USB-C vs HDMI adapter for MacBook Air M3 external display: USB-C wins for high-res displays

USB-C via DisplayPort alt mode drives up to 6K at 60Hz, while HDMI adapters cap at 4K 60Hz because they’re all HDMI 2.0 and the M3 Air doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 over USB-C. For a crisp, big monitor, go USB-C direct; HDMI adapters are only useful for projectors or old screens.