With HDMI cable prices varying wildly, you’d be forgiven for wondering if it’s worth spending more or just going for the cheaper option.
The truth is there are different HDMI standards with different features, specifications and variables. This means it may be worth spending more to get a better performing cable.
However, for most devices – TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, and even some audio systems – there’s no need to buy an 8K HDMI cable. A cheaper HDMI 2.0 cable that supports 4K up to 60 fps is all most people need.
Of course, if you have a PS5 or Xbox Series X (or an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player) and a TV capable of 120Hz (twice the usual 60Hz), then you’ll want to opt for an HDMI 2.1 cable. These are also called 8K cables and can handle transfer speeds of 48 Gbps – far more than the 18 Gbps of standard “high-speed” HDMI 2.0 cables.
We’ve selected some of the best cables from brands we trust in the US and UK.
Amazon Basics HDMI Cable – Best Overall
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
Our main recommendation is also one of the cheaper options – it’s nice when it works, isn’t it?
The Amazon Basics range has become one of our favorites in almost every product category it covers, and HDMI cables are no exception. Available in lengths from 0.9m to 7.6m, and equipped with all the necessary technical specifications as well as a solid design (if simple), it is hard to beat.
Even better – if the cable isn’t cheap enough for you, you can save money by buying them in sets of two or three – great for updating your whole setup or just grabbing some parts spare.
Anker 8K HDMI Cable – Best for Speed
Speed: 48 Gbps
4K: Yes
If speed is what you’re looking for, then this super-fast cable from Anker should do the trick.
With a bandwidth of 48Gbps, this HDMI cable can deliver 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, making it a great option for gamers with next-gen consoles. It’s certified by the HDMI Forum, which means you get support for all other HDMI 2.1 features like VRR, QFT, ALLM, QMS, and eARC.
The cable itself looks suitably premium with carbon steel connectors and a durable double-braided nylon finish that can withstand over 10,000 bends. Anker also offers an 18-month warranty.
Cable Matters 3 Pack HDMI Cable – Best Multipack
Speed: 48 Gbps
4K: Yes
If you have multiple devices to connect via HDMI, a bundle may offer better value. This Cable Matters pack comes in three different colors, so you can easily tell them apart.
Outward appearances aside, they also have the HDMI 2.1 standard, so they can support 8K, 4K and 1080p image quality, and are compatible with eARC ports for soundbars – if you want that Dolby Atmos quality.
They exist in lengths of 1m, 2m and 3m.
Belkin High Speed HDMI Cable – Best Value
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
If you’re more inclined to entrust your wiring to a big brand, Belkin makes a number of reliable tech accessories, so an HDMI cable isn’t terribly difficult for them.
The cable supports 4K, although Belkin also offers an ultra-high-speed version that costs a plot more. As we said above, we wouldn’t really recommend spending the extra money on this, but the option is there if you’re committed to future-proofing.
The US model is slightly different, but should give you the same results.
UGreen 90 Degree HDMI Cable – Ideal for Tight Spaces
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
And now, something completely (well, a little) different. This HDMI cable from UGreen has a right angle plug, perfect for connecting devices in odd places or with limited clearance from your wall or TV stand.
Beware of older 10.2 Gbps versions of this cable and make sure you get the 18 Gbps one. The 10.2 Gbps version will handle any HD content very comfortably, and 4K up to 30 fps, but might struggle with higher frame rate 4K or any 4K HDR.
Monster HDMI Cable with Integrated LED Light – Great for Cable Management
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
Monster’s Spotlight Cable is designed for those of us who are stuck with a mess of multiple HDMI cables on the back of the TV and therefore have trouble telling them apart.
Each end of the cable features a small LED, which lights up when you plug it into a working port, so you can tell at a glance what’s plugged in and where – great for troubleshooting or untangling issues. disordered configurations.
Beyond this lightweight gimmick, this is otherwise a well-built HDMI 2.0 cable, boasting speeds of up to 18 Gbps and measuring 6 feet in length. Monster also sells cables with green, blue, and red lights depending on your preference.
20m True HQ HDMI Cable – Ideal for long distances
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
Some devices require longer cables, and this one from UK brand True HQ can reach up to 20m.
The length of the cable means that speeds are slightly slower than some competitors at 18 Gbps. However, it’s still capable of supporting 4K content at 60Hz – check your devices to see if you need higher speeds.
True HQ also offers a very generous 5-year extended warranty for your peace of mind. Unfortunately, this cable is not available in the United States.
Amazon Basics Gold Braided HDMI Cable – Great for Aesthetics
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
If you’re looking for a cable that strays from the standard black, then this gold number from Amazon Basics may fit the bill. Amazon also offers it in red, silver and white.
It comes with gold plated metal connectors and copper wires. It’s a good choice for devices that don’t require top speeds, as it supports 4K content at 60Hz.
UGreen USB-C to HDMI Cable – Ideal for PC and Monitor Connections
Speed: 18 Gbps
4K: Yes
This cable from UGreen is useful for working from home, as the USB-C end allows you to connect additional monitors, smartphones and tablets for a multi-screen setup.
It comes with a braided nylon cable, which can allegedly withstand over 10,000 plug-ins and 10,000 bends. It can also deliver 4K content at 60Hz and 1440p at 120Hz.
UGreen also offers an HDMI cable with a microHDMI end, as well as an HDMI extender if you have trouble reaching your device.
Advice on buying an HDMI cable
What design should I look for in an HDMI cable?
In terms of design, the main thing you should look for is that the cable head is thin – some TVs pack their HDMI sockets quite tightly, so avoid sleek-looking cables that might just block your other ports. You might also need a cable with a 90° connector on one end if there is little space behind your TV, for example.
What resolution and refresh rate should my HDMI cable support?
Video standards continue to evolve rapidly, with the recent surge of 4K and HDR already beginning to give way to 8K and beyond. Additionally, game console refresh rates are also starting to exceed the standard 60Hz, requiring even more data to be transferred per second.
If you’re still using the HDMI cable that came with the TV you bought eight years ago, it might not work at all with a 4K video source like an Xbox Series X or an Ultra-Bluetooth Blu-ray player. HD, and if it does work, it could introduce errors into the image. The same goes (even more so) for HDR.
Luckily, it’s easy to test – just hook everything up with your cable and check if your TV is getting a signal, recognizing it as 4K and/or HDR, and displaying it without any obvious issues. If so, you are good to go. Otherwise, you will have to buy a new one.
What is HDMI 2.1?
Although we’ve talked about the standards, it’s useful to know that the version numbers actually apply to the devices – TVs and video sources – and not to the cables themselves. What really matters is the cable’s speed capability – look for anything rated at 18Gbps to keep up with 4K HDR, which should be just about any cable sold as “high speed”.
HDMI 2.1 cables support 48Gbps “ultra high speed” which is intended to support 8K video (and up to 10K), but it will be at least a few years before there is. have compatible devices on a large scale.
However, there are features like variable refresh rate and eARC as well as 4K video at 120Hz that also require an HDMI 2.1 cable. The PS5, Xbox Series X, and some LG 4K OLED TVs support HDMI 2.1, but you’ll only get a cable that supports the latest standard if you have both a console and a TV that supports it. support these features.
So unless you specifically need it, don’t pay extra for a 48Gbps cable just yet.
You can read more about what HDMI is and what ports are in our HDMI how-to article. And if you don’t even have enough HDMI ports on your TV, there’s a way to add more.
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