HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which One is Best for Your Needs?

Published: 3 Mar 2025

When connecting your display devices, you may come across two major options: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) and DisplayPort. Both serve the purpose of transmitting high-quality audio and video signals, but they differ in terms of performance, compatibility, bandwidth, and use cases.

Understanding their differences can help you choose the right connection for your needs, whether it’s for gaming, professional work, or home entertainment.

Table of Content

Quick Comparison Table: HDMI vs DisplayPort
HDMI vs DisplayPort: Key Differences
Which One is Better?
1. Recommendation:
Conclusion
FAQs about HDMI and DisplayPort

Quick Comparison Table: HDMI vs DisplayPort

Feature	HDMI	DisplayPort
Common Usage	TVs, gaming consoles, projectors	PCs, gaming monitors, professional displays
Latest Version	HDMI 2.1	DisplayPort 2.1
Maximum Resolution	Up to 10K at 120Hz	Up to 16K at 60Hz
Bandwidth	48 Gbps (HDMI 2.1)	80 Gbps (DisplayPort 2.1)
Audio Support	Supports ARC and eARC for high-quality sound	Supports multi-channel audio but lacks eARC
Multi-Monitor Support	Single display per port	Supports daisy chaining (multiple displays per port)
Adaptive Sync Technology	Works with AMD FreeSync	Supports both FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync
Cable Length	Up to 15 meters without signal loss	Best performance within 3 meters
Best For	Gaming consoles, TVs, home theater setups	Gaming PCs, multi-monitor setups, professional use

HDMI vs DisplayPort: Key Differences

Here’s a breakdown to help you to understand all the differences between HDMI and DisplayPort:

1. Resolution and Refresh Rate

The resolution and refresh rate determine the display quality and smoothness of motion on the screen.

HDMI: The latest HDMI 2.1 version supports resolutions up to 10K at 120Hz, making it suitable for high-definition gaming, movies, and TV streaming.

DisplayPort: DisplayPort 2.1 offers even higher resolutions, reaching 16K at 60Hz and 4K at 240Hz, making it ideal for high-end gaming and professional video editing.

If you need a higher refresh rate for gaming, DisplayPort is the better choice.

2. Bandwidth and Data Transfer

Bandwidth determines how much data the cable can transmit per second, affecting the video quality, refresh rate, and support for advanced features.

HDMI: The latest version, HDMI 2.1, provides 48 Gbps bandwidth, which is sufficient for high-quality gaming and 4K/8K video playback.

DisplayPort: DisplayPort 2.1 offers an even higher bandwidth of 80 Gbps, making it better for multi-monitor setups, ultra-high-resolution displays, and professional workstations.

For demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-monitor setups, DisplayPort is superior.

3. Audio Capabilities

Both HDMI and DisplayPort support high-quality audio transmission, but there are some key differences:

HDMI: Supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), making it ideal for home theater setups and Dolby Atmos surround sound.

DisplayPort: Supports multi-channel audio like HDMI but lacks ARC/eARC, making HDMI better for connecting TVs and sound systems.

For a home theater or surround sound setup, HDMI is the best choice.

4. Multi-Monitor Support

When using multiple monitors, the type of connection you choose matters.

HDMI: Supports one display per port unless you use a separate adapter or splitter.

Multi-Monitor Support Of Hdmi And Displayport

DisplayPort: Supports daisy chaining, allowing multiple monitors to be connected from one port, making it perfect for multi-screen workstations.

If you need to connect multiple monitors, DisplayPort is the better option.

5. Adaptive Sync and Gaming Performance

For gamers, refresh rate synchronization is crucial to avoid screen tearing and lag.

HDMI: Works with AMD FreeSync, improving smoothness in compatible games.

DisplayPort: Supports both FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync, making it better for gaming PCs and ensuring higher refresh rates with minimal input lag.

For PC gaming and high-refresh-rate monitors, DisplayPort is the best choice.

6. Cable Length and Signal Quality

The length of the cable can affect signal strength and display performance.

HDMI: Supports cables up to 15 meters without signal loss, making it useful for TVs and home entertainment systems.

DisplayPort: Works best with shorter cables (around 3 meters) but can use active cables for longer distances without signal degradation.

If you need longer cables for home entertainment setups, HDMI is more reliable.

7. Compatibility with Devices

Both HDMI and DisplayPort have different use cases based on the devices they support.

HDMI:
✔ Found in TVs, gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), projectors, and home theater systems.
✔ Best for entertainment, gaming consoles, and multimedia setups.

DisplayPort:
✔ Common in PCs, professional monitors, and gaming setups.
✔ Ideal for multi-monitor configurations and high-end gaming.

If you are using gaming consoles or TVs, HDMI is necessary. For PC gaming and professional setups, DisplayPort is better.

Which One is Better?

The best choice depends on your needs:

✔ For gaming on PCs → DisplayPort is better due to higher refresh rates, better adaptive sync support, and multi-monitor connectivity.
✔ For gaming on consoles (PS5, Xbox) → HDMI is required, as DisplayPort is not supported.
✔ For home theater and TV setups → HDMI is the best choice because of ARC/eARC support and longer cable compatibility.
✔ For professional workstations and multi-monitor setups → DisplayPort is ideal for high-resolution displays and daisy-chaining multiple monitors.

Recommendation:

If you’re a PC gamer or professional user, choose DisplayPort for better refresh rates, multi-monitor support, and high bandwidth.
If you’re using a TV, gaming console, or home theater system, go with HDMI for better compatibility and audio support.

Conclusion

Both HDMI and DisplayPort have their advantages depending on your use case. HDMI is widely used for TVs, gaming consoles, and home entertainment systems, thanks to its longer cable support and audio features. DisplayPort excels in PC gaming, multi-monitor setups, and high-refresh-rate displays.

If you need higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, or multiple monitors, DisplayPort is the better option. But if you’re connecting a console, TV, or sound system, HDMI is the right choice. Choose the one that best fits your setup for the best performance.

FAQs about HDMI and DisplayPort

Here are some of the most FAQs related to HDMI and DisplayPort:

Which is better for gaming, HDMI or DisplayPort?

DisplayPort is better for PC gaming due to higher refresh rates, adaptive sync support, and multi-monitor capability, while HDMI is best for gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox.

Can I use HDMI and DisplayPort on the same monitor?

Yes, most modern monitors have both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, allowing you to switch between them based on your needs.

Does DisplayPort support audio like HDMI?

Yes, DisplayPort supports multi-channel audio, but it lacks ARC and eARC, which HDMI provides for better home theater sound systems.

Can I connect multiple monitors using HDMI?

HDMI supports only one display per port, while DisplayPort allows daisy chaining, letting you connect multiple monitors from a single port.

Is HDMI or DisplayPort better for 4K?

Both can handle 4K resolution, but DisplayPort supports higher refresh rates (4K at 240Hz), making it better for high-end gaming and professional use.

Do gaming consoles support DisplayPort?

No, PS5 and Xbox Series X only support HDMI, so DisplayPort is not an option for console gaming.

Which one has better compatibility with TVs?

HDMI is the standard for TVs, projectors, and home entertainment systems, while DisplayPort is more common in PCs and professional monitors.

Does DisplayPort offer better picture quality than HDMI?

DisplayPort has higher bandwidth and supports better refresh rates, but for most users, the difference in picture quality is minimal.

Can I use an adapter to convert HDMI to DisplayPort?

Yes, you can use active adapters, but some features like high refresh rates and adaptive sync may not work properly.

Which is more future-proof, HDMI or DisplayPort?

DisplayPort is more future-proof for PCs and professional setups due to higher bandwidth and multi-monitor support, while HDMI remains dominant for TVs and gaming consoles.