HDMI is the home theater standard. DisplayPort is the PC monitor standard. Here is which to use where.
Updated 2026
Verdict
Use HDMI for anything in the living room: TVs, receivers, soundbars and consoles. Use DisplayPort for PC monitors, especially high-refresh gaming screens. A 48 Gbps Ultra High Speed HDMI cable supports eARC audio such as Dolby Atmos; DisplayPort 1.4 offers 32.4 Gbps but has no audio return channel.
By Glen
Free tool · 1 minute
Planning the sound? Get the whole matched system.
Pick 5.1, 5.1.2, 7.1 or 7.1.4 and a budget, and get timbre-matched speakers, a sub sized to your room and a receiver with enough channels.
budget cable
Check Cable Matters 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Cable Pricebudget cable
Check Cable Matters DisplayPort 1.4 Cable Price| Cable Matters 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Cable | Cable Matters DisplayPort 1.4 Cable | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 48 Gbps (HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed) | 32.4 Gbps (DisplayPort 1.4, HBR3) |
| Max resolution (per listing) | 8K at 60 Hz, 4K at 240 Hz | 8K at 60 Hz with DSC, 4K at 240 Hz |
| Audio return | eARC for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | No audio return channel |
| Where it is found | TVs, receivers, soundbars, consoles | PC monitors and graphics cards |
| Multi-monitor | No | MST daisy-chaining |
| Dolby Vision / HDR | Dolby Vision, 12-bit color (per listing) | HDR on supported monitors |
| Connector | Locks only by friction | Latching connector on many cables |
The table compares bandwidth, resolution, audio return, usage and multi-monitor support; look for a certified cable label to be sure of the stated bandwidth.
You connect a TV, an AV receiver, a soundbar or a game console. HDMI is what those devices use, and eARC lets a TV send Dolby Atmos to a receiver.
Check Cable Matters 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Cable on Amazon
You connect a PC to a gaming or productivity monitor, especially at high refresh rates, or want several monitors from one port with MST.
Check Cable Matters DisplayPort 1.4 Cable on Amazon
You are connecting a laptop with only USB-C. A USB-C cable or a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter may be what you need; check your port.
On a PC monitor, DisplayPort is the usual choice. On a TV or console, use HDMI 2.1. The best one is the one your devices both support at the refresh rate you want.
You need a certified cable that matches the bandwidth. A 48 Gbps Ultra High Speed cable is the safe choice for HDMI 2.1 devices; expensive does not mean better.
Yes, with an adapter or cable, but features such as VRR or full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth may be limited depending on the adapter.
Yes, to a monitor or display, but it does not provide an audio return channel to a receiver.
Comparison researched from published manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner reviews. We have not tested these units side by side. Specifications marked approximate should be confirmed on the manufacturer page before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.