Whether you're watching one of the best OLED TVs, one of the best QLEDs, or enjoying an older set that's still delivering a great picture all these years later, you need to make sure you have a quality HDMI cable to make the most of it.
You need the right speed of cable to get the kind of resolution and refresh rate support that you want, as well as support for features like ARC and eARC for those with the most streamlined of A/V systems. Newer cables can also support important features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto-Low Latency Mode (ALLM), helping you to get the most accurate, responsive picture possible, whether you're watching movies, TV, or enjoying some of the latest games.
We’ve cut through the jargon to help you find the best HDMI cables to unlock your setup’s full capabilities. While these cables come in different lengths and materials, the truth is you don’t need to overspend if your goal is to get 4K resolution at 120Hz. All but one of our picks support at least the HDMI 2.1 standard, but keep your eyes peeled for HDMI 2.2 demands in the years to come. You might want a new cable for that, too.
Best overall HDMI cable
Zeskit Maya Ultra HDMI Cable
- Capable of 4K 120Hz
- Ready for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Braided exterior enhances durability
- None
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 1.5, 3, 5, 6.5, and 10 feet |
| Exterior | Braided |
| Certification | Ultra High Speed HDMI Certified |
A premium, well-made HDMI cable doesn’t need be expensive. That means you don’t have to pay $40 or $50 just to get the 4K 120Hz performance you’re craving. The Zeskit Maya Ultra HDMI Cable is our best overall pick because it strikes an impressive balance between performance, durability, and price, coming in under $20. The Ultra cable boasts a certification that ensures it can handle the full 48Gbps bandwidth, supporting features like 8K resolution, eARC, and VRR. This makes it an excellent choice for both high-end gaming and home theater setups.
The Zeskit Maya Ultra HDMI Cable uses quality braiding, and its wiring is built to resist interference from EMI waves, while the interior is built with single solid-body copper wire. The single copper wire construction helps enhance signal integrity by reducing the number of connections within the cable. Its unibody plug-in heads are also nestled into a zinc alloy housing for improved durability. For watching movies and playing video games, it doesn’t get much better. Available lengths run from 1.5 feet to 10 feet, all of which are customer-tested and approved.
Best Budget HDMI Cable
Amazon Basics HDMI Cable
- Supports 4K 120Hz
- Can buy en masse at a discount (up to 80)
- No mention of certification
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 3, 6, and 10 feet |
| Exterior | PVC jacket |
| Certification | N/A |
The Amazon Basics HDMI Cable is just that: basic. It supports 4K and 8K resolutions, as well as high refresh rates, delivering all the essential features you need, including 48Gbps bandwidth. While it lacks the premium construction of some other cables on this list, its straightforward design gets the job done. The cable supports modern gaming features like VRR, ALLM, and eARC, making it a cost-effective choice for connecting your devices.
Amazon might not be a typical cable manufacturer, but it is a trusted and reliable retailer, and the brand’s Basics line has built a solid reputation for delivering dependable, no-frills products at competitive prices. With nearly 15,000 reviews on Amazon, many users report the cable works as expected, with no issues of signal loss or connectivity problems.
For 8K Resolution
Highwings 8K HDMI cable
- Durable exterior
- Anti-break head design
- Stiff cable not compatible with tight spaces
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 14 size; 1 foot up to 330 feet |
| Exterior | Braided |
| Certification | Ultra High Speed HDMI Certified |
A close second to the Zeskit Maya, the Highwings HDMI cable is a customer favorite, offering affordability without sacrificing quality. The tough braiding on the exterior not only enhances durability but also adds a touch of style, making it one of the best-looking HDMI cables we’ve encountered. This robust braiding, combined with its anti-break, fray-resistant head, makes the Highwings HDMI cable ideal for travel or business presentations with a projector. However, it’s worth noting that the reinforced head, while durable, does reduce flexibility, making it a bit challenging to plug into tighter spaces.
Another thing to note about the Highwings HDMI cable is the wide range of lengths available. It’s best to choose the shortest length possible for your needs (most customers will find the 1, 1.5, 3.3, or 6.6-foot models ideal), but if necessary, you can get one up to 330 feet long. However, relying on such a long cable could result in degraded quality due to potential signal loss over extended distances. Like our top pick, the Highwings supports 4K 120Hz, dynamic HDR, and gaming features like VRR.
Cable Matters 8K HDMI Cable
- Comes in a variety of lengths
- Color-coded multipacks available at discounted rates
- PVC jacket is prine to splitting
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 3.3, 6.6, 9.8, 16.4, 20, and 25 feet |
| Exterior | PVC jacket |
| Certification | Ultra High Speed HDMI Certified |
The Cable Matters HDMI cable will allow your 4K gaming monitor to reach its maximum refresh rate. That matters if you’re a gamer with lightning-fast reflexes and want an extra edge in modern online first-person shooters. It’s also a big deal if you want to get the most out of your fancy monitor. Plus, it can operate in 8K up to a 60Hz refresh rate — though acquiring a TV and content to fit that criteria is its own challenge.
Whether you’re gaming on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, the Cable Matters HDMI cable ensures you get the best possible visual performance by supporting the latest HDMI features. This includes high bandwidth for 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. While the cable is already affordable, the brand offers color-coded multipacks, making it easy to connect your dual-monitor setup.
Best HDMI Cable for PS5 and Console Gaming
Ugreen 8K HDMI Cable
- Braided exterior
- Aluminum alloy shell
- None
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 1.6, 3.3, 6.6, 10, and 16 feet |
| Exterior | Braided |
| Certification | Ultra High Speed HDMI Certified |
Getting the right cable for your gaming setup can make all the difference. While most console games can easily push out 4K at 60Hz, there are some that support 4K at 120Hz and other gaming-specific features like VRR and ALLM. That’s where the Ugreen 8K HDMI Cable comes in. This cable supports every feature you could want from a modern HDMI connection, including bandwidth up to 48Gbps, 8K resolution at 60Hz, 4K at 240Hz, and all the latest gaming features.
What elevates Ugreen’s HDMI cable is its premium construction, featuring a durable braided exterior, robust aluminum alloy shell, and corrosion-resistant nickel-plated connectors. Ugreen has built a reputation for producing excellent accessories and peripherals, and their HDMI cable maintains this high standard. Beyond its gaming capabilities, it’s also ideal for professional use, such as connecting your laptop to an external monitor for either screen mirroring or extended display setups. With its combination of durability and versatility, this cable is an excellent choice for console gamers.
Best Long Cable
Monoprice 8K Fiber Optic HDMI Cable
- Long cable runs without degradation
- Up to 65 feet
- Pricier than typical HDMI 2.1 cable
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 24, 32, 49, and 65 feet |
| Exterior | PVC jacket |
| Certification | Ultra High Speed HDMI Certified |
Our advice is to go with the shortest HDMI cable your setup can accommodate, but if you have to go with something long, check out the Monoprice 8K Fiber Optic HDMI Cable. It’s known as an Active Optical Cable (AOC), which uses fiber technology to push the signal over greater distances without degradation. A typical copper HDMI cable typically becomes unreliable beyond 25 feet, especially when carrying high-bandwidth HDMI signals. Fiber optic cables can maintain signal quality over greater distances.
Beyond its fiber technology, the Monoprice cable delivers on the full 48 Gbps bandwidth, supporting all the latest HDMI features including 4K at 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC. The good news is the cable is certified, ensuring it meets all specifications. While it’s more expensive than traditional copper cables, it’s one of the most reliable solutions for long-distance, high-bandwidth connections.
Best for Tight Spaces
Cable Matters Right Angle HDMI Cable
- Perfect for tight spaces
- Braided exterior is very durable
- Only available in one length
| Specification: | |
| Lengths Available | 6.6 feet |
| Exterior | Braided |
| Certification | N/A |
One of the trickier parts of modern setups is running wires behind your TV, where space can be limited. Some TVs have connections in awkward places, and when combined with an inflexible HDMI cable, can making plugging in difficult. The Cable Matters Right Angle HDMI Cable was made for that very scenario, featuring a 90-degree connector on one end that allows for a much cleaner installation in tight spaces. The design is particularly useful for wall-mounted TVs where standard straight cables might put stress on the HDMI port or get bent against the wall.
Even with its more unusual design, the Cable Matters cable doesn’t compromise on speed or quality. The cable is certified full HDMI 2.1 with 48Gbps bandwidth, making it compatible with 4K at 120Hz gaming, 8K video, and features like VRR and ALLM. In addition to its 270-degree connector, the Cable Matters cable features gold-plated connectors and a braided jacket for extra protection against fraying and tangling.
What to consider
Let’s start with the basics: HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a standard that includes the physical connection (cable), protocols, and specifications for how devices communicate with each other. For this guide, we’ll focus on just the cable itself.
HDMI has come a long way since its introduction. What started as a standard for basic HD video has evolved into something much more powerful. Today’s latest version, HDMI 2.1, can handle everything from 8K resolution to smooth high-frame-rate gaming, all while delivering crystal-clear video and audio. Technically, HDMI 2.2 now exists, but it will likely be a long time before it becomes the new standard.
The HDMI version is important
There are a few different versions of HDMI you need to know about, which will determine what HDMI cable you buy. The first is HDMI 2.0, which is still widely used in modern TVs and monitors. Released in 2013, it offers 18Gbps bandwidth and enables 4K resolution at 60Hz. HDMI 2.0a added support for HDR10 (the most common HDR format), while HDMI 2.0b further enhanced HDR by including HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support.
When shopping for an HDMI 2.0 cable, look for ones labeled as “Premium High Speed;” this certification ensures the cable can handle all HDMI 2.0 features. For most everyday users, especially those primarily interested in watching movies and TV shows, HDMI 2.0 remains perfectly capable despite its age. It can handle all major streaming services, cable broadcasts, and Blu-ray content.
The main reason you’d want to consider the latest standard, HDMI 2.1, is for high-end gaming on the PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series S, or Series X. With its increased bandwidth of 48Gbps, HDMI 2.1 enables crucial gaming features such as 4K resolution at 120Hz for ultra-smooth gameplay, VRR to eliminate screen tearing, and ALLM which automatically switches your TV to its lowest latency gaming mode.
For HDMI 2.1 compatibility, you’ll need to look for cables labeled as “Ultra High Speed,” which can handle the full 48Gbps bandwidth. Features like VRR and ALLM are particularly important for fast-paced competitive games where every millisecond of response time matters. That said, HDMI 2.0 is still perfectly serviceable for most gamers, as it supports 4K gaming at 60Hz—the frame rate at which most current games run. Additionally, if your TV has HDMI 2.0 ports, it’s perfectly fine to use an HDMI 2.1 cable, as it is backward compatible and can future-proof your setup for any potential upgrades.
The shorter the cable, the better
Believe it or not, the length of your HDMI cable plays a critical role beyond providing flexibility for connecting your devices. In this case, the shorter the cable, the better. The signal carried through longer cables can degrade, resulting in reduced image and sound quality, commonly referred to as “signal attenuation.” While most consumers will be perfectly fine with a standard 10-foot cable, you might encounter issues with cables that are longer.
For HDMI 2.0, anything longer than 20 feet may degrade in performance. Since HDMI 2.1 has higher bandwidth requirements, reliable performance may max out at around 15 feet, so your devices need to be closer together. The key is to buy the shortest cable that meets your needs, as shorter cables are not only more reliable but typically less expensive and easier to manage.
Check for cable certification
We mentioned this above, but it’s worth expanding on. The cable you buy, no matter what version of HDMI it supports, should be certified to ensure it’s been officially tested and verified to meet specific performance standards. When a cable is certified — marked as either Premium High Speed for HDMI 2.0 or Ultra High Speed for HDMI 2.1 — it means it has passed rigorous testing to ensure it can handle the full bandwidth and features of that HDMI standard. You verify a cable is certified by checking for the certification label or scanning the QR code on the packaging.
For instance, a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable “complies with stringent specifications designed to ensure support for all HDMI 2.1b features including uncompressed 8k@60 and 4K@120,” according to HDMI.org. “The cable’s increased bandwidth capability supports up to 48Gbps… The Ultra High Speed HDMI Certification Program is a mandatory certification program for all Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables; and ensures quality Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables reach the market and support 4K and 8K video, HDR, VRR, eARC, and all other HDMI 2.1b features. Cables are also required to be tested and certified to ensure low EMI to reduce the possibility of interference with wireless networks, streaming media players, Bluetooth devices and mobile phones.”
Without certification, you may encounter an issue where a manufacturer might advertise HDMI 2.1 compatibility without actually meeting the specifications. Certified cables will have a unique holographic label and QR code that can be scanned to verify authenticity, protecting you from counterfeit products. Certified HDMI cables are generally pretty affordable anyway, so there’s no compelling reason to save a few bucks on a cable that isn’t certified.
The material impacts durability
The exterior of the HDMI cable you choose can impact its durability and flexibility, but for most users, getting the most durable cable possible isn’t necessary. Unlike phone cables that endure daily plugging and unplugging, HDMI cables typically stay put once connected. However, if you find yourself frequently rearranging your setup, opting for a cable with braided nylon can offer extra protection and flexibility against daily wear and tear. For stationary setups, though, the exterior material takes a backseat to more critical factors like bandwidth and length.
How we selected
Between a monitor, a few TVs, streaming devices connected to said TVs, a Nintendo Switch, and a PS5, there are multiple devices in my home, all with different standards, capabilities, and compatibility requirements. In other words, I’ve navigated the complexities of HDMI standards in multiple devices, giving me plenty of hands-on experience to recommend what works best for different setups. To find the best HDMI cables, I considered factors such as the required bandwidth for today’s devices, certifications like “Premium High Speed” and “Ultra High Speed,” and the cable length needed to maintain signal integrity.
Why trust us
Digital Trends has been reviewing home theater equipment and accessories since its inception, from TVs and gaming consoles to streaming devices. As 4K displays have become mainstream, we’ve stayed at the forefront of how different HDMI standards and cables affect picture quality and performance.
The author of this guide, Brandon Russell, has been writing about and testing technology for nearly 15 years, with plenty of first-hand experience with different HDMI standards, whether it be reviewing a new TV or taking a gaming monitor for a spin.
While premium HDMI cables from well-known brands often deliver excellent performance, our goal is to help readers find cables that offer reliable connectivity without overpaying. When picking the best HDMI cables, we considered factors that matter most to users — from gamers who need high refresh rates to movie enthusiasts who demand the best picture quality. Our testing process draws from years of home theater expertise and hands-on experience, allowing us to provide recommendations that balance performance, durability, and value.
