HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Cable Should You Use?

HDMI and DisplayPort are the two main digital video interfaces for connecting a monitor or TV to a computer, and the right choice depends on your device’s outputs, the display’s resolution and refresh rate, and whether you need to carry audio. In short, DisplayPort is generally better for high-refresh-rate PC gaming and daisy-chaining multiple monitors, while HDMI is the standard for TVs, consoles, and most consumer electronics. The two are not interchangeable in every situation, so understanding their differences helps you get the best picture and avoid buying the wrong cable.

Background: Where Each Connector Came From

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) was introduced in 2002 by a consortium of consumer electronics companies including Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba. It was designed to replace the mess of analog cables (component, composite, SCART) behind a TV and to carry both video and audio over a single cable. Because it was built for the living room, every HDMI port uses the same 19-pin connector shape (Type A), and it quickly became universal on TVs, cable boxes, game consoles, and laptops.

DisplayPort came later, in 2006, developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), the same group behind VGA and DVI. It was designed from the ground up as a PC monitor interface, with a focus on higher bandwidth, daisy-chaining, and a royalty-free licensing model that appealed to computer manufacturers. DisplayPort connectors are asymmetrical with a latch, and there are two main sizes: the full-size DisplayPort and the smaller Mini DisplayPort (used on some laptops and tablets).

Today, both interfaces have gone through several versions, each increasing bandwidth and adding features. HDMI 2.1 is the latest major revision, and DisplayPort 2.1 is the current DisplayPort standard. The version numbers matter because they determine the maximum resolution and refresh rate the cable can carry.

How They Work: Packets, Lanes, and Audio

Both HDMI and DisplayPort transmit digital video as packets of data, similar to how a network sends data, but they do it in different ways. HDMI uses a transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS) scheme, where three data channels carry the red, green, and blue color information, and a separate clock channel keeps everything in sync. DisplayPort uses a packetized data format with one or more high-speed lanes (typically 4 lanes), and it embeds the clock signal into the data stream, which allows for higher data rates and more flexible bandwidth allocation.

One key difference is how audio is handled. HDMI always carries audio, which is why it’s the default for connecting a computer to a TV or an AV receiver. DisplayPort also carries audio, but it’s optional, and some early DisplayPort monitors didn’t support it. In practice, both can transmit multi-channel audio, but HDMI is more universally supported for audio in consumer devices.

DisplayPort has a few technical advantages that matter for PC users:

• Daisy-chaining: DisplayPort 1.2 and later support Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which lets you connect multiple monitors in a chain from a single DisplayPort output, provided the monitors have DisplayPort out ports.
• Higher bandwidth headroom: DisplayPort 2.1 supports up to 80 Gbps, while HDMI 2.1 tops out at 48 Gbps. This means DisplayPort can handle higher resolutions and refresh rates with more color depth.
• Adaptive sync: Both support variable refresh rate technologies (like AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync), but DisplayPort has been the primary interface for G-Sync, and some G-Sync monitors only work over DisplayPort.

Comparing Versions: What Each Cable Can Do

The version of the port and cable determines the real-world capability. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common versions you’ll encounter:

• HDMI 1.4 (2009): Supports 1080p at 120Hz or 4K at 30Hz. Still found on older devices.
• HDMI 2.0 (2013): Supports 4K at 60Hz, and is common on many current TVs and graphics cards.
• HDMI 2.1 (2017): Supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, with a bandwidth of 48 Gbps. Also adds features like Dynamic HDR and eARC for improved audio.
• DisplayPort 1.2 (2010): Supports 4K at 60Hz and daisy-chaining.
• DisplayPort 1.4 (2016): Supports 4K at 120Hz (with compression) or 8K at 30Hz, and is the most common DisplayPort version on current GPUs.
• DisplayPort 2.1 (2022): Supports up to 16K at 60Hz or 8K at 120Hz, with a bandwidth of 80 Gbps. Still rare in consumer devices as of 2024.

Note that the cable’s version matters too. A cable labeled HDMI 2.1 is certified for 48 Gbps, but an older HDMI 2.0 cable may not carry the higher bandwidth reliably. For DisplayPort, the cable’s version is less of an issue because the connector is the same, but the cable’s quality and length can affect high-bandwidth signals.

How to Choose: Which One for Your Setup?

Here are the practical rules for deciding which cable to use:

• If you’re connecting a PC to a monitor: Use DisplayPort if your monitor and GPU both have it. It gives you the best chance of hitting high refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz) and supports adaptive sync more reliably.
• If you’re connecting a PC to a TV: Use HDMI. TVs rarely have DisplayPort inputs, and HDMI carries audio and supports features like CEC (so your TV remote can control the computer) and HDR.
• If you’re using a gaming console: Use HDMI. Consoles only have HDMI outputs.
• If you’re using a laptop with only one port: Check the port’s version and what it supports. Many laptops have a USB-C port that can output DisplayPort or HDMI via an adapter. If you need high refresh, make sure the adapter supports the required bandwidth.
• If you want to connect multiple monitors to one port: Use DisplayPort with MST (daisy-chaining) or a DisplayPort hub.

A common misconception is that one cable is inherently “better” than the other in all cases. That’s not true. The best choice is the one that both your source and display support. If you have a 4K 60Hz monitor, both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 will work fine. If you have a 1440p 240Hz monitor, you’ll want DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1, depending on which your GPU has.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Users often run into issues when mixing cables and ports. Here are the most common:

• No signal: This usually happens when the cable is not fully seated, or the port is disabled in the monitor’s menu. Try a different cable or port.
• Resolution or refresh rate limited: If your monitor is stuck at 60Hz when it supports 144Hz, the cable or port may be an older version. Check the specs of both your GPU and monitor, and use a cable that matches the highest version.
• Flickering or black screens: This can be caused by a faulty cable, especially with long cables or high bandwidth. Try a shorter cable or a cable with better shielding.
• Audio not working over DisplayPort: Some monitors don’t have speakers, and some GPUs don’t output audio over DisplayPort. If you need audio, use HDMI or connect speakers separately.
• Daisy-chaining not working: MST requires that your GPU supports it and that your monitor has a DisplayPort out port. Also, you may need to enable MST in the monitor’s settings.

Cost and Cable Quality

Both HDMI and DisplayPort cables are inexpensive for standard lengths (1-2 meters), often under $10. However, the price can rise for longer cables (5 meters or more) or for cables certified for high bandwidth (like HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4). A common mistake is buying an expensive cable thinking it will improve picture quality. Digital signals either work or they don’t; a more expensive cable only matters if it’s certified for the required bandwidth and length. For most setups, a standard cable from a reputable brand is sufficient.

One cost difference: DisplayPort is royalty-free, which means manufacturers don’t pay a fee to use it, potentially making DisplayPort-equipped devices slightly cheaper to produce. However, this rarely translates to a price difference for consumers.

Alternatives and Adapters

If your devices don’t have matching ports, you can use adapters or converters:

• DisplayPort to HDMI: This is a simple, passive adapter that works because both use similar signaling (though not identical). It’s one-way: DisplayPort source to HDMI display. You can’t go the other way with a passive adapter.
• HDMI to DisplayPort: This requires an active converter because HDMI doesn’t carry the same clock signal. These are more expensive and can introduce compatibility issues.
• USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort: Many laptops have USB-C ports that can output video. You need a cable or adapter that supports the DisplayPort Alt Mode or HDMI Alt Mode. Check your laptop’s specs to see which modes it supports.
• DVI and VGA: These are older analog/digital interfaces. You can convert DisplayPort to DVI or VGA with an active adapter, but HDMI to VGA requires a separate audio cable and an active converter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an HDMI to DisplayPort cable to connect my PC to a monitor? Yes, but only if the cable is an active converter (has a chip inside). A passive DisplayPort to HDMI cable works one way (DisplayPort source to HDMI display), but HDMI to DisplayPort requires an active converter because the signals are not directly compatible. Always check the cable’s direction before buying.

Does DisplayPort carry audio? Yes, DisplayPort can carry audio, but it’s not as universally supported as HDMI. Most modern GPUs and monitors support audio over DisplayPort, but if you’re not getting sound, check your monitor’s audio settings or use a separate audio cable.

Which is better for 4K 120Hz gaming? Both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 (with DSC) can handle 4K at 120Hz. HDMI 2.1 has more bandwidth (48 Gbps vs 32 Gbps for DP 1.4), but DisplayPort 2.1 (80 Gbps) is even higher. The best choice depends on your GPU and monitor. If your GPU has HDMI 2.1, use that; if it has DisplayPort 1.4, that also works.

Can I daisy-chain monitors with HDMI? No, HDMI does not support daisy-chaining. Only DisplayPort (version 1.2 and later) supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for connecting multiple monitors in a chain. If you need multiple monitors, use DisplayPort or a docking station.

Why is my monitor limited to 60Hz when I have a 144Hz monitor? This is usually because the cable or port is an older version. For 144Hz at 1080p, you need at least HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2. For 144Hz at 1440p, you need HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 (with compression) or 1.4. Check your GPU’s output ports and use a cable that matches the required version. Also, make sure you’ve set the refresh rate in your operating system’s display settings.

Are all HDMI cables the same? No. HDMI cables are rated for different bandwidths (Standard, High Speed, Ultra High Speed). For 4K 60Hz, you need a High Speed cable (HDMI 2.0). For 4K 120Hz or 8K, you need an Ultra High Speed cable (HDMI 2.1). Using a lower-rated cable may result in no signal or reduced refresh rate.

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