USB-C or HDMI: Which is the Best Option for Video Output?

USB-C has emerged as a powerful standard for wired connectivity, offering the bandwidth and versatility to match or exceed its peers. With its robust USB 3.0 and C-type connector, USB-C is fast becoming the standard port in most devices. The latest versions of Apple MacBook and other laptops have completely replaced all other connections in favor of USB-C ports.

USB-C has the ability to transmit audio-visual content, but it requires a proprietary standard, such as DisplayPort or HDMI, to power a display. The Alternate Mode enables USB-C to output multimedia streams and doubles up as a cable with an entirely different transmission protocol.

USB-C can combine video transmission with the USB-PD mode, allowing users to charge a laptop while getting its video output on an external display, all with the same cable. While not all laptops can take advantage of this technology, relatively lightweight laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Air can easily be charged with the 90W of USB-PD available through a USB-C cable.

While USB-C may be quietly taking over ports, HDMI is still a powerful standard that is widely used. Most laptops and desktop computers include an HDMI port alongside USB-C, keeping both options open. Both DisplayPort and HDMI have virtually the same features, but DisplayPort is primarily a video transmission standard designed specifically to replace DVI in computers. As Thunderbolt innately supports DisplayPort, users get the ability to connect compatible displays using Thunderbolt ports as well.

Overall, DisplayPort is the best video transmission standard for any PC, and with USB-C Alt Mode, users can create a DisplayPort connection using a USB cable, getting the best of both worlds. Even without these situational features, DisplayPort 1.4 has significant advantages over HDMI 2.0, making USB-C a better option for connecting a monitor to a computer than HDMI.