Gaming Showdown: Is HDMI or DisplayPort Better for Gaming?

Setting up your gaming rig? You've probably run into this question: is HDMI or DisplayPort better for gaming? It might seem like a small detail, but the port and cable you use can actually affect your frame rate, resolution, and input lag. In this guide, we'll break down what each port does, how they compare, and which one gives you the smoother, sharper gaming experience.

HDMI and DisplayPort Explained

Before you start comparing specs, it's important to understand what HDMI and DisplayPort actually do. Both are digital interfaces that carry video and audio from your device to your display, but they were designed with different use cases in mind, and that shapes how they perform today.

What is HDMI?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) was introduced back in 2002 as a simpler way to connect TVs, soundbars, consoles, and home theater systems—replacing a mess of analog video and separate audio cables with one digital connection.

HDMI has evolved over time. HDMI 1.4 brought 1080p at 120 Hz and introduced ARC (Audio Return Channel). HDMI 2.0 pushed things further with support for 4K at 60 Hz and HDR.

The latest version, HDMI 2.1 (and 2.1a), steps up to 48 Gbps bandwidth, making it capable of handling 4K at 120 Hz or even 8K at 60 Hz. It also adds gaming-focused features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM).

What is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort came a few years later, in 2006, and was developed by VESA with PCs and professional displays in mind. It's designed for high resolutions, high refresh rates, and multi-monitor setups.

DisplayPort 1.2 introduced Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows daisy-chaining multiple monitors. DP 1.4 added Display Stream Compression (DSC) for visually lossless 4K at 240 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz.

The current DP 2.1 spec pushes an eye-watering 80 Gbps thanks to UHBR20 signaling, enough for 4K at 240 Hz or 8K at 120 Hz uncompressed

DisplayPort includes Adaptive Sync by default, the foundation for technologies like AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, which eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.

DisplayPort vs HDMI: Which Port Is Better for Gaming?

Now, let's put DisplayPort and HDMI side by side to see which is better for gaming.

Bandwidth, Resolution & Refresh Rates

Bandwidth is what determines how much video data can move from your graphics card or console to your display. More bandwidth means higher resolutions and smoother frame rates.

Here's a quick look at how each version of HDMI and DisplayPort stacks up:

Standard	Year	Raw bandwidth	4K max Hz (un-compressed)	4K max Hz (with DSC*)	8K max Hz
HDMI 1.4	2009	10.2 Gbps	30 Hz	-	-
DisplayPort 1.2	2010	17.28 Gbps	60 Hz	-	-
HDMI 2.0	2013	18 Gbps	60 Hz	-	-
DisplayPort 1.4	2016	32.4 Gbps	120 Hz	240 Hz	60 Hz with DSC
HDMI 2.1	2017	48 Gbps	120 Hz	240 Hz	120 Hz with DSC
DisplayPort 2.1	2022	80 Gbps	240 Hz	480 Hz	120 Hz (un-compressed)

(*DSC = Display Stream Compression, a visually lossless method for transmitting more data over limited bandwidth.)

You see, DisplayPort 2.1 leads in raw bandwidth, offering plenty of headroom for high refresh rates and 8K resolutions without needing compression.

HDMI 2.1 isn't far behind and handles 4K@120 Hz just fine, especially for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Adaptive Sync & Gaming Smoothness

Smooth gameplay isn't just about frame rates; it's also about avoiding screen tearing and stutter. That's where adaptive sync comes in.

• DisplayPort has Adaptive Sync built right into the standard. It's the backbone for AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible monitors, and it works great on most modern gaming displays.
• HDMI added Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) in version 2.1, along with Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). These features help reduce lag and improve responsiveness, particularly on newer TVs and consoles.

However, some monitors still don't fully support G-Sync over HDMI, even if HDMI 2.1 is available—so if you're using an NVIDIA GPU, DisplayPort is usually the safer bet.

HDR & Color Performance

Both HDMI and DisplayPort support HDR and high color depths, but the way they handle it varies slightly.

• HDMI 2.1 includes Dynamic HDR and Source-Based Tone Mapping, which lets the source device handle HDR more efficiently and reduce latency.
• DisplayPort 1.4 and up rely on DSC to deliver higher refresh rates while maintaining 10-bit HDR visuals—without a visible drop in quality.

For most gamers, the HDR experience will come down more to the display itself than the port, but HDMI does offer a few extras on supported TVs.

Latency & Input Lag

Good news here: when comparing HDMI and DisplayPort at the same resolution and refresh rate, there's virtually no measurable difference in input lag. The real latency differences usually come from the display's internal processing or game mode settings, not the cable or port.

Audio & Home Theater Benefits

Both HDMI and DisplayPort carry high-quality digital audio, but HDMI has the upper hand for home theater setups.

It supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows high-quality audio—like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X—to flow from your TV apps back to your sound system using just one cable.

DisplayPort can send audio to a monitor, but it doesn't support audio return, so it's not as flexible for full home theater use.

Multi-Monitor Support

• DisplayPort is much better for multi-monitor setups. Thanks to Multi-Stream Transport (MST), you can daisy-chain multiple screens off a single port, which is great for flight sims, productivity, or streaming setups.
• HDMI doesn't support MST. You'll need a separate HDMI port for each display, or use active splitters, which can be expensive and don't always support high refresh rates.

Cable Length & Setup Flexibility

• HDMI 2.1 cables work well up to about 5 meters (roughly 16 feet). Beyond that, you'll need an active or fiber-optic HDMI cable to maintain signal quality.
• DisplayPort 2.1 recommends keeping passive cables under 3 meters, but newer "DP 2.1b" active cables can push longer distances while still supporting top-end bandwidth.

For in-wall or long-distance runs, both standards have high-quality active cable options, though they'll cost a bit more.

Console Compatibility

If you're gaming on a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, HDMI is the only option—they output over HDMI 2.1 by default. These consoles support 4K@120 Hz, VRR, and ALLM through HDMI, so there's no need to mess with adapters.

While HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapters exist, they often strip out key features like VRR and are best used as a last resort rather than a permanent solution.

The Takeaway

So, should I use DisplayPort or HDMI for gaming?

• If you're on a PC gaming monitor and want the best in refresh rate, adaptive sync, and multi-monitor support—go with DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.1.
• If you're gaming on an Xbox/PS5 console, using a TV, and want simple, high-quality audio and video with broad compatibility—HDMI 2.1 is your best bet.

Want the Best of Both Worlds? Try a Docking Station

If your laptop has only one USB-C/Thunderbolt port, or you jump between gaming on a monitor and a living-room TV, a versatile, high-bandwidth docking station can take the hassle out of constantly replugging cables or choosing one port over the other.

The new Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station (14-in-1, 8K, Thunderbolt 5) gives you the flexibility to use both DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1, so you're not locked into a single standard.

Whether you're aiming for 4K@240 Hz on your monitor or hooking up to an 8K TV, this dock has the bandwidth to handle it—thanks to Thunderbolt 5's 80 Gbps bidirectional throughput, with bursts up to 120 Gbps for video-heavy workflows.

You also get:

• Up to 140W charging—plenty to power a gaming laptop
• Dual downstream TB5/USB-C ports for high-speed external drives or accessories
• 2.5 Gb Ethernet for ultra-fast, low-latency networking
• Plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports for everything else in your setup

In short, it's a simple way to unify your gear and get the most out of both HDMI and DisplayPort—no more switching cables, losing features, or choosing one standard over the other.

Conclusion

So, circling back to the question: is HDMI or DisplayPort better for gaming? If you're a PC gamer aiming for high refresh rates and adaptive sync support, DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.1 is often the preferred choice. It offers higher bandwidth and is widely supported by gaming monitors.

On the other hand, if you're gaming on a console like PS5 or Xbox Series X and connecting to a TV, HDMI—especially the latest 2.1 version—provides excellent performance and broader compatibility.

Ultimately, the best choice hinges on your specific hardware and gaming needs. By understanding the strengths of both HDMI and DisplayPort, you can tailor your setup for the optimal gaming experience.

FAQs

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for gaming?

For a PC-centric setup, DisplayPort usually has the edge, because even the widely used DisplayPort 1.4 offers up to 32.4 Gbps raw bandwidth and native Adaptive-Sync support for tear-free G-Sync/FreeSync play. DisplayPort 2.1 goes further, topping 80 Gbps and pushing 8K at 120 Hz with visually-lossless DSC for flag-ship rigs.

One the other hand, HDMI excels on TVs and consoles. The HDMI 2.1 spec delivers 48 Gbps, eARC audio, 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz, and features modern Xbox and PlayStation owners need.

Is HDMI better than DisplayPort for 144 Hz?

Usually not, unless all your gear supports HDMI 2.1. HDMI 2.0 can do 144 Hz at 1080p or 1440p, but often drops VRR or image quality. DisplayPort 1.2 handles 1440p 144 Hz easily, and DP 1.4 supports 4K 144 Hz with DSC. HDMI 2.1 can match this, but only with fully compatible devices. For most PC monitors, DisplayPort is the safer bet for 144 Hz.

Is HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 better?

It depends on your setup. HDMI 2.1's 48 Gbps bandwidth, eARC lossless audio, and near-universal presence on TVs and consoles make it the go-to for living-room gaming and home-theater rigs.

DisplayPort 1.4 tops out at 32.4 Gbps raw bandwidth but compensates with Display Stream Compression 1.2, letting it drive 4K@144 Hz or 8K@60 Hz displays while also offering MST daisy-chain and Adaptive-Sync baked into the spec, features prized by multi-monitor PC users.

Go with HDMI 2.1 for TVs and consoles, DisplayPort 1.4 for PC gaming monitors.