DisplayPort vs HDMI: Which Cable Should You Use for Your Monitor?
Compare DisplayPort and HDMI cables for monitors and TVs. Learn about bandwidth, refresh rate limits, VRR support, and which cable to use for your setup.
DisplayPort vs HDMI — the cable choice that matters
DisplayPort and HDMI are the two digital display interfaces used in modern monitors and TVs. While both carry video and audio signals, they have different capabilities, different connector designs, and different optimal use cases. Choosing the right cable affects maximum resolution, refresh rate, color depth, and feature support (VRR, HDR).
The general rule: DisplayPort for monitors, HDMI for TVs and home theater. DisplayPort supports higher bandwidth and more monitor-specific features (G-Sync, daisy-chaining). HDMI supports more consumer electronics features (CEC, ARC/eARC, Dolby Vision). Both work for basic display use, but choosing the right one ensures you get full performance from your display.
This guide compares DisplayPort and HDMI across bandwidth, features, use cases, and cable selection. By the end, you will know which cable to use for your specific display and use case, and which cable version you need for your resolution and refresh rate.
DisplayPort vs HDMI at a glance
Each interface has distinct strengths. Understanding these helps you choose the right one for your setup.
DisplayPort — for monitors
Higher bandwidth, better multi-monitor support (daisy-chaining), G-Sync native support, locking connector. The default choice for desktop monitors, especially for gaming. DP 2.0 supports up to 16K, future-proof.
HDMI — for TVs and consumer electronics
Universal on TVs and consumer electronics, ARC/eARC for audio, CEC for device control, Dolby Vision support. The default choice for TVs and home theater. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K 120Hz for PS5/Xbox.
USB-C / Thunderbolt — for laptops
Carries DisplayPort or HDMI signal over USB-C cable, plus power and data. Single-cable laptop connection. Common on modern laptops and monitors. Supports DP Alt Mode or HDMI Alt Mode.
DisplayPort vs HDMI versions and bandwidth
The table below compares DisplayPort and HDMI versions across bandwidth and maximum resolution/refresh rate. Choose the version that supports your display's requirements.
| Version | Max bandwidth | 4K max | 1440p max | 1080p max | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DisplayPort 1.2 | 17.3 Gbps | 60Hz | 144Hz | 240Hz | Older monitors, basic 4K |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 25.8 Gbps | 120Hz | 240Hz | 360Hz | Mainstream 4K, high-refresh 1440p |
| DisplayPort 2.0 | 77.4 Gbps | 240Hz | 540Hz | 540Hz+ | Future-proof, 8K, high-refresh 4K |
| HDMI 1.4 | 10.2 Gbps | 30Hz | 120Hz | 144Hz | Legacy, budget monitors |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 60Hz | 144Hz | 240Hz | Mainstream 4K, most monitors |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48 Gbps | 120Hz | 240Hz | 360Hz+ | 4K 120Hz gaming, PS5/Xbox, 8K |
DSC (Display Stream Compression) can extend these limits on DP 1.4+ and HDMI 2.1.
How to choose between DisplayPort and HDMI
Follow this decision framework to choose the right cable for your display and use case. The right choice depends on your display, GPU, and use case.
- 1
For desktop monitors: choose DisplayPort
DisplayPort is the standard for desktop monitors. It supports higher bandwidth (DP 1.4: 25.8 Gbps vs HDMI 2.0: 18 Gbps), native G-Sync support (G-Sync requires DisplayPort on most monitors), and daisy-chaining for multi-monitor setups. Use DisplayPort 1.4+ for 4K 120Hz+ or 1440p 240Hz+.
- 2
For TVs and home theater: choose HDMI
HDMI is the standard for TVs and consumer electronics. It supports ARC/eARC (audio return channel for soundbars), CEC (consumer electronics control for universal remote), and Dolby Vision (some DisplayPort displays don't support Dolby Vision). Use HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz on PS5/Xbox.
- 3
For gaming: match the cable to your GPU and display
NVIDIA GPU + G-Sync display: DisplayPort required for G-Sync. AMD GPU + FreeSync display: DisplayPort or HDMI both work (DisplayPort preferred for higher bandwidth). PS5/Xbox: HDMI 2.1 required for 4K 120Hz. PC gaming at 4K 144Hz: DisplayPort 1.4 required (HDMI 2.0 caps at 4K 60Hz).
- 4
For laptops: use USB-C/Thunderbolt if available
Modern laptops often have only USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. Use a USB-C to DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI adapter, or a USB-C monitor that accepts display input over USB-C. USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode supports full DisplayPort bandwidth. Avoid cheap USB-C adapters — they may limit bandwidth.
- 5
Verify cable version matches your needs
Check your display and GPU specs for required bandwidth. 4K 60Hz: DP 1.2 or HDMI 2.0. 4K 120Hz: DP 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. 4K 144Hz: DP 1.4 (HDMI 2.1 may work with DSC). 8K 60Hz: DP 2.0 or HDMI 2.1. Use a cable certified for your required version — older cables may silently limit performance.
Using an under-spec cable is the most common cause of display performance issues. A 4K 144Hz monitor connected with HDMI 2.0 will silently run at 4K 60Hz — no error message, just reduced performance. A 4K 120Hz monitor connected with DisplayPort 1.2 will cap at 4K 60Hz. Always verify your cable supports your display's maximum resolution and refresh rate. If your monitor is stuck at lower-than-expected refresh rate, the cable is likely the cause.
Special features: VRR, HDR, and audio
Beyond basic video signal
VRR (G-Sync/FreeSync): DisplayPort is the standard for VRR on monitors. G-Sync typically requires DisplayPort (some G-Sync Compatible displays work over HDMI). FreeSync works over both DisplayPort and HDMI, but DisplayPort supports higher bandwidth for high-refresh VRR. For PC gaming, use DisplayPort for VRR.
HDR: Both DisplayPort and HDMI support HDR. HDMI 2.1 adds Dolby Vision support (some DisplayPort displays don't support Dolby Vision). For HDR movies on TV, HDMI is preferred. For HDR gaming on PC monitor, DisplayPort is preferred (higher bandwidth for 4K HDR at high refresh).
Audio: Both carry audio signals. HDMI supports ARC/eARC (Audio Return Channel) — sends audio from TV to soundbar/receiver over the same cable. DisplayPort supports multi-channel audio but not ARC. For home theater with soundbar, HDMI is required. For monitor with built-in speakers, either works.
Daisy-chaining: DisplayPort supports daisy-chaining — connecting multiple monitors in series through DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport). HDMI does not support daisy-chaining. For multi-monitor setups with a single cable from GPU, DisplayPort is required. For more, see our refresh rate test and the resolution checker. For background, the VESA DisplayPort standard and HDMI Forum specification are the authoritative sources.
DisplayPort vs HDMI selection tips
- Use DisplayPort for desktop monitors — higher bandwidth, G-Sync support, daisy-chaining.
- Use HDMI for TVs and home theater — ARC/eARC, CEC, Dolby Vision support.
- Verify cable version matches your display — wrong cable silently limits performance.
- For 4K 120Hz+ gaming: DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 required.
- For PS5/Xbox at 4K 120Hz: HDMI 2.1 required (DisplayPort not available on consoles).
- For laptops: use USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode if available.
- Avoid cheap unbranded cables — they may not meet spec and cause performance issues.
DisplayPort vs HDMI FAQ
Test your display connection
Resolution Checker
Verify your display is running at native resolution — wrong cable may limit resolution.
Refresh Rate Test
Verify your display is running at native refresh rate — wrong cable may limit refresh rate.
Screen Tearing Test
Test VRR (G-Sync/FreeSync) — some VRR features require DisplayPort.
HDR Test
Test HDR performance — HDR requires sufficient cable bandwidth.
Verify your display connection
Using the right cable is essential for full display performance. Run the resolution checker and refresh rate test to verify your display is running at its maximum capabilities — if not, the cable may be the limiting factor.
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