In this guide
No, you cannot daisy chain monitors with HDMI. HDMI does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST), the technology required for true daisy chaining. Use DisplayPort 1.2+ or Thunderbolt 3+ instead, or use an HDMI splitter as a workaround.
- You use an HDMI splitter or MST hub connected to your source port
- Your monitor has a rare HDMI pass-through output (check specs carefully)
- You use DisplayPort or Thunderbolt instead of HDMI for true daisy chaining
- You try to chain standard HDMI monitors directly together
- Your monitor has only HDMI input ports with no pass-through output
- You expect HDMI 2.1 to support daisy chaining — it does not
Why HDMI Cannot Daisy Chain Monitors
True daisy chaining requires a technology called Multi-Stream Transport (MST). MST allows a single cable output to carry multiple independent video streams, which each monitor in the chain splits off and passes along. HDMI — including the latest HDMI 2.1 — was never designed with MST. Every version of HDMI carries only one video stream from source to display, full stop.
DisplayPort 1.2 and later, plus Thunderbolt 3 and 4, all support MST natively. If daisy chaining is a hard requirement, switching to one of those connections is the correct solution. Check out our guide on whether USB-C supports video if you want to explore Thunderbolt-compatible setups.
HDMI Workarounds for Multiple Monitors
If you are stuck with HDMI ports, two workarounds can get multiple monitors running — neither is true daisy chaining, but both are practical.
- HDMI splitter: Duplicates the same image across all connected monitors. Good for presentations or signage, not for extended desktop setups.
- MST hub: Connects to a DisplayPort or USB-C MST-capable output on your PC and provides multiple HDMI outputs. Each monitor gets an independent signal. This requires a compatible GPU and source port — not an HDMI source.
A small number of monitors advertise HDMI pass-through, where an HDMI signal enters one port and exits another to feed the next screen. Always verify this in the monitor’s specification sheet before buying — it is uncommon and often only mirrors the image rather than extending it.
Common Setups at a Glance
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI monitor to HDMI monitor | No | — | No MST on HDMI |
| HDMI splitter from PC | Partial | Splitter | Duplicates image only |
| MST hub with HDMI outputs | Yes | DP/USB-C source + MST hub | Extended desktop possible |
| DisplayPort daisy chain | Yes | DP 1.2+ monitors | Best native option |
| HDMI pass-through monitor | Rarely | Compatible monitor | Check specs; often mirrors only |
What to Use Instead
DisplayPort MST daisy chaining is the cleanest solution for extended multi-monitor desktops. Each monitor needs a DisplayPort input and a DisplayPort output (MST out). Connect your PC to monitor one, then run a cable from monitor one’s output to monitor two. The Dell daisy chain monitor guide walks through how MST chains are set up in practice.
If your laptop only has USB-C ports, check whether they support DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt — both can drive MST hubs. Our article on whether USB-C can connect to HDMI explains the port types in more detail.
Bottom line: You cannot daisy chain monitors with HDMI in any standard configuration. HDMI lacks MST entirely, and no version including HDMI 2.1 changes that. Use DisplayPort 1.2+ or Thunderbolt for true daisy chaining, or use an MST hub if your source only has USB-C. An HDMI splitter is a last resort that only mirrors, not extends, your display.