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HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Cable Should You Use?

2/2/2026 · Cables · 6 min

HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Cable Should You Use?

TL;DR

  • HDMI is universal for TVs and streaming gear. DisplayPort is more common on PCs and high refresh monitors.
  • For 4K 120 Hz and HDR, use DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 depending on device support.
  • For gaming at high refresh rates, DisplayPort tends to be simpler on PC. For consoles and TVs, HDMI is usually required.

Versions and Bandwidth

  • HDMI 2.0: 4K 60 Hz with 8 bit color, HDR support is basic.
  • HDMI 2.1: Up to 48 Gbps, enables 4K 120 Hz, 8K 60 Hz, and features like eARC and VRR.
  • DisplayPort 1.2: Common older PC standard, supports 4K 60 Hz or 1440p high refresh.
  • DisplayPort 1.4: Uses Display Stream Compression for 4K 120 Hz HDR on many monitors.

Gaming and Refresh Rates

  • If your PC GPU has a DisplayPort output and your monitor supports DP, you can usually get higher refresh and variable refresh without extra setup.
  • Consoles like PlayStation and Xbox expect HDMI. For 4K 120 Hz on consoles, HDMI 2.1 is required.
  • Adaptive sync works over both standards: FreeSync and G-Sync compatible monitors accept either depending on supported inputs.

HDR, Color, and Audio

  • HDR over HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 can both carry HDR metadata. Implementation varies by device and driver.
  • Audio return channel eARC is an HDMI feature useful for soundbars and AV receivers.
  • For professional color workflows, check that your monitor and GPU expose full color depth and chroma over the chosen cable and version.

Cable Length and Quality

  • Longer passive cables may reduce bandwidth. For high bandwidth like 4K 120 Hz, use certified cables at appropriate lengths.
  • Active cables and optical DisplayPort cables extend range without signal loss, but cost more.
  • Cheap or uncertified cables can cause handshake issues, flicker, or dropped HDR metadata.

Connectors and Compatibility

  • Mini DisplayPort and full size DisplayPort exist on laptops. Adapters to HDMI are common but may limit features.
  • USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode carries DP signals and can deliver power at the same time. Check version limits.
  • Always match the cable and port versions on both source and display for predictable results.

Which Should You Use?

  • Choose DisplayPort if you are on Windows PC and want the highest refresh and easiest multi-monitor setups.
  • Choose HDMI for TVs, consoles, and AV gear that need features like eARC.
  • Use USB-C with DP Alt Mode for thin laptops that need a single cable for display and power.

Buying Checklist

  • Confirm the port versions on your GPU, monitor, TV, or console.
  • For 4K 120 Hz buy HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 cables and use certified products.
  • If using long runs, prefer active or optical solutions.
  • For AV setups, prioritize HDMI with eARC support for simpler audio routing.

Bottom Line

Pick the cable that matches your devices and the features you actually need. For high refresh PC gaming prefer DisplayPort. For TVs and consoles prefer HDMI. When in doubt check version support and buy a certified cable to avoid surprises.

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