There is no performance difference between an active and a passive adapter as both can support higher resolutions such as 4K at 60Hz. Q: Do I Need a Active or Passive DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter? Audio support: As with HDMI 2.0 and 2.0a, all surround sound formats in use are compatible. HDMI 2.1 also adds eARC, which is an audio return channel upgrade that provides enhanced audio connection capability for immersive surround sound formats between compatible TVs, home theater receivers, and soundbars. eARC is compatible with Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio/DTS HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. Video resolution and frame rate support: Up to 4K 50/60 (fps), 4K 100/120, 5K 50/60, 5K 100/120, 8K 50/60, 8K 100/120, 10K 50/60, and 10K 100/120. Expanded color support for digital cameras: Allows better color reproduction when displaying digital still photos from HDMI-connected digital still cameras.

As long as they support the same specification, a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter works similarly to an HDMI cable. An active DisplayPort adapter has a built-in chipset that does the DisplayPort to HDMI conversion, meaning it will work with any DisplayPort source device.

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Micro-connector: Although an HDMI mini-connector was introduced in version 1.3, as devices continued to get smaller, an HDMI micro-connector was introduced for use in even smaller devices, such as smartphones. The micro-connector supports up to 1080p resolution. You need an active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter if your source device does not support DP++ or for multi-monitor setups, especially if you are using Nvidia Surround Display or AMD Eyefinity Multi-Display.

Audio return channel: Audio return channel (HDMI-ARC) provides a single HDMI connection between a TV and a home theater receiver. It passes audio/video signals from the receiver to the TV and also passes audio originating from the TV's tuner to the receiver. In other words, when listening to audio accessed by the TV's tuner, you don't need a separate audio connection going from the TV to the home theater receiver. HDMI Ethernet channel: Adds internet and home network connectivity to HDMI. In other words, both Ethernet and HDMI functions are available within a single cable connection. Expanded HDR support:While Dolby Vision, HDR10, and hybrid log gamma are compatible with HDMI 2.0a/b, HDMI 2.1 supports any forthcoming HDR formats that may not be supported by HDMI version 2.0a/b. You'll need an adapter that supports the latest HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 specifications to get features like 4K, VRR, and HDR to work. Q: Does DisplayPort to HDMI Work Better Than HDMI?If your device supports DP++, a passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter will work just fine. Q: How Do I Know if My DisplayPort Is Dual Mode? HDMI has been the de-facto connector for monitors, TVs, and projectors. If you want to connect your laptop or PC to an external display, just run an HDMI cable and you're golden. Gaming support: Variable refresh rate (VRR) is supported. This enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image when it is rendered, allowing for a fluid and detailed gameplay, including the reduction or elimination of lag, stutter, and frame tearing.

On the other hand, passive DisplayPort adapters don't have any additional chips and instead require a source that supports dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++) to do the conversion. over HDMI: HDMI 1.4 accommodates 3D Blu-ray Disc standards. It can pass two simultaneous 1080p signals using one connection. An update (HDMI 1.4a, released March 2010) adds support for 3D formats that may be used in TV broadcasts, cable, and satellite feeds. An added update (HDMI 1.4b, released October 2011) extended 3D capability by allowing the transfer of 3D video at 120 Hz (60 Hz per eye).