The Top 5 DisplayPort Cables
We don't want to pick favorites, but DisplayPort Cables are undeniably the superior cable for connecting a computer to a monitor. Besides providing the best bandwidth, DisplayPort cables also offer adaptability features such as G-sync and Freesync. No wonder DisplayPort is the cable-of-choice for gamers and other techies. Of course, just like all things, these products come in varying degrees of quality. Some perform better than others, so we've decided to weed out the winners from the stinkers. Here, we list our top five favorite DisplayPort cables, from the best budget option to the premium pick.
DisplayPort 1.2 Cable 6.6ft, iVANKY 4K DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable Nylon Braided, High Speed DP Cable, Supports 4K@60Hz and 2K@165Hz, Slim Aluminum Shell, Grey
Ivanky sets the gold standard
This pick from Ivanky strikes the perfect balance between durability and performance. And don’t let the low price fool you. This affordable cable is actually a tough and long-lasting piece of gear, thanks to the premium materials and intelligent design. For example, the 6.6 feet of copper wiring is encased in a braided nylon jacket. Tug on it, yank it, trip on it, this jacket doesn’t tear. Even better, the connector pins themselves are plated in 24-karat gold, ensuring that they they maintain their high-performance conductivity. Even the outer shells are top-notch, thanks to their heat-dissipating aluminum construction. And in the rare instance that the cable should fail? Ivanky guarantees an “unconditional lifetime warranty”. It really doesn’t get better than that.
Pros
- Superb durability
- Excellent performance
- Affordable price
Cons
- Cable is fairly thick and stiff
Rankie DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, DP to DP 4K Resolution, 6 Feet, Black
Rankie ain't janky
For those with limited funds and in the market for a quality cable, we recommend this pick from Rankie. It’s an affordable option that shaves off a few bucks and still manages to deliver crisp 4k video. And the six feet of length is plenty for most folks intending to connect a computer to a monitor. Plus, the conductors are plated in gold to resist corrosion. That being said, the affordability comes at a price. With a max refresh rate of 60Hz, it’s not exactly pro-gamer worthy. For us plebeians, however, the capped refresh rate isn’t a heavy loss, since few people even own monitors of higher refresh rates. And when a quality cable that costs less than the price of a pizza comes a-knocking, we say answer the door.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Ample, 6 feet of length
- Gold-plated conductors
Cons
- Capped at 60Hz
Leirui DisplayPort Cable 33ft, 1.2 DP Cable (4k@60Hz, 2k@165Hz, 2k@144Hz), 10m Nylon Braided Chord
Thirty-three feet of excellence
Sometimes 6 feet of cable just won’t cut it. And since too-long is always better than too-short, we recommend this extra-long option from Leirui. Offering thirty-three glorious feet of high-quality cabling, this pick is perfect for running along the floors and ceilings discretely and neatly. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a DisplayPort cable based on the length alone. Leirui’s cable is a high-performance beast, capable of streaming 4k video at 60Hz and 2k video at 165Hz. Better yet, the silver-plated wire features triple shielding. That means zero interference from other electronic devices, which is an essential feature when running long cables. Best of all, the price is little more than a dollar per foot, making this also one of the best bang-for-your-buck options on the market.
Pros
- Extra-long, 33-foot length
- Great value for the price
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Latch-free design isn’t for everyone
DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, 10ft, JSAUX 1.2 DP Cable (4K@60Hz, 2K@165Hz, 2K@144Hz) Gold-Plated Braided Ultra High Speed DisplayPort Cord, Gaming Monitor DP Cable (Red)
A premium cable for a premium price
In the world of electronics, a couple bucks can mean the difference between total junk and total perfection. This is certainly true when it comes to DisplayPort cables. That’s why for those willing to spend a bit more, we recommend getting this option from JSAUX. Marginally more expensive than its competitors, this cable is a tough, robust, and up to snuff. With the highest streaming capabilities, such as 2k at 165Hz, it’s certainly worthy of any fancy gaming rig. Indeed, this option has all the features of our Best Overall pick, such as gold-plated connectors and an aluminum shell. The only significant difference stems from the reinforced neck where the cable meets the connector. This reinforcement provides just a touch more durability and protection from frays. Thus, for those with a couple extra dollars to throw around, the price is well-worth it.
Pros
- Super strong
- Highest performance
- Premium materials
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Cable Matters Displayport to DisplayPort Cable (DP to DP Cable) 6 Feet – 4K Resolution Ready
Security matters to Cable Matters
This option from Cable Matters is a lean, mean, high-performance machine with an awesome extra feature. Each end of the cable sports a latch with an easy-release button. Popular among those that with hanging cabled connections, these latches provide a little extra peace of mind. Better yet, the cable itself is another fantastic overall option and can deliver up to 144Hz of streamed content. And although this option doesn’t have any fancy-pants nylon protective jacket, it’s still a hardy and durable piece of gear that can handle a fair share of abuse. Modestly-priced and high in performance, the Cable Matters is a worthy contender for best of the best.
Pros
- Secure latches
- Fast speeds up to 144Hz
- Affordable price
Cons
- No protective jacket
Frequently Asked Questions
What is refresh rate and why does it matter?
The refresh rate of a display is a measure of the number of times an image is “refreshed” on the screen per second. Just like old-timey projectors, today’s computer monitors and TVs emulate motion by displaying still images really fast. Thus, a display with a refresh rate of 144Hz projects 144 still images, one after the other, in a single second.
When it comes to DisplayPort cables, you’re going to want a cable that can transmit video and audio data at a rate equal to or higher than that of your monitor. In other words, if your 2k monitor has a refresh rate of 120Hz, a DisplayPort cable that can handle 2k at 165Hz is more than acceptable. In regard to 4k monitors, there are very few 4k displays that boast a refresh rate greater than 60Hz. Thus, the vast majority of DisplayPort cables are compatible with 4k displays.
Is DisplayPort better than HDMI?
The differences between DisplayPort and HDMI are largely technical, though there are a few practical considerations. For starters, DisplayPort doesn’t support HDR. On the other hand, DisplayPort has wider support for certain technologies, such as FreeSync and G-Sync. And for the dual-monitor aficionados, DisplayPort connections can be driven from one display to another, rather than using multiple ports on your graphics card. Also, certain adapters can be used with DisplayPort that aren’t possible with HDMI, such as USB-C to DisplayPort.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.