HDMI cables carry digital video and audio from a computer, games console, streaming box or Blu-ray player to a monitor, TV or projector. The category covers Standard, High Speed and Ultra High Speed cables in different lengths, with full-size, mini and micro connector versions.
They suit anyone connecting a PC to a second screen, setting up a home cinema or replacing a worn lead behind the TV.
How to choose an HDMI cable
Speed rating. The rating decides which resolution and refresh rate the cable can carry. A High Speed cable (18 Gbps) handles 4K at 60 Hz, while an Ultra High Speed cable (48 Gbps) is needed for 4K at 120 Hz, 8K and the full feature set of HDMI 2.1. Older Standard cables are limited to lower resolutions and are best kept for basic 1080p setups.
Length. Buy the shortest cable that reaches comfortably, with a little slack so the connector is not under strain. High-bandwidth signals can become unstable on passive copper cables beyond roughly five metres, so longer runs through walls or across a room are better served by active or optical fibre cables.
Connector type. Most TVs, monitors, consoles and graphics cards use the full-size Type A port. Some laptops, tablets and cameras use mini (Type C) or micro (Type D) ports, so check the port on the device before ordering. A cable with the wrong connector will not fit, and a USB-C or DisplayPort connection needs a different cable or adapter.
Audio and gaming features. If you connect a soundbar or AV receiver through the ARC or eARC port, pick a cable with Ethernet channel support or an Ultra High Speed cable. For HDR, variable refresh rate and 120 Hz gaming on a console or PC, the cable needs enough bandwidth to carry them, which again points to Ultra High Speed.
Build and shape. Good shielding reduces interference, and a braided or reinforced jacket survives repeated bending better. Right-angle connectors and slim, flexible cables help with wall-mounted TVs and tight gaps behind furniture.
Brands and labels to look for
- Ultra High Speed label: marks cables tested for 48 Gbps, the right choice for HDMI 2.1 devices, 4K at 120 Hz and 8K.
- High Speed label: marks cables tested for 18 Gbps, enough for 4K at 60 Hz with HDR on most TVs and monitors.
- Active and optical cables: use amplification or fibre to keep the signal stable over long distances, typically from around five metres upwards.
- Ethernet channel support: lets compatible devices share a network connection over the HDMI cable and helps with eARC setups.
A recognisable manufacturer is a useful sign, but a clearly stated speed rating, length and connector type tell you far more about whether a cable will work with your equipment.
HDMI cable FAQ
Do I need a special HDMI cable for 4K?
For 4K at 60 Hz, a High Speed HDMI cable is enough. For 4K at 120 Hz, which is used for gaming on newer consoles and PCs, you need an Ultra High Speed cable. Check both the cable label and the HDMI port on your TV or monitor.
What is the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 cables?
HDMI 2.1 supports far more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0, 48 Gbps compared with 18 Gbps. That allows 4K at 120 Hz, 8K and features such as variable refresh rate. In practice, the cable you want for HDMI 2.1 is the one labelled Ultra High Speed.
How long can an HDMI cable be before the signal drops?
Passive copper cables generally work well up to about five metres at high bandwidth, and lower resolutions can often travel further. Beyond that, signal loss can cause flickering, sparkles or a blank screen. Active or optical HDMI cables are designed for longer runs.
Do gold-plated HDMI cables give a better picture?
No, gold plating does not improve picture quality on a digital connection. It resists corrosion on the connector, which can matter over many years. Picture quality depends on the cable meeting the speed rating your resolution and refresh rate require.
