Table of Contents

Table of Contents

    Table of Contents

      HDMI vs DisplayPort vs VGA vs DVI vs Thunderbolt Cables: Complete Video Cable Guide for Monitors and TVs

      Choosing the right video cable for your monitors and TVs can be confusing. 

      With a wide range of options available, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI, and Thunderbolt (USB-C) cables, it's essential to understand their differences and functionalities to make an informed decision.

      Let's delve into each type and explore their respective features.

      • HDMI Cable (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
        • Standard HDMI Cable (Type A)
        • Dual-link HDMI Cable (Type B)
        • Mini HDMI Cable (Type C)
        • Micro HDMI Cable (Type D)
        • HDMI Automotive Connection System Cable(Type E)
        • HDMI Alt Mode Cable (USB-C to HDMI)
      • What Are the Different HDMI Versions?
      • DisplayPort Cable (DP) Type-A
        • Mini DisplayPort Cable (Type-C)
        • DisplayPort Alt Mode Cable (USB-C to DisplayPort)
      • What Are the Different DisplayPort Versions?
      • VGA Cable (Video Graphics Array)
        • Mini VGA Cable 
      • DVI Cable (Digital Video Interface)
        • Mini DVI Cable
        • Micro DVI Cable
      • Thunderbolt Cables
        • Thunderbolt 1 & 2 Cable
        • Thunderbolt 3 Cable
        • Thunderbolt 4 Cable
      • HDMI vs DisplayPort vs DVI vs VGA vs Thunderbolt (USB-C)
      • Which Cable Should I Use?

      HDMI Cable (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

      Different types of HDMI cables that are used to connect to different devices.

      By Jan deno - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons 

      Standard HDMI Cable (Type A)

      Standard HDMI cables are the most common type of HDMI cables and are widely used for connecting various audio and video devices. They are suitable for most home entertainment setups, gaming consoles, monitors, and HDTVs that require basic video and audio connections.

      Example of use: Connecting a laptop to a monitor via HDMI Type-A cable.

      Standard Type-A HDMI cable is most commonly used to connect most devices to an external display. Suitable for TVs, monitors, laptops, gaming consoles.

      Image from Twozoh on Amazon

      Dual-link HDMI Cable (Type B)

      Dual-link HDMI cables supports higher video resolutions beyond Full HD (1080p). 

      Higher resolutions require more data bandwidth than standard HDMI cables can provide.

      [Note: Dual-link HDMI (Type B) has never been used in products, especially since the release of HDMI 1.3 which offers higher speeds with a single link.]

      Mini HDMI Cable (Type C)

      Mini HDMI cables are smaller versions of standard HDMI cables and use the HDMI Type-C connector at one end and the HDMI Type-A connector at the other end.

      The Type C connector is smaller and connects to portable devices like cameras and tablets. The standard Type-A connector, however, is used to connect to TVs, monitors, or other HDMI-equipped devices.

      Example of use: Connecting a camera to a TV or monitor with a mini HDMI cable/adapter.

      Mini HDMI cable (Type-C) used to connect camera to laptop or PC for data transfer.

      Image from VCE Store on Amazon

      Micro HDMI Cable (Type D)

      Micro HDMI cables are even smaller than mini HDMI cables. It uses the HDMI Type-D connector at one end and the standard Type-A connector at the other end. 

      The HDMI Type-D connector is commonly found on smartphones, tablets, and other small devices. The standard HDMI Type-A connector on the other end is used to connect to external displays or other devices.

      Example of use: Connecting a tablet to a monitor with a micro HDMI to VGA cable.

      Micro HDMI (Type-D) used to connect smaller devices like GoPro and cameras to laptops and monitors.

      Image from oldboytech Store on Amazon

      HDMI Automotive Connection System Cable (Type E)

      The HDMI Type-E connector is used for high-quality audio and video transmission in vehicles with entertainment systems. 

      It enables passengers to enjoy multimedia content on in-car displays, such as rear-seat entertainment displays.

      Example of use: Rear-seat entertainment system in a car.

      HDMI Alt Mode Cable (USB-C to HDMI)

      HDMI alt mode (USB-C to HDMI) cables provide flexibility as devices with USB-C ports can be connected directly to external displays with HDMI alt mode cable.

      Image from imagii on Shopee

      HDMI Alt Mode features a USB Type-C connector on one end and a standard HDMI Type-A connector on the other end. 

      It allows USB Type-C devices to support HDMI video output without requiring a separate HDMI port. This allows for versatility and convenience for modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones and expands the capabilities of USB Type-C ports.

      Example of use: Connecting a USB-C tablet to the HDMI port of a monitor.

      Connecting the USB-C port of a tablet to the HDMI port of a monitor via HDMI alt mode cable.

      Image from Warrky Store on Amazon

      What Are the Different HDMI Versions?

      HDMI Version Bandwidth Max. Resolution & Refresh Rate HDR Support Common Uses
      Standard HDMI Cable
      (HDMI 1.2)
      5 Gbps Up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz No DVD players, HDTVs, gaming consoles
      High-Speed HDMI Cable
      (HDMI 1.4)
      10 Gbps Up to DCI 4K (4096x2160) @ 30Hz No 4K UHD TVs, Blu-ray players, gaming
      Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable
      (HDMI 2.0)
      18 Gbps Up to DCI 4K (4096x2160) @ 60Hz Yes 4K UHD TVs, high-end gaming, streaming
      Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
      (HDMI 2.1)
      48 Gbps Up to 8K (7680x4320)@ 120Hz Yes 8K UHD TVs, advanced gaming, home theatre

      [Note: Standard, High-Speed, Premium, and Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables all use the same HDMI Type-A connector.]

      [Note: HDMI cables are backwards compatible, meaning that newer versions of HDMI can work with older HDMI ports and devices. However, you may not get the full benefits of the latest HDMI features when using older cables with newer devices.]

      DisplayPort Cable (DP) Type-A

      DisplayPort cable used to connect PCs, monitors, TVs. Suitable for PC gaming.

      DisplayPort cable was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) and is used to transmit video and audio signals between devices, such as computers, monitors, and TVs. 

      DisplayPort supports high resolutions and high refresh rates, making it suitable for gaming. 

      Example of use: Connecting a laptop to a 4K monitor using a standard DisplayPort to HDMI cable.

      DisplayPort cable connecting laptop to monitor. Supports high refresh rates and high resolutions.

      Image from Electrobest

      Mini DisplayPort Cable (Type-C)

      Mini DisplayPort cable used on older MacBooks, Apple devices to replace the DVI port.

      Image from StarTech.com on Amazon

      The Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP or mDP) is a smaller version of the standard DisplayPort connector. 

      It was introduced by Apple in 2008 to replace the DVI port and was commonly used on their Mac computers and products. Other PC manufacturers followed suit and adopted the Mini DisplayPort in their laptops and desktops.

      [Note: In 2016, Apple ditched the mini DP ports on its newer products and replaced them with USB-C ports.]

      Example of use: Connecting a Mini DisplayPort-enabled laptop to an external monitor or projector using a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter.

      Mini DisplayPort cable used to connect an older macbook laptop to an external display.

      Image from Amazon Basics Store on Amazon

      DisplayPort Alt Mode Cable (USB-C to DisplayPort)

      DisplayPort alt mode (USB-C to DP) provides added flexibility to connect USB-C devices directly to external displays.

      Image from congzheng.sg on Shopee

      DisplayPort Alt Mode features a USB-C connector on one end and a DisplayPort Type-A connector on the other end.

      It allows devices with USB Type-C ports to support DisplayPort video output without requiring an additional DisplayPort connector. 

      Example of use: Connecting a USB-C-enabled laptop directly to a 4K monitor or HDTV using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. 

      Connecting a USB-C port of a laptop to an external monitor via DisplayPort alt mode cable.

      Image from StarTech Store on Amazon

      What Are the Different DisplayPort Versions?

      DisplayPort Version Bandwidth Max. Resolution & Refresh Rate HDR Support Common Uses
      DisplayPort 1.0 8.64 Gbps Up to 2560x1600 @ 60Hz No Computer monitors, projectors
      DisplayPort 1.2 17.28 Gbps Up to 4K UHD (3840x2160) @ 60Hz Yes 4K monitors, gaming at 60Hz
      DisplayPort 1.4 32 Gbps Up to 8K (7680x4320) @ 60Hz Yes 8K monitors, higher-resolution displays
      DisplayPort 2.0 80 Gbps Up to 8K (7680x4320) @ 60Hz Yes 8K monitors, advanced gaming, professional use
      DisplayPort 2.1 80 Gbps Up to 8K (7680x4320) @ 120Hz Yes 8K monitors, advanced gaming, professional use

      [Note: All the DisplayPort versions use the same DisplayPort Type-A connector.]

      VGA Cable (Video Graphics Array)

      VGA cable mostly found on older devices and used to connect to external displays.

      VGA is an analog video display standard that was introduced by IBM in 1987.

      It supports resolutions up to 640x480 pixels (VGA resolution) and was widely used in early computer systems and monitors.

      VGA has been largely replaced by HDMI and DisplayPort in modern devices due to their better image quality and support for higher resolutions.

      Example of use: Connecting a computer with a VGA output to an older VGA-compatible monitor or projector.

      Connecting an old laptop model to an external monitor via VGA cable.

      Image from PASOW on Amazon

      Mini VGA Cable

      Mini VGA cable designed for use in smaller devices.

      By The original uploader was Ctachme at English Wikipedia. Wikimedia Commons

      Mini VGA is a smaller version of the standard VGA connector. It is designed for use in smaller devices.

      Example of use: Connecting a laptop or tablet with a mini VGA output to a projector or external monitor with a standard VGA input.

      [Note: The mini DisplayPort and mini VGA connector are not the same even though they look similar.]

      DVI Cable (Digital Video Interface)

      DVI cable used when digital displays started becoming more mainstream. Used to connect laptops to external displays.

      DVI is commonly used in computers, monitors, and other display devices. It supports digital video signals and analog signals depending on the DVI type. 

      DVI was popular during the transition from analog to digital displays.

      Example of use: Connecting a desktop computer with a DVI output to a computer monitor or HDTV with a DVI input. 

      Connecting monitors to a PC via DVI cables.

      Image from BENFEI Store on Amazon

      Different types of DVI cables and their signal formats, supported refresh rates, bandwidth.

      By Amila Ruwan 20 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons 

      Mini DVI Cable

      Mini DVI cables and ports used on older Apple computers and laptops.

      By Joey Hagedorn, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons 

      Mini DVI was developed by Apple and was mostly used in older Mac computer models released between 2006 and 2008.

      Example of use: Connecting an older MacBook with a mini DVI output to an external display or projector with a standard DVI input. 

      Micro DVI Cable

      Micro DVI cables used mostly for old MacBook air models.

      Image from PC Galore

      Also developed by Apple, micro DVI was installed in some MacBook Air models released between 2008 and 2010. It was designed to save space on the thin and lightweight MacBook Air, allowing it to connect to external displays.

      Example of use: Connecting an older MacBook Air with a micro DVI output to an external monitor or projector with a standard DVI input.

      Thunderbolt Cables

      Thunderbolt 1 & Thunderbolt 2 Cable

      Thunderbolt 1 and 2 cables used to connect to the mini DisplayPort connector to external devices. Suitable for connecting to hard drives for data transfer.

      Image from apple.flagshipstore on Shopee

      Thunderbolts 1 and 2 both use the Mini DisplayPort connector and can transfer data at a maximum rate of 10 Gbps (Thunderbolt 1) or 20 Gbps (Thunderbolt 2). They are compatible with devices that support Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 standards.

      Example of use: Connecting an external hard drive to a Thunderbolt 1 port on an older Mac computer.

      Thunderbolt 1 and 2 ports of a older MacBook laptop model.

      Thunderbolt 3 Cable

      Thunderbolt 3 cable using the USB-C connector to connect to devices. Suitable for video and audio signal transmission due to its high bandwidth.

      By Amin - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

      Released in 2015, Thunderbolt 3 adopted the USB-C connector, providing a single port for data, video, audio, and power transmission. Thunderbolt 3 features faster data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and can support two 4K displays or one 5K display.

      Example of use: Using a Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect a laptop to an external hard drive for fast data transfer.

      Thunderbolt 3 cable used to connect to external hard drive from laptop.

      Image from IVANKY Store on Amazon

      Thunderbolt 4 Cable

      Thunderbolt 4 cable using the USB-C port to connect to external displays with high resolutions (8K)

      Image from Ankndo.sg on Shopee

      Thunderbolt 4 retains the same USB-C connector but can support one 8K display which Thunderbolt 3 cannot.

      [Note: Thunderbolt 4 is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports.]

      Example of use: Connecting a Thunderbolt 4 port on a high-end desktop computer to an 8K monitor. 

      Connecting laptop to external 8K display via a Thunderbolt 4 cable.

      Image from The Anker Store on Amazon

      Thunderbolt 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 vs. 4:

      Cable Connector Ports Data Transfer Speed Number of Displays (4K/5K/8K) Max. Resolution & Refresh Rate Max. Cable Length (metres)
      Thunderbolt 1 Mini DisplayPort 10 Gbps 1 (0/0/0) 2560x1600 @ 60Hz 3m
      Thunderbolt 2 Mini DisplayPort 20 Gbps 1 (0/0/0) 4K UHD (3840x2160) @ 60Hz 3m
      Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C 40 Gbps 2 (2/1/0) 5K (5120x2880) @ 60Hz 2m
      Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C 40 Gbps 2 (2/1/1) 8K (7680x4320) @ 60Hz 2m

      HDMI vs DisplayPort vs DVI vs VGA vs Thunderbolt (USB-C)

      Interface HDMI DisplayPort DVI VGA Thunderbolt (USB-C)
      TVs
      Monitors
      Projectors
      Gaming Consoles
      Cable/Satellite Boxes
      Streaming Devices
      Blu-ray/DVD Players
      Computers
      Laptops
      Tablets
      Smartphones

      Which Cable Should I Use?

      The choice of cable depends on what your devices support and the ports available. If your devices support HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt (USB-C), opt for those instead as it provides the best video and audio quality.

      If you are unsure of what type of ports your device has, check your device model on the manufacturer’s website.

      If you're interested in learning about the different types of USB cables and their various applications, read more here: USB-A vs USB-B vs USB-C: Different Types of USB Cables Explained

      FAQs

      How to check my HDMI cable version?

      To check the HDMI cable version, inspect the cable itself for any labels or markings indicating the version. Alternatively, consult the product documentation or contact the manufacturer for details.

      Why do my HDMI cables keep breaking?

      HDMI cables can wear out over time due to frequent bending or physical stress. Invest in high-quality cables and handle them with care to prevent damage.

      Does DisplayPort cable matter?

      Yes, the DisplayPort cable quality can impact video and audio performance. Choose a reliable and well-reviewed cable for the best results.

      How long can a DisplayPort cable be?

      The length of a DisplayPort cable can vary, but the recommended cable length limit is 2 metres for optimal performance. Beyond this length, you might start experiencing signal degradation, which could lead to reduced display quality.

      Do monitors come with DisplayPort Cables?

      Some monitors may include a DisplayPort cable, but not all. Check the product specifications or packaging to see if one is provided.

      [Note: PRISM+ monitors come with either DisplayPort or HDMI cables.]

      Does USB-C to HDMI work with Nintendo Switch?

      Yes, the Nintendo Switch is compatible with USB-C to HDMI adapters or cables that support HDMI Alt Mode. By using a USB-C to HDMI adapter, you can connect your Nintendo Switch to an HDMI-enabled TV or monitor, allowing you to enjoy gaming on a larger screen.

      Does your Phone work with HDMI Alt Mode?

      This depends on the phone model and its capabilities. Many modern smartphones with USB-C ports support HDMI Alt Mode, allowing you to connect your phone to an external display through a USB-C to HDMI adapter. 

      However, it's essential to check your phone's specifications or consult the manufacturer to confirm its compatibility with HDMI Alt Mode.

      Do Thunderbolt 3 and 4 cables support charging my laptop?

      Yes, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 cables can deliver power to compatible devices, including laptops. This feature is especially useful for reducing cable clutter and charging your laptop while using other peripherals.

      Is Thunderbolt 3 and 4 the same as USB-C?

      Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are not the same as USB-C, but they share the same physical connector, which is the USB Type-C port.

      [Note: Thunderbolt 3 and 4 provide faster data transfer speeds compared to USB 3.1 or USB 3.2.]

      Can I plug a USB-C cable into Thunderbolt 4 port and vice versa?

      Yes, you can plug a USB-C cable into a Thunderbolt 4 port, and vice versa, you can also plug a Thunderbolt 4 cable into a USB-C port.

      Both Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports use the same physical connector, which allows for compatibility between the two. 

      [Note: The data transfer speed and functionalities specific to Thunderbolt 4 will be limited to the capabilities of the USB-C cable and the device connected to the Thunderbolt 4 port.]

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