What Is the Difference Between HDMI and USB?

Connecting our devices— whether they are computers, TVs, or smartphones—to external screens or storage devices, has become more and more necessary for work and for people’s personal or household entertainment. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) are two of the most popular and commonly used connectors for this purpose. Though they are both extremely popular, many users do not know how to differentiate one from the other. Many users have most likely wondered what the difference between HDMI and USB is. If you are one such user, here is a breakdown of the functions, capabilities, and optimal uses of each connector. Understanding the differences will help you determine when to use them or which one to get when you are selecting your AV products.

What Is the Difference Between HDMI and USB?

Purpose and Function

HDMI is today’s standard when connecting computers, laptops, and other gadgets to televisions to transmit high-quality audio and video signals. Its simplicity allows anyone to quickly connect two devices via the cable.

First released in 2002 and having undergone several updates, HDMI has become the go-to for connecting video game consoles, Blu-ray players, TVs, and computer monitors. Its ability to carry both uncompressed audio and video signals ensures high-quality output, whether in home entertainment or professional setups.

Meanwhile, USB is a connector initially designed for data transfers between computers and peripherals such as keyboards, printers, etc. Throughout the years, USB has been further developed to support other functions such as charging devices, transferring high-speed data, and even delivering power.

Audio and Video Capabilities

HDMI is perfect for applications where high-quality media output is a must. The evolution of HDMI has allowed it to support higher resolutions, even up to 8K, surround sound formats, and High Dynamic Range. For instance, HDMI 2.1 supports Ultra High Definition resolutions and refresh rates of 120 Hz, which makes it perfect for gaming, home theater, and other entertainment setups.

On the other hand, USB was not designed for video output. However, its evolution has allowed USB-C to support video output through specific protocols that enable users to connect particular laptops and smartphones to external monitors. However, when it comes to handling audio and video, users will be better off with an HDMI.

Data Transfer and Power Delivery

When it comes to data and power delivery, USB is unrivaled. USB 3.1 and 3.2 are excellent when connecting hard drives and SSDs because their transfer speeds can go from 10-20 Gbps. In addition, USB-C has no problem charging laptops, smartphones, and other high-powered devices because it can deliver up to 100 watts of power.

Meanwhile, HDMI  does not handle files, documents, and other data files. Although it can offer some power delivery of around five bolts, it is minimal and generally only supports small device functions.

Compatibility and Convenience

USB is versatile, and there is no problem with compatibility. With USB-A to USB-C, there are ports on almost all devices, from computers to cameras. Being able to use one connector for multiple devices allows for easy setup without complicated configurations.

Although a must for video and audio connectivity, HDMI is not as universal as USB. While it is true that HDMI ports are common on TVs, monitors, and other multimedia devices, HDMI cables offer less convenience when it comes to cable management due to the rigidity and size of the cables as compared to USB.

Get the Right Connector Today

Ultimately, your choice between HDMI and USB will depend on your intended use or purpose. If you want specialized support for multimedia content, HDMI is the perfect choice. But if you need a tool for data transfer, device charging, or connection to peripheral hardware, your best choice is USB. Contact the team at Kanex Pro representatives for help determining which connector better suits your needs.