Tech Guide 101: Which is Better DisplayPort or HDMI?

When connecting your laptop/PC to a monitor or TV, you may wonder: which is better DisplayPort or HDMI? Both are popular digital interface standards that allow you to transmit video/audio signals from your device to a display. However, they have some key differences that can impact your viewing experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at HDMI and DisplayPort, compare their features, and help you determine the best choice for your needs.

What Is HDMI?

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a widely used digital interface for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals between devices. It was developed as a replacement for older analog connections and has become the standard connector for consumer electronics, such as TVs, gaming consoles, and home theater systems. HDMI cables are capable of carrying both high-resolution video and/or multi-channel audio in a single cable, simplifying the connection process and reducing cable clutter.

Key features of HDMI include:

• Support for various video resolutions, including 720p, 1080p, 4K, and even 8K in the latest HDMI versions
• Ability to transmit multi-channel audio, such as Dolby Digital and DTS
• HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) for secure transmission of copyrighted content
• CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) for controlling multiple devices with a single remote
• ARC (Audio Return Channel) for sending audio from a TV back to a connected audio system

What Is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort is a digital interface designed primarily for connecting computers to displays, such as monitors and projectors. Developed by the renowned Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), DisplayPort aims to provide a high-bandwidth, versatile connection for both video and audio signals. It has gained popularity in the PC market, particularly among gamers and professionals who require high-resolution, multi-monitor setups.

Key features of DisplayPort include:

• Support for high resolutions and refresh rates, including 4K and 8K displays
• Ability to daisy-chain multiple monitors from a single DisplayPort connection
• HDCP support for secure transmission of protected content
• Audio support for up to 8 channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz audio
• Adaptive Sync technology for smoother, tear-free gaming experiences
• Compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 ports on some devices

With the increasing adoption of USB-C ports on laptops and devices, USB-C to DisplayPort adapters have become a convenient way to connect displays. These adapters leverage the USB-C port's Alternate Mode feature to output DisplayPort signals. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of DisplayPort, such as high resolutions and refresh rates, even on devices that lack a dedicated DisplayPort output.

The Anker PowerExpand USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter is the perfect choice for elevating your viewing experience. With support for stunning 4K resolution at 60Hz, you can connect your USB-C phone or laptop to a DisplayPort monitor and enjoy crystal-clear visuals. The adapter offers multiple display modes, allowing you to either mirror or extend your display seamlessly. Plus, with its plug-and-play functionality, you can utilize it immediately without any complicated installation process.

What Are the Differences between HDMI and DisplayPort?

While both digital interfaces are capable of transmitting high-quality video/audio signals, there are several key differences between DisplayPort vs HDMI:

1. Target Market:HDMI is more common in consumer electronics, such as TVs and gaming consoles, while DisplayPort is primarily used in the PC market for connecting computers to monitors.

2. Connector Size:HDMI connectors are typically larger than DisplayPort connectors, which can be a consideration for devices with limited space.

3. Resolution and Refresh Rate Support:Both HDMI and DisplayPort support high resolutions and refresh rates, but the latest versions of DisplayPort (1.3 and 1.4) offer higher bandwidth, allowing for support of 8K displays and higher refresh rates at 4K resolution.

4. Multi-Monitor Support:DisplayPort allows for daisy-chaining multiple monitors from a single connection, while HDMI requires a separate connection for each display.

5. Audio Support:Both interfaces support multi-channel audio, but DisplayPort is capable of transmitting up to 8 channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz audio, while HDMI supports up to 32 audio channels.

6. Adaptive Sync:DisplayPort supports Adaptive Sync technology, which enables variable refresh rates for smoother, tear-free gaming experiences. HDMI 2.1 also supports a similar technology called Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

Between HDMI and DisplayPort: Which Is Better?

The choice between HDMI and DisplayPort depends on your specific needs and the different devices you are using. Here are some general guidelines:

1. For Home Theater Systems and Gaming Consoles:HDMI is the most common and convenient choice, as it is widely supported by consumer electronics devices.

2. For PC Users and Gamers:DisplayPort is generally the preferred option, particularly for those with high-performance graphics cards and multiple high-resolution monitors. DisplayPort's higher bandwidth, daisy-chaining capabilities, and Adaptive Sync support make it ideal for demanding PC applications.

3. For Laptops and Portable Devices:Many modern laptops and tablets feature a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which allows for connecting to external displays using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. This provides a versatile, high-performance connection option for portable devices.

4. For 4K and 8K Displays: Both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 support 4K resolutions at 60Hz, while HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 support 8K resolutions. However, DisplayPort 1.4 has the additional benefit of supporting higher refresh rates at 4K resolution compared to HDMI 2.0.

Conclusion

To wrap up, both HDMI and DisplayPort can deliver high-quality video/audio signals. HDMI is more widely supported and is the go-to choice for connecting home entertainment devices, while DisplayPort is more commonly found on computers and offers some advanced features like daisy-chaining and higher refresh rates. Ultimately, the best choice on which is better DisplayPort or HDMI depends on your specific requirements, the devices you're using, and the features you prioritize. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each standard, you can enjoy the best possible viewing experience.

FAQ

Is HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 better?

Both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 offer similar capabilities, supporting 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. However, DisplayPort 1.4 has a slight advantage in terms of PC setups, multi-monitor configurations, and gaming with higher refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync. It supports daisy-chaining multiple displays and offers superior flexibility, especially for professional use and gaming on PCs, despite having lower bandwidth than HDMI 2.1.

Is HDMI or DisplayPort better for 4K gaming?

For 4K gaming, both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 are capable of delivering 4K resolution at 60Hz. However, DisplayPort 1.4 has the added benefit of supporting HDR and higher refresh rates, making it a better choice for gamers who want to future-proof their setup or take advantage of advanced features.

Does DisplayPort have better audio than HDMI?

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI in terms of audio? DisplayPort and HDMI both support audio transmission, and the quality of the audio is generally comparable between the two. However, HDMI has a slight advantage in terms of audio formats, as it supports more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while DisplayPort is limited to fewer channels and formats.

How much faster is DisplayPort than HDMI?

The speed difference between DisplayPort and HDMI depends on the specific version of each standard. DisplayPort 1.4 has a reliable maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps, while HDMI 2.1 offers 48 Gbps. In practical terms, this means that DisplayPort 1.4 can support 8K resolution at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, while HDMI 2.1 can handle 10K resolution at 60Hz or 8K at 120Hz.