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HDMI vs. DisplayPort: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

HDMI vs. DisplayPort: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which Connection is Best for You?

When buying a PC or monitor for the first time, you may find yourself wondering: Should you use HDMI or DisplayPort to get the most out of your setup?

Both HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and DisplayPort are powerful digital interfaces designed to transmit high-quality video and audio. But they serve slightly different purposes. HDMI is widely used in home entertainment setups, connecting devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes to TVs or monitors. On the other hand, DisplayPort, developed by the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA), is favored in professional and gaming environments for its advanced capabilities and higher performance.

The choice becomes even more complex when considering the different versions available, such as HDMI 2.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.4 or the next-generation HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0/2.1. Factors like monitor resolution, refresh rates, bandwidth requirements, and personal usage goals play a crucial role in determining which connection type is best for you.

If you're a gamer aiming for an ultra-HD experience or a professional working with high-resolution displays, DisplayPort may be your go-to option. For everyday use or home entertainment, HDMI offers excellent compatibility and simplicity.

To help you make the right decision, we’ll break down the key differences, advantages, and practical applications of each standard. Let’s dive in!

Differences Between HDMI and DisplayPort

1. Physical Design and Connector Types

What is HDMI?

HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a standard for transferring high-quality video and audio to devices like TVs and monitors. Since its introduction in 2003, HDMI has become a widely used connection method. If you’re not using older CRT technology for gaming, your TV or monitor likely supports HDMI.

While DisplayPort was introduced in 2006, HDMI made its debut earlier in 2002 with version 1.0. Over the years, HDMI and DisplayPort have each excelled in different aspects. HDMI relies on 19 pins to transmit video, audio, pixel frequency, and other data, whereas DisplayPort uses 20 pins for these functions.

The HDMI specification was originally developed in 2002 by six leading electronics companies: Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, and Toshiba. Today, the HDMI specifications are managed by HDMI Licensing, LLC, a subsidiary of Silicon Image, with over 80 manufacturers participating as members of the HDMI Forum.

What is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort is a video and audio transmission standard developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), a consortium that includes a wide range of manufacturers, from AMD to ZIPS Corporation, and is affiliated with the HDMI Forum. Many may recognize VESA in relation to video, as most TV manufacturers follow the organization’s wall mount standards.

Similar to HDMI, DisplayPort is used for transmitting high-resolution video and audio. However, DisplayPort is not as widely adopted as HDMI. For instance, game consoles do not feature a DisplayPort connection, and many TVs may not support it either.

Connectors

One of the most noticeable differences between HDMI and DisplayPort connectors is the shape and size of the connector itself. The standard Type A HDMI connector is 19-pin and vertically symmetric, meaning it can only be inserted in one direction. While reversible USB-C connections are becoming increasingly popular, non-reversible connectors like HDMI have been the norm for a long time. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

HDMI Connectors

Currently, HDMI connectors use a 19-pin configuration and generally come in three variations:

  • Type A: The standard HDMI connector, most commonly used in TVs, projectors, and monitors.
  • Type C: Mini-HDMI, a 19-pin connector used in tablets and compact laptops.
  • Type D: Micro-HDMI, less common but used in smartphones for space saving.

Two additional types of HDMI connectors, Type B and Type E, are rarely used and are not generally intended for consumers:

  • Type B: Supports dual-link applications with 29 pins.
  • Type E: Includes a locking mechanism to prevent disconnection, even under severe vibration.
DisplayPort Connectors

DisplayPort uses a 20-pin connector, available in two main types:

  • Full-size DisplayPort Connector: The most popular DisplayPort connector, often seen on computer monitors.
  • Mini DisplayPort Connector: This connector, inspired by Apple, was first introduced with the Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, and Cinema Display in 2008. It also has 20 pins and is used in most high-end laptops with a "Thunderbolt" port, a faster and bandwidth-aware version of Mini DisplayPort.

1. Daisy-Chaining Displays and Bandwidth

If your graphics card or laptop is compatible, you can increase the number of DisplayPort daisy-chained monitors even further and use up to 3, 4, 5, or 6 displays. However, unless you also use a relatively low resolution on all these screens, you may begin to face bandwidth issues with your DisplayPort cable. For example, a daisy chain in DisplayPort 1.2 can regulate four 1080p screens and two displays operating at 2560x1600. DisplayPort 1.3 and 1.4 can daisy-chain DisplayPort monitors up to 4K resolution but are limited to only two maximum resolutions and 60Hz (although DisplayPort supports higher refresh rates). However, up to six 1080p daisy-chained monitors can be connected.

2. Bandwidth and Maximum Throughput

Here are the bandwidth and maximum throughput specifications for HDMI and DisplayPort versions:

HDMI Version
HDMI Version Max Transfer Rate Max Data Rate Resolution with Refresh Rate HDR Support VRR/Adaptive Sync DSC
HDMI 1.0 - 1.2 4.95Gbps 3.96Gbps 1080i/720p No No No
HDMI 1.3 to 1.4 10.2Gbps 8.16Gbps 1080p, 4K at 30Hz No No No
HDMI 2.0/2.0a/2.0b 18Gbps 25.92Gbps 4K at 60Hz HDR10, HLG No No
HDMI 2.1 48Gbps 25.92Gbps 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz HDR with dynamic metadata Yes No
DisplayPort Version
DisplayPort Version Max Transfer Rate Max Data Rate Resolution with Refresh Rate HDR Support VRR/Adaptive Sync DSC
DisplayPort 1.0 to 1.1 10.8Gbps 8.64Gbps 4K at 30Hz No No No
DisplayPort 1.2 21.6Gbps 17.28Gbps 4K at 75Hz No No Yes
DisplayPort 1.3 32.4Gbps 25.92Gbps 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 30Hz HDR10 Yes Yes
DisplayPort 1.4 32.4Gbps 25.92Gbps 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 30Hz HDR10 Yes Yes
DisplayPort 2.0 80Gbps 77.37Gbps 16K at 60Hz Yes Yes Yes

Primary Usage and Application

HDMI

HDMI is designed for home entertainment and consumer electronics, serving as a versatile and widely adopted standard for transmitting high-definition audio and video signals. It is commonly used for connecting devices like televisions (from HD to 4K and beyond), gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, home theater systems, and streaming devices.

Applications:

  • Immersive entertainment like watching movies, TV shows, and gaming.
  • Home theater setups, offering high-quality picture and sound.
  • Used in industries for presentations, digital signage, and professional AV installations.
  • Connecting cameras, camcorders, and other consumer devices to displays for content creation.
DisplayPort

DisplayPort was developed for computer and professional IT equipment, making it integral for modern computing. It's commonly found on computer monitors, graphics cards, and business laptops.

Applications:

  • Ideal for professionals requiring high-resolution displays and performance, such as graphic designers, video editors, and gamers.
  • Supports multi-monitor setups and high refresh rates, making it perfect for gaming rigs and business environments.
  • Used for 8K video playback, VR setups, and high-performance computing where data throughput is critical.

Audio Features: Daisy-Chaining

To daisy-chain monitors, you need at least two monitors supporting DisplayPort 1.2, with one display acting as the middle link and having both input and output ports. A high-quality DisplayPort cable is required, but versions 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 are all compatible. Newer DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 cables can also be used, but only a few devices support these higher bandwidth standards as of mid-2023.

Alternatively, you can use a USB-C cable, but HDMI cables do not support daisy chaining. Daisy-chaining involves connecting the first monitor to the host system and linking the second monitor via the DisplayPort output of the first display.

DisplayPort vs HDMI: Video and Audio Features

Video Features

DisplayPort:

  • MST (Multi-Stream Transport): Allows multiple video streams to be sent from a single DisplayPort output. This feature supports daisy-chaining of displays, enabling the connection of multiple monitors without using separate cables for each monitor.
  • Coordinated Video Timing (CVT): Improves compatibility and synchronization between video sources and displays, which is especially useful for setups with high refresh rates.

HDMI:

  • HDMI supports only one video and audio stream, meaning that you cannot connect multiple displays with a single cable without using external hubs or adapters. HDMI does not natively support MST, but it can work with a DisplayPort to HDMI hub.

Audio Features

  • Both HDMI and DisplayPort support up to 8 digital audio channels with up to 192 kHz/24 bits quality.
  • HDMI has an additional feature called Audio Return Channel (ARC), allowing audio to be sent in both directions. This is useful if, for example, you want to use an external audio receiver for surround sound instead of the TV's built-in speakers.

Resolution and Refresh Rate

HDMI:

  • HDMI 1.4: 4K at 30Hz
  • HDMI 2.0: 4K at 60Hz or 8K at 30Hz
  • HDMI 2.1: 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, and up to 10K resolution (though this is not practical for most users due to hardware requirements)

DisplayPort:

  • DisplayPort 1.4: Supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, as well as higher refresh rates (e.g., 4K at 240Hz HDR via DSC).
  • DisplayPort handles higher color depths and resolutions better with lower bandwidth thanks to Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology.

Number of Displays Supported

DisplayPort: Can support up to four displays through daisy-chaining or external hubs. The number of displays depends on the version (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, etc.).

HDMI: Typically supports only one display per cable, meaning you'll need separate HDMI cables for each additional display.

Conclusion

DisplayPort is the best choice for users who need to connect multiple displays or want higher refresh rates, especially for gaming or professional workstations.

HDMI is ideal for home entertainment systems and offers features like ARC and broad compatibility with consumer electronics (e.g., TVs, game consoles, and media players). HDMI 2.1, which supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, is also a future-proof choice.

DisplayPort vs HDMI: Multiple Displays and Cables

DisplayPort Multiple Displays

Pros

  • Daisy Chaining: DisplayPort supports daisy chaining, allowing multiple monitors to be connected to a single computer or graphics card output. This simplifies cable management.
  • Higher Bandwidth: DisplayPort typically provides higher bandwidth, making it suitable for multi-monitor setups with high resolution and refresh rates.
  • Support for Technologies: Many DisplayPort versions support technologies such as G-Sync and FreeSync, which help achieve a smoother gaming experience on multiple monitors.

Cons

  • Adapter Required: Sometimes, you may need an adapter to connect DisplayPort to HDMI or other display connectors.
  • Limited Availability on Consumer Devices: While DisplayPort is common on computers and commercial monitors, it is less commonly found on consumer electronic devices like TVs.

HDMI Multiple Displays

Pros

  • Wide Compatibility: HDMI is widely supported on various devices, including TVs, gaming consoles, and laptops, making it easy to connect multiple displays.
  • Simple Cable Setup: HDMI cables are simple, with standard connectors that reduce cable clutter in multi-monitor setups.

Cons

  • Bandwidth Limit: HDMI has a lower bandwidth than DisplayPort, which can limit support for very high resolutions and refresh rates across multiple monitors.
  • No Daisy Chaining: HDMI does not natively support daisy chaining multiple monitors from a single output. Each monitor typically requires a separate HDMI port on the computer or graphics card.

Conclusion

DisplayPort is often preferred for multi-monitor setups when high resolution and refresh rates are required, and daisy chaining makes cable management easier. However, HDMI is more versatile and easier to set up with various display devices, making it a better option for general use and home entertainment systems. The preference depends on your specific needs and the hardware you have.

DisplayPort vs HDMI - Cables

HDMI Cables

  • Standard HDMI Cable Lengths:
    • 100 feet for 1080p signals
    • 30 feet for 4K signals
  • Longer HDMI Cables: You can use HDMI cables over 300 feet with active cables or transmission methods like HDMI over HDBaseT.

DisplayPort Cables

  • Maximum Length: DisplayPort has a maximum cable length of about 10 feet according to official standards. However, longer cables may reduce the maximum resolution and refresh rate.

HDMI Cables:

  • 100 feet at 1080p signal
  • 30 feet for 4K signal
  • Longer cables are available, but they may affect resolution and refresh rate.
  • Support for other cable types, including HDBaseT for 300 feet or more cabling.

DisplayPort Cable

A passive copper DisplayPort cable can easily transmit 4K signals at a distance of up to 2 meters. However, as the distance increases, this capacity decreases proportionally.

At a distance of 15 meters, passive copper cables can only transmit 1080p video. However, if the DisplayPort cable is using active copper, it can transmit video at a resolution of 2560x1600 at a distance of up to 20 meters.

Official Length: 10 feet (about 3 meters)

Longer cables are also available, but they may reduce the maximum resolution and refresh rate. Additionally, long cables may require expensive extenders to maintain signal quality.

Gaming Experience

The comparison between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 is especially important when it comes to gaming. Both cable standards support demanding gaming visuals, but certain gaming PCs, consoles, and devices are suited for either HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4.

HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.1 cables are ideal for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 games. These current-generation gaming consoles are equipped only with HDMI 2.1 as a video output connector. While you can use HDMI 2.0 or older cables, HDMI 2.1 provides full resolution and refresh rate support for the best gaming experience. It allows gameplay at 1440p or at native 4K resolution up to 120Hz.

The Nintendo Switch is also compatible with HDMI but is limited to HDMI 2.0. Therefore, the benefits of using HDMI 2.1 cables are not significant for this device. However, the Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 standard cable is built to a higher standard than the old ones, ensuring excellent signal quality when playing Switch on a connected TV or display.

DisplayPort 1.4

DisplayPort is still the recommended option for gaming desktop PCs. While HDMI 2.1 can be used if you have a compatible monitor or TV, it's important to note that using multiple monitors can reduce the bandwidth available for each display.

For other scenarios, DisplayPort 1.4 is a great choice. It provides sufficient bandwidth for 4K displays up to 120Hz or 1440p displays up to 240Hz, and offers headroom for high frame rates at low settings. Additionally, DisplayPort is more widely available on PCs and provides multiple ports, which makes it easier to set up a multi-monitor display system using a single DisplayPort connection to each monitor.

Conclusion

So far, we've covered the technical details of DisplayPort and HDMI, but which one is really suitable for you? Some of it depends on the hardware you already own or plan to buy. Both standards can provide a great gaming experience, but if you want a superior gaming experience, DisplayPort 1.4 is typically better than HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1 is technically better than DP 1.4, and DisplayPort 2.1 is better than HDMI 2.1.

Technically, DisplayPort sounds like a great big brother of HDMI, but HDMI is easy to navigate for average practical use. Regarding TVs, A/V receivers, and budget computing, HDMI is good enough for 99.9% of users.

DisplayPort and HDMI cables have very similar performance, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. While HDMI is supported by more devices, DisplayPort, designed for computers, has several technical advantages. Overall, if you want to connect your computer to a new monitor, use DisplayPort if it's available. If not, HDMI is a good choice, almost equivalent. If your monitor has a limited number of inputs, DisplayPort also frees up an HDMI port, which is useful if you want to connect a game console or another device.

Frequently Asked Questions about HDMI vs. DisplayPort

What is the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort?

HDMI is typically used for consumer electronics like TVs, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players, while DisplayPort is commonly used for computers and monitors with high resolutions and refresh rates.

Which standard is best for gaming?

DisplayPort is often the best choice for gaming, as it supports higher refresh rates and resolutions. However, HDMI can also be a good choice, especially if your monitor or console doesn't have DisplayPort.

Can I use an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter?

Yes, you can use an adapter, but keep in mind that not all adapters support advanced features like 4K at high refresh rates. Check the specifications of the adapter before purchasing.

Do both HDMI and DisplayPort support 4K?

Yes, both HDMI and DisplayPort support 4K resolutions. However, DisplayPort often has higher bandwidth, making it better suited for 4K at high refresh rates.

Which connection is best for multiple monitors?

DisplayPort is better for multi-monitor setups, as it supports daisy-chaining, allowing multiple monitors to be connected in series with a single output.

What should I choose for a home theater setup?

HDMI is the best choice for a home theater setup, as it supports features like ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC, which make it easy to connect devices with surround sound systems.

Are DisplayPort and HDMI compatible with each other?

They are not directly compatible, but you can use adapters or cables that convert between the two formats. Features like resolution and refresh rate may be limited depending on the adapter.

Can I use HDMI or DisplayPort for an ultrawide monitor?

Both standards support ultrawide monitors, but DisplayPort is often better suited for handling the higher resolutions and refresh rates that ultrawide monitors require.

Which version of HDMI or DisplayPort should I choose?

For HDMI, version 2.0 or newer is recommended for 4K content, while DisplayPort 1.4 or newer is recommended for gaming and high-resolution monitors.

What if my device only has HDMI or DisplayPort?

If your device only has one type of port, you can still use adapters or converters, but choose a solution that supports the desired features and resolutions.

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