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HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Cable Should You Buy?

9/22/2025 · Cables · 8 min

HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Cable Should You Buy?

TL;DR

  • HDMI and DisplayPort both deliver video and audio, but they target different use cases.
  • For consoles and TVs choose HDMI for best compatibility and features like ARC and eARC.
  • For PC gaming and high refresh at high resolutions choose DisplayPort if your GPU and monitor support it.
  • If you need one cable for a laptop to external display and power, use USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode or HDMI via adapter as needed.
  • Check version numbers and cable quality more than brand names; an HDMI 2.1 cable is not the same as an HDMI 1.4 cable.

Bandwidth and Resolutions

  • HDMI 2.0: up to 18 Gbps, good for 4K at 60 Hz with 8 bit or chroma subsampling.
  • HDMI 2.1: up to 48 Gbps, enables 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, and support for higher color depth when the device supports it.
  • DisplayPort 1.2: up to 21.6 Gbps effective, common for 1440p at high refresh.
  • DisplayPort 1.4: adds Display Stream Compression and higher effective bandwidth, supports 4K at 120 Hz with compressed streams.
  • DisplayPort 2.0: much higher raw bandwidth, aimed at multiple high resolution displays and 8K without heavy compression, but adoption is slower in 2025.

Key Features Compared

  • Audio return and TV features: HDMI has ARC and eARC for simplified audio routing to soundbars and receivers.
  • Variable refresh rate: both standards can support VRR, but implementation varies by device. HDMI 2.1 VRR is common on modern consoles and TVs.
  • Display Stream Compression: DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.0 use DSC to push higher resolutions and refresh rates with visually lossless compression.
  • Multi stream transport: DisplayPort supports daisy chaining and driving multiple monitors from one output more commonly than HDMI.

Practical Differences for Gamers

  • PC gamers chasing high refresh at high resolution will typically prefer DisplayPort for 1440p 144 Hz or 4K 120 Hz when supported.
  • Console gamers benefit from HDMI 2.1 for native 4K 120 Hz, VRR support, and console-friendly TV features.
  • If your monitor is labeled HDMI 2.1 but the HDMI ports are limited in bandwidth by the monitor board, read the fine print.

Laptops, Hubs, and USB-C

  • Many modern laptops use USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode to output to external displays. This is convenient for docking and single-cable setups.
  • If you need power delivery plus video, check the wattage ratings and whether the dock passes the required DisplayPort or HDMI bandwidth.

Cable Length and Build Quality

  • Longer cables require better shielding and higher grade conductors to maintain bandwidth. Passive cables over a few meters may fail to carry full HDMI 2.1 or high rate DisplayPort signals.
  • Active cables or fiber HDMI/DisplayPort solutions can extend range but cost more.
  • For short runs under 2 meters, certified cables are usually sufficient.

Version Confusion and Backwards Compatibility

  • Both standards are backwards compatible. A newer cable or port will generally fall back to the highest mode supported by the device on the other end.
  • Always match the lowest supported version in your chain. If a monitor reports HDMI 2.1 but your GPU only supports HDMI 2.0, you are limited to HDMI 2.0 capabilities.

Which Should You Buy?

  • Buy HDMI if: you mainly connect to TVs or consoles, you need ARC or eARC, or you want the broadest compatibility with consumer AV gear.
  • Buy DisplayPort if: you use a desktop GPU, want the best native support for high refresh rates and daisy chaining, or run multiple high resolution monitors.
  • Buy high quality cables rated for the version you need. Do not assume a thick cable equals support for the latest specs.

Buying Checklist

  • Check the port version on both ends: GPU or source, and display or TV.
  • Target bandwidth based on resolution and refresh rate: 4K 120 Hz needs HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 with DSC or DP 2.0.
  • For laptops, verify USB-C Alt Mode support and power delivery requirements.
  • Choose cable length and type: passive for short runs, active or fiber for long runs.
  • Prefer certified cables from reputable manufacturers when possible.

Bottom Line

Both HDMI and DisplayPort are capable and mature standards. Choose HDMI for TV and console ecosystems, and DisplayPort for high performance PC displays and multi-monitor setups. Match the version and cable quality to your target resolution and refresh rate to avoid surprises.

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