Most new Macs do not have HDMI ports built in

Apple removed HDMI ports from nearly all Mac computers starting around 2016. If you own a Mac from 2016 or later, you almost certainly cannot plug an HDMI cable directly into it. Instead, you will need an adapter or a docking station that converts USB-C, Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort signals into HDMI.

The only exceptions are the Mac mini models from 2023 onward, which include one HDMI 2.1 port on the back. Every other current Mac — including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro — requires an adapter to output video to an HDMI display.

This change happened because Apple wanted thinner, lighter laptops and fewer ports overall. Whether that trade-off works for you depends on what displays and cables you already own and how often you need to connect to them.

Key Takeaways

  • Mac mini (2023 and newer) has one HDMI 2.1 port; all other current Macs require an adapter to use HDMI.
  • MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from 2016 onward have no HDMI port and use USB-C or Thunderbolt instead.
  • USB-C to HDMI adapters cost between $15 and $40 and work with any Mac that has USB-C or Thunderbolt ports.
  • Docking stations with HDMI built in are more expensive but let you connect multiple devices at once and charge your Mac simultaneously.

Which Mac models still have HDMI

The Mac mini from late 2023 onward is the only current Mac with a built-in HDMI port. It has one HDMI 2.1 port on the rear panel, which supports 4K displays at 60 Hz and 8K displays at 30 Hz. If you use a Mac mini as a desktop computer and already own HDMI displays, you can plug directly in without buying anything extra.

Older Mac mini models (2012 through 2022) had HDMI ports, but if you are using one of those machines, you are already aware of it. The 2023 redesign kept the port when Apple updated the internals, which is unusual for the company.

Every other Mac — the entire MacBook Air line, all MacBook Pro models, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro — has no HDMI port, regardless of how new the machine is.

What ports your Mac actually has instead

Modern Macs use USB-C or Thunderbolt ports for video output. Thunderbolt is a faster standard that includes USB-C compatibility, so any adapter that works with Thunderbolt will also work with USB-C, but not always the reverse.

MacBook Air models from 2018 onward have two Thunderbolt ports. MacBook Pro models from 2016 onward have between two and four Thunderbolt ports depending on the year and screen size. iMac (2021 and newer) has two Thunderbolt ports on the back. Mac Studio has four Thunderbolt ports. Mac Pro has six Thunderbolt ports.

All of these ports can output video. You do not need a special "video" port — any Thunderbolt or USB-C port on your Mac can drive a display if you use the right adapter or cable.

Adapters and docking stations that add HDMI

A USB-C to HDMI adapter is the cheapest solution. These are small dongles that plug into any USB-C or Thunderbolt port and have an HDMI socket on the other end. They cost between $15 and $40 depending on the brand and whether they support 4K video. Most work fine, though cheaper ones sometimes have reliability issues after a few months of use.

The trade-off is that an adapter uses up one of your ports and does not let you charge your Mac at the same time (unless you buy a more expensive model with power pass-through). If you only occasionally connect to a projector or external display, an adapter is usually the right choice.

A docking station is better if you regularly connect multiple devices. Docking stations plug into one Thunderbolt port and provide HDMI, USB-A, SD card readers, and other ports on the outside. They cost between $50 and $300 depending on how many ports they have and whether they support high-speed data transfer. Most docking stations also charge your Mac while it is connected, which means you do not lose a port to power.

Popular docking stations include the Belkin Thunderbolt Dock, CalDigit TS4, OWC Thunderbolt Dock, and Anker 777 Docking Station. Each has different port combinations, so check what you actually need before buying.

Video quality and refresh rates with adapters

A USB-C to HDMI adapter will output video, but the quality depends on which adapter you buy and which Mac you own. Most adapters support 4K video at 30 Hz, which is fine for watching video or working with documents but can feel slightly sluggish if you are moving windows around on a 4K display.

Some adapters support 4K at 60 Hz, which feels smooth. These cost more and are worth buying if you use a 4K display for work. Check the adapter's specifications before you buy — the listing should say "4K 60Hz" or "4K@60Hz" if it supports that speed.

Thunderbolt docking stations usually support higher refresh rates than straightforward USB-C adapters because Thunderbolt has more bandwidth. If you are connecting a high-end 4K or 5K display, a Thunderbolt dock is more likely to give you the full refresh rate the display is capable of.

Older Macs with HDMI still in use

If you own a Mac from 2012 to 2015, it likely has an HDMI port. MacBook Pro models through mid-2015 had HDMI. MacBook Air models through early 2015 had HDMI. iMac models through 2014 had HDMI. Mac mini models through 2012 had HDMI.

If your Mac is that old and still works, you can use HDMI cables directly without any adapter. However, these machines are now 9 to 12 years old, and Apple stopped releasing security updates for them years ago. Using them on the internet or with untrusted files carries real risk.

If you are still using an older Mac with HDMI, you do not need to replace it just to connect a display. But if you are considering upgrading to a newer Mac, understand that you will need to budget for an adapter or docking station as part of the switch.

Alternatives if HDMI is important to you

If you have a lot of HDMI devices and do not want to buy adapters, the Mac mini (2023 or newer) is your best option. It is the only current Mac that lets you plug HDMI cables in directly. It also costs less than a MacBook or iMac, making it a good choice for a desktop setup.

If you prefer a laptop, you will have to accept that you need an adapter or docking station. This is true for every current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. There is no way around it.

If you use Windows or Linux computers and like having HDMI built in, that remains true for most Windows laptops and desktops. Many manufacturers still include HDMI ports as standard. This is one area where Mac and Windows differ significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a USB-C to HDMI adapter with any Mac?

Yes, as long as your Mac has a USB-C or Thunderbolt port. Every Mac from 2016 onward has at least one. Older Macs with USB-C ports (like the 12-inch MacBook from 2015) also work. Only very old Macs with only Thunderbolt 1 or 2 ports may have compatibility issues, but those are rare.

Do I need a special adapter for 4K displays?

Not necessarily. Most USB-C to HDMI adapters support 4K video at 30 Hz, which works fine for most uses. If you want 4K at 60 Hz for smooth scrolling and window movement, you need an adapter that specifically lists "4K 60Hz" support. These cost a bit more but are still under $50.

Will a docking station charge my Mac while it outputs video?

Most docking stations do, but not all. Check the product description before you buy. Look for phrases like "power delivery" or "charges your Mac" to confirm. Cheaper adapters usually do not charge while outputting video, but most docking stations in the $100+ range do.

Is there any way to add HDMI to a MacBook without an adapter?

No. Apple removed HDMI from MacBooks in 2016 and has not brought it back. Your only options are a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a docking station with HDMI built in.

What if my HDMI adapter stops working?

Try a different USB-C or Thunderbolt port on your Mac first — sometimes a single port fails. If that does not work, the adapter itself is likely broken. Most adapters cost $15 to $40, so replacing it is usually cheaper than repairing it. Keep your receipt in case you need to return it within the warranty period.