HDMI to HDMI cables

How to choose an HDMI cable — the version matters

Every cable in this category has a full-size HDMI plug at both ends, but not all of them carry the same signal. What you see on screen depends on the cable's bandwidth:

• HDMI 1.4 — Full HD 60 Hz and 4K 30 Hz. Enough for a set-top box, an older TV or an office monitor.
• HDMI 2.0 (Premium High Speed) — 18 Gbps, 4K 60 Hz and HDR. The all-round choice for a 4K TV, a media player and most laptops.
• HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed) — 48 Gbps, 4K 120 Hz and 8K 60 Hz. This is the cable PS5 and Xbox Series X need for 4K 120 Hz gaming, as do 4K monitors running above 60 Hz. VRR, ALLM and eARC are provided by TVs and consoles with an HDMI 2.1 port.

HDMI cable for your TV, console and soundbar

For a 4K TV you use for films and series, an HDMI 2.0 cable is all you need. For a console and gaming at 120 frames per second, choose an HDMI 2.1 cable, also labelled 8K or 48 Gbps. Connect a soundbar to the ARC or eARC port on your TV — sound from your apps will reach the speakers over the same cable.

Cable length and build

A 2 m or 3 m HDMI cable works well for a TV on a stand, while a 5 m HDMI cable suits a computer on the other side of the room. For projectors and wall-mounted TVs there are 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 m cables. The longer the cable, the more its bandwidth matters — over long distances at 4K 60 Hz an HDMI 2.1 cable is a safer bet than the most basic lead, and for the longest runs check the product page for the resolution the manufacturer guarantees. The range also includes flat cables that are easier to tuck along a skirting board or under a rug, right-angle cables for TVs mounted close to the wall, braided cables and HDMI extension cables with a plug and a socket.

For other connectors, see micro and mini HDMI cables for cameras and Raspberry Pi, and USB-C to HDMI cables for laptops and phones. If one signal needs to reach two screens, you will need HDMI splitters and switches. You will find the full range in the video cables category.

Frequently asked questions

Which HDMI cable do I need for PS5?

For PS5 and Xbox Series X, choose an HDMI 2.1 cable (48 Gbps). Only this type carries 4K 120 Hz at full bandwidth. For gaming at 4K 60 Hz, HDMI 2.0 is enough.

Does an expensive HDMI cable give a better picture?

HDMI is a digital signal, so a cable of the same version will not improve colours or sharpness. Problems appear when the cable lacks bandwidth — the picture flickers, drops out or the TV lowers the resolution.