DisplayPort and HDMI are the two most widely used cables for connecting source devices to displays and TVs, including game consoles, desktop computers, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes. For well over a decade, they have been the most widely used solutions as well, and it is unlikely that the most recent versions of each connector type will change that. 

They support the newest and greatest features and requirements, such as high refresh rates, 10-bit color, a variety of HDR standards, 4K and 8K resolution, and compression methods like chroma subsampling and display stream compression. Although HDMI and DisplayPort connections have many amazing features in common, they also differ in several key ways. 

However, if any of these cables face any issue, it can result in multiple problems, such as a No Dp Signal From Your Device error, other connectivity issues, etc. Performance variations can be rather noticeable, as can support resolutions and refresh rates, depending on which generations you compare. Let us explore these two cable types in detail and discuss the reasons you would prefer one over the other.

Similarities Between HDMI vs. DisplayPort

In terms of technology, transmitting audio and video data from a source to a display is what both DisplayPort and HDMI do. 

●     Both standards use a single male connection to send audio and video signals to the display/source's female connector.

●     Both cables are visually appealing, robust, and simple to connect and install.

●     Both provide forward and backward compatibility; an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable, for instance, is backward compatible, so it can still be used with HDMI devices that are already in use. 

Differences Between HDMI vs. DisplayPort

The two most prominent differences between HDMI and DisplayPort connectors are their shapes and sizes. The Type A HDMI connector, with its 19 pins and vertical symmetry, has only one way to be plugged in. Although non-reversible connectors have been around for a lot longer, reversible USB-C cables and connections seem to be taking over. This may seem a little outdated. 

Mini and Micro HDMI connectors are also less common. Despite their physically smaller size, they nonetheless make use of the same 19 pins (albeit in a different arrangement). The conventional DisplayPort connector is primarily rectangular in shape, with 20 pins and a notch in one corner to ensure proper orientation. It follows that it is also non-reversible, and because of its almost symmetrical connector, it may occasionally be difficult to plug in if you cannot see how it is oriented. 

DisplayPort, however, has little hooks that help hold any linked wires in place and need a button press to detach, so once you do get it plugged in, it should remain still. The same pin count is available in a reduced form factor when purchasing it in a miniature version. Despite being a key feature in Apple MacBooks and several monitors as part of Intel's initial Thunderbolt designs, the Mini DisplayPort is becoming considerably less common in modern devices, with manufacturers preferring USB-C.

HDMI vs. DisplayPort—Which one to choose??

The decision between DisplayPort and HDMI is not always obvious, and it mostly relies on your specific configuration. To assist you in selecting the ideal cable for optimal performance, consider the following scenarios: 

●     If you have to decide between DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, choose DisplayPort.

●     DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 are both supported by your display and associated devices; however, HDMI 2.0 is a preferable option because it supports HDR.

●     Your monitor and video card must both have HDMI 2.1 ports in order for you to use HDMI 2.1; if any of these devices only support HDMI 2.0, you will not be able to benefit from the newest capabilities.

●     HDMI is the preferred connection type for home theater systems because many TVs lack DisplayPort inputs.

●     Since HDMI 2.0+ is the only output on the majority of gaming devices, it is really the only thing you can use if you own a console. If your machine is compatible, DisplayPort is a superior alternative for PC gaming.

●     All connected devices should support HDMI if you need to connect your laptop to a TV or projector.

●     DisplayPort is the recommended option if you want to connect your laptop to numerous monitors, while HDMI can only handle a single screen.

●     Devices having only an HDMI output can be connected to DisplayPort inputs or vice versa using an adapter.

Conclusion

While the performance of DisplayPort and HDMI cables is quite similar, each has pros and cons. While DisplayPort was meant for computers, it offers several technical advantages over HDMI, which is supported by a wider range of devices. All in all, when it comes to connecting your computer to a new display, the sort of connection you use will mostly depend on your equipment, such as the graphics card in your computer, since you will want to use it to its maximum potential. The best option basically depends on the highest refresh rate you can get with each connection type, as there are no variations in performance between them in terms of picture quality, response time, or input lag.