Ports → DisplayPort vs HDMI

DisplayPort vs HDMI: which should you use?

Both carry video and audio. HDMI is the everyday connection of TVs, consoles and home theatre; DisplayPort is built mainly for computer monitors and also runs over USB-C. Which one wins depends on the version both ends support and what you connect—here is the comparison, with every figure sourced.

Updated: 2026-10-23

By Nicki A.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-23 by ELORUMTECH against the primary sources listed below · How we check compatibility

Short answer: PC gaming monitor → DisplayPort, unless the monitor lists its top mode only on HDMI 2.1. Console or streaming box → TV → HDMI 2.1 with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable [PS1][XB1]. Laptop → monitor → USB-C/Thunderbolt carrying DisplayPort, or HDMI direct [V4][AP1]. Several monitors from one port → DisplayPort MST on Windows [IN1]; on a Mac, Dell’s dock documentation states that macOS lacks MST support [DL1]. TV audio to a soundbar → HDMI eARC [HL3].

Confidence: standards-backed • confirm the exact mode on both devices

Versions and bandwidth at a glance

The version matters more than the plug. HDMI is backward compatible [HL2], and a chain runs at the level of its weakest part: Dell’s example is an HDMI 2.1 computer with an HDMI 2.0 cable and HDMI 2.0 monitor giving HDMI 2.0 performance, 4K @ 60 Hz maximum [DL2].

Published maximums from HDMI Forum, HDMI LA and VESA. A version label is not a promise of the maximum: VESA certifies DisplayPort 2.1b devices with HBR2 plus DSC as the minimum [V4]. “—” means the cited source gives no figure.
Version	Max link bandwidth	Headline modes in the spec announcement	Cable
HDMI 2.0	Up to 18 Gbps [HF1]	4K at 50/60 Hz (2160p) [HF1]	Existing High Speed (category 2) cables [HF1]
HDMI 2.1	Up to 48 Gbps [HF2]	4K120 and 8K60, resolutions up to 10K [HF2]	Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, up to 48 Gbps [HL1]
HDMI 2.2	Up to 96 Gbps [HL2]	4K240 and 8K60, uncompressed with full chroma [HL2]	Ultra96 HDMI Cable, up to 96 Gbps [HL1]
DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3)	8.1 Gbps per lane, 32.4 Gbps over 4 lanes; 25.92 Gbps after overhead [V1]	8K at 60 Hz, 24-bit colour, with 2:1 DSC (DP 1.4a) [V4]	—
DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR10	10 Gbps per lane, 40 Gbps over 4 lanes [V2]	—	VESA DP40 [V2]
DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR13.5	13.5 Gbps per lane [V3]	—	VESA DP80 [V3]
DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20	20 Gbps per lane, 80 Gbps over 4 lanes [V2]; maximum payload 77.37 Gbps [V1]	VESA’s examples for UHBR in general (not UHBR20 alone): uncompressed 8K 60Hz HDR or 4K 240Hz HDR [V3]	VESA DP80 [V2]

On DisplayPort, a “2.1” label alone does not mean UHBR20: VESA certifies DisplayPort 2.1b devices that support a minimum of HBR2 with DSC [V4]. Look for UHBR10, UHBR13.5 or UHBR20 in the spec sheet. On HDMI, check that the TV states 4K 120 Hz and that you use its HDMI 2.1 port [PS1].

4K/120, 1440p high refresh and 8K

4K at 120 Hz and above

HDMI 2.1 supports 4K120 [HF2]; HDMI 2.0 is specified for 4K@50/60 [HF1]. For 4K @ 120 Hz over HDMI, Dell requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable [DL2].
DisplayPort 1.4’s HBR3 link carries 25.92 Gbps after overhead [V1]. DSC exists to achieve larger resolutions at higher refresh rates and is used over DisplayPort 1.4+ [NV1]; check the monitor’s spec for which 4K refresh rates it reaches over DP 1.4.
DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR carries uncompressed 4K 240Hz HDR [V3]; HDMI 2.2 lists 4K240 uncompressed [HL2].
With DSC, NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 lists up to 4K 480Hz on both DisplayPort 2.1b with UHBR20 and HDMI 2.1b [NV2].

1440p at high refresh

A 2560×1440 frame has about 44% of the pixels of a 3840×2160 frame (simple arithmetic), so 1440p at a given refresh rate needs much less link bandwidth than 4K.
VESA’s own example for DP 2.0 using only two lanes of a USB-C connector (DP Alt Mode): three QHD (2560×1440) @120Hz displays without compression [V4].
PS5: if your TV supports 1440p output, you can test SDR/HDR 60 Hz/120 Hz and VRR [PS1]. For monitors, see PS5 → 1440p monitor.
The deciding factor is which refresh rates the monitor lists per input—read that table rather than assuming both ports behave the same.

8K

HDMI 2.1 supports 8K60 [HF2]; HDMI 2.2 lists 8K60 uncompressed [HL2].
DisplayPort 1.4a supports 8K at 60Hz and 24-bit colour with 2:1 compression [V4]; DisplayPort UHBR carries uncompressed 8K 60Hz HDR [V3].
On Macs that support 8K, Apple specifies an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps HDMI cable [AP1].
PS5 Pro 8K output requires a screen that supports 8K at 60Hz with Display Stream Compression, and VRR is disabled during 8K output [PS1].

DSC (Display Stream Compression)

DSC is VESA’s codec with low latency and visually lossless performance [V5]; typical compression ratios range from 1:1 to about 3:1 [V4]. DisplayPort 1.4a was the first DisplayPort version to use DSC 1.2b [V5], DisplayPort 2.1 mandates DSC support [V2], and HDMI includes it for optional use [V4].

Both ends must support it. On NVIDIA, DSC over DisplayPort 1.4+ needs a GeForce RTX 20-series/GTX 16-series or newer GPU, DSC over HDMI 2.1 needs RTX 30-series or newer, and DSC is enabled automatically when the display supports it [NV1]. One catch: with two DSC displays on one GeForce GPU, you will not be able to use a third monitor at the same time [NV1].

VRR: HDMI VRR, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync, G-SYNC

Variable refresh rate lets a console or computer deliver frames as fast as it can instead of at a fixed refresh rate [HL4], reducing lag, stutter and tearing [HF2]. The names differ by connection:

HDMI VRR is part of HDMI 2.1 [HF2].
Adaptive-Sync is the DisplayPort version, first supported in DisplayPort 1.2a [V4].
AMD FreeSync builds on DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync and HDMI VRR and works over both connections [AMD1]; VESA AdaptiveSync certification is not the same as FreeSync certification [AMD1].
G-SYNC Compatible monitors don’t use NVIDIA processors but are validated by NVIDIA for basic VRR [NV3].

This page keeps VRR high level. For console specifics see PS5 HDMI 2.1 cable path and Xbox Series display compatibility.

Audio and eARC

DisplayPort supports multi-channel audio [V4]. For TVs, HDMI eARC sends audio from the TV and its sources to an AVR or sound bar through a single HDMI cable [HL3], including uncompressed 5.1, 7.1 and 32-channel audio and formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X [HL3]. eARC arrived alongside HDMI 2.1 [HF2]. See Console → HDMI AVR passthrough.

Several monitors: MST and daisy-chaining

Multi-Stream Transport (MST) is a DisplayPort capability [V4]. MST is supported on DisplayPort 1.2 ports, and daisy-chainable displays have both a DisplayPort input and output [IN1]. Intel graphics support MST via DisplayPort to DisplayPort only, up to three monitors with daisy-chaining or a DisplayPort hub [IN1]. Among its example configurations for DisplayPort 2.0 and 2.1, VESA lists two 4K (3840×2160) displays @144Hz without compression [V4].

Dell’s documentation for its Thunderbolt docks on Apple USB-C hosts points to “a lack of support for Multi-Stream Transport in macOS” [DL1], so for several displays on a Mac use separate ports or a Thunderbolt dock. Compare options in Dual-monitor: MST vs Thunderbolt.

Laptops: USB-C and DisplayPort Alt Mode

Over USB-C, DisplayPort, USB data and USB Power Delivery can be carried simultaneously through the same USB Type-C connector and cable [V4], and full-feature passive USB-C cables already support UHBR speeds [V3].

To a DisplayPort or USB-C monitor: use a USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable or a USB-C cable; VESA does not recommend receptacle adapters because they may cause poor picture quality, intermittent operation or no video [V4].
To an HDMI TV or monitor: adapters and adapter cables connect DisplayPort over USB-C to an HDMI input, and HDMI 2.0 is supported for 4K [V4]. On Macs with HDMI, use an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps HDMI cable and no adapter for the highest resolution and refresh rate [AP1].
Passive DP-to-HDMI adapters only work when the DisplayPort source has DP++ [V1].

More: USB-C laptop → 4K monitor, USB-C → HDMI adapter path, Thunderbolt dock: one-cable 4K/120.

Cables

HDMI 2.0 defines no new cables; existing High Speed (category 2) cables carry it [HF1].
HDMI 2.1: the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable supports the 48G bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 features [HF2]. Certification is mandatory and the label can be scanned with standard QR code apps [HL1].
HDMI 2.2: the Ultra96 HDMI Cable supports up to 96Gbps [HL1].
DisplayPort 2.1: VESA DP40 cables support UHBR10 (40 Gbps); DP80 cables support UHBR20 (80 Gbps) [V2] and also UHBR13.5 [V3]. DisplayPort 2.1 also allows longer cables without losing UHBR performance—beyond two meters for DP40 and beyond one meter for DP80 [V2].
Consoles: use the included cable or an Ultra High Speed cable [PS1][XB1].

If a cable already runs the mode you want, keep it.

Recommendations by setup. Always confirm the exact mode on both devices’ spec pages.
Setup	Use	Why	Watch out for
Gaming PC → monitor	DisplayPort (DP 1.4 with DSC, or DP 2.1 with UHBR)	Graphics cards may have more DisplayPort than HDMI outputs (the RTX 5090 lists 3x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI [NV2]); Adaptive-Sync has been in DisplayPort since 1.2a [V4]	If the monitor lists its top refresh only on HDMI 2.1, use HDMI 2.1. DSC needs GPU support (GeForce RTX 20 / GTX 16 or newer over DP) [NV1]
Console → TV	HDMI 2.1 port on the TV	PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz output [PS1]; Xbox Series X 4K 120 needs an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.1 [XB1]	Use the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port [PS1]; send audio on to a soundbar or AVR with eARC [HL3]
Laptop → monitor	USB-C/Thunderbolt carrying DisplayPort, or the laptop’s HDMI port	DisplayPort video, USB data and USB Power Delivery can share one USB-C cable [V4]	Prefer a USB-C-to-DisplayPort cable over receptacle adapters [V4]; on Macs, connect HDMI directly without an adapter for the highest refresh rate [AP1]
Several monitors, one port	DisplayPort MST (daisy-chain or hub) on Windows, or a Thunderbolt dock	Intel graphics: up to three monitors via daisy-chaining or a DisplayPort hub [IN1]	On a Mac, Dell’s dock documentation states that macOS lacks MST support [DL1]; two DSC monitors can block a third on one GeForce GPU [NV1]
PC or TV → soundbar/AVR	HDMI with eARC	eARC sends TV audio to an AVR or sound bar through a single HDMI cable [HL3]	See the console AVR passthrough guide for passthrough vs eARC setups

Before you buy anything

Find the exact mode you want (resolution, refresh rate, HDR) on the display’s spec page, per input.
Check the source’s output version (HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, DP 2.1 with UHBR) and DSC support.
Use the matching port on the display and a cable certified for that level.
Still stuck? See monitor stuck at 60 Hz or external monitor not detected.

Sources

Every figure above links to one of these primary sources (HDMI Forum, HDMI LA, VESA and device makers). Claims we could not verify in a primary source were left out.

HDMI Forum — HDMI Forum releases Version 2.0 of the HDMI Specification — HDMI Forum, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
HDMI Forum — HDMI Forum releases Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification — HDMI Forum, checked 2026-10-23 08:15 CEST
HDMI LA — Ultra96 HDMI Cable and Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable — HDMI Licensing Administrator, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
HDMI LA — HDMI 2.2 Specification overview — HDMI Licensing Administrator, checked 2026-10-23 08:15 CEST
HDMI LA — Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) — HDMI Licensing Administrator, checked 2026-10-23 08:15 CEST
HDMI LA — Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) — HDMI Licensing Administrator, checked 2026-10-23 08:15 CEST
VESA — Why DisplayPort — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
VESA — VESA Releases DisplayPort 2.1 Specification — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
VESA — DisplayPort UHBR device certification and DP40/DP80 cables — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 22:48 CEST
VESA DisplayPort — FAQ (incl. DSC and DisplayPort over USB-C) — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
VESA — DSC Display Stream Compression — VESA, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
Intel Support — Which Intel Core processors / graphics support Multi-Stream Transport (MST)? — Intel, checked 2026-10-23 08:16 CEST
NVIDIA Support — Using high resolution/refresh rate displays with VESA DSC on GeForce GPUs — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 08:18 CEST
NVIDIA — GeForce RTX 5090 specifications (display support) — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 08:16 CEST
NVIDIA — G-SYNC monitors (G-SYNC, G-SYNC ULTIMATE, G-SYNC Compatible) — NVIDIA, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
AMD — AMD FreeSync technology (FAQ) — AMD, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
Apple Support — Use an 8K display with your Mac — Apple, checked 2026-10-23 08:14 CEST
Dell Support — Dell Thunderbolt docks and Apple USB-C hosts (MST on macOS) — Dell, checked 2026-10-23 08:17 CEST
Dell Support — Frequently asked questions about the HDMI port on a Dell PC — Dell, checked 2026-10-23 08:20 CEST
PlayStation Support — PS5 4K resolution and HDMI guide — Sony Interactive Entertainment, checked 2026-10-23 08:16 CEST
Xbox Support — Set up 4K gaming at 120 Hz on Xbox Series X — Microsoft, checked 2026-10-23 08:17 CEST

Check your exact devices

Not sure which port your setup can use? Pick your source and display in the solver to get the connection path, cable and settings to check.

Open the Display & Connection Solver →

FAQ

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI?

Neither is better everywhere. DisplayPort is usually the better fit for PC monitors: cards such as NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 have more DisplayPort than HDMI outputs, it supports Adaptive-Sync and it can drive several monitors from one port with MST. HDMI is the standard for TVs, consoles, soundbars and AV receivers and adds eARC audio. Compare the versions both devices actually support, not the plug.

Can HDMI 2.1 do 4K at 120 Hz?

Yes. HDMI 2.1 raised bandwidth to up to 48 Gbps and supports 4K120 and 8K60. You need HDMI 2.1 on both ends, the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port and an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. HDMI 2.0 tops out at 4K 50/60 Hz.

Do I need DisplayPort 2.1 for 4K high refresh?

Not always. DisplayPort 1.4 can use DSC compression to go beyond what its 25.92 Gbps HBR3 payload carries uncompressed, and a GeForce RTX 20-series or newer card supports DSC over DisplayPort. DisplayPort 2.1 with UHBR rates adds headroom, such as uncompressed 4K 240 Hz HDR. Note that a “DP 2.1” label alone can mean as little as HBR2 with DSC, so look for UHBR10, UHBR13.5 or UHBR20.

Which cable do I need?

For HDMI 2.1 features, use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (48 Gbps); HDMI 2.2 introduces the Ultra96 cable (96 Gbps). For DisplayPort 2.1, a VESA DP40 cable covers UHBR10 and a DP80 cable covers UHBR13.5 and UHBR20. HDMI 2.0 works over existing High Speed cables. If a cable already works at the mode you want, keep it.

Can I use DisplayPort with a TV or console?

TVs and consoles are built around HDMI, so use HDMI there. A PC with a DP++ port can feed an HDMI display through an adapter, and USB-C laptops can use USB-C-to-HDMI adapters, but for 4K 120 Hz to a TV the simplest path is a native HDMI 2.1 output with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.

How do I daisy-chain monitors?

Use DisplayPort MST: every monitor except the last needs a DisplayPort input and output, and the source must support MST. Intel graphics support up to three monitors with daisy-chaining or a DisplayPort hub. Dell’s dock documentation states that macOS lacks support for Multi-Stream Transport, so Macs need separate ports or a Thunderbolt dock instead.