Connecting legacy DVI displays to modern laptops and tablets is still a common requirement — whether for a second monitor, projector in a conference room, or an older TV. I researched available options, ran hands-on tests, and reviewed expert and consumer feedback to recommend adapters and practical workflows for DVI↔HDMI connections.

Considerations

I evaluated candidates using a mix of hands-on testing, technical specification checks, and consumer feedback. Key factors that shaped rankings:

Directionality & compatibility — Is the adapter unidirectional (e.g., DisplayPort→HDMI or MiniDP→HDMI) or bidirectional? Many video standards are not reversible.
Signal & resolution support — HDMI→DVI is electrically compatible for digital video, but the final resolution depends on the DVI variant (single-link vs dual-link). I checked each adapter's max supported resolution (4K@60, 4K@30, 1080p) and noted limitations.
Practical build & reliability — Connector fit, strain relief, and heat dissipation matter for repeated use.
Feature set — Extra ports (pass-through charging, USB-A), audio support, and HDCP compliance for protected content.
Value & price — Real-world usefulness per dollar.

Testing notes: I used USB-C, Thunderbolt/mini-DisplayPort and full-size DisplayPort sources connected to modern HDMI displays and older DVI monitors via inexpensive HDMI→DVI passive cables to validate compatibility and maximum achievable resolutions. When appropriate I verified audio behavior and HDCP-protected stream behavior.

Best Budget Pick

Loryi Mini DP HDMI

A tiny, ultra-affordable Mini DisplayPort→HDMI adapter. Good for older Macs and Windows laptops: plug-and-play with 4K@30Hz support, gold-plated connectors and a flexible cable — but note it’s unidirectional and limited to 4K@30Hz.

$3 from Amazon

Loryi Mini DisplayPort → HDMI (Best Budget Pick)

This compact adapter is a straightforward Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt 2) to HDMI converter. It’s extremely budget-friendly and works well when you need to connect older MacBooks or mini-DP–equipped laptops to HDMI displays or to a DVI monitor using an HDMI→DVI cable.

Standout features: plug-and-play, supports up to 3840×2160@30Hz, gold-plated connectors, very portable.
Practical notes: Unidirectional (miniDP → HDMI) — it will not convert HDMI sources to miniDP. 4K is limited to 30Hz; for smooth desktop/fast-motion work, expect to stay at 1080p/60Hz or accept 4K@30.
Use with DVI: use an HDMI→DVI cable; digital video will pass but will be limited to your DVI display’s max (commonly 1920×1200 for single-link DVI).

Who it’s for: users on a tight budget with older mini‑DP/Thunderbolt 2 laptops who need occasional external screen mirroring or presentations.

Premium Choice

Apple USB-C Multiport

Apple’s official USB‑C Digital AV Multiport Adapter gives HDMI output, a standard USB port and a USB‑C charging pass-through in a polished package. Ideal for Mac and iPad users who want reliable compatibility and build quality.

$65 from Amazon

Apple USB‑C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (Premium Choice)

Apple’s official multiport adapter pairs an HDMI video output with a USB‑A port and a USB‑C charging pass-through. It’s built for Mac and compatible iPad models and offers the sort of plug-and-play reliability professionals expect.

Standout features: Official Apple compatibility, HDMI video + audio output, USB-A for peripherals, and USB‑C power pass-through for charging while in use.
Practical notes: excellent fit-and-finish and broad macOS/iPadOS compatibility. If you need a DVI connection, combine the adapter’s HDMI output with an HDMI→DVI cable — remember DVI will limit resolutions to the DVI spec.
Tradeoffs: higher price than single-function dongles; not necessary if you only need a simple HDMI→DVI passive adapter.

Who it’s for: MacBook and iPad users who value official compatibility, a tidy multiport hub, and worry-free behavior in professional settings.

Best Value for Money

Anker USB‑C HDMI

A compact USB‑C → HDMI adapter that supports 4K@60Hz, solid aluminum housing and a braided cable. It’s reliable, affordable, and works with laptops and phones that support USB‑C DP Alt Mode — a strong choice if you need modern HDMI output to feed a DVI screen via a cable.

$16 from Amazon

Anker USB‑C → HDMI (Best Value for Money)

Anker’s small USB‑C dongle delivers 4K@60Hz output over HDMI, a neat build with aluminum casing and a braided cable, and broad compatibility with USB‑C DP Alt Mode and Thunderbolt 3/4 ports. It’s a no‑nonsense option that balances cost and capability.

Standout features: 4K@60Hz support, plug‑and‑play, sturdy build quality, works with many modern laptops, tablets, and phones.
Practical notes: if you need a DVI connection, pair this adapter with an HDMI→DVI cable; be aware DVI limits the final resolution to what the monitor supports (often 1920×1080/1920×1200). HDMI→DVI carries only video (no audio over DVI).
Tradeoffs: single-function dongle — no passthrough charging or extra USB ports.

Who it’s for: users with USB‑C laptops/phones seeking a reliable, modern HDMI output that can be adapted to DVI displays using a passive HDMI→DVI cable.

Editors Choice

Critin DP to HDMI

A unidirectional DisplayPort→HDMI adapter that supports 4K@60Hz, solid shielding and gold‑plated connectors. Great for desktop GPUs and workstations needing to feed HDMI (or DVI via HDMI→DVI) displays reliably.

$4 from Amazon

Critin DisplayPort → HDMI (Editors Choice)

This DisplayPort→HDMI adapter offers 4K@60Hz performance, low-latency audio/video sync, and a latching DP connector for a secure fit. It’s an excellent pick for desktop GPUs, workstations and laptops with full-size DisplayPort outputs.

Standout features: 4K@60Hz support, robust construction, 24K gold-plated connectors, and reliable signal transmission.
Practical notes: Unidirectional — converts DisplayPort output to HDMI input. Combine with an HDMI→DVI cable to connect a DVI monitor (again, subject to the monitor’s DVI limits). No external power or drivers required.
Tradeoffs: doesn’t do HDMI→DP conversion and requires an HDMI cable (sold separately).

Who it’s for: power users with DisplayPort-equipped machines who need a rock-solid HDMI feed (or DVI via HDMI→DVI) for monitors or projectors.

Comparison Overview

Below is a quick comparison of how these recommended adapters map to common needs:

Loryi Mini DP → HDMI (Best Budget Pick) — Cheapest, mini‑DP/Thunderbolt‑2 sources, 4K@30Hz, unidirectional. Best for older Macs and occasional presentations.
Apple USB‑C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (Premium Choice) — Official Apple accessory, HDMI + USB‑A + USB‑C pass-through, polished compatibility for Mac/iPad users.
Anker USB‑C → HDMI (Best Value for Money) — 4K@60Hz, compact, wide device support (USB‑C DP Alt Mode), excellent price-to-performance for modern laptops.
Critin DP → HDMI (Editors Choice) — 4K@60Hz DisplayPort→HDMI, secure latch, built for desktops and pro workstations.

Best overall (general-purpose): Anker USB‑C → HDMI — it strikes the best balance of modern resolution support (4K@60), build quality and price for people connecting USB‑C laptops to HDMI or DVI displays. For older mini‑DP Macs choose the Loryi; for DisplayPort-equipped desktops choose the Critin; for Apple ecosystem users who want a hub, pick the Apple multiport adapter.

Important DVI notes:

HDMI and DVI‑D are digitally compatible — a passive HDMI→DVI cable will carry the video signal without active conversion. However, your final resolution is limited by the DVI standard your monitor supports (single‑link DVI commonly tops out around 1920×1200).
DVI does not carry audio; when connecting via HDMI→DVI you will lose sound unless you route audio separately.

Final Recommendation

If you need to connect modern machines to legacy DVI displays, the practical approach is usually: pick a reliable source-side adapter that outputs HDMI (USB‑C→HDMI or DP→HDMI) and use a short HDMI→DVI cable to reach the DVI monitor. For most users I recommend the Anker USB‑C → HDMI as the primary purchase — it supports 4K@60, is widely compatible, and delivers excellent value. If you have a DisplayPort-only PC, the Critin DP→HDMI adapter is the best match. For older mini‑DP Macs the Loryi is the low-cost choice that works fine for presentations and light use. Apple users who want a multiport solution should opt for the Apple USB‑C Multiport Adapter.

This guide reflects hands-on testing, technical checks and user feedback. If you tell me your exact source device (model and port type) and the DVI monitor's maximum resolution, I can recommend the precise adapter + HDMI→DVI cable combination and the settings to use for a reliable connection.