HDMI 2.1 / 8K cables

HDMI 2.1 and 8K cables carry high-bandwidth video from games consoles, PCs, streaming boxes and AV receivers to monitors and TVs. This category suits gamers and home cinema owners, and includes cables from StarTech.com, UNITEK, Gembird and Goobay, in lengths from 0.5 m to 5 m.

How to choose an HDMI 2.1 cable

Certification. Look for the Ultra High Speed description, which is the HDMI 2.1 cable class rated for 48 Gbps. A cable that only says HDMI 2.1 in the title but lacks this wording may not manage the highest signals.

Resolution and refresh rate. Match the cable to what your screen and source can actually output. Many cables in our range list 7680 x 4320 (8K), and several are rated for 4K at 120 Hz, which is the setting most console and PC gamers want. A few list 144 Hz or 240 Hz for high-refresh monitors.

Length. Choose the shortest cable that reaches comfortably. Our range covers 0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 4 m and 5 m, and 1 m to 3 m is the most common span. Passive copper cables become harder to keep stable at full bandwidth as they get longer, so a long run behind a wall may call for an active or fibre cable instead.

Wire gauge and build. AWG is the wire thickness, and a lower number means a thicker conductor. Our range includes 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34 AWG, with 30 AWG the most frequent in the data. Thinner cables bend more easily behind a wall-mounted TV, while thicker ones tend to be stiffer. Gold-plated contacts, listed on many models, resist corrosion but do not change picture quality on their own.

Connectors. Most cables here have HDMI Type A (standard size) plugs at both ends. Check that your devices use full-size sockets, since some laptops and cameras need a mini or micro connector.

HDMI cable brands we carry

• StarTech.com: a connectivity specialist whose cables and adapters are aimed at IT professionals and office installations as well as home users.
• UNITEK: known for video cables, adapters and docking accessories for connecting computers to displays.
• Gembird: a European supplier of cables and computer accessories, with a focus on everyday connectivity.
• Goobay: a cable brand from Germany's Wentronic group, with a large catalogue of audio, video and network leads.
• Vention: a Chinese maker of cables and audio-video accessories, often seen with braided or slim-profile leads.
• Shiverpeaks: a German cable brand supplying AV and PC connection leads under its BASIC-S line.
• Lindy: known for professional AV and IT connectivity, including installation-grade HDMI leads.

Also in our range: Micro Connect, Manta, Genesis, LogiLink and Vivolink.

HDMI 2.1 cable FAQ

Do I need an HDMI 2.1 cable for 4K at 120 Hz?

Yes, in most cases. 4K at 120 Hz needs far more bandwidth than older High Speed HDMI cables provide, so an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable is the safe choice. Your TV or monitor, and your console or graphics card, must also support that mode through their HDMI 2.1 ports.

Will an HDMI 2.1 cable work with older devices?

Yes, HDMI 2.1 cables are backwards compatible with earlier HDMI versions. The connection will run at the limits of the weakest device in the chain. A cable will not add 8K or 120 Hz support to a screen or source that lacks it.

Does cable length affect 8K video?

Yes, length can affect stability at very high bandwidth. Short passive cables, typically from 1 m to 3 m, are the easiest to keep reliable at 8K or 4K 120 Hz. For longer distances, an active or fibre HDMI cable is usually a better option than a long passive lead.

How can I tell if a cable is a genuine HDMI 2.1 cable?

Check for the Ultra High Speed label and a stated 48 Gbps bandwidth on the packaging or product page. Listed support for 7680 x 4320 and a refresh rate such as 120 Hz also helps confirm the cable's intended use. A cable described only as HDMI 2.1 without these details deserves a closer look before you buy.