Choosing between HDMI and DisplayPort is a matter of preference for many users, but with 4K resolution, technical specifications come into play that can greatly affect your experience. Both standards offer benefits, but differ in purpose, use and technical capabilities. In this article, we’ll look at the key differences and help you decide which technology is ideal for you.
HDMI vs Displayport
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most widely used standard in home cinemas, TVs and consoles today. Modern versions, such as HDMI 2.1, support 4K resolution at 120 Hz and even 8K at 60 Hz. HDMI is exceptional in its ability to transmit both video and audio over a single cable, simplifying wiring and eliminating the need for multiple cables.
Key benefits of HDMI
Compatibility: HDMI is standard in most TVs, AV receivers and game consoles.
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).
Simplicity.
For the everyday consumer who wants to watch movies, play console games or enjoy high quality content, HDMI is the obvious choice.
Displayport
DisplayPort (DP) is a more technologically advanced interface that was developed primarily for gaming computers and professional applications. Modern versions such as DP 1.4 and DP 2.0 support 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz with even higher bandwidth than HDMI 2.1. DisplayPort is the ideal choice for those who require maximum performance when gaming, rendering graphics or working with multiple screens at once.
Key Benefits of DisplayPort
Higher bandwidth: Ideal for gamers and professionals working with high resolutions.
Support for multi-monitor setups.
Adaptive-Sync: Minimizes image tearing and improves smoothness in games.
DisplayPort (DP) versions
DisplayPort 1.4: Supports 4K at 120 Hz and DSC (Display Stream Compression), which allows higher resolutions without loss of quality.
DisplayPort 2.0: Delivers even higher throughput with support for up to 8K and 4K at 240Hz, ideal for gamers with demanding needs.
DisplayPort is often preferred for multi-monitor setups due to its support for daisy chaining technology, which allows multiple displays to be connected to a single port.
Differences between HDMI and Displayport
| HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 1.4/2.0 | |
| Maximum resolution | 4K @ 120 Hz (HDMI 2.1) | 4K @ 120 Hz (1.4), 4K @ 240 Hz (2.0) |
| Colour depth and HDR | Excellent (HDR10, Dolby Vision support) | Excellent (HDR10, DSC for higher resolutions) |
| Audio support | eARC for superior sound | Lesser used for audio |
| For games | Good (mainly consoles) | Excellent (especially for PC gamers) |
| Multi-monitor setups | Limited | Excellent (daisy chaining) |
Why is bandwidth key in cable transmission?
Bandwidth determines how much data a cable can transmit per second. With 4K resolution and high refresh rates, sufficient bandwidth is essential to ensure smooth images and quality. DisplayPort 2.0 clearly dominates in this regard, but HDMI 2.1 is more than capable of meeting the demands of most users for 4K content.
Which option is better for you?
The choice between HDMI and DisplayPort depends on your needs and the devices you use. Here are the key factors you should consider:
Gaming use: If you’re a gamer and plan to use 4K resolution with high refresh rates (120Hz and above), DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.0 is the ideal choice. This port allows for better performance at higher frame rates and offers excellent support for the latest gaming monitors.
Home theater and consoles: if you want to connect to a TV or game console, HDMI is the best choice. HDMI 2.1 enables 4K support at 120Hz, making it ideal for modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox X Series. HDMI also supports audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which is great for watching movies.
If you use multiple monitors or plan on doing professional work, DisplayPort will be a better choice. With support for multiple monitors over a single card (daisy-chaining) and higher refresh rates, it’s ideal for workstations and demanding applications.
While HDMI is ideal for home use, DisplayPort offers unsurpassed performance for professionals and the gaming segment. However, both technologies provide ample opportunity to harness the potential of 4K resolution.
The future of HDMI and DisplayPort: Where are these technologies headed?
Both technologies are constantly evolving. HDMI remains the dominant standard in electronics, while DisplayPort is increasingly focused on professional applications and the gaming segment. In the future, we can expect even higher resolutions, faster refresh rates and improvements in adaptive synchronization and bandwidth.