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Are you about to purchase a new monitor and you’re not too sure how an HDMI compares to a USB-C? Well, look no further because we will spill the beans and give you everything you need to know about this topic. Keep on reading our HDMI vs USB-C comparison guide, to find out!
HDMI
The classic HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a popular display port for many manufacturers. As time has passed we have witnessed several versions being released such as HDMI 1.4, 2.0 and now HDMI 2.1.
The new HDMI 2.1 has some amazing upgraded features. It can support resolutions and refresh rates of 8K at 60Hz and a maximum bandwidth of 48Gbps. A phenomenal choice for those who want to make the most out of their gaming experience.
Looking at their design, an HDMI has a rectangular shape and contains 19 pins. During its conception, the HDMI appeared to have a more discreet design when compared to what was on the market, notably the VGA and DVI. Fast forward to today, the HDMI looks clunky next to other smaller ports such as the USB-C. Speaking of which, let’s look at it next.
USB-C
The USB-C is the first reversible USB connector! Being one of the newer connectors on the market, the USB-C port definitely has a lot to offer. You will be able to see the USB-C on laptops, monitors, gaming consoles, TVs and smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S22.
A cool feature of the USB-C is that it can support not only video and audio output, but also charging. It really is the all-in-one connector. Additionally, the USB-C can support resolutions of 4K at 60Hz. In terms of design, USB-C connectors have 24 pins, in a nice and sleek, rectangular shape.
Is HDMI Or USB-C Better For Gaming?
When it comes to gaming, HDMI and USB-C are both great options. Deciding which one to use pretty much boils down to which gaming console you are using and what TV or monitor you want to display your game on.
Looking at HDMI first. They are very versatile connectors and are a popular choice by manufacturers for transmitting audio and video information. As we mentioned, it is one of the most common display ports. You’ll be able to find it on many gaming consoles such as the PS5, and on TVs and monitors.
Now onto USB-C. Although a much newer connector, the USB-C has become increasingly common. You will have seen this display port on newer laptops, smartphones, game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and some monitors and TVs. Not only can USB-C support video output, but it can also support charging, saving you from having to buy multiple cables.
Generally, HDMI may be the best choice if this is the type of port your console and TV both support. If you are using a device such as a Nintendo Switch, however, then a USB-C connector makes the most sense.
Which Is Better HDMI Or USB Type-C?
The HDMI and USB Type-C are both strong contenders when it comes to high-definition video transfer.
HDMI is more commonly used for TVs and monitors so, therefore, could be argued the more obvious choice when it comes to choosing your connector. The release of the new HDMI 2.1 has also shown the sheer power of HDMI technology, with new features such as the possibility of displaying video at 10K. Impressive indeed!
The newer connector, the USB-C is much smaller in design and is gaining popularity with smartphones, laptops, monitors and TVs. A key advantage of a USB-C over HDMI is that it can support both charging and video output. Moreover, USB-C’s small and sleek design means they take up less space than the more bulky HDMI cable.
Ultimately, the HDMI is not necessarily better than the USB-C, nor the USB-C is better than the HDMI. If you want to display high-performance applications, such as Cyberpunk 2077, then we recommend the HDMI 2.1.
Moreover, if your laptop, monitor or TV has built-in capabilities for both, we recommend using your HDMI port as this will free up space to use your USB-C port for something else useful.
Conclusion
So there we have it! As you can see, the best choice in connector really does boil down to your specific set-up and the ports available on your devices.
If you are one of the lucky ones who can decide between using your monitor’s USB-C port or HDMI then the choice really is all yours. For more articles like this, check out our dedicated PC Guide monitor section.
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