Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Highest Quality HDMI Cables This Year
Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Highest Quality HDMI Cables This Year
Read update
- We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best HDMI cables you can buy.
Shopping for an HDMI cable is tricky, with many devices relying on certain specs to work properly. To help you find the perfect one, we’ve highlighted some of the best cables available for a wide range of users.
UPDATE: 12/26/2023
We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best HDMI cables you can buy.
Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 Cable
Best HDMI Cable Overall
$60 at Amazon
Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable
Best Budget HDMI Cable
$14 at Amazon
Monoprice 8K Certified Braided Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
Best HDMI 2.1 Cable
$18 at Amazon
Cable Matters Braided 48Gbps Ultra HD 8K HDMI Cable
Best 8K HDMI Cable
$10 at Amazon
Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable
Best HDMI Cable for Gaming/PS5
$16 at Amazon
UGREEN Right Angle HDMI Cable
Best Angled HDMI Cable
$9 at Amazon
Shopping For an HDMI Cable in 2023
The HDMI cable market has gotten fragmented over the years thanks to the introduction of new standards and technologies . Some devices require the most modern HDMI spec currently available, while others don’t mind if the cable you purchase is worth $10 or $100 due to its more flexible compatibility requirements.
One of the most important specs you have to keep your eyes out for is HDMI 2.1 . Some modern devices, like Sony’s PlayStation 5, require HDMI 2.1 to work properly, mainly due to using some of the best display technologies available.
These cables tend to be a bit pricier than those that support HDMI 2.0 or lower, but that, unfortunately, comes with having the latest and greatest tech. Upgrading to an HDMI 2.1 cable now, however, can future-proof your set ups for any devices you may get down the line, simplifying matters.
It’s also important to pay attention to display standards, resolutions, and sound output. If your monitor or TV is equipped with an 8K resolution and HDR support, it’s best to double-check the cable you’re about to buy to ensure both of those specs are supported.
This also goes for special specifications like Dolby Vision and fast refresh rates. You’ll also want to ensure the cable works with your sound system, whether based on Dolby Atmos or DTS:X .
Of course, everyone will have their own needs and budget for finding a new HDMI cable, so to make the search easier and less tedious, we’ve rounded up six of the best cables for a variety of users.
| How Did We Research | ||
|---|---|---|
| Models Evaluated | Hours Researched | Reviews Analyzed |
| 30 | 8 | 90 |
How-To Geek’s product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »
PDF application, powered by AI-based OCR, for unified workflows with both digital and scanned documents. Best HDMI Cable Overall: Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 Cable
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ 8K 60Hz output | ✗ Costly for a cable |
| ✓ Braided design | |
| ✓ Premium high speed materials | |
| ✓ Compatible with gaming consoles |
The best HDMI cable needs to check a few boxes: it has to be reliable, durable, easy to maneuver, and it needs to support modern data transfer speeds. Belkin’s Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 Cable has everything covered.
Its braided cable is a cut above the typical heat shrink tubing you’ll find on more affordable options, mainly because it stands up to significantly more wear and tear. You won’t have to worry about frayed wires or a cord that gives up on you at the drop of a hat, and reliability is a price worth paying for.
And if you’re worried about data transfer speeds, don’t be. The Belkin HDMI 2.1 Cable can support 8K resolutions at 60Hz speeds (or 4K at 120Hz for a smooth gaming and home theater experience) since it clocks in at 48Gbps.
Braided cables tend to have one unique drawback compared to heat shrink tubing alternatives—they can be stiff as a board. Fortunately, Belkin recognized this and, instead of a thick, unwieldy cord, created a cable that’s easy to maneuver and fit into tight spaces (think between your TV and the wall).
At 6.6ft (2.01m), the Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 Cable can span most setups, but you may want to opt for something a little longer if you’re big into clean cable management or you’re running the cord across the length of a room.
Otherwise, Belkin’s Ultra HD HDMI cable will fit right in with your setup and stick around for years to come.
Best HDMI Cable Overall
Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 Cable
$60 $64 Save $4
With 8K 60Hz output capabilities and a durable braided design, Belkin’s HDMI cable is the perfect fit for almost any setup.
Best Budget HDMI Cable: Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ 4K support | ✗ No HDR support |
| ✓ Affordable | ✗ HDMI 2.0 |
| ✗ Not designed for gaming |
If your budget is particularly tight and you still need a reliable HDMI cable, Amazon sells a less expensive model of our overall pick at just $7 for six feet.
The cable provides all the necessary specs for compatibility with most modern devices, although it isn’t HDMI 2.1 compatible. It also lacks HDR support and comes with a rubber exterior instead of a braided one.
Still, this cable should do the trick for most people thanks to its 4K support, 18Gbps bandwidth, and Ethernet support. While not the most robust cable you can purchase, it’s by no means a slouch.
Best Budget HDMI Cable
Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable
For less than the cost of eating out, you can get a Amazon Basics HDMI cable with 4K output support, making this a terrific pick-up for anyone shopping on a budget.
Best HDMI 2.1 Cable: Monoprice 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ 8K HDR support | ✗ Chunky design |
| ✓ 4K @ 120Hz | |
| ✓ Various surround sound formats supported | |
| ✓ Braided cable |
With HDMI 2.1 devices becoming more and more common, it’s a good idea to add an HDMI 2.1 cable to your collection, and we recommend Monoprice’s 8K certified braided cable for doing just that. Its premium design means you won’t have to worry about fraying over time, and its HDMI 2.1 support means you’ll be able to connect to devices that require more bandwidth at up to 48Gbps.
The cable supports Dynamic HDR , Dolby Vision , Dolby Atmos , and DTS:X surround sound. Meanwhile, you can output to a display with up to an 8K resolution at 60Hz, as well as 4K at 120Hz.
This cable’s only downside is its somewhat robust, inflexible design. If you don’t have a lot of room for a somewhat chunky HDMI connector on your devices, this model might not be for you. For everyone else, though, you won’t be disappointed.
If you want additional options, check out our roundup of the best HDMI 2.1 cables .
Monoprice 8K Certified Braided Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
If you want to add an HDMI 2.1 cable to your arsenal, this 8K Certified model from Monoprice is a terrific pick.
Best 8K HDMI Cable: Cable Matters Braided 8K HDMI Cable
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ 8K @ 120Hz support | ✗ Chunky design |
| ✓ 4:4:4 RGB HDR, 12-bit color, and Dolby Vision | |
| ✓ HDMI 2.1 | |
| ✓ Dolby Atmos 7.1 and DTS:X 5.1 surround sound |
Jumping into the 8K content landscape? Consider picking up this 8K HDMI cable from Cable Matters . It comes with a braided design for durability with black or white color options. Sizes range from 3.3 feet to 16.4 feet.
Of course, what counts are the specs. This HDMI 2.1 cable comes with 8K output at up to 120Hz, granting compatibility with some of the most cutting-edge displays on the market. It also includes 4:4:4 RGB HDR , Dolby Vision, and 12-bit color.
On the audio front, you’ll find Dolby Atmos 7.1 and DTS:X 5.1 surround sound support, as well as HDMI eARC. You’ll also get 48Gbps of bandwidth to power even the most complex of entertainment setups.
The ends of the cable remain the only real downfall as they’re noticeably thick, so ensure you have enough space on your device if you purchase it.
Best 8K HDMI Cable
Cable Matters Braided 48Gbps Ultra HD 8K HDMI Cable
For those who are making the jump to 8K entertainment, Cable Matters’ braided 8K HDMI cable is a must-have. With 2.1 HDMI and compatibility for surround sound, you can’t go wrong here.
Best HDMI Cable for Gaming: Zeskit Maya 8K High-Speed HDMI Cable
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ HDMI 2.1 certified | ✗ Only one color option |
| ✓ 4K @ 120Hz | ✗ Limited to 10 feet in length |
| ✓ Dynamic HDR and Dolby Vision | |
| ✓ Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound |
When it comes to gamers, support for the latest specifications is always a must in the HDMI world. This is especially true now because of HDMI 2.1 —a new standard that supports the latest entertainment technologies. The PlayStation 5 requires HDMI 2.1 for full functionality, so it’s important that your HDMI cable can support it.
If you need a new HDMI cable to complete your setup, consider grabbing Zeskit’s Maya 8K cable . Being HDMI 2.1 certified, the Maya cable will work like a charm for most modern gaming consoles like the PS5, while being backward compatible with older devices.
It supports 48Gbps bandwidth, which enables 4K output at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz. Dynamic HDR support, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos , and DTS:X compatibility are all included, and its unique copper conductors ensure a stable connection with reduced judder during gameplay.
Externally, the cable sports a durable braided finish with reinforced edges to reduce fraying. It only ships in one color, and you’ll need to be okay a maximum of 10 feet in length. So long as these are non-issues, the Zeskit Maya 8K HDMI cable should suit your setup well.
Best HDMI Cable for Gaming/PS5
Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable
For any gamer out there shopping for an HDMI cable that supports the latest consoles, this option from Zeskit is not to be missed.
Best Angled HDMI Cable: UGREEN Right Angle HDMI Cable
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ 90-degree angle for awkward setups | ✗ No HDR or surround sound support |
| ✓ 4K output support | ✗ HDMI 2.0 |
| ✓ Affordable |
If your home entertainment setup is challenging for cable management, it might suit you to pick up an HDMI cable with an angled connector. This model from UGREEN offers a standard flat connector on one end and a 90-degree connection on the other, helping you run the cable against a flat surface in case space is an issue.
It also boasts notable specs such as 4K support, 48-bit deep color, and improved shielding to ensure a stable connection.
Unfortunately, this cable won’t have anything fancy, such as HDR support, surround sound, or fast refresh rates. So long as you can live with that, this cable can be a lifesaver for those with an unorthodox home theater or office configuration.
Best Angled HDMI Cable
UGREEN Right Angle HDMI Cable
Entertainment or office setups with limited space can benefit from this special HDMI cable from UGREEN thanks to its abnormal 90-degree design.
FAQ
What does an HDMI cable look like?
An HDMI cable will have a trapezoid-shaped connector on either end of the wire. This connector will have 16 tiny pins that will be used to transmit the digital signal to your TV or monitor. HDMI cables will have the same connector on both ends of the wire.
Are all HDMI cables the same?
No, they are not. While they will all have the same connectors, differences in the materials used will make some HDMI cables work better than others. Make sure to check the store page to make sure the HDMI cable you want to buy can handle the audio and video specs you need it to.
WinUtilities ProDo HDMI cables go bad?
HDMI cables can deteriorate over time. If you’re plugging and unplugging the cable consistently, it will wear down faster, and HDMI cables made of better materials last longer. Eventually, though, HDMI cables will become faulty .
How long can an HDMI cable be?
The maximum length of an HDMI cable can be before the signal starts to degrade will depend on the type of HDMI cable. Standard HDMI cables (1.x) can be up to 49 feet, Premium High Speed HDMI cables can be up to 25 feet, and some active or optical HDMI cables can be as long as 100 feet.
Do I need a 4K HDMI cable?
HDMI cables don’t come in the same designations as TVs do. If you have a 4K TV, you will likely need at least a 1.4 HDMI cable to get proper picture quality. Most modern HDMI cables you can buy will be at least 2.0, but double-check the store page before buying.
- Title: Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Highest Quality HDMI Cables This Year
- Author: Scott
- Created at : 2024-08-30 14:03:32
- Updated at : 2024-08-31 14:03:32
- Link: https://buynow-info.techidaily.com/ultimate-guide-choosing-the-highest-quality-hdmi-cables-this-year/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.