What Is the Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI? Compare Key Specs

Trying to figure out the best way to connect your monitor, TV, or gaming setup? You've probably come across two common options: DisplayPort and HDMI. At first glance, they might look similar, but they each have their own strengths. So, what is the difference between DisplayPort and HDMI, and which one should you use? In this guide, we'll break it down in simple terms so you can pick the right connection without the guesswork.

DisplayPort and HDMI Explained

Before diving into the differences, it helps to understand what DisplayPort and HDMI actually are. They're both digital interfaces that transmit high quality audio and video, but they were built for different worlds—and that shows in how they're used today.

What is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort was introduced by VESA (the Video Electronics Standards Association) back in 2006 as a modern replacement for older PC video standards like VGA and DVI. It was built from the ground up with computers in mind, using packet-based data transfer—kind of like how networks work—which makes it easier to scale up bandwidth over time.

Today's DisplayPort versions support some seriously high speeds. DisplayPort 2.1, for example, can hit up to 80 Gbps, which is enough for multiple uncompressed 4K streams or even 8K at 120 Hz.

You'll usually find DisplayPort in a few different forms:

• Full-size DisplayPort: Common on desktop graphics cards and monitors, often with a locking tab.
• Mini DisplayPort: Used on older MacBooks and smaller PCs.
• USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode: Many modern laptops and tablets send a full DisplayPort signal through USB-C, allowing for slim, single-cable monitor connections.

DisplayPort is also packed with PC-focused features. It supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining multiple monitors, and Adaptive Sync (which includes AMD FreeSync) for smoother gaming without screen tearing.

What is HDMI?

HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, came onto the scene in 2002 thanks to a group of major consumer electronics brands. It was designed to carry both digital video and multi-channel audio over a single cable—perfect for TVs, DVD players, and home theaters at the time.

Since then, HDMI has become nearly universal. It's in TVs, gaming consoles, soundbars, projectors, laptops—you name it. Over time, its bandwidth has increased too: HDMI 2.0 offers up to 18 Gbps, while HDMI 2.1 can handle 48 Gbps, unlocking 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, and more.

HDMI connectors come in a few sizes:

• Type A (full-size): The standard plug you'll find on TVs, consoles, and graphics cards.
• Type C (Mini) and Type D (Micro): Used in smaller devices like tablets and cameras. HDMI also brings a few home-friendly perks:
• eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) allows high-quality audio (like Dolby Atmos) to travel from your TV to a soundbar or AV receiver.
• CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) lets one remote control multiple devices—like turning on your TV and sound system with a single button.
• HDMI 2.1 adds gamer-focused features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for smoother, more responsive gameplay.

Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI

You've met the two standards—now let's put them side by side. When you ask what the difference between DisplayPort and HDMI is, it really comes down to bandwidth, features, and where you'll actually find the ports.

Bandwidth, Resolution & Refresh Rate

Here's a quick look at how each version of DisplayPort and HDMI stacks up in terms of raw bandwidth and the kinds of video signals they can handle:

*DSC = Display Stream Compression, a visually-lossless codec adopted by both standards.

*480 Hz is theoretical head-room confirmed by VESA for UHBR20 links. Real-world panels are just beginning to appear.

What these numbers actually mean:

• If you're after raw speed, DisplayPort has the edge. The latest version, DisplayPort 2.1, supports up to 80 Gbps, which gives you enough bandwidth for 8K at 120 Hz or 4K at 240 Hz, without any compression. HDMI 2.1 isn't far behind, topping out at 48 Gbps, which still handles 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz with ease, but with less room to grow.
• If you're gaming at 144 Hz or higher at 4K resolution, DisplayPort 1.4 is your starting point. It can handle 4K at 120 Hz natively, or 240 Hz with DSC. HDMI 2.1 can match that performance, but anything lower (like HDMI 2.0) will cap you at 60 Hz.
• When it comes to 8K and future-ready setups, both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 support 8K at 60 Hz using compression. But if you want 8K at 120 Hz, or multiple 8K displays without relying on DSC, DisplayPort 2.1 is the only option right now.

Multi-Monitor Setups

If you're running multiple displays, DisplayPort is built for it. Thanks to a feature called Multi-Stream Transport (MST), you can daisy-chain monitors—connecting a second screen directly to the first, all from one DisplayPort output. HDMI doesn't support this, so each monitor needs its own port or a splitter.

Gaming Features

For PC gaming, DisplayPort tends to be the go-to. It has long supported Adaptive Sync, which powers technologies like AMD FreeSync for smoother, tear-free gameplay.

HDMI added similar features later on in version 2.1, including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)—great for console gamers using compatible TVs, but not quite as deeply integrated into the PC ecosystem.

Audio & Home-Cinema Perks

Both ports carry digital audio, but HDMI is more advanced when it comes to home theater setups. It supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which lets high-quality audio—like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X—travel from your TV apps back to your sound system through a single cable.

DisplayPort can send audio downstream to a monitor, but it doesn't offer that kind of return path.

Cable Length and Flexibility

When it comes to longer cable runs, HDMI is usually more forgiving. Standard HDMI cables can stretch up to 7 meters (or more with active/optical options) without signal loss—especially useful in home theater setups.

DisplayPort cables work well up to around 3 to 5 meters, but for longer distances, you'll need active or fiber cables to maintain signal quality.

Where You'll Find Them

Device compatibility is another key difference. Game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X only use HDMI—there's no DisplayPort to be found. HDMI is also standard on TVs, soundbars, and media players.

On the flip side, DisplayPort is more common on PC monitors and graphics cards, and many laptops output DisplayPort over USB-C, which lets you connect to external monitors, docking stations, and charge your device with the same cable.

DisplayPort vs HDMI: Which to Choose?

So, DisplayPort and HDMI, which one should you use? The right choice depends on your setup, your priorities, and what kind of performance or features matter most.

Go with HDMI if...

• You're connecting to a TV, projector, or sound system. HDMI is made for home entertainment systems. It's standard on TVs, receivers, and streaming boxes, and it supports audio formats like Dolby Atmos through eARC, plus control features like CEC.
• You're using a game console (PS5, Xbox Series X) or media player. HDMI 2.1 gives you the bandwidth for 4K at 120 Hz, plus features like VRR and ALLM to smooth out gameplay.
• You're using a device that doesn't support DisplayPort. Many TVs, older laptops, and budget monitors only include HDMI ports.

Go with DisplayPort if...

• You're using a desktop PC with a high-refresh-rate monitor. DisplayPort supports higher refresh rates at high resolutions, perfect for competitive gaming or smooth 4K/240 Hz displays.
• You have a multi-monitor setup. Thanks to Multi-Stream Transport (MST), one DisplayPort output can daisy-chain multiple monitors, saving on ports and cables.
• You care about variable refresh rate for PC gaming. DisplayPort natively supports Adaptive Sync and works seamlessly with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync on many monitors.
• You want the most bandwidth possible. DisplayPort 2.1 currently leads the pack with up to 80 Gbps, making it ideal for 8K setups or future-proofing your gear.
• You're connecting through USB-C. Many modern laptops use USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, which lets you output to an external display without needing HDMI.

When You Need Both: One Dock to Rule Them All

Sometimes, choosing between DisplayPort and HDMI isn't about picking sides. If you're switching between high-refresh-rate gaming monitors and 4K TVs, or juggling work and entertainment setups, constantly swapping cables and adapters gets old fast.

That's where a good USB-C docking station comes in. And with Thunderbolt 5 now rolling out, there's a new wave of docks that can handle more bandwidth, more displays, and more devices—all at once.

A great example is the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station (14-in-1, 8K, Thunderbolt 5). It's built to take full advantage of what Thunderbolt 5 can do and gives you everything you need for a display-heavy setup:

• Next-gen Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth. The upstream port supports up to 80 Gbps in both directions—or up to 120 Gbps using Bandwidth Boost, which is ideal when pushing ultra-high-resolution video. That puts it right in line with DisplayPort 2.1's highest capabilities.
• Flexible video outputs. It includes both a DisplayPort 2.1 and an HDMI 2.1 port, so you can connect a high-end gaming monitor one moment and an 8K TV the next, without needing any adapters. It supports up to 4K at 240 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz.
• Plenty of power. It delivers 140W of charging for your laptop and 232W total to power your whole setup. Since it uses GaN technology, the power supply is compact and built right into the dock—no bulky power brick on the floor.
• Ports for everything. You get two Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports, two USB-C (10 Gbps), three USB-A, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD card readers, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Whether you're running external drives, a webcam, or a wired network, you're covered.
• Designed to stay cool and look good. It features built-in active cooling and a subtle LED ring around the body—practical for heavy workloads and easy on the eyes if it's sitting front and center on your desk.

With Thunderbolt 5 support and dual display outputs, this dock gives you the best of both worlds—no switching, no compromise. Just plug it into your laptop, and it handles the rest, whether your monitor speaks DisplayPort or HDMI.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a clear understanding of what is the difference between DisplayPort and HDMI—and why it matters. If you're gaming on a high refresh rate monitor or juggling multiple screens, DisplayPort might be your best bet. For home theaters or console setups, HDMI is still king. It really comes down to how and where you plan to use it. Either way, knowing the difference means you can plug in with confidence and get the most out of your gear.

FAQs

Is DisplayPort better quality than HDMI?

DisplayPort and HDMI both deliver excellent audio and video quality, but they serve different purposes. DisplayPort generally offers higher bandwidth, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates—making it ideal for PC gaming, multi-monitor setups, and professional applications. For example, DisplayPort 2.1 can handle up to 8K at 120Hz with compression. HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, supports up to 8K at 60Hz and is more widely used in TVs, consoles, and home theater systems.

Can I plug an HDMI cable into a DisplayPort?

Not directly. HDMI and DisplayPort use different signaling technologies. To connect an HDMI device to a DisplayPort input (or vice versa), you'll need an active adapter that converts the signal. For instance, connecting a laptop with HDMI output to a monitor with DisplayPort input requires an HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapter, which often needs external power via USB. Passive cables won't work in this scenario.

What is the disadvantage of DisplayPort?

The main disadvantage of DisplayPort is its limited compatibility with consumer electronics like TVs, gaming consoles, and projectors, which typically favor HDMI. While it's excellent for high-performance setups, DisplayPort cables and adapters can be more expensive and sometimes require active components to connect to HDMI devices.

What is DisplayPort used for?

DisplayPort is primarily used to connect computers to monitors, offering high-resolution and high-refresh-rate capabilities. It's popular among gamers, graphic designers, and professionals who require precise visuals. Additionally, DisplayPort supports features like Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining multiple monitors and Adaptive Sync technologies for smoother gameplay. While it's mainly found on PCs and monitors, some laptops and docking stations also utilize DisplayPort connections.