Introduction
HDMI has been the dominant video connector for decades, but recent trends show it being phased out in favor of the versatile USB‑C ecosystem.
USB‑C and DisplayPort Alt Mode
USB‑C is more than a charging port. With DisplayPort Alt Mode it can transmit a full DisplayPort signal over the same cable.
- Four high‑speed lanes in a USB‑C cable.
- Two or four lanes can be allocated to video.
- Using all four lanes gives bandwidth comparable to a native DisplayPort cable.
When only two lanes are used, the remaining lanes carry USB data, which reduces the maximum display bandwidth.
Bandwidth and Refresh‑Rate Impact
The lane allocation explains why some USB‑C monitors cap at 4K 60 Hz while others reach 4K 144 Hz.
- Two‑lane video: up to 4K 60 Hz.
- Four‑lane video: up to 4K 144 Hz or higher.
The host device’s capabilities often become the limiting factor, not the cable or monitor.
Thunderbolt 4/5 vs HDMI 2.1/2.2
Thunderbolt 4 matches HDMI 2.1 in bandwidth, but Thunderbolt 5 pushes well beyond, still using the USB‑C connector.
- HDMI 2.1: up to 48 Gbps.
- HDMI 2.2 (Ultra96): up to 96 Gbps, enough for 16K.
- Thunderbolt 5: exceeds 96 Gbps, future‑proof.
Because Thunderbolt continues to tunnel DisplayPort data, it retains an advantage over HDMI.
Practical Implications for Users
• Laptops and smartphones are increasingly shipped without HDMI ports.
• Modern monitors advertise USB‑C inputs as the primary connection.
• To use HDMI 2.2 you must replace every cable with Ultra96 HDMI cables.
Is HDMI Dead?
HDMI will remain essential for legacy applications such as home‑theater setups, but for daily computing tasks USB‑C is becoming the default.
Conclusion
The convergence on USB‑C, driven by DisplayPort Alt Mode and Thunderbolt 5, signals the gradual retirement of HDMI as the universal video cable. When buying a new cable, a high‑quality USB‑C that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode is likely the smartest choice.