Bi-directional DisplayPort->USB-C, HDMI->USB-C, and HDMI->DP cables

[Updated 2021/09/05 with additional cables and adapters]

If you search Amazon or other major retailers for USB-C -> DisplayPort or USB-C -> HDMI adapters, there are hundreds to choose from. But >99% only work in one direction with the USB-C side connected to the PC and the other end to the monitor.

What if you need the reverse? For example, how do you connect a USB-C-only monitor to a PC that only has DisplayPort or HDMI? Or how do you get the touch/digitizer function working on a portable USB-C screen when connecting to a PC that only has HDMI?

Get the right adapter/cable that supports bi-directional or reverse signaling. These cables are expensive since they have several integrated circuits inside to handle both directions. For example, the StarTech cables combine a Via VL170, a Chrontel CH7213C, and a TI TUSB544. Other models use the Cypress CYPD2119.

DP 2.0 <–> USB-C cables

Not yet

DP 1.4 <–> USB-C cables

With DP 1.4 / HBR3 support, these are the most capable and future-proof offerings capable of 4K120 or better. Particulars vary so read the fine print and user reviews.

• Accell U243C-006B-2 (2m length) (~$18)
• Cable Creation CD0738 (2m) (~$22)
• Club 3D CAC-1557 (2m) (~$30)
• Delock 85813 (1.5m) (based on Parade/Fresco chipset; may no longer be available)
• Infinnet 2m 8K / 0.5m 8K (2m or 0.5m) (may no longer be available)
• Moshi 99MO084102 (1.5m) (~$60)
• Startech CDP2DP141MBD / CDP2DP142MBD (1m or 2m) (~$35) (some customers report receiving uni-directional versions)
• VisionTek 901288 (2m) (~$30)

DP1.2 <–> USB-C adapters/cables

These are limited to 4K60.

Adapters

• DeLock 63928 (20cm) (~$30) (single direction only)

Cables

• AmazonBasics UTC-DP-B-L (1m or 2m) (~$16)
• Belkin cable for Huawei VR (4.5m) (~$95) (DP + 2x USB-A -> USB-C single direction only)
• MonoPrice 139240 (2m) (~$22)
• Startech CDP2DP1MBD / CDP2DP2MBD (1m or 2m) (~$34)
• Tripp Lite U444-066-DP-BD (2m) (~$33) (some customers report receiving uni-directional versions)

MiniDP -> USB-C adapters

• Use a generic MiniDP->DP adapter with one of the full-size DP options above
• Wacom Link ACK42719 (mDP + USB 2.0 -> USB-C – single direction only) (no longer available)
• Wacom Link Plus ACK42819 (HDMI/mDP + USB 2.0 + 45W USB-C power -> USB-C – single direction only) (~$70)

HDMI 2.1 -> USB-C/DP 1.4a adapters/cables

Availability expected in Q3 2022; based on the Lontium LT6711GX chipset supporting 4K120/8K30.

HDMI 2.0 -> USB-C adapters (single direction)

Several brands offer HDMI -> USB-C or HDMI -> DP cables but they are single-direction aka “reverse” only. Many include a USB A plug for power (not data) and are based on the Lontium LT6711 chipset (datasheet). These are limited to DP 1.2 alt mode with 4K60 resolution and most do not pass power to the USB-C device.

• Club3D CAC-1332 (~$35) (requires MicroUSB power)
• DeLock 63251 (~$55) (requires MicroUSB power)
• Goovis Young HDMI adapter (~$50) (HDMI + 10W USB-C power)
• Siig CB-H21711-S1 (requires microUSB power)
• UGreen CM323 (~$40) (requires microUSB power)

HDMI 1.4 -> USB-C adapters (single direction)

• Wacom Link Plus ACK42819 (~$70) (HDMI/mDP + USB 2.0 + 45W USB-C power -> USB-C – single direction only; USB-C power supply not included; will power portable screen, VR, or Cintiq tablet)

HDMI 2.0 -> DP 1.2 adapters/cables (single direction)

Similar to the HDMI -> USB-C adapters, most of these are also based on the Lontium LT6711 chipset, require external USB power and are capable of up to 4K60. They do not pass power to the USB-C device.

Adapters

• Benfei 000308grey (~$27) (requires USB-A for power)
• Cable Connection CD0764 (~$30) (requires USB-A for power)
• Cable Matters 103099 (~$38) (requires USB-A for power)
• Club3D CAC-1331 (~$37) (requires USB-A for power)
• DeLock 63206 (~$38) (includes microUSB cable for power)
• Ferissa HDMIDP (~$29) (requires USB-A for power)
• Foinnex H-DPF (~$33) (requires USB-A for power)
• Siig CB-H21811-S1 (~$34) (includes microUSB cable for power)

Cables

• BolAAzul 0731630925103 (2m) (~$29) (requires USB-A for power)
• Foinnex H-DP (2m) (~$34) (requires USB-A for power)

HDMI 1.4 -> DP 1.2 cables/adapters (single direction)

These are limited to 4K30 or 1440p60. Most require external USB power.

Adapters

• Cable Connection CD0763 (~$25) (requires USB-A for power)
• Cable Matters 103069 (~$35) (requires USB-A for power)
• goFanco HDMIDP (~$35) (requires USB-A for power)
• QGeeM 4336291398 (~$27) (requires USB-A for power)
• Tripp Lite P130-06N-DP-V2 (~$40) (requires USB-A for power)

Cables

• BolAAzul DPHM6 (2m) (~$24) (No external power required)
• Visiontek 900822 (1m) (~$35) (No external power required)

What about DVI?

To use DVI, just combine on of the above options with a DVI->HDMI adapter.

Portable USB-C screens and VR

Portable USB-C screens require power/display (and USB data for touch screens) all running through a single cable. There are few devices on the market that will combine video+power or video+power+data into a suitable USB-C output for use with non USB-C PCs.

• Belkin cable for Huawei VR (4.5m) (~$95)
  • DisplayPort 1.2 + 2x USB-A -> USB-C
  • will power portable screen or VR at 10W (5V @ 2A)
• Goovis Young HDMI adapter (~$50)
  • HDMI 2.0 + USB-C power -> USB-C
  • USB-C power supply not included
  • no USB data for touch
  • powers portable screen or VR at 10W (5V @ 2A))
• Wacom Link Plus ACK42819 ($70)
  • HDMI 1.4 / mDP 1.2 + USB 2.0 + 45W USB-C power -> USB-C
  • USB-C power supply not included
  • will power portable screen, VR, or Cintiq tablet (~$70)
• Desktop PCs can also use a PCIe board to add a USB-C with DisplayPort-alt-mode output

Additional Resources:

• https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/lg-ultrafine-4k-yes-you-can-connect-it-to-windows-computers-via-dp.2227756/
• Wacom Link plus works with a generic USB-C portable touchscreen

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Please let me know of any other bi-directional cables/adapters and what you’re using them for.