USB-C vs HDMI: Which to Choose for Connecting a Monitor?

Which offers the best display experience? USB-C or HDMI? In this article, we will guide you through a compelling comparison of USB-C vs HDMI, exploring their distinct features, immense capabilities, and key differences. This information will help you make an informed decision. 

What is USB-C and HDMI?

USB-C, or USB Type-C, is a universal connector standard that can transfer data, power, video, and audio through a single port. Within all the different types of USB cables and ports, it features a symmetrical design that can be plugged in either way up, and it supports much faster data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps. Many modern devices, from smartphones and laptops to tablets and gaming consoles, use USB-C as their primary connection port. 

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a standard for transmitting digital audio and video signals between devices. It's commonly used to connect devices like computers, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players to displays such as TVs and monitors. The current HDMI 2.1 standard supports resolutions up to 10K, refresh rates up to 120Hz, and features like Dynamic HDR and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for high-quality sound systems.

Key Differences Between USB-C and HDMI

USB-C and HDMI are two different types of connectors with distinct purposes and functionalities. Here are the key differences between them:

Purposes for USB-C and HDMI

USB-C: USB-C chargers and cables are versatile and reversible, offering faster data transfer and charging speeds while being compatible with a wide range of devices. It's quickly becoming the standard for various devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets due to its reversible design and numerous functionalities.

HDMI: Purpose-built for audio and video transmission, HDMI is the go-to standard for connecting multimedia devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and home theater systems. It allows uncompressed video and audio data to be transmitted over a single cable.

USB-C and HDMI Data Transfer Speeds

USB-C: Data transfer speeds of USB-C cables vary depending on the USB standard they support, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 capable of reaching speeds up to 10 Gbps, and the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 attaining an impressive 20 Gbps. The latest USB4 standard, which uses USB-C connectors, can achieve speeds up to 40Gbps, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications like external GPUs, 4K displays, and fast storage devices. 

HDMI: While HDMI doesn't focus on data transfer in the same way as USB-C, different HDMI versions have varying bandwidths. For example, HDMI 1.4 supports up to 10.2 Gbps, while HDMI 2.0 increases this to 18 Gbps. HDMI 2.1, the current standard, supports a maximum bandwidth of 48Gbps, allowing it to handle 4K video at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz with HDR. The increased bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 also enables features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming.

USB-C and HDMI Compatibility

USB-C: A large and growing number of devices utilize USB-C, replacing older USB types due to its small size and versatility. USB-C ports and cables can be found on smartphones, laptops, monitors, and even power banks. 

HDMI: Being the standard for multimedia devices, HDMI is found on a wide range of products, from TVs and gaming consoles to home theater systems and projectors. HDMI is not commonly found on small devices like smartphones, though dongles or adapters can bridge the gap.

USB-C and HDMI Power Delivery Ability

USB-C: USB-C supports power delivery up to 100W, allowing for rapid device charging and, in some cases, removing the need for separate power inputs on devices like USB type C monitors and laptops.  

HDMI: Does HDMI carry power? Although HDMI does provide a small amount of power for device discovery and control, it's not designed for any substantial power transfer, as it primarily focuses on audio and video connections. 

Now we’ve learned their general differences, what about their abilities to connect a display? Below is a chart comparison in this specific area:

Which is better for display? USB-C or HDMI?

The choice between USB-C and HDMI for display depends on your specific use case. USB-C is a newer, more versatile port that can carry power, data, and video signals, while HDMI is an older port dedicated mainly to carrying high-definition video and audio signals. 

HDMI is better when:

• You need a dedicated, reliable display connection
• Setting up home theater systems or gaming consoles
• Using high-end audio/visual equipment
• You want widespread compatibility with TVs and monitors
• You need the maximum 48Gbps bandwidth for 10K displays

USB-C is better when:

• You need a single cable solution for power, data, and display
• Working with modern laptops and mobile devices
• Setting up a docking station or workspace
• You need the flexibility to connect multiple displays
• You want a reversible connector that's more durable

Couldn’t make up your mind? You can experience both worlds with USB-C to HDMI adapters! Check out this Anker 518 USB-C Adapter (8K HDMI) for reference. This USB-C to HDMI hub is equipped to deliver high-resolution video quality up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz, ensuring easy and high-clarity screen mirroring or extension.

It offers a simple plug-and-play setup, transforming your laptop's USB-C port into an HDMI port without requiring any installations. It honors HDCP compliance, permitting the reception and display of HDCP encrypted content like movies and TV shows.

With universal compatibility attributes, it can interface with virtually any USB-C device supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode and multiple TVs, monitors, and projectors.

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked queries about USB-C vs HDMI. 

Is USB-C faster than HDMI?

USB-C and HDMI serve different functions as one is a connector while the other is an interface. USB-C's speed relates to data transfer, supporting speeds of up to 10 Gbps using USB 3.1. HDMI's speed pertains to transmitting audio and video signals, with HDMI 2.1 supporting bandwidth up to 48 Gbps. These two cannot be directly compared. You can enhance your productivity effortlessly with the Anker 533 USB-C Hub. Seamlessly connect to multiple monitors using the dual HDMI ports, ensuring a simplified and highly productive experience.

Is USB-C going to replace HDMI?

While USB-C is becoming significantly popular due to its universal and versatile nature, it is not likely to completely replace HDMI. HDMI is deeply ingrained and specialized in high-definition audio and video transfer in many consumer devices such as TVs, gaming consoles, and home theatre systems. USB-C is growing in its capacity to carry audio and video signals, but the HDMI connection remains a robust standard in specific market areas.

Does HDMI to USB-C lose quality?

In most cases, converting HDMI to USB-C should not result in a loss of quality as long as the adapter or cable being used is of good quality. Both standards are capable of transferring high-definition video and audio. However, potential quality loss could be attributed to other factors such as cable quality, distance, or the specs of the devices being used.