When connecting a monitor, should you choose DisplayPort or HDMI?

If you're unsure, start by understanding their differences.

If you've tried to connect a desktop computer, laptop, or game console to a TV or monitor, you must have heard of HDMI. Over the past 20 years, HDMI has been popular in the display industry. However, DisplayPort continues to gain more market share versus HDMI, and many high-performance or computer enthusiasts choose the DisplayPort over HDMI. Both interfaces can connect external monitors to computers, thus it can be difficult to choose between them if you're unfamiliar with their differences. This time, we'll compare DisplayPort and HDMI to help you select the best cable that meets all your needs.

Introducing DisplayPort and HDMI

The history of DisplayPort can be traced back to 2006 when the first version of the interface was approved by VESA. Over the next decade, it underwent four major revisions (six if you count 1.1a and 1.2a as separate versions). By 2019, DisplayPort 2.0 became popular. On January 8, 2024, VESA launched DisplayPort 2.1a, the latest version of the display connection, which increases the data throughput of a 2-meter cable to 54GB/s.

Meanwhile, HDMI was released at the end of 2002, making it much longer existed in the market than DisplayPort. Like its competitor, HDMI went through multiple revisions over the next decade. Version 2.0 was first introduced in 2013, and as of now, the current version of HDMI is 2.1b, which was released as a minor update on August 10, 2023.

DisplayPort: https://www.cableleader.com/cables/displayport-cables.html

HDMI: https://www.cableleader.com/cables/hdmi-cables.html

Physical Features and Types

DisplayPort vs Mini DisplayPort

One of the biggest differences between DisplayPort and HDMI is the number of pins on the ports. DisplayPort has two shapes: the standard version used by most GPUs and the mini version introduced by Apple in 2008. The standard rectangular DisplayPort port is still in use, while the Mini DisplayPort was primarily used by Mac laptops before being replaced by USB Type-C. Both DisplayPort types have the same 20 pins, despite their size differences.

HDMI has five types, and not all ports have the same pin layout. The HDMI Type A port is the most common variant, with a 19-pin structure. In contrast, Type B or extended HDMI has 29 pins, although you rarely see it on monitors or GPUs. There are also Mini HDMI (Type C) and Micro HDMI (Type D) ports that compress the standard 19-pin HDMI socket design into smaller sizes. Mini HDMI ports are used for tablets, laptops, and portable displays, while the smaller Micro HDMI connection is suitable for micro devices like the Raspberry Pi.

Finally, some vehicles support the HDMI Type E port, which has a locking tab to prevent accidental cable disconnection.

The standard DisplayPort connector has a locking mechanism, and you need to press the latch to disconnect the cable from the monitor or GPU. On the other hand, most HDMI interfaces, except for the Type E connector, don't have a latch structure or locking mechanism.

DisplayPort vs. HDMI Comparison

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HDMI: https://www.cableleader.com/cables/hdmi-cables.html

Maximum Resolution, Refresh Rate, and Bandwidth – DisplayPort Wins

When comparing the new versions of these two interfaces, DisplayPort 2.1 beats HDMI 2.1 in terms of pure performance. With its Ultra-High Bit Rate (UHBR) 20 transmission mode, DisplayPort 2.1 has a maximum bandwidth of 80GBps, while its competitor's bandwidth peaks out at 48GBps. In terms of resolution, the latest version of DisplayPort supports up to 16K at 60Hz, while HDMI 2.1 can only reach 8K at 60Hz. When comparing the maximum refresh rate at 1080p, the gap between the two is even larger. Although HDMI 2.1 supports 240Hz, DisplayPort 2.1's refresh rate can potentially reach 900Hz.

Here is a table comparing the feature difference between DisplayPort Vs HDMI

Feature	DisplayPort	HDMI
Max Resolution	Up to 8K at 60Hz (DP 2.0)	Up to 10K at 120Hz (HDMI 2.1)
Audio	Supports multi-stream audio	Supports ARC (Audio Return Channel)
Max Refresh Rate	Up to 240Hz at 4K (DP 2.0)	Up to 120Hz at 4K (HDMI 2.1)
Variable Refresh Rate	Yes, with Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync)	Yes, with Adaptive Sync (e.g., FreeSync, G-SYNC)
Multi-Stream	Can daisy chain multiple monitors (MST)	Does not support daisy chaining
Connector Type	Not lockable (1.4 and earlier), lockable (2.0)	Pull to disconnect
Audio/Video for Gaming/VR	High bandwidth favorable for gaming and VR applications	Widely used in gaming consoles and home entertainment
Ethernet Channel	No	Yes (HEC: HDMI Ethernet Channel)
Content Protection	DPCP (DisplayPort Content Protection)	HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)
Ideal Use	PC monitors, professional IT environments	Consumer electronics, TVs, gaming consoles

Key Differences and Considerations:

Resolution and Refresh Rate: DisplayPort generally offers higher refresh rates at high resolutions, making it better suited for high-end gaming and professional monitors. HDMI, while offering slightly lower refresh rates, supports very high resolutions and is more commonly used in home entertainment systems.
Audio Capabilities: HDMI's Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature is particularly useful for simplifying audio connectivity between TVs and sound systems. DisplayPort's multi-stream audio is beneficial for setups requiring multiple audio streams over a single connection.
Connectivity: DisplayPort's ability to daisy-chain monitors via Multi-Stream Transport (MST) makes it ideal for multi-monitor setups without the need for a hub or switch. HDMI's lack of daisy chaining means each device needs a direct connection to the source.
Content Protection: Both support different forms of content protection, HDCP for HDMI and DPCP for DisplayPort, ensuring secure transmission of digital content.
Use Cases: DisplayPort is often preferred in professional and IT environments due to its daisy chaining capability and higher refresh rates. HDMI is more common in consumer electronics, supporting a wide range of devices including TVs, gaming consoles, and home theater systems.

Compatibility – HDMI Wins

HDMI is considered the industry standard for display interfaces in consumer devices. Most TVs and monitors have more HDMI ports than DisplayPort. Even new gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S don't have DisplayPort ports and rely on HDMI to transmit signals to the monitor.

On the other hand, the adoption rate of DisplayPort 2.1 is still extremely low, with only AMD Radeon 7000 GPUs and some monitors being compatible with the next-generation interface. With many devices abandoning DisplayPort connections in favor of HDMI ports, HDMI wins this round.

Adaptive Sync Technology and HDR Support – Tie

If you're troubled by constant screen tearing and stuttering while playing games, you need to consider using adaptive sync technologies like Nvidia's G-Sync and AMD's FreeSync.

Monitors compatible with these technologies can dynamically adjust the refresh rate based on the in-game FPS, preventing visual artifacts while minimizing performance impact.

Although Free Sync works well on most versions of HDMI and DisplayPort, its Nvidia version complicates things. For a long time, if you wanted to play games with G-Sync enabled, you had to use a DisplayPort cable. However, in January 2017, HDMI 2.1 added support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, which allows users to enable G-Sync functionality via HDMI. Similarly, HDMI was once the only way to enjoy the excellent colors and contrast of HDR. However, VESA added HDR functionality to DisplayPort 1.4 in 2016, creating a level playing field.

ARC and eARC – HDMI Wins

Although both display connections can transmit audio signals to external monitors, only HDMI supports Audio Return Channel (ARC). As the name suggests, ARC is a tool that allows the HDMI interface to send sound from the monitor or TV to an audio playback device without connecting additional

HDMI 2.1 also supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), an improved version of ARC that can transmit audio at faster speeds due to its higher bandwidth.

Multi-Monitor Daisy Chaining – DisplayPort Wins

For users who need more screen space, a multi-monitor setup is very helpful. However, if you must use multiple cables to pair all the monitors with your PC, you'll quickly run out of ports. Not to mention, you'll end up with a messy desk full of cables and wires. Multi-monitor daisy chaining is a method of pairing multiple monitors with a system using a single display connection. Unlike HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2 and newer versions support Multi-Stream Transport (MST), a technology that splits the video signal from the GPU to simultaneously drive multiple monitors. By pairing the multiple DisplayPort connections provided on modern GPUs with the higher bandwidth of the new DisplayPort 2.1 interface, you can daisy-chain all monitors at high resolutions and refresh rates.

Ethernet Support – HDMI Wins

You might think that HDMI can only transmit display and audio signals, but thanks to the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), it can even provide access to the network. HEC was first introduced in HDMI 1.4, allowing compatible devices to exchange data and files over the network without connecting via an Ethernet cable. The only thing to note is that since this technology has never become popular in the consumer domain, you'll have a hard time finding devices compatible with HEC. Nevertheless, HEC remains a very clever feature unique to HDMI.

DisplayPort vs. HDMI: Which is Better?

The choice between DisplayPort and HDMI depends on your specific needs and, more importantly, the HDMI/DisplayPort version supported by your devices. If you want to play games at stunning resolutions and smooth refresh rates, you should choose DisplayPort 2.1 (assuming you can find a compatible GPU and monitor).

Alternatively, if you plan to use eARC facilities to set up a home theater system equipped with audiophile-grade speakers, you should consider HDMI 2.1. However, for the average user who just wants to pair a PC with an external monitor, DisplayPort and HDMI can be used interchangeably without any noticeable differences.

Basic Cable Prices Comparison: DisplayPort Cable vs HDMI

Standard HDMI Cables: Prices can range from as low as $5 to $30 for cables that are up to 6 feet (about 2 meters) long. Premium or longer HDMI cables, especially those certified for higher bandwidths like HDMI 2.1, can cost anywhere from $20 to over $50.
Standard DisplayPort Cables: Similar to HDMI, basic DisplayPort cables can range from $5 to $25 for lengths up to 6 feet. For DisplayPort 2.0 cables, which support higher resolutions and refresh rates, prices might start a bit higher, around $15, and can go up to $40 or more, especially for longer cables or those from premium brands.

Factors Affecting Price

Length: Longer cables typically cost more. Cables longer than 10 feet (about 3 meters) might see a significant increase in price.
Certification: Cables certified by VESA for DisplayPort or by the HDMI Licensing Administrator are often more expensive due to the assurance of quality and compatibility.
Bandwidth and Version: Newer versions supporting higher bandwidths (for example, HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 2.0) are pricier than older versions because they allow for features like 8K resolution and higher refresh rates.
Build Quality: Cables with better build quality, such as those with gold-plated connectors or braided cables, are more expensive.