Explainer · Monitors
HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort: which cable should you use for your monitor?
Use DisplayPort for PC gaming and multi-monitor setups, HDMI 2.1 for consoles and TVs. Bandwidth, features, and the 2027 arrival of HDMI 2.2.
Most monitors have both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. They carry the same picture, but bandwidth and features differ, and some monitors only reach their headline refresh rate on one of them.
HDMI vs DisplayPort bandwidth
| Interface | Max bandwidth | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 4K 60Hz, 1440p up to about 144Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48 Gbps | Consoles at 4K 120Hz; PCs with DSC |
| HDMI 2.2 (2027) | Up to 96 Gbps | 4K 240Hz uncompressed |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 32.4 Gbps | PC gaming with DSC |
| DisplayPort 2.1 | 40 to 80 Gbps | 5K, 5K2K, and very high refresh rates |
Which port to use
- Gaming PC: DisplayPort, unless the manual says HDMI reaches the same refresh rate.
- PS5 or Xbox: HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz and VRR.
- Mac: USB-C or Thunderbolt to the monitor's USB-C or DisplayPort input, or HDMI on Macs that have it.
- Laptop with one cable: USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, which also charges.
- Soundbar or AV receiver: an HDMI port with eARC on the monitor, such as one of the Alienware AW2725Q's HDMI 2.1 ports.
Questions we get
Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for gaming?
For a PC, usually yes: monitors often reach their highest refresh rate only over DisplayPort, and Nvidia's G-Sync has historically been most reliable over DisplayPort. For consoles, HDMI is your only option.
Can HDMI 2.1 do 4K 240Hz?
With Display Stream Compression, yes on many monitors; HDMI 2.1 tops out at 48 Gbps. Some monitors limit HDMI to 120Hz or 144Hz, like the Alienware AW2726DM, so check the manual for each input's maximum.
What is HDMI 2.2?
The next HDMI version, at up to 96 Gbps, double HDMI 2.1, with uncompressed 4K at 240Hz. Chip makers began sampling silicon in 2026, and products are expected in 2027 with new Ultra96 cables.