The main difference between VGA vs. HDMI video cables and ports is that the VGA signal is analog, while HDMI is digital. This means VGA signals transmit information via electrical wave size. HDMI digital signals transmit data in bits of data (on or off) in varying frequencies.

VGA and HDMI are interface standards used for cables that connect devices — such as laptop computers and DVD players — to a display, like a TV, computer monitor or projector. VGA is an older standard that carries only a video signal. HDMI is the default cable standard for newer electronic devices, such as Blu-Ray players or LED TVs.

The major difference between the VGA and HDMI interfaces is in their image quality, with HDMI being the better one. Similarly, HDMI is hot-pluggable , meaning you can insert or remove it while the system’s running, and you won’t experience any disturbance in the signal.

HDMI is a digital interface, which means it transmits signals in binary code (0s and 1s). This results in a cleaner, more stable signal that is less prone to interference. VGA, on the other hand, is an analog interface, which means it transmits signals as a continuous wave.

When it comes to quality, HDMI completely triumphs over VGA. The most widely used, HDMI 2.0, offers visual capabilities of up to 4K. In contrast, the average VGA only offers 640 x 480 resolution and a refresh rate of 60Hz.