HDMI vs DisplayPort
Both carry high-definition video and audio over a single cable. The right choice depends on whether you are connecting a TV, a PC monitor, or a gaming device. Here is the plain-English breakdown.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 1.4 | DisplayPort 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max bandwidth | 48 Gbps | 25.92 Gbps | 77.37 Gbps |
| 4K 60 Hz | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4K 144 Hz | ✅ | ✅ (with DSC) | ✅ |
| 4K 240 Hz | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| 8K 60 Hz | ✅ | ✅ (with DSC) | ✅ |
| Audio return (ARC/eARC) | ✅ (eARC on HDMI 2.1) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Monitor daisy-chain (MST) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| G-Sync (Nvidia VRR) | Limited (G-Sync Compatible) | ✅ Full G-Sync | ✅ Full G-Sync |
| FreeSync (AMD VRR) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Common on TVs | ✅ | Rare | Rare |
| Common on PC monitors | ✅ | ✅ | Growing |
| Common on game consoles | ✅ (PS5, Xbox use HDMI) | ❌ | ❌ |
Verdict by scenario
Use HDMI when:
- Connecting a game console (PS5 and Xbox Series X output over HDMI 2.1 — no DisplayPort port)
- Connecting a TV (nearly all TVs have HDMI; DisplayPort is rare on TVs)
- Using a soundbar or AV receiver with eARC for uncompressed Dolby Atmos / DTS:X (DisplayPort has no ARC equivalent)
- Connecting a Blu-ray player or streaming stick
Use DisplayPort when:
- PC gaming at high refresh rates (144 Hz+) with an Nvidia GPU (G-Sync requires DP)
- Running multiple monitors from a single cable via MST daisy-chaining
- Using DP 2.0 for extreme resolutions (8K 60 Hz uncompressed, multiple 4K monitors)
- Connecting a PC to a gaming monitor that lacks HDMI 2.1 but has DP 1.4
Can I adapt HDMI to DisplayPort?
Passive adapters only work in one direction. HDMI output → DisplayPort input requires an active adapter with a chipset. DisplayPort output → HDMI input also requires an active adapter for HDMI 2.0+. Passive "adapters" sold cheaply online often fail or only support low resolutions. Verify the adapter is rated for your target resolution and refresh rate before buying.
Which do modern PCs ship with?
Most discrete GPUs and desktop PCs include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Laptops vary: ultra-thin notebooks often provide only USB-C (with Alt Mode for DP or HDMI), while gaming laptops typically include a full-size HDMI 2.1 port. Desktop monitors commonly include at least one of each.