Component video connections carry high-quality analog video, but most modern televisions have eliminated component inputs in favor of HDMI. A component to HDMI converter bridges that gap, letting you connect retro consoles, older DVD players, and legacy AV equipment to current displays without signal degradation. These five picks represent the best options across price ranges in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| RetroTINK 5X Mini | Retro gaming with low latency | 4.9/5 |
| Portta Component to HDMI Converter | Budget plug-and-play conversion | 4.5/5 |
| Tendak Component to HDMI Adapter | Affordable everyday use | 4.4/5 |
| BENFEI Component to HDMI Converter | Compact budget option | 4.3/5 |
| Marseille mClassic | HDMI passthrough with smart upscaling | 4.6/5 |
RetroTINK 5X Mini - Best Component to HDMI Converter for Retro Gaming
The RetroTINK 5X Mini is the top recommendation for retro gaming setups because it combines low input latency, high-quality upscaling, and broad input compatibility in a compact device. It accepts component, S-Video, composite, and SCART signals and outputs via HDMI at 1080p with several scaling modes optimized for different console outputs. The line doubling and interpolation quality is far above what basic converters produce, resulting in a noticeably sharper and cleaner picture on modern displays. For original Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and other sixth-generation consoles that output 480p or higher via component, the 5X Mini is the recommended converter. It requires a USB power source but is otherwise plug-and-play.
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Portta Component to HDMI Converter - Best Budget Component Converter
The Portta converter is among the most widely used budget component-to-HDMI adapters for good reason. It handles 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i component input and outputs via HDMI, covering the full range of component video sources. Setup requires a USB power connection and takes under a minute. Signal quality for standard definition and 480p sources on a modern TV is clean and stable without the noise or scan line issues that plague lower-quality converters. For casual retro gaming, watching DVDs on a modern TV, or connecting older cable boxes, the Portta is a reliable and cost-effective choice. It does not upscale, so you receive the native component resolution wrapped in HDMI.
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Tendak Component to HDMI Adapter - Best Compact Budget Converter
The Tendak component to HDMI adapter is a compact and straightforward converter that handles the same input range as the Portta at a similar price. It is slightly smaller in form factor, which makes it easier to tuck behind a TV stand or entertainment center. Input and output performance are comparable to the Portta for most source types. The build quality is lighter but adequate for stationary home theater use. Like other basic converters, it passes through the source resolution rather than upscaling it. For a secondary setup, a guest room TV, or a traveling retro gaming kit, the Tendak is a practical choice that fits easily in a bag or small storage space.
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BENFEI Component to HDMI Converter - Best Ultra-Budget Option
The BENFEI component to HDMI converter delivers working conversion at the lowest price point in this category. It covers 480i through 1080i component input and outputs HDMI at up to 1080p (native passthrough, not upscaled). Signal quality is consistent for SD content and 480p sources on most displays. For occasional use, a second TV in a low-priority setup, or anyone who needs a working solution quickly without much investment, the BENFEI is a reasonable choice. It is not the right tool for a primary gaming setup where picture quality matters, but for simple passthrough conversion it performs its stated function reliably.
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Marseille mClassic - Best Smart Upscaling Passthrough
The Marseille mClassic is a different category of device: it is an HDMI passthrough that connects between your source (or a basic component converter) and your TV, applying intelligent upscaling and anti-aliasing to the signal in real time. It does not accept component directly, so you need a component-to-HDMI converter upstream of it. Where it excels is in improving the picture quality of 480p and 720p content on large 4K displays by reducing jagged edges and improving apparent sharpness. For retro gamers who already have a working component converter but want a meaningful visual improvement without the cost of a full RetroTINK setup, the mClassic is a smart middle-ground investment.
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How to Choose a Component to HDMI Converter
Start by identifying your source and how you plan to use it. For retro gaming where visual quality and input latency matter, the RetroTINK 5X Mini is the best investment. For casual use, DVD playback, or connecting older equipment where latency is not a concern, any of the budget converters from Portta, Tendak, or BENFEI will work. Check that the converter supports the resolution your source device outputs, particularly if you have a console that outputs 480p or higher via component. If your modern TV does not have component inputs (which is increasingly common), a basic converter is the simplest fix. If you want the best possible picture quality from retro content on a modern 4K display, pair a quality component cable with the RetroTINK 5X Mini for the full solution.
For related guides, see best component cable for original Xbox and best retro gaming accessories. Review our evaluation criteria at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting component video to HDMI add input lag?+
Basic passive converters add minimal lag, typically under 1 frame at 60hz, which is imperceptible for most use cases. Dedicated upscalers with processing and scaling algorithms add slightly more, but premium models like the RetroTINK 5X Mini are optimized to keep latency as low as possible for gaming. For watching video content, any quality converter will be fine. For competitive or fast-reaction gaming, choose a converter or upscaler with documented low-latency performance.
What resolution will I get from a component to HDMI converter?+
Component video natively carries up to 1080i or 1080p depending on the source device. Basic converters pass the component resolution and wrap it in an HDMI signal, so your TV receives 480p, 720p, or 1080i depending on what the source outputs. Upscalers go further by interpolating the signal to higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K. The visual quality improvement from upscaling varies by source resolution, upscaler algorithm, and display size.