HDMI vs DisplayPort
Two digital video standards with different homes: HDMI dominates televisions and consoles, DisplayPort dominates PC monitors and graphics cards.
Use whichever your two devices both have — that settles most cases. Where you have a choice, it usually comes down to what you plugged in: televisions, soundbars and games consoles are built around HDMI, while PC graphics cards and computer monitors favour DisplayPort. For a gaming PC driving a high refresh rate monitor, DisplayPort is generally the safer pick. For anything connected to a TV, HDMI, because it also carries the audio return and remote-control features a TV needs.
- Verdict:
- HDMI for televisions and consoles, DisplayPort for PC monitors
Side by side
| Specification | HDMI | DisplayPort |
|---|---|---|
| Found on | TVs, consoles, soundbars, laptops | Graphics cards, monitors, docks |
| Latest common version | 2.1 — 48 Gbps | 2.1 — up to 80 Gbps |
| Audio return (ARC/eARC) | Yes | No |
| Remote control passthrough | Yes, via CEC | No |
| Daisy-chaining monitors | No | Yes, via MST |
| Connector locks | No | Often, with a latch |
| Adaptive sync | Yes, HDMI 2.1 VRR | Yes, Adaptive-Sync |
They grew up in different places
HDMI came out of the consumer electronics industry and carries the things a living room needs: audio back down the same cable, and one remote controlling several boxes. DisplayPort came out of the computer industry and carries what a desktop needs: very high bandwidth and several monitors from one port.
For gaming
Both support variable refresh rate now, so the old rule that only DisplayPort did is out of date. On a PC, DisplayPort is still generally the more predictable route to high refresh rates at high resolution, and it is what a graphics card gives you most of. On a console, the question does not arise — it is HDMI.
Adapters are directional
DisplayPort to HDMI usually works, because DP sources can output an HDMI signal. HDMI to DisplayPort needs a powered active converter and is far more likely to disappoint. Buy the cable that matches the source rather than planning to adapt.
Check before you swap. Batteries with similar dimensions are not always interchangeable. Always verify voltage, chemistry and the requirements printed in your device manual before fitting a replacement.