HDMI vs DisplayPort: Choose the right one
- anirudhn2357
- Aug 23, 2024
- 3 min read
HDMI and DisplayPort are 2 of the most common and widely used media interfaces to hook up monitors to PCs (source) to transfer audio and video signals. Most modern-day computers and monitors are equipped with both HDMI and DisplayPort.
So, which one should you opt for in your setup? Let's dig in...
At a fundamental level, both HDMI and DisplayPort help in achieving the same goal i.e. transferring audio and video signals from a source to a display. The differences pop out when the different versions of both HDMI and DisplayPort standards are brought into picture.
Major differences can be seen in the output resolutions and refresh rates supported by the 2 standards. Something to keep in mind is the bandwidth and resolution depends on DP/HDMI versions of both the source and the display i.e. the max resolution and refresh rate depends on the lowest bandwidth available from both the source and the display.
Here is a quick comparison between the supported bandwidths.
Release Year | Max Bandwidth | HDR Support | |
HDMI 1.4 | 2009 | 10.2 Gbps | No |
HDMI 2.0 | 2013 | 18.0 Gbps | Yes |
HDMI 2.1 | 2017 | 48.0 Gbps | Yes |
DP 1.2 | 2010 | 21.6 Gbps | No |
DP1.4 | 2016 | 32.4 Gbps | Yes |
DP 2.0/2.1 | 2019 | 80.0 Gbps | Yes |
Max Refresh Rates (Uncompressed)
Resolution | HDMI 1.4 | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.2 | DP 1.4 | DP 2.1 |
1080p (8-bit) | 147Hz | 246Hz | 589Hz | 289Hz | 406Hz | 884Hz |
1080p (10-bit) | 120Hz | 202Hz | 499Hz | 238Hz | 338Hz | 770Hz |
1440p (8-bit) | 86Hz | 147Hz | 379Hz | 174Hz | 251Hz | 609Hz |
1440p (10-bit) | 69Hz | 119Hz | 314Hz | 142Hz | 206Hz | 516Hz |
UWQHD (8-bit) | 65Hz | 112Hz | 297Hz | 133Hz | 194Hz | 491Hz |
UWQHD (10-bit) | 52Hz | 91Hz | 245Hz | 108Hz | 158Hz | 412Hz |
4K (8-bit) | 39Hz | 69Hz | 188Hz | 82Hz | 120Hz | 323Hz |
4K (10-bit) | 32Hz | 55Hz | 153Hz | 66Hz | 97Hz | 267Hz |
8K (8-bit) | NA | NA | 50Hz | NA | 31Hz | 92Hz |
8K (10-bit) | NA | NA | 40Hz | NA | NA | 74Hz |
Max Capped Out Refresh Rates
Resolution | HDMI 1.4 | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.2 | DP 1.4 | DP 2.1 |
1080p (8-bit) | 144Hz | 240Hz | 540Hz | 280Hz | 360Hz | 540Hz |
1080p (10-bit) | 120Hz | 144Hz | 500Hz | 240Hz | 240Hz | 540Hz |
1440p (8-bit) | 75Hz | 144Hz | 360Hz | 170Hz | 240Hz | 360Hz |
1440p (10-bit) | 60Hz | 75Hz | 360Hz | 120Hz | 165Hz | 360Hz |
UWQHD (8-bit) | 60Hz | 100Hz | 240Hz | 120Hz | 165Hz | 240Hz |
UWQHD (10-bit) | 50Hz | 60Hz | 240Hz | 100Hz | 144Hz | 240Hz |
4K (8-bit) | 30Hz | 60Hz | 144Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 240Hz |
4K (10-bit) | 30Hz | 30Hz | 144Hz | 60Hz | 75Hz | 240Hz |
8K (8-bit) | NA | NA | 50Hz | NA | 30Hz | 85Hz |
8K (10-bit) | NA | NA | 40Hz | NA | NA | 60Hz |
Additional features and differences
DisplayPort supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) which allows you to connect multiple displays in a chain to a single DisplayPort connection on your computer. AKA Daisy Chaining. This isn't supported by HDMI.
G-Sync Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) works only over DisplayPort.
One of the most popular features that HDMI has, which DisplayPort doesn't, is eARC/ARC support. This allows you to connect a compatible soundbar over HDMI and passthrough common audio formats from an external source to the soundbar.
Compatibility
HDMI | DisplayPort | |
TVs | Yes | No |
Projectors | Yes | No |
Monitors | Yes | Yes |
Computers | Yes | Yes |
PlayStation & Xbox | Yes | No |
Blu-ray Players | Yes | No |
Soundbars & Receivers | Yes | No |
Streaming Devices | Yes | No |
Cable Set-Top boxes | Yes | No |
Conclusion
DisplayPort and HDMI cables deliver very similar performance, but they each have advantages and disadvantages.
HDMI is supported on more devices, but DisplayPort has less supported devices while having more technical advantages.
Overall, if you're looking to connect your computer to a new monitor, choosing DisplayPort over HDMI is recommended provided your graphics card has support.
On the other hand, if you're looking to hook up TVs with streaming devices and soundbars for the fun family movie nights or date nights, HDMI is your way to go.
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