How to Choose a 4K DisplayPort or HDMI Cable
By Shop iPhone 17 Chargers, Screen Protectors & More | Belkin US | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the key differences between DisplayPort and HDMI cables for 4K video, and get practical decision rules to match your setup.
Quick answer
Choose HDMI for TVs and general media, and DisplayPort for high-refresh-rate gaming monitors or productivity setups. If your source and display have different ports, a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable like the Belkin 4K cable bridges them without losing video quality.
DisplayPort vs HDMI: What's the Real Difference?
Both DisplayPort and HDMI carry 4K video, but they serve different primary audiences. HDMI is the standard for TVs, streaming devices, and consoles. DisplayPort is common on PCs and monitors, especially for higher refresh rates (144Hz+) at 4K. Your choice depends on the ports your devices have and what you want to do.
If you're connecting a laptop or desktop to a monitor that only has HDMI, but your computer has DisplayPort, a cable that converts the signal (like a DisplayPort to HDMI cable) lets you use your existing display without buying a new monitor. Just note that this conversion is one-directional: it only works from a DisplayPort source to an HDMI display.
What to Look for in a 4K Cable
For 4K at standard 60Hz, both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 cables work well. If you need 4K at 120Hz or higher, DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 is required. Check your monitor and source specs first. Cable length also matters: longer runs (over 10 feet) may need an active cable or signal booster to maintain 4K quality.
Cable quality and certification matter. Look for cables labeled with the supported version (e.g., HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4) and avoid generic cables that don't list specs. A well-built cable with proper shielding reduces interference and ensures a stable signal.
When to Use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI Cable
If your laptop or desktop has a DisplayPort output but your monitor or TV only has HDMI input, a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable is the simplest solution. It carries the video signal without adapters or dongles. The Belkin DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable supports 4K resolution, so you get sharp, detailed images for work or streaming. It's a 6-foot cable, which gives you enough reach for most desk setups.
Keep in mind that this cable does not support features like HDMI Ethernet or ARC. It's strictly for video from a DisplayPort source to an HDMI display. If you need to go the other direction (HDMI source to DisplayPort display), you'll need an active adapter.
Decision rules for choosing your 4K cable
- Check your source and display ports first: Look at the ports on your computer (or console) and your monitor/TV. If both have HDMI, use an HDMI cable. If both have DisplayPort, use a DisplayPort cable. If they differ, you need a conversion cable like DisplayPort-to-HDMI. Match the cable type to the ports you have.
- Match the cable version to your refresh rate needs: For standard 4K at 60Hz, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 is sufficient. For 4K at 120Hz or higher, you need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Check your monitor's specs for its maximum refresh rate at 4K. Higher refresh rates require newer cable versions.
- Consider cable length and build quality: For desk setups, 6 feet is usually enough. For longer runs, choose a cable with active boosting or thicker shielding to avoid signal loss. Look for certified cables that list supported resolutions and versions. Keep cable runs under 10 feet for passive cables, or use an active cable for longer distances.
Product facts
- DisplayPort™-/HDMI®-Kabel, Stecker/Stecker, 4K: This Belkin cable connects DisplayPort devices to HDMI displays, supporting 4K resolution for clear, detailed video output. If your computer has DisplayPort and your monitor only has HDMI, this cable gives you 4K video without needing a separate adapter.
DisplayPort™-/HDMI®-Kabel, Stecker/Stecker, 4K
Who should choose which cable
Best for
- Gamers who need high refresh rates at 4K: choose DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1
- Home theater or TV users: HDMI 2.0 is reliable for 4K movies and streaming
- Laptop users connecting to an HDMI monitor: a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable is a clean, one-cable solution
Not for
- Users who need to connect an HDMI source (like a console) to a DisplayPort monitor: this requires an active adapter, not a passive cable
- Users who need features like HDMI Ethernet or ARC: a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable does not support those
