Laptops skip a dedicated DisplayPort because HDMI is expected and USB-C or Thunderbolt already carry DisplayPort over Alt Mode.
Laptop makers juggle space, cost, and buyer habits. A full-size HDMI socket reaches TVs and projectors in homes, offices, and classrooms. At the same time, most modern machines can send a native DisplayPort signal through USB-C or Thunderbolt, so one small reversible port serves many jobs. That mix keeps cases slim without cutting external display options.
Display outputs on modern laptops
Here’s the quick view you’ll meet on current notebooks. The first table gives a broad view of where each option shows up and what it can carry.
| Port or mode | Where you find it | What it carries |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI (Type A) | Ultrabooks, budget models, gaming rigs | Video + audio to TVs, projectors, many monitors |
| USB-C with DP Alt Mode | Ultrabooks, business and creator models | Native DisplayPort video over USB-C; data and charging on the same jack |
| Thunderbolt 3/4/5 (USB-C) | High-end Windows laptops, MacBooks | DisplayPort tunneling plus high-speed data and docking |
| mini DisplayPort | Older ThinkPads, Surface devices, some gaming laptops | Native DisplayPort video on a smaller connector |
| Full-size DisplayPort | Workstations and a few gaming laptops | Native DisplayPort with latch; roomy, sturdy plug |
| Docking connector | Business lines with vendor docks | Multiple displays via the dock’s DP or HDMI ports |
Why laptops skip a dedicated displayport
HDMI covers the common “plug into a big screen” moment. Classrooms and living rooms run on HDMI, so vendors ship one port that matches the room. The HDMI socket is slightly smaller than full-size DisplayPort, which helps on thin edges. USB-C is far smaller, yet can carry DisplayPort natively, so a single USB-C jack checks the high-refresh, high-res box without a second large hole in the chassis.
Space and mechanical tradeoffs
Every millimeter along a laptop’s side must earn its keep. HDMI Type A measures roughly 14 × 4.5 mm, while full DisplayPort is about 16.1 × 4.8 mm. Both consume height and depth around the board and require shielding. USB-C sits around the 8 × 3 mm range and fits stacked with other I/O. One USB-C can handle power, data, and DisplayPort video, so designers gain layout freedom and cooling room.
USB-C and Thunderbolt already carry displayport
DisplayPort over USB-C, known as DP Alt Mode, routes the DP lanes through the Type-C pins. When the system negotiates Alt Mode, your USB-C to DisplayPort cable becomes a straight DP link to the monitor. Thunderbolt ports also tunnel DisplayPort, which is why a simple USB-C to DP cable works on many docks and laptops. With DP Alt Mode 2.x, bandwidth reaches levels fit for high refresh 4K and beyond.
Cost and licensing math
HDMI uses a licensing program with annual fees and per-product costs. Brands already pay to put HDMI on TVs, set-top boxes, and consoles, so adding one more HDMI jack on a laptop fits that spend and matches user expectations. DisplayPort, governed by VESA, doesn’t share the same adopter program model, and the DP signal can ride over USB-C ports you already need for charging and high-speed data. Fewer distinct connectors mean fewer brackets, flex cables, and validation steps.
Internal panels already use eDP
Inside the lid, the panel connects over embedded DisplayPort. That link is built for high resolution with lean wiring and low EMI. Since the GPU already speaks DisplayPort to the built-in screen, passing that same protocol out through USB-C is straightforward. A dedicated external DisplayPort socket becomes optional instead of mandatory.
Close variant: why many laptops don’t include a displayport port by default
When a vendor spec sheet leaves out a full-size DisplayPort line item, it usually isn’t dropping DisplayPort support. It’s shipping that support over USB-C and Thunderbolt. You still get Adaptive-Sync displays, high refresh rates, daisy-chain on DP-ready monitors, and long cable runs with the right gear. The only thing missing is the full-size plug.
When a native displayport jack still makes sense
Some buyers still prize a locking DP cable on a desk rig. Workstations that drive many panels, esports machines that sit near desktop-style monitors, and IT teams with piles of DP cables may prefer the standard DP socket. That’s why you still see it on a handful of gaming and creator models.
How to get displayport from a laptop that has no dp jack
In practice, getting DisplayPort out of a modern notebook is simple. Use a certified USB-C to DisplayPort cable for a direct link to the monitor. For dual displays or higher refresh setups, a Thunderbolt dock or USB4 dock with DisplayPort outputs keeps cabling tidy and adds power and Ethernet on one wire.
Spot the right symbols
Check for a lightning-bolt icon for Thunderbolt or a small “DP” next to the USB-C port. Vendors don’t always label ports, so the spec sheet may be the only hint. If the manual lists DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt, you’re set for a USB-C to DP cable.
Cable and adapter picks
Go for a direct USB-C to DisplayPort cable before trying a chain of dongles. Active adapters help when a GPU or dock needs a protocol bridge, but each hop can add quirks. High refresh 4K and 5K often call for DP 1.4 or better with DSC on both ends, so match the cable and monitor features to your laptop’s GPU and port.
| Your laptop port | Target display | Use this |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C with DP Alt Mode | DisplayPort monitor | USB-C to DisplayPort cable |
| Thunderbolt 3/4/5 | One or two 4K panels | Thunderbolt dock with DP 1.4 outputs |
| USB-C (no DP Alt Mode) | HDMI-only screen | USB-C to HDMI active adapter |
| HDMI only | DisplayPort monitor | Active HDMI-to-DP converter |
| mini DisplayPort | DisplayPort monitor | miniDP to DP cable |
| USB4 | High refresh 4K | USB-C to DP 1.4 cable or TB4 dock |
Spec notes, links, and what they mean in real life
DP Alt Mode over USB-C maps DisplayPort lanes onto the Type-C pins and can reach high data rates with DP 2.x gear. Thunderbolt tunnels a DisplayPort stream through the same USB-C connector while also handling PCIe. Those paths are why a laptop can skip a full DP jack yet still drive pro monitors. For official wording on DP Alt Mode bandwidth and behavior, see VESA’s update on the spec, and for HDMI’s licensing model, the HDMI registration page lays out the fee structure. Both pages open in a new tab.
Buying tips that save a second trip to the store
- Read the spec sheet for “DisplayPort Alt Mode,” “HBR3,” “DSC,” or “Thunderbolt.”
- Match the cable to the target spec: DP 1.4 for 4K high refresh; DP 2.x gear for cutting-edge panels.
- Pick docks that list DisplayPort version, per-port limits, and total bandwidth.
- Keep one HDMI cable around for conference rooms and TVs.
One note on labeling: some brands print a DP icon near the USB-C jack while others don’t. Lack of a logo doesn’t always mean no video. If the manual lists video out over USB-C, you’re fine. When specs are vague, a vendor chat or model-specific forum thread can confirm capabilities.
When an hdmi port is still worth it
Meeting rooms and TVs run HDMI. A built-in HDMI socket saves adapters at venues that provide cables. That simple move cuts setup time for presenters and students. Many laptops ship one HDMI for that reason alone, while leaving DisplayPort duties to USB-C or Thunderbolt.
Buyer takeaways
You’re not losing DisplayPort on most modern laptops; it’s just arriving on a different connector. HDMI handles the everyday plug-and-play screen. USB-C and Thunderbolt carry native DisplayPort for high refresh monitors and multi-display docks. With the right cable, you still get the display fidelity you expect, even if the chassis lacks a full-size DP socket today.
Helpful references: VESA DP Alt Mode update and HDMI adopter registration details.