Updated Aug 18, 2026· 5 min read· Hands-on tested

Key takeaways

  • Bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 offers up to 48Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4 about 32Gbps, and DisplayPort 2.1 up to 80Gbps (54Gbps common on certified cables), the highest of the group.
  • Best device fit: DisplayPort dominates on PC graphics cards; HDMI 2.1 is standard on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and modern TVs.
  • Multi-monitor: DisplayPort supports MST daisy-chaining and splitters like the DP-to-Dual-HDMI 4K60 hub, which HDMI does not.
  • Refresh at 4K: Both hit 4K120, but DP 2.1 reaches higher refresh at 4K and enables 8K more easily.
  • Directionality: Passive DP-to-HDMI adapters and cables are usually one-way (PC source to HDMI display), so the direction is fixed.
  • Console features: HDMI 2.1 carries eARC, ALLM, and VRR for living-room setups that DisplayPort ignores.

What's inside

  1. Quick Verdict
  2. Key Differences
  3. DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.1
  4. HDMI 2.1
  5. Which Should You Buy?
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Final Verdict

The cable behind your monitor matters more than most gamers realize. In 2026 the two connections that carry high-refresh, high-resolution gaming signals are DisplayPort 1.4/2.1 and HDMI 2.1, and picking the wrong one can quietly cap your refresh rate or block a feature you paid for. Knowing which port to use for which setup saves you from that silent bottleneck.

Table of Contents

This comparison explains what each standard actually delivers, where adapters like the DisplayPort-to-Dual-HDMI splitter or the DP-to-HDMI 2.1 cable fit in, and how to wire a PC or console for the best result. Whether you’re running one 240Hz panel or driving multiple displays, this is how to choose.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Quick Verdict

For a gaming PC, DisplayPort is usually the better choice: DP 1.4 handles 4K at 120Hz and QHD at very high refresh, while DP 2.1 pushes far beyond that with 54Gbps of bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 is the right pick for consoles and TVs, where it delivers 4K120 and features like VRR and ALLM. If you need to bridge the two, a uni-directional DP-to-HDMI 2.1 cable or a powered splitter keeps the signal clean.

Key Differences

  • Bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 offers up to 48Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4 about 32Gbps, and DisplayPort 2.1 up to 80Gbps (54Gbps common on certified cables), the highest of the group.
  • Best device fit: DisplayPort dominates on PC graphics cards; HDMI 2.1 is standard on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and modern TVs.
  • Multi-monitor: DisplayPort supports MST daisy-chaining and splitters like the DP-to-Dual-HDMI 4K60 hub, which HDMI does not.
  • Refresh at 4K: Both hit 4K120, but DP 2.1 reaches higher refresh at 4K and enables 8K more easily.
  • Directionality: Passive DP-to-HDMI adapters and cables are usually one-way (PC source to HDMI display), so the direction is fixed.
  • Console features: HDMI 2.1 carries eARC, ALLM, and VRR for living-room setups that DisplayPort ignores.

DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.1

DisplayPort is the PC gamer’s default for good reason. DP 1.4 comfortably drives a QHD 240Hz or 4K 120Hz monitor, and DP 2.1 raises the ceiling dramatically with up to 54Gbps on certified cords, enough for 4K at 240Hz or 8K at 60Hz. It also supports Multi-Stream Transport, so a single output can feed multiple monitors through a hub like the DisplayPort-to-Dual-HDMI 4K60 MST splitter.

The main limitation is the device side: TVs and consoles rarely include DisplayPort inputs. That’s where a uni-directional cable such as the Warrky 4K DP-to-HDMI or the DP-to-HDMI 2.1 8K@60Hz cord comes in, letting a DisplayPort-equipped PC drive an HDMI-only display without a separate active adapter box.

HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.1 is the living-room and console standard. Its 48Gbps of bandwidth enables 4K120 gaming on a PS5 or Xbox Series X, plus quality-of-life features DisplayPort skips: Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and eARC for soundbars. If your display is a TV, HDMI 2.1 is almost always the connection you want.

On PC, HDMI 2.1 is fully capable, but you may need adapters to connect an HDMI-only display to a DisplayPort-heavy graphics card, or to split one source across two panels using a DGYBDFC-style DP-to-Dual-HDMI 4K60 adapter. Just remember most of these bridges are one-directional, so plan the source-to-display path before you buy.

Which Should You Buy?

  • Use DisplayPort if you’re on a gaming PC and want the highest refresh rates and multi-monitor daisy-chaining.
  • Use HDMI 2.1 if you’re gaming on a console or a TV that needs VRR, ALLM, or eARC.
  • Buy a uni-directional DP-to-HDMI cable when a DisplayPort PC must feed an HDMI-only screen.
  • Buy a powered DP-to-Dual-HDMI splitter for a clean two-monitor extended desktop from a single output.
  • Check the direction arrow on any adapter, since most passive ones only work source-to-display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DisplayPort or HDMI better for 144Hz gaming?

Both can do it, but DisplayPort 1.4 has more headroom at higher resolutions, easily handling QHD 144Hz and beyond. HDMI 2.1 also works, especially on consoles and TVs.

Can I connect a console to a DisplayPort monitor?

Only with an active HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapter, because most consoles output HDMI and passive DP-to-HDMI cables run the opposite direction. Check that the adapter is designed for HDMI source input.

Do DP-to-HDMI adapters lose quality?

A properly rated uni-directional cable or adapter preserves 4K resolution and high refresh up to its spec. Cheap or wrong-direction adapters can cap refresh or drop the signal entirely.

Can one DisplayPort output run two monitors?

Yes, using MST with a DisplayPort splitter or hub, provided your GPU and the splitter both support Multi-Stream Transport at your desired resolution and refresh rate.

Final Verdict

There’s no universal winner, only the right tool for your hardware. DisplayPort is the PC gamer’s connection of choice thanks to higher bandwidth ceilings and multi-monitor support, while HDMI 2.1 is essential for console and TV gaming with its VRR and ALLM features. When the two worlds meet, a certified uni-directional cable or a powered splitter bridges them cleanly. Match the port to the source device, confirm the cable’s rating and direction, and your display will run exactly as fast as it should.

A
Aiden Cooper
Our team buys and bench-tests every product for 40h+ before it earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

Is DisplayPort or HDMI better for 144Hz gaming?
Both can do it, but DisplayPort 1.4 has more headroom at higher resolutions, easily handling QHD 144Hz and beyond. HDMI 2.1 also works, especially on consoles and TVs.
Can I connect a console to a DisplayPort monitor?
Only with an active HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapter, because most consoles output HDMI and passive DP-to-HDMI cables run the opposite direction. Check that the adapter is designed for HDMI source input.
Do DP-to-HDMI adapters lose quality?
A properly rated uni-directional cable or adapter preserves 4K resolution and high refresh up to its spec. Cheap or wrong-direction adapters can cap refresh or drop the signal entirely.
Can one DisplayPort output run two monitors?
Yes, using MST with a DisplayPort splitter or hub, provided your GPU and the splitter both support Multi-Stream Transport at your desired resolution and refresh rate.
Affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices accurate as of the date shown.
DisplayPort vs HDMI 2.1 for Gaming (2026)Check price on Amazon