There are a bunch of cables running down through the back of your desktop or televisions. But do you know how important they are? If no, then we will help you to know about the two most important cables HDMI and DVI, which greatly impact the quality of your resolution, audio, and other features. Let’s do a review of HDMI vs DVI.
When buying a new PC, you have noticed some different kinds of cables that you get with them. Actually, these cables help your hardware devices to sync with each other. So, after setting everything up, the last step is to plug in the cables, then you’ll be all set to go. But, when it comes to the quality video that you are expecting from your new PC or TV depends on what type of connector do you prefer: HDMI or DVI.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable  | Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable |
| Check On Amazon | |
Monoprice – 124184 High-Speed HDMI Cable
| Monoprice – 124184 High-Speed HDMI Cable |
| Check On Amazon | |
Mediabridge HDMI Cable (25 Feet) | Mediabridge HDMI Cable (25 Feet) |
| Check On Amazon | |
Amazon Basics DVI
| Amazon Basics DVI |
| Check On Amazon | |
Cable Matters DVI to DVI Cable with Ferrites  | Cable Matters DVI to DVI Cable with Ferrites |
| Check On Amazon | |
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable  | Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable |
| Check On Amazon |
Table of Contents
Major Difference Between HDMI & DVI
Both cables might seem to do the same function. But they are a lot different than you think. When you will hold both the cables in your hand, you will realize the number of pins and the size is also different.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a relatively older technology that was used in desktop computers. It can provide the same amount of video signals as HDMI but the main difference is its inability to support audio. Whereas, High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) is now used in almost all best laptops, computers, and television because it won’t only provide quality resolution but also supports audio and video.
Apart from this, there are many differences which will enable you to decide which one will be the best suited for you.
In this post, we have highlighted other main differences along with a few best HDMI and DVI cables available on the market. Now, read on to explore them.
The appearance of HDMI Vs DVI
The most simple difference that you can see is the layout of HDMI and DVI. The DVI comes in multiple layouts but the most common DVI layout you will find is 24 pins based. Whereas, HDMI looks like a big USB cable.
The three variations of DVI are: DVI-D for digital use, DVI-A is for analog, and DVI-I is for both and all of these types are abundantly available in the stores. So, before going for one, you must check which type of DVI cable you would need for your device.
Similarly, the latest two versions of HDMI are 2.0 and 2.1, which provide resolutions of 10,000 with a 120 Hz response rate.
Refresh Rate & Quality of HDMI Vs DVI
Since 4k TVs and monitors have become very common in homes and offices. So, the demand for such connector cables has also increased. HDMI 2.0 is popular in supporting such screens with great quality and a high refresh rate.
HDMI also supports HDCP as standard, unlike DVI connectors. This system keeps the data secured from unauthorized users or devices.
Moreover, a high refresh rate is also required to keep the computer performance smooth and for this purpose, both the connectors HDMI and DVI facilitate a 144 Hz refresh rate at full HD resolution.
Compatibility of HDMI Vs DVI
This is a common thing that you must check before purchasing a connector cable for your device. First, see what kind of connector is required for that specific PC or TV. Or you must get yourself the latest laptop, computer or TVs which have a wide range of ports.
Although, HDMI is widely compatible with all advanced devices whereas, DVI is rarely connected with any computer, television, or laptop.
Price of HDMI Vs DVI
Many people raise the prices of HDMI and DVI connector cables with the same poor quality. So, remember only the analog cables are a little pricey for their standard, and the rest of the cables are inexpensive.
You can also judge the quality of the cables from their poor imaging on the screen. Only the gold plated cables are durable and are resistant to rust which prevents the cable quality from getting low.
If you can’t find one with gold plating, then you can even go with the cheapest one because the quality will remain to be the same just like with other expensive cables.
Comparison Table
Features | HDMI | DVI |
| Standard Groups | HDMI Licensing, LLC. | Digital Display Work Group |
| Digital/Analogue Combination | No | Yes |
| Audio | Yes | No |
| Max Channels | 8 | 6 |
| Max Resolution | 1080 Pixels and HDTV 720 Pixels | QXGA (1536 x 2048) |
| Signal Type | RGB, Y’CbCr @ 16 Bit color | RGB @ 10 Bit color |
| GBPS | 8.16 | 3.96 |
| Cable Length | 15 meters | 10 meters |
Top 3 Best HDMI Cables Review
If you have bought a new 4K HDR, a Blu-ray player – 4K, a media streamer, or a new 4K TV, then you must get yourself a couple of HDMI cables.
For purchasing HDMI cables, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Nearly all HDMI cables come at a very cheap price and can transmit signals for 4K devices. Or if you already have an HDMI cable and it’s not working, then there are chances that it would only require new HDMI gear.
Now let’s see a few best HDMI cables of 2021.
Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable
The Premium Certified Braided HDMI Cable is the top best option for anyone who is on budget. It can support 4K TVs, gaming devices, computers, Xbox, or every latest entertainment device. The best thing is that you won’t need to attach a separate ethernet cable after connecting this HDMI cable because it also supports the internet.
Just like other pricey HDMI cables, this premium certified HDMI cable can handle the highest resolutions easily with 60 Hz refreshing rate, which isn’t bad at all. This HDMI cable is available in multiple lengths ranging from 3 ft to 15 ft and prices vary accordingly.
Monoprice – 124184 High Speed HDMI Cable
If you are confused between certified and non-certified, then you must know that there is no big difference between these HDMI cables. Whatever you expect from an HDMI cable can be fulfilled by non-certified HDMI cables.
These HDMI cables are also capable of transmitting 4K HDR signals at 60 Hz, uncompressed audio, and 4:4:4 color enriched video. The only difference is that the non-certified HDMI cables are not tested like certified HDMI cables.
The certified HDMI cables meet the criteria of ultra-reliability. Many people have concerns regarding the functionality of the HDMI cables. So, they prefer going with the ones having the label of certified HDMI cables to get satisfied with the cable’s reliability.
That’s why Monoprice Certified Premium High-Speed HDMI cable is being most sold HDMI cable as it does not only meet the HDMI criteria but also provided the best quality to its users. Moreover, it provides a lifetime warranty to assure its quality and amazing functionality.
The length of this HDMI cable starts from 3 ft and goes up to 30 ft, to support every type of device you have. It can be used for multiple purposes in workstations or at home.
Mediabridge HDMI Cable (25 Feet)
Here is another best HDMI cable which is also the best alternative to AmazonBasics high-quality HDMI cables at the same price range. You would barely find any flaw in this High-speed HDMI cable by MediaBridge.
Thin cables are prone to damage, that’s why MediaBridge added a little more thickness to its cable to make it durable. This HDMI cable comprises pure copper conductors, gold-plated connectors, reinforced molded ends, and triple shielding to provide audio and video quality ever.
The MediaBridge HDMI cable supports everything you want from it including 18Gbps speed, ARC, HD video with deep colors (48 bits), and ethernet. Moreover, it will provide you the fastest refresh rate of 240 Hz. But if you are fine with 30 Hz, it will provide that too.
If you want it for a gaming purpose, then we would recommend you to stay stuck with 240 Hz. It will also be used for fast-speed action-based entertainment like sports. Just like the above HDMI cable, this one is also backed with a lifetime warranty.
Things To Consider While Picking HDMI Cable
There are multiple types of HDMI cables like HDMI 1, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, etc but choosing which one will be right for you depends upon the type of your hardware device and the compatibility.
There are many manufacturers on the market who claims to provide the best HDMI cables but don’t get bluffed, read the following considerations to find out what type of HDMI cable will be suitable for you.
Speed: Speed or bandwidth is the first thing that matters the most while picking up the right HDMI cable for you. If you go for longer HDMI cables, always remember to check its speed. If the speed of the cable is slow, then it won’t be of any use for you because all the latest devices require speedy accessories to support their amazing performance. The speed of HDMI cables is measured in gigabytes per second (Gbps). So, check the speed to compare the HDMI cables and get the one with the fastest speed.
Cable Length: Some people prefer buying the longest or the shortest HDMI cables which leads to many unforeseen problems in the future. For instance, the shortest wires might be suitable for connecting the devices sitting just next to each other or if you would ever need an HDMI cable for television or other gaming devices which require access from a distance then it would create an issue for you.
Just like that, people who purchase extra long wires thinking that they can use it for every device at home didn’t realize that the performance of the cable compromises over the length of 25 ft. That’s why to get the optimum performance, but the cables with 25 ft length or even less.
Installation Type: If you have bought a standard HDMI cable, Then don’t put it behind or inside the walls because these cables are not made with extra protective layers. If these wires come in direct contact with the construction material then, it can create a problem for you. Therefore, avoid putting your regular HDMI cables underground.
Top 3 Best DVI Cables Review 2021
If you want to view your content or videos on a much bigger screen, then you would need a cable connector. But, it is often noticed that the video quality is compromised during screen mirroring.
Before the era of wireless connectivity, the best DVI cables were used to connect the system’s units with their monitors to provide the best visual quality.
Now, the DVI cables are used to project laptop screens or other small monitors on large displays or televisions. These cables can also transmit both digital and analog signals at a fast speed.
The top best DVI cables on the stores are reviewed below
Amazon Basics DVI
If you want to play games on HDTV which requires a DVI connector, then no worries. The Amazon Basics DVI Monitor Adapter Cable is all set to let you enjoy gaming on a much bigger screen. It features male adapters on both terminals of the cable which connects easily to their respective ports.
This DVI cable is very flexible and has dual ferrites which prevent the signals from getting lost. Its smooth and strong design allows it to fit in even tight spaces with multiple twists and bends without getting damaged.
The wires used in this DVI cable are gold plates, which means the data gets transmitted effectively at a high speed. Also, this cable is resistant to corrosion so there won’t be any signal problem in the future.
The only downside of this DVI cable is that it works for low-frequency display screens. If you will try it with a high-frequency screen, then you would need to refresh it very often.
Cable Matters DVI to DVI Cable with Ferrites
The Cable Matters DVI to DVI cable is the best deal on the market. Its flexible rubber body houses the strongest combo of gold and copper which transmits the image at a very high speed and enhances the durability of the DVI cable so you will never have any connectivity or signal issues in the future.
This DVI cable by Cable Matters is also resistant against any kind of wear and tear, it also has a safety feature on both ends. So, it will be totally safe from electric hazards.
Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable
Another best Amazon Basics HDMI to DVI cable, which is ideal for all the latest devices to connect with the projectors or other large screens. It is compatible with laptops, MacBooks, computers, TVs, Xboxes, and other devices.
This HDMI to DVI cable is also insulated with a premium quality PVC jacket which not only keeps the wires safe but also prevents electric shocks by protecting it from unwanted damages. Since this cable is used for HDMI devices, it transmits high-quality resolutions at a high speed which enhances the gaming experience.
Unlike other DVI cables, this one also transmits audio along with the video, which makes it worth buying to have the best entertainment ever.
Learn about the factors to consider while buying DVI to HDMI cables from our Complete DVI to HDMI Adapter Buying Guide