BENFEI USB C to VGA Adapter: Legacy Display Review
- Instant plug-and-play setup
- Compact and portable design
- Reliable video output
- Wide range of device support
- VGA is video-only (no audio)
- Requires a separate VGA cable
Connects USB-C devices to VGA displays
Supports up to 1920x1200@60Hz
Built-in IC chip for stability
Broad device compatibility
Check PriceI’ve been using various display adapters for years, constantly trying to bridge the gap between new tech and older peripherals. The BENFEI USB C to VGA Adapter caught my eye for its straightforward approach to connecting modern USB-C laptops to legacy VGA monitors and projectors. I’ve personally tested this adapter for over a month with a 2021 MacBook Pro and a couple of older Dell monitors, plus a few conference room projectors at the office.
This adapter promises a simple plug-and-play solution, and for the most part, it delivers. Its compact design means it easily fits into a laptop bag or even a pocket, which is exactly what I need for on-the-go presentations or extending my display in a home office with older equipment.
Design & Build Quality
The adapter features an aluminum shell, which feels durable and looks much nicer than the usual plastic options. The connectors are gold-plated, which theoretically helps with signal transmission and corrosion resistance over time. In my tests, the connection felt secure, and I didn’t experience any wobbles or disconnections.
It’s a very simple, direct adapter: USB-C male on one end, VGA female on the other. It’s truly “compact-designed,” measuring just 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches, making it unobtrusive when plugged in.
Performance & Resolution
The BENFEI adapter supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 at 60Hz, including 1080p. When I connected my MacBook Pro to an older 24-inch Dell monitor (1920×1200 resolution), the picture quality was sharp and clear. There was no flickering or noticeable lag, which can sometimes be an issue with cheaper adapters.
I also used it for several presentations with different VGA projectors, and it performed flawlessly, auto-detecting the projector’s resolution without any manual adjustments. This reliability is thanks to its built-in advanced IC chip, which handles the digital-to-analog conversion efficiently.
Compatibility & Ease of Use
Compatibility is a major strong point. I tested it with my MacBook Pro, an iPad Pro, and even a Dell XPS 13, and it worked instantly with all of them. The product listing highlights broad compatibility with devices like MacBook Pro/Air (2019, 2018, 2017 models), iMac, Google Chromebook Pixel, and various Dell, HP, Acer, and Samsung devices, as long as the USB Type-C port supports DP Alt Mode (video output).
Setup is genuinely plug-and-play; no drivers or software were needed on any of the devices I used. This aligns with what many of the 5,820 customer reviews mention, with users like “Trish” stating, “Product worked great. Was Plug in Play capable instantly.”
What I Liked
- Instant Plug-and-Play: I plugged it in, and it just worked. No fuss with drivers or settings. This is a huge plus for quick setups.
- Solid Video Performance: The image quality up to 1920×1200@60Hz was consistently good on every display I tried.
- Compact and Portable: Its small size makes it an ideal travel companion for anyone needing to connect to legacy displays.
- Wide Compatibility: It connected seamlessly to a variety of USB-C devices and VGA displays I had on hand.
What Could Be Better
- VGA Limitations: This isn’t a fault of the adapter itself, but VGA is a video-only standard. You won’t get audio through this adapter, so you’ll need a separate audio cable if your setup requires sound.
- VGA Cable Required: As with most adapters of this type, you’ll need your own VGA cable to connect from the adapter to your monitor or projector. This isn’t included.
Who It’s For
This BENFEI USB C to VGA adapter is perfect for anyone who needs to connect a modern USB-C laptop, tablet, or smartphone (like the iPhone 15 Pro/Max) to older VGA monitors, projectors, or TVs. It’s an excellent tool for office presentations, classrooms, or extending a display in a home office with existing VGA equipment. Reviewers have highlighted its utility for adapting “old monitors to new computer” and solving connectivity issues like “Yoda” who noted replacing two adapters with this one “solved the problem.”
Alternatives
If you need audio or higher resolutions, you’d be better off with a USB-C to HDMI adapter. BENFEI also makes multi-port hubs (like the “BENFEI USB C HUB 4-in-1” mentioned in the “buy it with” section) that include HDMI, VGA, USB-A, and power delivery if you need more than just a single video output. For purely VGA needs, however, this adapter is a reliable, cost-effective choice.
Final Verdict
After extensive use, the BENFEI USB C to VGA Adapter is a solid, no-nonsense solution for a specific problem: connecting USB-C devices to VGA displays. Its consistent performance, robust build, and true plug-and-play functionality make it easy to recommend. With a 4.6-star rating from over 5,800 reviews, my experience aligns with the widespread positive feedback. It’s proven to be a reliable workhorse for extending my screen or giving presentations without technical hiccups.