HDMI vs DisplayPort: which cable should you use in 2026?

Most monitors and graphics cards have both HDMI and DisplayPort sockets, and both carry video and audio over a single cable. So which one should you plug in? The short answer: DisplayPort for PC monitors, HDMI for TVs and consoles. The longer answer depends on the version each device supports, because that decides the resolution and refresh rate you actually get.

The quick difference

HDMI was built for home entertainment. It's on every TV, console, streaming box, AV receiver and soundbar, and it adds TV-specific features such as eARC (sending lossless audio back to a soundbar) and CEC (one remote controlling several devices).

DisplayPort is a VESA standard built for computers. It's on practically every desktop graphics card and most gaming monitors, it's the signal that runs through USB-C and Thunderbolt on laptops, and it can drive several monitors from one port via daisy-chaining (MST). Full-size DisplayPort plugs also have a latch, so they don't slip out.

Versions and bandwidth

What really limits you is bandwidth: how much data per second the link can carry. More pixels, higher refresh rates and 10-bit HDR colour all need more of it.

Two things to note. First, DisplayPort 2.1 has three speed grades, UHBR10 (40 Gbps), UHBR13.5 (54 Gbps) and UHBR20 (80 Gbps), and a device can claim "DP 2.1" with any of them, so check the spec sheet. Second, Display Stream Compression (DSC) lets both standards go well beyond their raw limits. A 4K 240 Hz monitor works fine over DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, and most players can't see the difference.

The same caution applies to HDMI: some monitors advertise "HDMI 2.1" but only offer 24 Gbps, which is not enough for full 4K 120 Hz with HDR. Look for the exact bandwidth or a "4K 120 Hz" claim per port.

Which to use, device by device

Gaming PC to monitor. Use DisplayPort. It's the port that monitor makers test first for high refresh rates, it carries VESA Adaptive-Sync (the basis of FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible), and older G-Sync monitors only offer VRR over DisplayPort. Our FreeSync vs G-Sync explainer covers the details. HDMI 2.1 works too if your monitor and GPU both support its full bandwidth.

Console to TV or monitor. Use HDMI; PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 have no DisplayPort. For 4K at 120 Hz and HDMI VRR on PS5 or Xbox, the TV or monitor needs HDMI 2.1 ports. If you're shopping for a screen, our gaming monitor guide explains which models make good console displays.

TV and soundbar. Use HDMI, and plug the soundbar into the TV's eARC port to pass Dolby Atmos from TV apps. TVs almost never have DisplayPort. Our TV buying guide explains how many HDMI 2.1 ports you need.

Laptop to monitor. If your laptop's USB-C or Thunderbolt port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (often marked with a DP or lightning icon), a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or a USB-C monitor is the cleanest option, and a USB-C monitor can charge the laptop over the same cable. Otherwise use the laptop's HDMI port, but check its version: many laptops still have HDMI 2.0, capped at 4K 60 Hz.

Several monitors from one port. Only DisplayPort supports MST daisy-chaining (and macOS doesn't support MST at all). HDMI needs one port per screen.

Cables: where most problems start

Flickering, black screens and refresh rates stuck at 60 Hz are usually the cable, not the port.

• For HDMI 2.1, buy a cable labelled Ultra High Speed HDMI, ideally with the certification label on the box. "High Speed HDMI" cables are 18 Gbps-era.
• For DisplayPort 2.1, look for DP40 or DP80 certification (40 and 80 Gbps). For DisplayPort 1.4, a VESA-certified DP8K cable is plenty.
• Keep passive cables short. At the highest speeds, reliable passive cables are typically a couple of metres long; for longer runs use active or fibre-optic cables.
• Adapters usually work in one direction only: DisplayPort to HDMI is common, but HDMI to DisplayPort needs a powered converter. Adapters can also drop VRR and HDR.