-to-DVI adapter. DVI output is video only, no audio.)

1920x1080 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

Video Outputs

1x HDMI

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Cable Matters
Model	103046
MSRP	$64.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-A
Max Data Rate	5 Gbps
Driver Required	DisplayLink
Display Output
Max Displays	1
1x Display	2560x1440 @ 60Hz (2560x1440@60Hz via HDMI output. Maximum supported resolution.)
1x Display	1920x1080 @ 60Hz (1920x1080@60Hz via HDMI. Recommended for smooth desktop use.)
1x Display	1920x1080 @ 60Hz (Up to 1920x1200@60Hz via included HDMI-to-DVI adapter. DVI output is video only, no audio.)
Ports (1+ total)
HDMI	1x
Power
Power Input	USB-A

Compatibility

Windows (7+)

Full support for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. DisplayLink driver required. Windows 10 and later may install the driver automatically through Windows Update. Supports up to 6 simultaneous adapters.

macOS (10.6 (Snow Leopard)+)

Video output supported on macOS 10.6 through 10.10. Audio output requires macOS 10.8.5 or later. Not officially tested on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. Modern macOS users should consider alternatives with current DisplayLink driver support.

Known Issues

macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later

Not officially supported

DRM-protected streaming content

No HDCP support

USB 2.0 ports

Degraded performance

Linux

Not officially supported

6.5 /10

Our Verdict

Good

The Cable Matters 103046 does one thing and does it reliably: add an HDMI display to a computer over USB 3.0. Its DisplayLink chipset is a known quantity - the same technology used by Plugable, Wavlink, and Kensington in their USB display products. The 2560x1440 maximum resolution at 60Hz is good enough for most office monitors, and the included DVI adapter is a nice touch for anyone still running older displays. Performance is typical of DisplayLink adapters. General desktop use, web browsing, document editing, and spreadsheets run smoothly. Video playback is acceptable for casual viewing but not for color-critical work. Gaming is not a viable use case - the USB compression introduces enough latency and frame drops to make anything beyond casual games unplayable. The biggest drawback is OS support. Cable Matters officially supports only Windows and older macOS versions up to 10.10 Yosemite. If you need a modern macOS-compatible adapter, look at the Plugable UGA-4KHDMI which supports current macOS releases and Apple Silicon. The adapter has been on the market since around 2014, which is both a strength and a weakness. It is battle-tested with thousands of Amazon reviews, but the hardware does not support 4K output. If you need 4K, the Plugable UGA-4KHDMI is a better option at a similar price. For Windows users who need a reliable way to add a 1440p monitor over USB-A, the Cable Matters 103046 gets the job done without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Cable Matters USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter support 4K?

No. The Cable Matters 103046 supports a maximum resolution of 2560x1440 over HDMI. For 4K output via USB-A, consider the Plugable UGA-4KHDMI which supports 3840x2160 at 30Hz using a newer DisplayLink chipset.

Does it work with Mac?

The adapter officially supports macOS 10.6 through 10.10 (Yosemite). It is not officially tested or supported on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later, and Cable Matters does not list Apple Silicon Mac compatibility. For modern Mac use, the Plugable UGA-4KHDMI is a better choice with support for macOS 10.14+ including M1/M2/M3/M4 MacBooks.

Does it require drivers?

Yes. The adapter uses DisplayLink technology and requires a driver installation. On Windows 10 and later, the driver may install automatically through Windows Update. Otherwise, download it from displaylink.com. Driver installation is a one-time setup.

Can I use multiple adapters for multiple monitors?

Yes. Cable Matters supports up to six USB 3.0 to HDMI adapters connected simultaneously on Windows. Each adapter drives one display independently. You need a separate USB 3.0 port and sufficient CPU power for each additional adapter.

Does it need an external power supply?

No. The adapter is bus powered from the USB 3.0 port. No external power adapter is required.

Is an HDMI cable included?

No. You need to provide your own HDMI cable. The adapter does include an HDMI-to-DVI adapter for connecting to DVI monitors using a DVI cable (also not included).