Differences between DisplayPort and HDMI
Contents
DisplayPort vs. HDMI
DisplayPort and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are separate standards for transmitting digital video and audio from a source device to a display.[1] While both serve a similar function, they possess key differences in their features, typical applications, and the business models of their governing bodies. DisplayPort is managed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), a consortium of manufacturers.[2] HDMI is developed by the HDMI Forum and licensed by HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.[3]
Comparison Table
| Category | DisplayPort | HDMI |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)[2] | HDMI Forum / HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.[3] |
| Primary Market | Computer monitors and professional displays[4] | Televisions, game consoles, and consumer electronics[4] |
| Max. Bandwidth | 77.37 Gbit/s (DisplayPort 2.1)[5] | 48 Gbit/s (HDMI 2.1) |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Yes, via Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to daisy-chain displays from one port | No, typically requires one port per display[4] |
| Audio Return | No native equivalent | Yes, via Audio Return Channel (ARC) and eARC |
| Connector Security | Mechanical latch on full-size connector | Friction fit[4] |
| Licensing Model | Open standard, generally royalty-free for implementation | Annual fee and per-unit royalties required for manufacturers[3] |
Key Distinctions
Use Cases and Market Adoption
The distinct feature sets of DisplayPort and HDMI have led to their adoption in different markets. DisplayPort is frequently found on desktop computers, laptops, and high-performance monitors.[4] Its support for higher bandwidth and Multi-Stream Transport makes it suitable for multi-monitor and high-refresh-rate gaming setups.
HDMI is the standard interface for consumer electronics such as televisions, A/V receivers, Blu-ray players, and video game consoles.[4] Features like the Audio Return Channel (ARC) are designed for home theater environments, simplifying the connection between a TV and a sound system.
Technical Features
Multi-Stream Transport (MST) A feature exclusive to DisplayPort, MST allows a single port on a source device to send out multiple independent video signals. This enables users to connect multiple monitors in a "daisy-chain" sequence or through an MST hub, with each monitor displaying unique content. This capability is not present in the HDMI standard, which generally requires a separate port for each connected display.[4]
Audio Return Channel (ARC and eARC) HDMI includes the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature, which allows a single HDMI connection to transmit video to a television and also send audio "upstream" from the TV back to an A/V receiver or soundbar. This eliminates the need for a separate audio cable. The newer Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) standard, part of the HDMI 2.1 specification, offers significantly higher bandwidth to support uncompressed, high-quality audio formats. DisplayPort does not have a comparable built-in audio return function.[4][1]
Licensing
The business models for the two standards differ. VESA offers DisplayPort as a royalty-free open standard, though membership in VESA is required to access the newest specifications. Manufacturers do not pay a per-device fee to include DisplayPort. In contrast, companies that manufacture products with HDMI must become licensed adopters, which involves paying an annual fee and a per-unit royalty for every device sold.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "barco.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "symmetryelectronics.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 "displayninja.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
- ↑ "cablematters.com". Retrieved January 01, 2026.
