DisplayPort (DP) and HDMI are both popular video and audio standards, but they are designed with different purposes in mind. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and whether one is "better" than the other depends on your specific use case. Here's a comparison based on key features:

1. Video Quality and Bandwidth

a. DisplayPort (DP): Typically offers higher bandwidth than HDMI, especially in the latest versions.

DisplayPort 1.4: Supports up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz with a high color depth (HDR).

DisplayPort 2.0: Supports 16K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz, offering even more bandwidth than HDMI 2.1.

DP is also better for high refresh rates at 1440p or 4K, which is ideal for gaming.

b. HDMI: HDMI 2.0 supports 4K at 60Hz, but HDMI 2.1 significantly improves performance, supporting up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz with higher bandwidth. However, HDMI 2.1 is still relatively new in terms of widespread adoption.

Winner: DisplayPort generally has a higher maximum bandwidth, especially in terms of supporting high refresh rates and higher resolutions. However, HDMI 2.1 is catching up, especially for home entertainment and gaming.

2. Audio Support

a. DisplayPort: Supports multi-channel audio and can carry uncompressed audio formats, which is great for high-end setups and professional audio.

b. HDMI: Also supports high-quality multi-channel audio and is compatible with modern surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS

HDMI is often preferred for home theater setups due to this.

Winner: HDMI is better for home entertainment systems and AV receivers, while DisplayPort shines in high-performance computing.

3. Compatibility and Use Case

a. DisplayPort:

Common in PCs, workstations, and high-performance gaming monitors.

Often used in multi-monitor setups due to its ability to daisy-chain displays with Multi-Stream Transport (MST) hubs.

More commonly found in monitors and high-end gaming setups.

b. HDMI:

More commonly found in TVs, gaming consoles, and home entertainment systems.

HDMI 2.1 is important for gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X to fully take advantage of 4K at 120Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support.

Winner: It depends on your device. For PCs and gaming monitors, DisplayPort is typically the go-to choice, while HDMI is more common for TVs, consoles, and home theater systems.

4. Refresh Rates and Gaming

a. DisplayPort excels in supporting high refresh rates, especially for PC gaming. It’s a go-to for gamers looking to push 144Hz, 240Hz, or even higher refresh rates at 1440p or 4K.

b. HDMI 2.1 has caught up with high refresh rates and 4K gaming, but for serious gamers, DisplayPort still has the edge, especially for competitive gaming.

Winner: DisplayPort is typically better for PC gaming, while HDMI 2.1 is improving for console gaming.

5. Cable Length and Signal Degradation

a. DisplayPort: Can support higher resolutions and refresh rates over longer cable lengths without signal degradation, especially with active cables.

b. HDMI: HDMI can experience signal loss over longer distances (especially with resolutions above 4K), though active HDMI cables can help maintain signal integrity.

Winner: DisplayPort generally has better performance over longer cable lengths, especially at higher resolutions and refresh rates.

6. Adaptability

a. DisplayPort: Can be adapted to HDMI, DVI, and VGA via adapters, giving it flexibility for connecting to older or less common display standards.

b. HDMI: HDMI can be adapted to DisplayPort with active adapters, but this is less common and may require more specialized hardware.

Winner: DisplayPort has the advantage in terms of adapter flexibility for various display outputs.

7. Cost and Availability

a. HDMI cables and devices are generally cheaper and more widely available, particularly for TVs, home theater equipment, and consumer electronics.

b. DisplayPort is more common in PC monitors and high-end setups but may not be as widely supported in consumer TVs and entertainment systems.

Winner: HDMI is more accessible for everyday consumer electronics and home theater systems, while DisplayPort is more specialized for high-performance PCs.

Conclusion: Which Is Better?

a. For PC gaming, high refresh rates, and multi-monitor setups: DisplayPort is generally the better choice due to its higher bandwidth and ability to handle high resolutions and refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz, 4K).

b. For home entertainment systems, TVs, and consoles: HDMI is usually the preferred option, especially with HDMI 2.1, which supports 8K, 4K at 120Hz, and VRR for gaming.

In short: DisplayPort is excellent for PC-centric setups, while HDMI is the better choice for TVs, home theater, and consoles.