Is Display Port Better Than HDMI? Let's Settle This!

Choosing between DisplayPort and HDMI can feel like picking sides in an epic tech showdown. Both are front-runners when it comes to hooking up monitors, TVs, and more—but is display port better than HDMI, or does HDMI still hold its ground? Be it for gaming, streaming movies, or powering a multi-monitor setup, knowing the strengths and quirks of each will help you make the right call. Ready to dive into frame rates, resolutions, and feature sets? Let’s go!

What Is HDMI?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) was launched in 2002 and quickly became the go-to for TVs, Blu‑ray players, and game consoles. It carries both video and audio over a single cable, making it ridiculously convenient for living-room setups. Over the years, HDMI has evolved through versions—HDMI 1.4 introduced 4K support at 30Hz, HDMI 2.0 bumped that to 4K at 60Hz, and HDMI 2.1 now boasts up to 10K and supports up to 120Hz with a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps.

Because HDMI is so ubiquitous, you’ll find it on everything from budget monitors to high-end TVs. It also supports features like ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC for streamlined audio connections, and variable refresh rates (VRR) on gaming consoles for smoother gameplay. But when you ask “is display port cable better than HDMI?” the answer depends on what you need—if it’s the highest possible frame rate, daisy-chaining multiple monitors, or specialized gaming features.

What Is DisplayPort?

Launched in 2006, DisplayPort was designed primarily for PCs and professional displays. Early DisplayPort 1.1 handled 4K at 30Hz, but version 1.2 jumped to 4K at 60Hz, then 1.4 pushed 8K at 60Hz (with compression). DisplayPort 2.0 takes it even further—up to an astonishing 80 Gbps of bandwidth, enabling 16K at 60Hz.

DisplayPort’s real power lies in its flexibility. It can daisy-chain multiple monitors from one port, drive ultra-wide and high-refresh-rate screens, and support adaptive sync technologies. Unlike HDMI, DisplayPort doesn’t usually hang out on TVs—it’s PC-centric. So when you wonder “is the display port better than HDMI?” think multi-monitor workstations, high-end gaming rigs, and pro-level color grading. That’s where DisplayPort truly shines.

DisplayPort vs. HDMI: What’s the Difference?

Now that we've had a brief introduction to both, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and highlight the key differences that set DisplayPort and HDMI apart. While both are digital interfaces for audio and video, their design philosophies and feature sets cater to slightly different use cases. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in determining which one is right for your specific setup.

Quick Comparison: HDMI vs DisplayPort

Feature	HDMI	DisplayPort
Pin Count	19	20
Connector Variants	Standard, Mini, Micro	Standard, Mini
Max Certified Length	No fixed limit, depends on quality	Recommended: 3m (10ft)
Bandwidth (Latest)	HDMI 2.2 spec introduces up to ~96 Gbps (announced but not yet widespread)	DP 2.1: Up to 80 Gbps
Audio Return Channel	Supports ARC/eARC	Not supported
Daisy Chaining	Not natively supported	Supported via MST
VRR (G-SYNC/FreeSync)	Supported (limited on HDMI)	Widely supported
USB-C Alt Mode	Not supported	Supported
Common Usage	TVs, consoles, media devices	Monitors, PCs, laptops

Purpose & Usage

• HDMI: Designed for TVs, home theaters, and consumer electronics. Found in consoles, Blu-ray players, AV receivers, and TVs.
• DisplayPort: Built for PCs and monitors. Common in desktops, laptops, and workstations.

Connector Features

• HDMI: No latch; comes in Standard, Mini, and Micro variants.
• DisplayPort: Typically includes a latching mechanism; Mini DisplayPort exists but is rare now.

Bandwidth & Performance

• HDMI 2.1: Up to 48 Gbps (HDMI 2.2 goes up to 96 Gbps but is not widely adopted yet).
• DisplayPort 2.1: Up to 80 Gbps, generally better at handling higher resolutions and refresh rates efficiently.

Cable Length

• HDMI: No strict length, but quality degrades with distance. Certified cables are more reliable.
• DisplayPort: Passive cables recommended under 3 m for full performance; active cables can go longer.

Multi-Monitor Support (MST)

• HDMI: Does not support daisy-chaining monitors.
• DisplayPort: Supports MST, allowing multiple monitors from one port.

USB-C Integration

• HDMI: No native USB-C support.
• DisplayPort: Supports Alt Mode over USB-C for video, audio, power, and data over one cable.

Audio Features

• HDMI: Supports ARC/eARC for sending audio from TV to soundbar/receiver.
• DisplayPort: No equivalent feature.

Gaming Features

• HDMI: Supports VRR (FreeSync, selective G-SYNC), and ALLM (Auto Game Mode on TVs).
• DisplayPort: Widely supports VRR (including universal G-SYNC and FreeSync); no ALLM.

Device Compatibility

• HDMI: Ubiquitous across entertainment devices.
• DisplayPort: Standard in computing environments—especially for gaming and professional use.

Display Port or HDMI, Which to Choose?

This is where the rubber meets the road! Deciding between DisplayPort and HDMI isn't about one being universally "better" than the other, but rather about choosing the right tool for the job. Your choice will largely depend on your specific setup, what devices you're connecting, and what you prioritize in terms of performance and features.

Home theater & consoles:

HDMI is king. Every TV and console speaks HDMI fluently, and features like eARC and CEC (consumer electronics control) keep your living room tidy.

Looking to stream 4K movies or play on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X? HDMI 2.1 nails 4K/120Hz with Dolby Vision and HDR minutely synced.

PC gaming & high refresh rates:

DisplayPort often edges out because PC graphics cards optimize DP bandwidth and adaptive sync.

Want 4K at 144Hz or ultrawide 3440×1440 at 144Hz+? DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.0 is your buddy.

Multi‑monitor setups:

DisplayPort’s MST (Multi-Stream Transport) lets you daisy-chain compatible monitors, saving ports and cables.

Professionals in finance, coding, or content creation will appreciate fewer cables and easier desk setups.

Laptop adapters & portability:

Many modern laptops ship with USB-C/Thunderbolt, which can carry either signal. If you need HDMI, try the Anker 310 USB-C Adapter (4K HDMI)—it delivers 4K@60Hz and keeps things slim on the go.

Prefer DisplayPort? Grab the Anker PowerExpand USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter for crisp 4K@60Hz.

Both adapters plug into USB-C on your laptop and translate to the display of your choice seamlessly.

Budget & cable length:

HDMI cables tend to be cheaper and readily available up to 5 m. Beyond that, you might need active cables.

DisplayPort cables are often more expensive but can reliably run 8 m or more without signal boosters.

Future‑proofing:

If you want to prep for next‑gen monitors or GPUs, DisplayPort 2.0 gear will handle 8K uncompressed and super‑high refresh rates.

HDMI 2.1 is no slouch, but it still often uses DSC (compression) for the highest resolutions, whereas DP2.0 can do it raw.

Conclusion

So, is display port better than HDMI? It’s a tie that’s decided by your setup and priorities. HDMI reigns supreme in home theater and console use with its audio features and universal adoption. DisplayPort lords over high-refresh-rate PC gaming, multi-monitor daisy‑chaining, and professional displays. Armed with these insights, you’re all set to connect like a pro. Whichever cable you choose, you’ll be streaming, gaming, and working in top-notch clarity. Happy connecting!

FAQs

Is DisplayPort better quality than HDMI?

DisplayPort generally offers better quality than HDMI when it comes to high-refresh-rate gaming and multi-monitor setups, thanks to its higher bandwidth and features like Multi-Stream Transport (MST). While both provide similar image quality for most users, DisplayPort handles demanding setups more efficiently. HDMI, however, is more common on TVs and everyday consumer devices, making it a convenient choice for home entertainment.

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for 144Hz?

Yes, DisplayPort is usually better than HDMI for 144Hz, especially for PC gaming. It offers higher bandwidth, making it more reliable for 144Hz at higher resolutions. DisplayPort also has better support for adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync, which help reduce screen tearing and stuttering. While some HDMI versions can handle 144Hz, DisplayPort is often the more consistent and performance-friendly choice.

What are the disadvantages of DisplayPort?

DisplayPort has great features, but it comes with a few drawbacks. It may have compatibility issues with older devices and often requires adapters to connect to HDMI ports. The optimal cable length is shorter compared to HDMI, and signal quality can degrade over longer distances. These limitations can be inconvenient, especially in setups where flexibility and broad device support are important.

Should I use both DisplayPort and HDMI?

Yes, you can use both DisplayPort and HDMI at the same time, especially for multi-monitor setups or when connecting different types of screens. Many graphics cards and laptops support both ports, allowing you to extend your desktop or use separate displays for different tasks. Just make sure your system can handle the extra display load for smooth performance.