HDMI 2.1 vs Displayport 1.4: Which is better and how should you choose?

HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort 1.4 has become a common comparison as display technology continues to evolve. Both interfaces support 4K resolution, high refresh rates, and features like HDR and adaptive sync, but their specifications are not identical. Differences in bandwidth, compression technologies, and compatibility can impact everything from gaming to video editing.

If you're wondering what exactly is the difference between DisplayPort 1.4 vs HDMI 2.1, and which of the two is really good and really works for you. This article will provide you with the information you want to know.

Part 1: What is DisplayPort 1.4?

DisplayPort 1.4 is a digital display interface developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). It was first introduced in 2016 and has since become one of the most reliable standards for high-performance video transmission, especially in the PC and professional monitor space.

Unlike earlier versions, DisplayPort 1.4 supports resolutions up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz, making it ideal for high-refresh-rate displays. It also supports Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2, which allows visually lossless transmission of ultra-high-resolution content with lower bandwidth demand and of 10-bit or even 12-bit color at high frame rates. This makes DisplayPort 1.4 a strong choice for users working with HDR workflows, color grading, or any setup where image accuracy is critical. For users comparing DisplayPort 1.4 vs HDMI 2.1, this compression capability is a key difference, particularly when working with 4K or 8K displays.

Color depth and format are where DP 1.4 often outperforms legacy standards. It can deliver HDR10 content with full 4:4:4 chroma subsampling at high bit depth, preserving rich shadow detail and wide color gamut. For professionals, the ability to transmit full-bandwidth RGB or YCbCr without compression artifacts makes a notable difference.

DisplayPort 1.4 offers a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps and a data rate of 25.92 Gbps. While this is lower than the 48 Gbps offered by HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort's efficient protocol and support for features like Adaptive Sync, HDR10, and multi-stream transport (MST) make it highly suitable for gamers, creators, and multi-monitor setups.

Another advantage of DP 1.4 is that it often appears on graphics cards and high-end monitors, making it a popular choice among PC users. When comparing dp 1.4 vs hdmi 2.1, DisplayPort tends to provide more flexibility for desktop environments, especially when daisy-chaining multiple monitors.

Part 2: What is HDMI 2.1?

HDMI 2.1 is the latest major update to the High-Definition Multimedia Interface, released by the HDMI Forum in late 2017. It introduced several significant improvements over previous HDMI versions, especially in bandwidth, resolution support, and audio-visual performance.

One of the most notable upgrades in MHDMI 2.1 is its massive bandwidth capacity—up to 48 Gbps. This allows for uncompressed 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz, and support for advanced features like Dynamic HDR, Dolby Vision, and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

In terms of color performance, HDMI 2.1 supports 10-bit and 12-bit color depth, making it ideal for HDR content. It’s fully compatible with HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Unlike older HDMI versions, HDMI 2.1 also supports 4:4:4 chroma subsampling at high resolutions and refresh rates—essential for content creators and high-fidelity video playback.

Another area where HDMI 2.1 shines is gaming. It includes support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT)—technologies that reduce screen tearing, input lag, and latency on next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. For users deciding between HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 for console gaming, HDMI is often the default due to broader support on TVs and AV receivers.

However, HDMI 2.1 is not always available on PC monitors and GPUs. While modern graphics cards increasingly include HDMI 2.1 ports, DP 1.4 vs HDMI 2.1 remains a valid question for many desktop setups. If you're prioritizing console gaming and home theater use, HDMI 2.1 may be the better choice. But if your focus is multi-display productivity or workstation workflows, DisplayPort still holds some key advantages.

Part 3: Key Differecnces - HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort 1.4 [With Summary Table]

When it comes to connecting your devices for high-performance video and audio, the choice between HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 isn’t always straightforward. Both offer impressive capabilities—but they serve different needs. Here’s a deep technical breakdown of how they compare.

1. Bandwidth: Who Delivers More Data?

HDMI 2.1 supports a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps, while DisplayPort 1.4 offers 32.4 Gbps. On paper, HDMI clearly leads in raw throughput.

But there’s a nuance—DisplayPort 1.4 uses Display Stream Compression (DSC 1.2a), a visually lossless technology that allows it to transmit 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz despite the lower native bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 can achieve the same resolutions without compression, thanks to its higher pipeline.

2. Resolution & Refresh Rates: 4K, 8K, and Beyond

Both standards support 4K@120Hz, which is essential for fast-paced gaming and ultra-smooth visuals. They can even handle 8K video, but again with different methods:

💡 Tip：For users aiming at 4K@144Hz or even 240Hz, HDMI 2.1 may offer better plug-and-play support on TVs and newer consoles, while DisplayPort 1.4 remains an excellent choice for PC monitors with DSC.

3. Color Depth & HDR: Visual Fidelity Matters

Both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 support 10-bit color depth and HDR formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision (HDMI). However, HDMI 2.1’s eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support gives it an advantage in home theater systems, enabling full-resolution, lossless audio like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

DisplayPort 1.4, while excellent for video fidelity, doesn’t support eARC.

💡 Tip：For PC color grading, DisplayPort 1.4 is ideal. But for immersive AV setups, HDMI 2.1 wins with richer sound handling.

4. Device Compatibility: What Can You Plug Into?

HDMI 2.1 is now standard on TVs, gaming consoles (like PS5, Xbox Series X), and AV receivers.

DisplayPort 1.4 is found on high-end GPUs, gaming monitors, docking stations, and workstations.

Summary Table: HDMI 2.1 vs DP 1.4 at a Glance

Part 4: HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 – Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how you plan to use your display setup. Below is a breakdown based on four common scenarios.

a. For Gaming

If you're gaming on a console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.1 is the clear winner. These systems are built with HDMI 2.1 outputs and support features like 4K@120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) through HDMI. DisplayPort isn’t available on consoles.

For PC gamers, it gets more nuanced. DisplayPort 1.4 supports 4K@144Hz and even 4K@240Hz via Display Stream Compression (DSC). It's commonly found on gaming monitors and high-end graphics cards. Features like G-Sync and FreeSync also work better on DisplayPort in many setups, making it a strong choice for competitive gaming.

Choose HDMI 2.1 if:

• You’re using a next-gen gaming console.
• Your monitor supports HDMI 2.1 and you want 4K@120Hz with HDR and VRR.

Choose DisplayPort 1.4 if:

• You’re gaming on a PC with a GPU that supports DisplayPort 1.4.
• You play at 1440p or 4K with high frame rates and want lower latency and better VRR performance.

* For detailed information on the different performances of HDMI and DisplayPort cables in gaming, you can click here to read.

b. For Streaming and Media Consumption

If you're connecting to a TV or home theater system, HDMI 2.1 is the more media-friendly option. It supports eARC for high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby Atmos, and broader compatibility with HDR standards such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

While DisplayPort 1.4 can technically handle HDR, it's less widely supported on TVs and AV receivers. You’re also unlikely to benefit from its bandwidth in typical video playback scenarios.

Choose HDMI 2.1 if:

• You're watching movies or streaming on a TV.
• You want support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and seamless audio/video sync.

Choose DisplayPort 1.4 if:

• You're connecting to a monitor and HDR isn’t your priority.

c. For Productivity and Workstations

Professionals using multi-monitor setups or working in creative fields may benefit more from DisplayPort 1.4. It supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST), allowing you to daisy-chain multiple monitors from a single port. DisplayPort also supports DSC, enabling 10-bit or even 12-bit color at high refresh rates — great for video editors and graphic designers.

HDMI 2.1, while powerful, lacks MST support and is more limited on PCs unless you have a high-end GPU and compatible monitor.

Choose HDMI 2.1 if:

• You use a Mac or all-in-one PC that only has HDMI outputs.
• You’re connecting to a high-end display but don’t need MST.

Choose DisplayPort 1.4 if:

• You work with dual or triple monitors.
• You need high color accuracy and resolution for creative tasks.

FAQ

1. Is HDMI 2.1 better than DisplayPort 1.4 for gaming?

It depends on your setup. For console gaming on a TV (like PS5 or Xbox Series X), HDMI 2.1 is better thanks to its support for 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC. But for PC gaming, especially with high refresh rate monitors (144Hz or 240Hz), DisplayPort 1.4 often provides better compatibility and flexibility—especially with features like DSC and multi-monitor daisy chaining.

2. Can DisplayPort 1.4 do 4K@144Hz or 8K?

Yes. DisplayPort 1.4 can handle 4K at 144Hz and even 8K at 60Hz using DSC (Display Stream Compression), which is visually lossless. However, monitor and GPU support is essential. It offers 32.4 Gbps of bandwidth, which is lower than HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps), but more efficient in compression and latency for PC use.

3. Which is better for 4K 144Hz — HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4?

For 4K@144Hz, both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 can deliver this resolution and refresh rate. However, DisplayPort 1.4 often achieves this with DSC, while HDMI 2.1 can handle it natively if the GPU and monitor support the full bandwidth. For PC gamers, DisplayPort is typically more reliable and widely supported at this refresh rate.

4. Do TVs support DisplayPort 1.4?

No, most consumer TVs do not support DisplayPort inputs—they are built around HDMI standards. If you're gaming on a TV, HDMI 2.1 is your only real option. DisplayPort is mainly found on monitors, docking stations, and professional workstations.

5. Can I use an HDMI 2.1 to DisplayPort 1.4 adapter?

No, not directly. HDMI and DisplayPort use different signaling protocols, and converting from HDMI 2.1 to DisplayPort 1.4 (especially for gaming resolutions like 4K 120Hz) is not reliably supported. Active adapters are available but often limited in bandwidth and may not support full resolution and refresh rates.

Conclusion

When it comes to HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort 1.4, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each has its strengths—and your ideal choice depends entirely on how you plan to use your setup. Also consider cable quality and certification. HDMI 2.1 cables should be Ultra High Speed Certified, while DisplayPort 1.4 cables should ideally be VESA Certified to ensure performance and stability.

No matter your choice, having the right cable is key to unlocking the full potential of your devices. If you're looking for a high-quality, certified cable that delivers consistent performance—check out Silkland's cables built for gamers, creators, and tech enthusiasts.

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