Monitor Connectivity: What Are Monitor Ports and Connections?

What Is Monitor Connectivity?

Monitor connectivity refers to the ports and cables that link a monitor to a computer. The most common monitor connections are HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with Thunderbolt™ available on some models. The connection you use affects the maximum resolution and refresh rate, whether one cable can also charge a laptop, and whether you can daisy chain multiple monitors.

This page explains how each connection type works, how they compare, how daisy chaining works, and how to choose the right connection for your computer. For an overview of all monitor specs, see what a computer monitor is.

Monitor connectivity essentials at a glance

• HDMI is the most widely supported connection across monitors, TVs, and laptops

• DisplayPort is common on desktop graphics cards and supports high refresh rates and daisy chaining

• USB-C can carry video, data, and power over one cable when the port supports video output

• Thunderbolt uses the USB-C connector and adds high bandwidth, docking, and daisy chaining

• Your computer, cable, and monitor must all support a connection’s features to get its full performance

What Is HDMI?

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a digital connection that carries video and audio over one cable. It’s the most common connection on monitors, TVs, laptops, and game consoles, which makes it a convenient, widely compatible choice for connecting a monitor.

HDMI versions

The HDMI version on your computer, cable, and monitor determines the highest resolution and refresh rate you can use. Bandwidth is measured in gigabits per second (Gbps).

HDMI 2.0 raised bandwidth to 18 Gbps to support 4K at 60 Hz [HDMI.org]. The HDMI 2.1 specification supports 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz with up to 48 Gbps of bandwidth [HDMI.org]. HDMI 2.2 supports up to 96 Gbps, and the new Ultra96 HDMI Cable is the only cable that supports all of its features [HDMI.org]. Devices supporting HDMI 2.2 are still arriving, so most monitors today use HDMI 2.0 or 2.1.

HDMI strengths and limitations

• Strengths: Universal compatibility, carries audio to monitor speakers or headphone jacks, and supports HDR and VRR on newer versions.

• Limitations: Doesn’t support daisy chaining, and older versions limit refresh rates at higher resolutions.

A device listed as “HDMI 2.1” may not support every feature in the specification, so check the monitor’s supported resolutions and refresh rates over HDMI.

What Is DisplayPort?

DisplayPort is a digital video and audio connection developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) primarily for computers and monitors. It’s common on desktop graphics cards, business monitors, and gaming monitors, and it supports high refresh rates, adaptive sync, and daisy chaining multiple monitors from one port.

DisplayPort versions

DisplayPort 2.1 offers three speed levels, UHBR10 (40 Gbps), UHBR13.5 (54 Gbps), and UHBR20 (80 Gbps), compared with 32.4 Gbps for DisplayPort 1.4 [TFTCentral]. VESA describes this as up to three times the video bandwidth of earlier DisplayPort versions [VESA]. The highest speeds require certified DP40 or DP80 cables, and both the graphics card and the monitor must support the same speed level.

What is Display Stream Compression (DSC)?

Display Stream Compression (DSC) is a VESA technology that compresses the video signal so a connection can carry higher resolutions and refresh rates than its raw bandwidth would allow. DSC is designed to be visually lossless, meaning most people can’t see a difference. Many high-resolution, high refresh rate monitors rely on DSC over DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1.

DisplayPort strengths and limitations

• Strengths: High refresh rate support, daisy chaining through Multi-Stream Transport (MST), adaptive sync support, and a latching connector on full-size DisplayPort cables.

• Limitations: Less common on TVs and some thin laptops, which often use HDMI or USB-C instead.

Some laptops and docks use a smaller Mini DisplayPort connector, which carries the same signal as full-size DisplayPort.

USB-C and Thunderbolt Monitor Connections

USB-C and Thunderbolt monitor connections use the same small, reversible USB-C connector to carry video, data, and often power over a single cable. They’re popular with laptop users because one cable can connect the monitor, charge the laptop, and link accessories plugged into the monitor.

How USB-C carries video

USB-C is a connector shape, not a guarantee of video support. A USB-C port carries video only if it supports a video mode, most commonly DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), which sends a DisplayPort signal through the USB-C cable. USB4 and Thunderbolt ports also support video. Check your laptop’s specifications, or look for a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt icon next to the port.

USB-C power delivery

Many USB-C monitors use USB Power Delivery (USB PD) to charge a connected laptop through the same cable. Monitors commonly provide 65W to 100W. If your laptop needs more power than the monitor supplies, it may charge slowly or drain during heavy use, so compare the monitor’s power output to your laptop charger’s wattage. Learn more about laptop chargers and power.

What is Thunderbolt?

Thunderbolt is a high-speed connection that uses the USB-C connector and combines video, data, and power. Thunderbolt 4 supports up to 40 Gbps and can drive two 4K monitors from one port. Thunderbolt 5 raises bandwidth to 80 Gbps in each direction, with a Bandwidth Boost mode that provides up to 120 Gbps for high-bandwidth displays [Intel]. Thunderbolt monitors often act as a hub, connecting USB devices, Ethernet, and a second daisy-chained monitor through one laptop cable.

For example, the HP Series 7 Pro 27-inch 4K Thunderbolt 4 monitor connects to a compatible laptop with a single cable for video, data, and charging.

USB-C monitors vs. docking stations

A USB-C or Thunderbolt monitor with built-in USB ports, Ethernet, and laptop charging can replace a separate dock for a single-monitor setup. For multiple monitors or more ports, a docking station may be a better fit.

HDMI vs. DisplayPort vs. USB-C vs. Thunderbolt

HDMI offers the widest compatibility, DisplayPort is built for high-performance computer displays, and USB-C and Thunderbolt add single-cable charging and connectivity for laptops. The best connection is usually the fastest one your computer and monitor both support.

In practice, actual capabilities depend on the specific versions your computer, cable, and monitor support, not just the connector type.

What Is Daisy Chaining?

Daisy chaining is connecting multiple monitors in a series, so only the first monitor connects to your computer and each additional monitor connects to the one before it. It reduces cable clutter and lets a laptop with few ports run two or more external monitors from a single connection.

How daisy chaining works

Daisy chaining uses DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) or Thunderbolt. The first monitor needs a video output port, usually labeled DisplayPort Out, or a downstream Thunderbolt or USB-C port that supports video. The signal passes through the first monitor to the next.

What you need to daisy chain monitors

• A computer port that supports MST over DisplayPort or USB-C, or a Thunderbolt port

• A first monitor with a video output port that supports daisy chaining

• The correct cables between the computer and each monitor

• MST enabled in the first monitor’s on-screen menu, if the monitor requires it

Daisy chaining limitations

All the monitors in a chain share the bandwidth of the computer’s single connection. Adding monitors, or using high resolutions and refresh rates, can limit what each screen can display. For example, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection that can run one 4K monitor at a high refresh rate may need to lower settings to run two.

Platform support also varies. Windows supports DisplayPort MST for extending your desktop across daisy-chained monitors, while macOS doesn’t support DisplayPort MST for separate extended displays, though Thunderbolt daisy chaining works on Mac. Learn how to set up a multi-monitor workspace.

Other Monitor Ports and Features

Beyond video inputs, many monitors include extra ports that turn the screen into a connection hub for your desk.

• USB hub ports: USB-A and USB-C ports for a keyboard, mouse, webcam, or flash drive. They usually work only when the monitor is connected to the computer with a USB-C cable or a separate USB upstream cable.

• Ethernet (RJ-45): A wired network port on some USB-C and Thunderbolt monitors, passed through to a connected laptop.

• Built-in KVM switch: Lets you control two computers with one keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and switch between them with a button or shortcut.

• Audio output: A 3.5mm headphone or line-out jack that plays audio sent over HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.

Legacy video ports: VGA and DVI

Video Graphics Array (VGA) is an older analog connection, and Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is an early digital connection. Both are rare on new monitors and computers. They don’t carry audio and can’t match the resolutions and refresh rates of HDMI or DisplayPort. If you need to connect an older device, an adapter can help, but image quality may be limited.

Choosing the Right Cable and Adapter

The cable between your computer and monitor can limit performance just as much as the ports. A cable that isn’t rated for the bandwidth you need may cause a lower maximum resolution or refresh rate, flickering, or a blank screen.

Monitor cable ratings

Shorter cables are more reliable at high speeds. Very high-bandwidth connections may have short maximum lengths for passive cables, so check the cable’s certification and length.

Using adapters

Adapters let you connect devices with different ports, such as USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort to HDMI. Many adapters work in only one direction, and an adapter can limit the resolution, refresh rate, or features like HDR and adaptive sync to what both sides support. Learn more about display cables and adapters.

How to Choose the Right Monitor Connection

To choose the right monitor connection, start with the ports your computer has, then pick the fastest connection both the computer and the monitor support for the resolution and refresh rate you want.

Connecting a monitor to a laptop

• USB-C or Thunderbolt laptop: A USB-C or Thunderbolt monitor gives you video, charging, and accessories over one cable. Confirm the laptop’s USB-C port supports video output.

• Laptop with HDMI only: HDMI works with nearly every monitor. Check the laptop’s HDMI version if you want a high refresh rate at 1440p or 4K.

• Multiple monitors from one laptop: Use Thunderbolt or DisplayPort MST daisy chaining, a docking station, or separate video ports, depending on what your laptop supports.

Learn more about laptop ports and connectivity.

Connecting a monitor to a desktop

On a desktop with a separate graphics card, plug the monitor into the graphics card’s ports rather than the motherboard’s video ports. DisplayPort is usually the best choice for high refresh rate and adaptive sync on gaming monitors, while HDMI works well for everyday use. Learn about desktop connectivity.

Check before you buy

Before choosing a monitor, list the video ports and versions on your computer and compare them with the monitor’s inputs. Make sure the connection supports the monitor’s full resolution and refresh rate, and check whether you’ll need a new cable or adapter. Shop HP monitors to compare ports and connectivity options across models.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monitor Connectivity

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI for gaming?

DisplayPort is often the better choice for PC gaming because desktop graphics cards and gaming monitors widely support high refresh rates and adaptive sync over DisplayPort. HDMI 2.1 also supports high refresh rates and variable refresh rate, so either connection can work well when both the computer and monitor support the needed version.

Can a USB-C laptop connect to an HDMI monitor?

A USB-C laptop can connect to an HDMI monitor using a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter, as long as the laptop’s USB-C port supports video output. The adapter’s HDMI version determines the maximum resolution and refresh rate, so choose an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 adapter for 4K at 60 Hz or higher.

How many monitors can a laptop connect to?

The number of monitors a laptop can connect to depends on its graphics processor, video ports, and support for Thunderbolt, DisplayPort MST, or docking stations. Many laptops can run at least two external monitors, and some can run three or four. Check the laptop’s specifications for the maximum number of supported displays.

Does the type of monitor cable affect picture quality?

A digital monitor cable doesn’t change picture quality as long as it has enough bandwidth for the resolution and refresh rate in use. If the cable isn’t rated for the required bandwidth, the result is usually a lower maximum resolution or refresh rate, flickering, or a lost signal rather than a softer image.

Related Monitor Topics

• Computer monitor basics: How monitors work and the specs that matter most

• Multi-monitor setups: How to connect and arrange two or more monitors

• Refresh rate and response time: How connection bandwidth affects smooth motion

• Docking stations: How docks connect monitors and accessories to a laptop

• Cables and adapters: How to pick the right cable or adapter for your setup

• Ports and interfaces: How computer ports and connection standards work