DisplayPort vs HDMI: which should I use?

Last checked November 14, 2026

Short answer

Both carry picture and sound. Use HDMI for TVs, which almost all have it. For a PC monitor, especially a high refresh rate gaming monitor, DisplayPort is often the better choice. To join one to the other, you need the right one-way adapter.

Find your port, get the right part

Look at the side or back of your device and pick the one that matches.

If you have: Computer has DisplayPort, screen has HDMI

The most common mix

ComputerDisplayPort
adapter
TVHDMI

DisplayPort to HDMI adapter

Your device outputs DisplayPort and the screen takes HDMI, so this adapter converts it.

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If you have: Computer has HDMI, monitor has only DisplayPort

Needs an active, powered converter

ComputerHDMI
adapter
MonitorDisplayPort

HDMI to DisplayPort converter

Your device outputs HDMI and the monitor takes DisplayPort, so this converts it.

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If you have: Both have DisplayPort

Best for high refresh rate monitors

ComputerDisplayPort
cable
MonitorDisplayPort

DisplayPort cable

Both ends are DisplayPort, so a standard DisplayPort cable connects them.

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How to connect it

  1. Look at the ports on both the computer and the screen.
  2. If both share a port type, use a straight cable of that type.
  3. If they differ, pick the adapter for that direction: they only work one way.

Check this first

  • Adapters between DisplayPort and HDMI work one way only. A DisplayPort to HDMI adapter will not turn an HDMI computer port into DisplayPort.
  • HDMI 2.1 carries up to 48 Gbps (4K at 120 Hz and more), DisplayPort 1.4 up to 32.4 Gbps, and DisplayPort 2.1 up to 80 Gbps. Your computer and screen both need the newer version to use it.

Questions people ask

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for gaming?

On a PC monitor, often yes: monitors usually reach their highest refresh rates over DisplayPort. On a TV or console, use HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120 Hz.

What can HDMI do that DisplayPort cannot?

HDMI has ARC and eARC for sending TV sound to a soundbar, and CEC so one remote controls several devices. TVs rarely have DisplayPort at all.

What can DisplayPort do that HDMI cannot?

DisplayPort can chain several monitors from one port (MST) on Windows, if the monitors support it, and it is the standard inside USB-C video.

Not sure which port you have?

Take a photo of it, or tap through the finder, and we will tell you.

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