Blog
28.Feb.2025
HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Should You Use and Why?
Cables may not be the most exciting part of your setup, but choosing the right one can make all the difference in performance. Whether you're setting up a gaming rig, industrial workstation, AI system, or home theater, the choice between HDMI and DisplayPort isn’t just about plugging in—it’s about getting the best visuals, speed, and compatibility for your needs. HDMI is everywhere, from TVs to gaming consoles, while DisplayPort is favored for high-performance monitors and industrial computing. But which one is right for you? Let’s break down their differences, strengths, and best use cases so you can connect smarter.
What is HDMI?
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most widely used digital display and audio interface today. It allows high-quality video and audio transmission over a single cable, making it a go-to choice for TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, industrial displays, and home theaters.
What is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort (DP) is a high-performance digital video and audio interface developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) in 2006. It was designed to provide superior display quality, high refresh rates, and multi-monitor support, making it the preferred choice for PCs, gaming monitors, industrial computers, and AI computing applications.
What is the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort?
When choosing between HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and DisplayPort (DP), it's important to understand their differences. Both transmit high-quality video and audio, but they are designed for different applications.
This guide breaks down the key differences between HDMI and DisplayPort to help you decide the best option for your setup.
1. Bandwidth & Resolution
| Interface | Max Resolution & Refresh Rate | Bandwidth |
| HDMI 1.4 | 4K at 30Hz | 10.2 Gbps |
| HDMI 2.0 | 4K at 60Hz | 18 Gbps |
| HDMI 2.1 | 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz | 48 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 1.2 | 4K at 60Hz | 17.28 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 8K at 60Hz | 32.4 Gbps |
| DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 | 16K at 60Hz, 8K at 120Hz | 80 Gbps |
2. Multi-Monitor Support
| Feature | HDMI | DisplayPort |
| Max Monitors per Port | 1 | Up to 4 (with MST-Multi-Stream Transport) |
| Daisy-Chaining | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (MST) |
✔ Conclusion: If you need a multi-monitor setup, DisplayPort is the better choice as it supports daisy-chaining multiple displays via MST (Multi-Stream Transport). HDMI requires additional adapters, making it less convenient for multi-screen productivity or industrial applications.
3. Adaptive Sync & Gaming Performance
| Feature | HDMI | DisplayPort |
| AMD FreeSync Support | ✅ Yes (HDMI 2.0+) | ✅ Yes |
| NVIDIA G-Sync Support | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full Support |
| Max Refresh Rate | 120Hz (HDMI 2.1) | 240Hz+ (DP 1.4 & 2.0) |
4. Audio Support
| Feature | HDMI | DisplayPort |
| Supports Audio Transmission | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Advanced Audio (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, eARC) | ✅ Yes (HDMI 2.1) | ❌ No |
5. Physical Connector Differences
| Feature | HDMI | DisplayPort |
| Number of Pins | 19 | 20 |
| Locking Mechanism | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Common Devices | TVs, Consoles, Laptops | Monitors, Workstations, Industrial PCs |
6. Cable Length & Signal Quality
| Cable Type | Max Length Without Signal Loss |
| HDMI Passive Cable | 15 meters (50 feet) |
| HDMI Active Cable | 30+ meters (100 feet) |
| DisplayPort Passive Cable | 3 meters (10 feet) |
| DisplayPort Active Cable | 15 meters (50 feet) |
7. Best Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Choice | Why? |
| TVs & Home Entertainment | HDMI | Universal compatibility, built-in audio, eARC. |
| Gaming (Consoles - PS5, Xbox) | HDMI 2.1 | Supports 4K at 120Hz and VRR. |
| Gaming (PC) | DisplayPort | Higher refresh rates, native FreeSync & G-Sync. |
| Multi-Monitor Setup | DisplayPort | Supports daisy-chaining (MST). |
| Industrial & AI Computing | DisplayPort | Higher bandwidth, better stability for AI workloads. |
✔ Conclusion: Conclusion: HDMI is the best choice for home entertainment and console gaming, while DisplayPort is better suited for gaming PCs, multi-monitor setups, and industrial computing.
Both HDMI and DisplayPort have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific needs. In short, if you need a universal, easy-to-use connection for entertainment, HDMI is the way to go. But if you're looking for high-performance computing, gaming, or professional applications, DisplayPort delivers better features and flexibility.
FAQs
Which is better, HDMI or DisplayPort?
It depends on your use case—HDMI is ideal for TVs, gaming consoles, and home theaters, while DisplayPort is preferred for gaming PCs, multi-monitor setups, and industrial applications due to higher refresh rates and better multi-display support.
What are the disadvantages of DisplayPort?
- Less common on TVs and gaming consoles (HDMI is the standard for consumer electronics).
- Shorter cable length support (Passive DP cables degrade beyond 3 meters, unlike HDMI).
- Fewer built-in audio features (No eARC support for high-end home theater setups).
It depends on the setup.
- For gaming PCs: DisplayPort is better due to higher refresh rates (144Hz+), G-Sync & FreeSync support, and daisy-chaining multiple monitors.
- For consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X): HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K 120Hz gaming with VRR.
Yes, but with limitations.
- HDMI 1.4: 144Hz at 1080p.
- HDMI 2.0: 144Hz at 1440p, 120Hz at 4K.
- HDMI 2.1: 144Hz at 4K.
Does DisplayPort provide better quality than HDMI?
Yes, DisplayPort supports higher bandwidth, refresh rates, and resolutions, making it better for high-performance gaming, AI computing, and multi-monitor setups.
Can I use an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter?
Yes, but direction matters. Passive adapters work from DP → HDMI, but HDMI → DP requires an active adapter.
Do gaming monitors use HDMI or DisplayPort?
Most gaming monitors support both, but DisplayPort is preferred for higher refresh rates and G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility.
Is DisplayPort better for 4K?
Yes, DisplayPort is better for 4K at higher refresh rates, especially 4K at 144Hz or 8K at 60Hz.
Does HDMI support multi-monitor setups like DisplayPort?
No, HDMI does not support daisy-chaining like DisplayPort’s MST (Multi-Stream Transport).
Do I need a special cable for HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 2.0?
Yes, you need Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables for HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.0-certified cables for DisplayPort 2.0 to get full performance.
Is HDMI or DisplayPort better for industrial and AI applications?
DisplayPort is better because it handles higher resolutions, supports MST for multi-displays, and has a locking mechanism for secure connections.
Is DisplayPort replacing HDMI in the future?
No, HDMI will likely remain the standard for TVs and consumer electronics, while DisplayPort will continue to dominate in gaming, professional workstations, and industrial computing.
