Recommended Monitors with Both HDMI 2.1 & DisplayPort
LG 27GP950-B
27" 4K, 160 Hz, HDMI 2.1 + DP 1.4, Nano IPS
Dual HDMI 2.1 ports for consoles plus DisplayPort 1.4 for PC. Excellent for gamers who use both a PC and PS5/Xbox on the same display.
Check Price on AmazonSamsung Odyssey Neo G7
32" 4K, 165 Hz, HDMI 2.1 + DP 1.4, VA Mini-LED
Mini-LED backlighting with HDMI 2.1 for console gaming and DP for high-refresh PC gaming. Outstanding HDR performance for the price.
Check Price on AmazonThe Quick Answer
Use HDMI 2.1 if you:
- • Game on PS5, Xbox Series X, or both PC and console
- • Need one cable for video, audio, and ARC/eARC
- • Run 4K at up to 120 Hz (most common gaming scenario)
Use DisplayPort 2.0 if you:
- • Game exclusively on PC with a modern GPU
- • Want 4K 240 Hz+ without compression
- • Plan to use 8K displays or daisy-chain monitors
HDMI 2.1 vs DisplayPort 2.0: Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | HDMI 2.1 | DisplayPort 2.0 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Bandwidth | 48 Gbps | 80 Gbps (UHBR 20) | DP 2.0 |
| Effective Data Rate | 42.6 Gbps | 77.4 Gbps (UHBR 20) | DP 2.0 |
| 4K 60 Hz (uncompressed) | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| 4K 120 Hz (uncompressed) | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| 4K 144 Hz (uncompressed) | Requires DSC | Yes | DP 2.0 |
| 4K 240 Hz | Requires DSC | Yes (UHBR 20) | DP 2.0 |
| 8K 60 Hz | Requires DSC | Yes (UHBR 20) | DP 2.0 |
| 1440p 240 Hz (uncomp.) | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| 1440p 360 Hz | Requires DSC | Yes | DP 2.0 |
| VRR Technology | HDMI VRR, ALLM | Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync) | Tie |
| Audio Return Channel | eARC (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) | Not supported | HDMI |
| Console Support | PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 | None (PC/Mac only) | HDMI |
| Daisy-Chaining | Not supported | Up to 3 displays | DP 2.0 |
| DSC (Display Stream Comp.) | Supported | Supported | Tie |
| Max Cable Length (passive) | 3 m (48 Gbps rated) | 2 m (UHBR 20 rated) | HDMI |
| Connector Locking | No latch | Latching connector | DP 2.0 |
Understanding Bandwidth: Why It Matters
Bandwidth determines the maximum amount of display data that can be pushed through a cable per second. Higher bandwidth means higher resolutions at higher refresh rates without needing compression. Here is what each standard can handle natively.
Bandwidth Requirements by Resolution & Refresh Rate
| Resolution @ Refresh Rate | Bandwidth Needed | HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) | DP 2.0 UHBR 20 (80 Gbps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p @ 240 Hz | ~14.9 Gbps | Native | Native |
| 1440p @ 165 Hz | ~17.8 Gbps | Native | Native |
| 1440p @ 240 Hz | ~25.9 Gbps | Native | Native |
| 1440p @ 360 Hz | ~38.8 Gbps | Native | Native |
| 4K @ 60 Hz | ~17.8 Gbps | Native | Native |
| 4K @ 120 Hz | ~35.6 Gbps | Native | Native |
| 4K @ 144 Hz | ~42.7 Gbps | DSC needed | Native |
| 4K @ 240 Hz | ~71.1 Gbps | DSC needed | Native |
| 8K @ 60 Hz | ~71.1 Gbps | DSC needed | Native |
Note: "DSC needed" means Display Stream Compression is required. DSC is visually lossless -- most users cannot distinguish DSC-compressed output from native. Both HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.0 support DSC.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Support
HDMI 2.1 VRR
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HDMI Forum VRR: Built into the HDMI 2.1 spec. Supported by PS5, Xbox Series X, and most modern GPUs.
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AMD FreeSync over HDMI: Many monitors support FreeSync Premium/Premium Pro via HDMI 2.1.
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ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Automatically switches the display to game mode when gaming content is detected.
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NVIDIA G-Sync over HDMI: NVIDIA supports G-Sync Compatible over HDMI 2.1 on RTX 30/40/50 series, but full G-Sync (hardware module) typically requires DisplayPort.
DisplayPort 2.0 VRR
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Adaptive-Sync: Native part of the DisplayPort standard since DP 1.2a. Mature, widely supported by AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
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NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible: Full support for G-Sync Compatible over DisplayPort on all modern NVIDIA GPUs.
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G-Sync Ultimate (hardware): Monitors with dedicated G-Sync modules require DisplayPort -- they do not work over HDMI.
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No console support: VRR over DisplayPort is PC-only since no consoles have DP outputs.
Console Compatibility Guide
This is the deciding factor for many buyers. If you use a console, HDMI is your only option. Here is what each console supports.
| Console | HDMI Version | Max Output | VRR | DisplayPort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | HDMI 2.1 | 4K @ 120 Hz | Yes (HDMI VRR) | No |
| Xbox Series X | HDMI 2.1 | 4K @ 120 Hz | Yes (HDMI VRR + FreeSync) | No |
| Xbox Series S | HDMI 2.1 | 1440p @ 120 Hz | Yes (HDMI VRR + FreeSync) | No |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | HDMI 2.1 | 4K @ 60 Hz (expected) | TBD | No |
Console Buyer Takeaway
If you own or plan to own any gaming console, your monitor must have at least one HDMI 2.1 port. HDMI 2.0 will limit you to 4K 60 Hz or 1440p 60 Hz, missing out on the 120 Hz gaming modes that define the current console generation. Both the LG 27GP950-B and Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 include HDMI 2.1 ports specifically for this purpose.
Cable Buying Guide: Getting the Right Cable
HDMI 2.1 Cables
What to Buy
Look for "Ultra High Speed HDMI" certification and the official hologram label. These cables are rated for 48 Gbps and support all HDMI 2.1 features.
What to Avoid
Do not buy generic "HDMI 2.1" cables without the Ultra High Speed certification. Many cheap cables claiming HDMI 2.1 only deliver HDMI 2.0 bandwidth (18 Gbps).
Recommended Lengths
- • Under 3 m: Standard passive cable works fine
- • 3-5 m: Look for active or fiber-optic cable
- • Over 5 m: Fiber-optic HDMI required
Expected Cost
$8-15 for 2 m certified cable; $30-60 for 5 m active cable
DisplayPort 2.0 Cables
What to Buy
Look for VESA-certified DP40 (40 Gbps) or DP80 (80 Gbps) cables. The DP80 cable supports the full UHBR 20 bandwidth for maximum future-proofing.
What to Avoid
Standard DisplayPort 1.4 cables (HBR3 rated) will not deliver DP 2.0 bandwidth. They are physically compatible but will limit your bandwidth to 32.4 Gbps.
Recommended Lengths
- • Under 2 m: Standard DP80 passive cable works
- • 2-4 m: DP40 cable recommended (80 Gbps harder at length)
- • Over 4 m: Active or fiber-optic cable required
Expected Cost
$15-25 for 2 m DP80 cable; $40-80 for active long cable
Which Connection Should You Choose?
Choose HDMI 2.1 if you:
- • Play on PS5, Xbox Series X, or any gaming console
- • Need a single cable for both video and high-quality audio (eARC)
- • Game at 4K 120 Hz or lower -- HDMI 2.1 handles this natively
- • Connect to a TV or AV receiver in a living room setup
- • Want the widest device compatibility (consoles, PCs, streaming boxes, laptops)
Choose DisplayPort 2.0 if you:
- • Game exclusively on a PC with a modern NVIDIA or AMD GPU
- • Want 4K 240 Hz or 8K 60 Hz without any compression
- • Need to daisy-chain multiple monitors from a single output
- • Use a G-Sync Ultimate monitor (hardware G-Sync requires DP)
- • Want maximum future-proofing for next-gen displays
Best approach: Get a monitor with both
- • Use DisplayPort for your PC (best bandwidth, G-Sync support)
- • Use HDMI 2.1 for your console (only option, works perfectly)
- • Switch inputs as needed -- no adapter hassles
Our 2026 Recommendation
For the vast majority of gamers, HDMI 2.1 is the more important port to have. It covers consoles, supports 4K 120 Hz natively, and works with every modern device. DisplayPort 2.0 offers more headroom for extreme resolutions and refresh rates, but adoption in monitors and GPUs is still ramping up. The ideal monitor in 2026 has both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort -- use DP for your PC and HDMI for everything else.
DisplayPort 2.0 vs 1.4: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Many current monitors still use DisplayPort 1.4 rather than 2.0. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide if DP 2.0 is necessary for your setup.
| Feature | DP 1.4 | DP 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Bandwidth | 32.4 Gbps | 80 Gbps |
| 4K 144 Hz (native) | DSC required | Native |
| 4K 240 Hz | DSC required | Native |
| 8K support | DSC at 30 Hz | Native at 60 Hz |
| Monitor Availability | Very common | Growing in 2026 |
| GPU Support | All modern GPUs | RTX 50-series, RX 8000+ |
Verdict: For 1440p and 4K 120 Hz gaming, DP 1.4 with DSC is perfectly adequate. DP 2.0 becomes relevant if you want 4K 240 Hz without compression, plan to use an 8K display, or want to daisy-chain multiple high-res monitors. Most gamers do not need DP 2.0 today, but it is a nice future-proofing bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, HDMI 2.1 can support 4K at 144 Hz using Display Stream Compression (DSC). Without DSC, HDMI 2.1's 48 Gbps bandwidth supports 4K at up to 120 Hz with full 4:4:4 chroma. With DSC enabled (visually lossless compression), 4K 144 Hz and even 4K 240 Hz become possible. Most modern gaming monitors and GPUs support DSC, making this a practical reality for gamers in 2026.
For most gamers in 2026, DisplayPort 2.0 is not strictly necessary. DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC handles 4K 144 Hz and even 4K 240 Hz adequately. DisplayPort 2.0 becomes valuable if you run 8K displays, dual 4K monitors from a single port, or want to future-proof for resolutions and refresh rates beyond what current hardware can drive. For mainstream 1440p and 4K gaming, DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 are sufficient.
HDMI 2.1 is the only option for PS5 and Xbox Series X. Neither console has a DisplayPort output. Both consoles use HDMI 2.1 to deliver 4K 120 Hz gaming, VRR, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). If you game on consoles, make sure your monitor has at least one HDMI 2.1 input -- not just HDMI 2.0, which caps out at 4K 60 Hz.
Yes, the cable matters significantly. For HDMI 2.1, you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for 48 Gbps. Standard or Premium High Speed HDMI cables cannot carry the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. For DisplayPort 2.0, you need a UHBR-certified cable (DP40 or DP80 rated). Using an older cable will limit your maximum resolution and refresh rate. Always check the cable rating before purchasing -- the port on your device is only as good as the cable connecting it.
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