The ConnectAir supports a maximum resolution of 1080p but doesn’t require a stable Wi-Fi network to stream from a laptop or phone.
I’ve always been hesitant to log into streaming services on a TV at a hotel or Airbnb. Instead, I travel with a 10-foot HDMI cable and a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter to connect my mobile devices to an unfamiliar TV. The new wireless HDMI adapter from Belkin allows me to leave those cumbersome items at home.
Apple and Android devices already offer wireless streaming through AirPlay and Google Cast, but these require a compatible TV or streaming box and reliable Wi-Fi. While a Roku or Amazon HDMI dongle could be an easy solution for watching shows, my family uses shared TVs to view photos, plan adventures, and play games. For our needs, the ConnectAir is a significant improvement over dealing with a long video cable that can pose a tripping hazard.
Although it’s not perfect, the ConnectAir’s few compromises are minor compared to its ease of use, priced at $149.99. The setup process is simpler than using AirPlay or Google Cast. The package includes a transmitter dongle, about the size of a wireless earbuds case, to connect to any USB-C port device supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode. However, it’s not compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
The ConnectAir also comes with a 28-inch receiver cable featuring an HDMI connector for video and a USB-A connector for power. Most modern hotel rooms should have TVs with USB ports to power HDMI accessories. If a TV lacks this feature, a separate power source will be necessary, either through a power adapter or a USB-extension cable, complicating the setup.
Once connected, the transmitter and receiver establish a connection in about five seconds, sharing video at up to 1080p/60Hz. During testing, the video quality was good, with minimal compression and color loss despite the downgrade from 4K.
The streaming range is limited but stable; Belkin claims a 131-foot range, but I experienced a reliable signal up to about 60 feet. Closer proximity between the transmitter and receiver yields the best performance, although it’s nice to know they can work without a direct line of sight.
There are reset buttons on both the transmitter and receiver, which I hadn’t needed. The HDMI receiver displays a static image when unconnected, simplifying device identification when changing TV inputs.
Though 1080p is acceptable, the transmitter dongle gets quite hot after streaming a long movie, so it’s prudent to allow it to cool before packing it away. Additionally, there’s a slight lag between the transmitting device and the TV, which isn’t ideal for fast-paced gaming like Fortnite.
The primary drawback is the lack of power passthrough on the transmitter. It relies entirely on the connected device’s power, which drains the battery quickly. While laptops typically offer other power options, charging a mobile device during streaming requires a hub or a wireless power bank.
Despite not being a budget-friendly alternative to long HDMI cables, and with competitors like Ugreen offering cheaper alternatives under $100 with power passthrough, I prefer Belkin’s solution for its convenience and portability over stretching an HDMI cable across a room. The ConnectAir is user-friendly, reliable, and avoids accidental damage from unforeseen disturbances.
Photography by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge