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Choosing between a DisplayPort vs. HDMI might seem confusing—but we can help you find the right cable for your needs.
So, what’s the difference between DisplayPort and HDMI, and why does it matter for your setup?
Each cable has its perks when it comes to bandwidth, refresh rates, audio quality, and device compatibility. Knowing these distinctions can give your gaming, home entertainment, or professional setup the edge it needs.
Let’s explore their key features and reveal which cable is truly worth your investment.
Key Takeaways
- DisplayPort offers higher bandwidth and supports up to 16K resolution, making it ideal for PC gaming and professional use.
- HDMI is more versatile for home entertainment systems, gaming consoles, and supports advanced audio features like ARC and eARC.
- DisplayPort is best for multi-monitor setups, while HDMI excels in compatibility with common home devices like TVs and soundbars.
- For competitive gaming, DisplayPort’s support for higher refresh rates (up to 240Hz at 4K) gives it an edge over HDMI.
- HDMI is generally cheaper, easier to find, and works well for most home setups, while DisplayPort tends to be pricier but more performance-focused.
- Choosing between DisplayPort and HDMI depends on your setup needs, with DisplayPort being better for PC use and HDMI ideal for home theaters and consoles.
Overview of DisplayPort & HDMI
Is DisplayPort the Same as HDMI?
No. Although they look similar, DisplayPort and HDMI have different purposes. HDMI comes with some unique features compared to DisplayPort.
DisplayPort is a type of connection mainly used for PCs and high-quality monitors. It’s designed to handle high resolutions and fast refresh rates, which makes it perfect for PC gaming or professional use. Thanks to a feature called Multi-Stream Transport (MST), you can connect multiple monitors using a single cable.
HDMI, which stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, is the most common connector for home entertainment systems, gaming consoles, and TVs. It’s popular because it carries both audio and video in one cable, keeping things simple. HDMI also has features like an Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for great sound quality.
What’s the Difference Between DisplayPort & HDMI?
Here’s a simple comparison table that highlights the main differences between DisplayPort and HDMI. It covers important features like bandwidth, resolution, refresh rate, audio support, and connector types, along with the best uses for each cable.
| Feature | DisplayPort | HDMI |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Higher bandwidth (up to 80 Gbps with DisplayPort 2.1), making it great for higher resolutions and refresh rates. | Lower bandwidth (up to 48 Gbps with HDMI 2.1), which is still good enough for most setups. |
| Resolution | Supports up to 16K resolution (DisplayPort 2.1), perfect for demanding tasks like PC gaming or design work. | Supports up to 10K (HDMI 2.1), ideal for home use, especially TVs and entertainment setups. |
| Refresh Rate | Great for PC gaming, with support for up to 240Hz at 4K or 120Hz at 8K without needing compression. | Can handle up to 120Hz at 4K or 60Hz at 8K, which works well for TVs and gaming consoles. |
| Audio Support | Doesn’t have ARC. It’s mainly used for video. | Supports ARC and eARC, making it great for soundbars. |
| Connector Types | Comes in standard and Mini DisplayPort versions with a locking clip to keep it in place. | Available in standard, Mini, Micro, and Automotive (Type E) versions without a locking clip. |
| HDMI vs. DisplayPort for monitor | Ideal for high-refresh PC gaming, multi-monitor setups, and professional displays. | Perfect for home theaters, gaming consoles, and everyday use. |
DisplayPort vs. HDMI: Which Is Better?
Bandwidth & Resolution
When comparing DisplayPort vs. HDMI resolution, there are some key differences:
- DisplayPort 2.1: Has a bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps, which means it can handle super high resolutions and refresh rates, like 16K at 60Hz without needing any compression. For 8K, it supports 60Hz without using Display Stream Compression (DSC).
- HDMI 2.1: Offers a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps. It supports 8K at 60Hz, but to get the best signal quality, DSC is usually needed. It can also handle 4K at 120Hz without any compression.
So, is HDMI or DisplayPort better?
If you’re looking for the absolute best resolution and refresh rates, DisplayPort 2.1 has the edge because of its higher bandwidth. However, HDMI 2.1 still provides great quality for most home setups.
Refresh Rate & Frame Rate
If you wonder whether to choose HDMI vs. DisplayPort for monitor use, consider the following parameters:
- DisplayPort 2.1: Can support refresh rates up to 240Hz at 4K and 120Hz at 8K without needing any compression. This makes it great for PC gaming setups where high frame rates are important.
- HDMI 2.1: Has come a long way, offering up to 120Hz at 4K without compression, which is ideal for gaming on consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. While it can also support 8K at 60Hz, it often needs DSC to achieve this.
If you’re a competitive PC gamer looking for higher refresh rates, DisplayPort 2.1 is the better option, especially if your monitor supports more than 120Hz. But if you play on consoles, they generally only support HDMI 2.1.
Audio Capabilities
Looking at HDMI vs. DisplayPort for audio:
- HDMI 2.1: Supports features like ARC and eARC, which allow for high-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and Digital Theater Sound (DTS). These features make HDMI great for home theaters, letting you connect audio devices easily.
- DisplayPort 2.1: Doesn’t support ARC or eARC, so while it can still transmit audio, it doesn’t have the advanced audio features that HDMI 2.1 offers.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort for audio?
When it comes to audio, HDMI 2.1 is clearly the better choice because of its advanced audio features, especially for those who need top-quality sound for home entertainment.
Connector Type
Winner: Tie
- DisplayPort 2.1 for secure connection
- HDMI 2.1 for flexibility
Comparing HDMI vs. DisplayPort connectors:
- HDMI 2.1: Has 19 pins and comes in different types, such as standard (Type A), Mini (Type C), and Micro (Type D). It doesn’t have a locking mechanism, so it might not always stay securely in place.
- DisplayPort 2.1: Uses a 20-pin configuration and often has a locking clip to keep the connection secure. There’s also a Mini DisplayPort version, which you’ll see on some older laptops like MacBooks.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort to make a better connection?
If you want a more secure connection that stays in place, go with DisplayPort 2.1. Otherwise, HDMI 2.1 offers more flexibility for different devices.
Device Compatibility
Winner: Tie
- DisplayPort 2.1 for PCs and multi-monitor setup
- HDMI 2.1 for home use and consoles
When talking about DisplayPort versus HDMI in terms of device compatibility:
- HDMI 2.1: Is commonly found on TVs, gaming consoles (like the PS5 and Xbox Series X), and most home setups. It also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which helps make gaming smoother by reducing screen tearing.
- DisplayPort 2.1: Is usually used with PCs, gaming monitors, and professional displays. It supports MST, which lets you connect multiple monitors using just one port.
Should I choose DisplayPort versus HDMI for compatibility?
HDMI 2.1 is better for home use and consoles, while DisplayPort 2.1 is the way to go if you’re using a PC with a multi-monitor setup.
Cable Length & Signal Quality
Comparing HDMI and DisplayPort cable lengths:
- HDMI 2.1: There’s no official limit on how long an HDMI cable can be, but for the best performance, it’s recommended to keep them around 6 feet (2 meters). If you need a longer cable, up to 50 feet (15 meters), an active cable might be necessary to avoid losing signal quality, especially at 8K.
- DisplayPort 2.1: Works best at lengths up to 10 feet (3 meters). Longer cables may need signal boosters to avoid any drop in quality.
Is HDMI or DisplayPort better for signal quality?
Both deliver great quality for short distances, but HDMI 2.1 is better if you need longer cables.
Cost & Availability
Comparing HDMI vs. DisplayPort cost:
- HDMI 2.1: Is generally cheaper and easier to find, making it a good choice for everyday devices.
- DisplayPort 2.1: Can be a bit pricier because it’s designed for high performance, and is usually found in specialized setups.
DisplayPort or HDMI, which is cheaper?
HDMI is usually the cheaper and more convenient option for most people.
DisplayPort versus HDMI: Best Use Cases
Best Use Cases for DisplayPort
DisplayPort 2.1 works best for specific needs and offers some great advantages in certain situations:
- Multi-monitor setups: If you use more than one monitor for work or gaming, DisplayPort is a great choice. It supports MST, letting you connect multiple screens easily, which is helpful for tasks like coding, design, or trading.
- DisplayPort or HDMI for gaming: Gamers who care about getting the smoothest gameplay on PC will appreciate DisplayPort’s support for higher refresh rates. It can handle up to 240Hz at 4K or 120Hz at 8K, giving you the fast response times you need for competitive gaming.
- Professional work: If you’re into graphic design, video editing, or using software like CAD, DisplayPort’s higher bandwidth can deliver sharper images and more accurate colors, which is essential for high-quality work.
- G-Sync & FreeSync compatibility: DisplayPort supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, which helps make gameplay smoother by reducing screen tearing. HDMI 2.1 also supports these, but DisplayPort usually has more options for adaptive sync.
Best Use Cases for HDMI
HDMI is a better fit for everyday use and home setups. Here’s why it’s the go-to choice in many cases:
- Home theater setups: HDMI makes it easy to connect your TV to a sound system thanks to features like ARC and eARC. It can handle high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos, giving you great sound for movies and music—and you only need to use a single cable, keeping the setup simple and clutter-free.
- Gaming consoles: If you’re using a PS5, Xbox Series X, or any other console, HDMI is the way to go. It supports 4K at 120Hz and works well with features like VRR to keep your gaming experience smooth.
- Versatility & widespread use: HDMI is everywhere—on TVs, projectors, Blu-ray players, and other common devices. If you need a connection that works with a wide range of electronics, HDMI is the more flexible choice.
Should I Use HDMI or DisplayPort?
So, is DisplayPort better than HDMI? Choosing between HDMI and DisplayPort depends on what you’re using it for and the devices you have. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
DisplayPort or HDMI for Gaming
- Best for PC gaming: DisplayPort 2.1 is great if you’re into gaming on a PC. It supports higher refresh rates, like 240Hz at 4K, and works with G-Sync and FreeSync to keep gameplay smooth by reducing screen tearing.
- Best for console gaming: If you game on a console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, then HDMI is the way to go. HDMI 2.1 can handle 4K at 120Hz, which is ideal for most console games.
DisplayPort vs. HDMI for a Home Theater
- Stick with HDMI: For home entertainment, HDMI 2.1 is the better option. It’s widely used in TVs and supports ARC and eARC, which makes connecting your TV to sound systems easy. HDMI also handles high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos for an immersive movie experience.
HDMI vs. DisplayPort for Monitor
- Choose DisplayPort: If you use a monitor, and especially more than one, DisplayPort is ideal because of its technical specs and support for daisy-chaining multiple displays via MST. HDMI can work with adapters for multiple screens, but it doesn’t support native daisy-chaining like DisplayPort does.
DisplayPort versus HDMI: General Things to Keep in Mind
Choosing between DisplayPort versus HDMI depends on what you want to do and the kind of setup you have. Here’s a breakdown of some general things to keep in mind when deciding which one to use.
| Things to Keep in Mind | HDMI | DisplayPort |
|---|---|---|
| Devices You Have | Commonly used with TVs, gaming consoles, and home electronics. | Often found in PCs, gaming monitors, and professional displays. |
| Features You Need | Great for setups needing high-quality audio, like home theaters. | Better choice for PC gaming and multi-monitor setups. |
| Planning for the Future | Supports 8K resolution with HDMI 2.1, but lower bandwidth compared to DisplayPort. | Supports 8K resolution with more bandwidth for high-performance needs. |
Whether HDMI or DisplayPort is better really depends on what you need. For gaming on a PC and professional tasks, DisplayPort usually comes out on top. However, for home entertainment and consoles, HDMI is the best choice.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between DisplayPort vs. HDMI depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re a PC user or a professional who needs high resolution and multiple screens, DisplayPort is the better pick because of its higher bandwidth and support for multi-monitor setups. For gamers who want smoother gameplay, DisplayPort’s higher refresh rates also come in handy.
But if you’re setting up a home entertainment system, HDMI is the way to go. It works well with TVs, gaming consoles, and sound systems, handling both video and high-quality audio in one cable.
