Before buying a new display, it is worth double checking what is actually on the back panel. Do gaming monitors have HDMI ports, and more importantly, is it the right version of HDMI for what you plan to plug in, whether that is a gaming PC, a PS5, or an Xbox Series X?
- Nearly every gaming monitor made in the last several years includes at least one HDMI port.
- The version matters a lot more than the presence of the port itself, HDMI 2.0 versus HDMI 2.1.
- HDMI 2.1 supports up to 48Gbps of bandwidth, enabling 4K at 120Hz plus VRR and ALLM.
- Console gamers specifically need HDMI 2.1 with full feature support, not just the label on the box.
HDMI Is Standard, But Not All HDMI Is Equal
Yes, gaming monitors have HDMI ports, that part is not really in question anymore. Almost every monitor sold today, from budget 1080p panels to flagship 4K OLEDs, includes at least one HDMI input alongside DisplayPort.
The real question is which HDMI version is on board, because that determines what you can actually do with it.
- HDMI 2.0 caps out around 18Gbps of bandwidth
- HDMI 2.1 jumps to as much as 48Gbps
- That bandwidth gap is the difference between 4K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz
Per WyreStorm’s technical comparison, HDMI 2.0 can handle 144Hz at 1080p or 1440p but often has to sacrifice VRR or chroma quality to get there, while HDMI 2.1 was built with high refresh 4K gaming specifically in mind.
What HDMI 2.1 Actually Unlocks for Gamers
The jump to HDMI 2.1 is not just about bigger numbers on a spec sheet. It brings in a handful of features that matter for actual gameplay.
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which cuts down screen tearing and stutter
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches the display into game mode
- eARC, for passing higher quality audio back through the same cable
- 4K at 120Hz support, previously impossible over standard HDMI
Heads up: a port labeled “HDMI 2.1” on the box does not guarantee full feature support. Some monitors implement only partial HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, enough for the marketing claim but not enough for true 4K120 with VRR. Check the full spec sheet, not just the badge.
HDMI vs DisplayPort on a Gaming Monitor
Most gaming monitors offer both HDMI and DisplayPort, and PC gamers often default to DisplayPort since it has historically supported higher refresh rates and adaptive sync more consistently. RTINGS notes that for most PC gaming setups, DisplayPort remains the safer bet, though HDMI 2.1 now delivers comparable performance when both ends fully support it.
Console gamers do not get a choice here. Neither PS5 nor Xbox Series X outputs over DisplayPort, so HDMI is the only path in.
Why This Matters More If You Are Buying for a Console
If the monitor is going to sit next to a PS5 or Xbox Series X, checking the HDMI port version is not optional. Console makers built their 4K120 and VRR features specifically around HDMI 2.1, and an older HDMI 2.0 port simply cannot pass that signal through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do cheap gaming monitors have HDMI 2.1?
Not always. Many budget models still ship with HDMI 2.0 ports, which limits them to lower refresh rates at 4K or requires dropping resolution for higher Hz.
2. How many HDMI ports does a typical gaming monitor have?
Most have one or two HDMI ports alongside one or two DisplayPort inputs, though this varies by model and price tier.
3. Does the HDMI cable itself matter, or just the port?
Both matter. You need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to actually get the full benefit of an HDMI 2.1 port.
4. Can I use HDMI 2.0 for gaming at 1440p 144Hz?
Often yes, though depending on the monitor you may need to reduce chroma subsampling or drop VRR to hit the full refresh rate.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Always verify the exact HDMI version and feature support listed in a monitor’s official specifications before purchasing.
