How to Choose Between HDMI and DisplayPort for Your Monitor
Why the specific version matters more than the connector type itself.
Both transmit digital video and audio — the real difference lies in the specific versions and what resolutions/refresh rates they support.
What genuinely matters isn't "HDMI vs DisplayPort" in the abstract, but the specific version of each — a recent HDMI 2.1 beats an old DisplayPort 1.2, and vice versa. Check the specific version of your monitor's and graphics card's ports, not just the connector's name.
When each is usually preferred
- DisplayPort: more common on high-end PC monitors, usually leads in supporting very high refresh rates at maximum resolution.
- HDMI: universal — also on TVs, consoles and projectors, more versatile if you connect several different types of devices.
Tip: if your monitor and graphics card both support similar versions, the choice is practically indifferent for normal use — prioritise whichever cable you already have or whichever port is more convenient to connect.
Frequently asked questions
Is DisplayPort always better than HDMI?
Not necessarily — it depends on the specific version of each. A recent HDMI 2.1 can beat an old-version DisplayPort. Compare the specific versions, not just the connector's name.
Why do PC monitors usually have DisplayPort in addition to HDMI?
DisplayPort has traditionally led in supporting very high refresh rates at maximum resolution, being popular among high-end gaming monitors, though HDMI has been closing that gap with its more recent versions.