Best 4K HDR HDMI Cables to Buy (2021 Buying Guide)
The cables listed below will help you get the most out of your 4K smart TV or 4K monitor, irrespective of whether you’re hooking up a soundbar or a next-gen game console like the all-new PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X. They will also help you get the very best signal from your computer to your 4K monitor, which is of critical importance if you’re a CAD designer or PC gamer. However, before we begin, we will tell you about the different types of HDMI cables and what to watch out for while buying one.
Types of HDMI Cables: A Buying Guide
There are several different types of HDMI cables available in the market. Most HDMI 2.0 cable these days can handle 4K content at 60Hz. Some high-speed HDMI 2.1 cables can even carry 8K content up to 120Hz. However, given that 8K 120Hz is still a long way away from becoming a reality for most applications, a vast majority of people can use ‘High Speed’ or ‘Premium’ HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cables that support bandwidths of up to 18Mbps instead of splurging on ‘Ultra High Speed’ cords that support up to 48Mbps.
Difference Between Standard, High Speed, Premium and Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables
Standard HDMI cables support resolutions such as 720p@60Hz and 1080i@60Hz, while ‘High Speed’ denotes compatibility with 1080p@60Hz and 4K@30Hz. ‘Premium High Speed’ HDMI cables offer bandwidths up to 18Gbps, which can support 4K@60Hz for HDMI 2.0. Meanwhile, ‘Ultra High Speed’ HDMI is designed to support the 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1, and is compatible with 4K, 5K, 8K and 10K at up to 120Hz. Some HDMI cables also carry a dedicated HDMI Ethernet channel, which allows the cable to make network connections with compatible devices.
Difference Between Active and Passive HDMI cables
Active HDMI cables use electronics within the cable to boost the signal for up to 30 meters (~100 feet) without the need for HDMI extenders based on optical fiber. Most HDMI cables that you find online are Passive cables that can transfer data between two devices, but cannot boost signals by themselves. They can easily transfer data over typical distances and, hit the sweet spot in terms of price/performance for most people. Active cables aren’t necessary for shorter lengths and typical use cases.
The Best Cables for Your TVs, Gaming Consoles and Computers
1. Monoprice Premium High Speed HDMI Cable
The Monoprice Premium High Speed HDMI Cable not only comes from one of the best-known names in the industry, but also with an official ‘Premium’ certification from the HDMI Forum. To add to that, the cable comes with Monoprice’s trademark low pricing and lifetime guarantee, so it’s easy to see why this is at the top of our list of the best 4K HDR HDMI cables to buy in 2021. Capable of delivering up to 18Gbps bandwidth, the cable supports a resolution of up to 4K@60Hz. Other features include HDR, 36AWG, YUV, 4:4:4.
This Premium High Speed HDMI cable supports the simultaneous delivery of dual video streams to a single display screen and, is capable of delivering the full 6Gbps/channel (18Gbps total) bandwidth required by the latest HDMI specification. It supports Thanks to the official certification and the Monoprice brand, you can rest assured that the cable will deliver the highest level of HDMI performance.
3. AUDIANO 48Gbps High Speed Nylon Braided HDMI 2.1 Cord
The AUDIANO 48Gbps High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable brings 48Gbps transmission and supports video resolutions and refresh rates up to 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz and 10K@30Hz. It is also backwards compatible with older HDMI standards going back to HDMI 1.1. It features 2 gold-plated connectors with anti-oxidation for enhanced conductivity.
The AUDIANO HDMI 2.1 Cable supports HD Dolby 7.1 and Dolby Atmos. Other supported features include Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC HDR10 4:4:4). You can use it to connect your Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation, Blu-Ray, Laptop, PC, DVD, Xbox, Wii U and more.
4. iVANKY High Speed HDMI 2.0 Cable
The iVanky 4K HDMI Cable supports 18Gbps HDMI 2.0b connectivity, Mirror & Extend mode, Ultra HD 4K HDR, HD 2K, QHD 1440p, HDCP 2.2, 48-Bit Deep Color, Audio Return (ARC), Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio and Hot Plugging. It’s perfect for your 4K UHD TV and, is compatible with your streaming devices, including Apple TV 4K, NVIDIA Shield, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Roku Ultra, PS5/4/3 Switch, computers and more.
The iVanky 4K HDMI Cable is designed for all devices with HDMI 2.0 standard and is backwards compatible with HDMI 1.4, 1.3 & 1.2. It comes with Tinplate Metal Shielding and gold-plated, corrosion-resistant connectors to protect against external signal interference, thereby offering stable signal transmission and minimizing signal loss. It is built with premium slim aluminum shell and has a high-quality nylon braided jacket for enhanced durability.
5. Belkin Ultra HD High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
The Belkin HDMI 2.1 cable is certified ‘Ultra High Speed’ by the HDMI Forum and, supports a bandwidth of up to 48Gbps for your gaming, streaming and HDMI needs. It offers optimal performance for Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X, Apple TV 4K, 4K HDR, HDR 10 and Dolby Vision, PCs, the MacBook Pro, and a whole lot of other HDMI devices, including smart TVs, laptops, desktops and more.
The Belkin Ultra HD High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable complies with stringent specifications designed to ensure support for all HDMI 2.1 features, including uncompressed 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz. It also comes with a 2-layer shielding construction, which minimizes interference and increases durability. The cable linked below has a length of 2 meters (~6.5 feet), making it more expensive that many of its competitors. However, it is well worth it if you want an official certification and the assurance of a reputable brand.
6. JYFT High Speed HDMI 2.0 Cable
The JYFT High Speed HDMI 2.0 cable (18Gbps) supports up to 4K@60Hz transmission with HDCP 2.2, HDR, 48-bit Deep Color, 3D, 32 audio channels, Dolby 7.1, 21:9 video aspect ratio and multi-stream audio/video. It also comes with Ethernet support. You can use it to hook up your Apple TV 4K, Fire TV, Android TVs, monitors, projectors, set-top-boxes, computers, laptops, Blu-ray players, AV receivers, DVRs, media streamers, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Wii U and more.
The JYFT High Speed HDMI cable is made with high-quality materials, including heavy duty gold plated connectors, 30AWG high purity copper conductor, a metal case and a double-braided cotton yarn sleeve. The company is also offering a lifetime warranty on the product, which should give buyers some peace of mind. The unit linked below has a length of 10 feet, but it is offered in a multitude of lengths, starting from 3 feet to 50 feet, so you can choose based on your requirement.
7. Snowkids 4K Flat High Speed HDMI 2.0 Cable
The Snowkids 4K HDMI 2.0 cable supports up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution @60Hz with 3D, 4K HDR, 48-bit deep color, 21:9 cinema aspect ratio, Dolby Atmos, etc. It transmits data at speeds up to 18Gbps and, is compatible with previous HDMI 1.4 , 1.3 & 1.2 standards. The cable also comes with a tangle-free, flat, braided design that can withstand 15,000 bending tests for enhanced durability.
The Snowkids HDMI 2.0 cord comes with 24K gold-plated connectors, tinned copper core and multiple shielding design for anti-interference and best signal transmission. It is also compatible with all HDMI to HDMI ports, such as 4K UHD TVs, Set-Top-Boxes, Blu-ray Players, video game consoles, computers, projectors, monitors, DVRs, AV receivers and streaming media devices. It also supports Mirror and Extended Mode, making it perfect for home theater, game and home office.
8. BlueRigger Rugged 4K HDMI Cable
Part of BlueRigger’s Rugged series, the BlueRigger 4K HDMI cable comes with tangle-free nylon-braided construction that increases longevity and is perfect for households with pets. It supports transfer rates up to 18Gbps with 4K@60Hz, UHD, HDR, 3D, Ethernet and Audio Return Channel (ARC). The cable is certified to offer up to 18Mbps transmission with support for 4K@60Hz, 48 Bit Deep Color and Ethernet. It is HDCP 2.2 compliant and backwards compatible with earlier versions. It can connect Blu-Ray Players, Apple TV, Xbox One, PS4, Roku, and laptops with HDMI output to 4K UHD TV, projectors, A/V Receiver, etc.
The BlueRigger rugged 4K HDMI cable comes with a high-quality build that protects against corrosion while maximizing signal strength. It includes 100% pure copper conductors and, comes with high-density triple cable shielding to maintain the integrity and purity of digital sound. It also comes with 24K gold-plated, corrosion-resistant, full-metal jacket connectors that deliver optional signal transfer with minimum distortion. All BlueRigger cables are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and US-based customer support.
9. Pacroban 8K HDMI 2.1 Braided Cable
The Pacroban 8K HDMI 2.1 braided cable offers the most recent update of the HDMI specification and supports a range of high video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K@120Hz and 4K@144Hz, and resolutions up to 10K. The cable has a bandwidth of up to 48Mbps for uncompressed 8K content with Dynamic HDR with HDCP 2.2. It also supports the most advanced audio formats and highest audio quality.
The Pacroban 8K HDMI 2.1 braided cable has exceptionally low electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and is backwards compatible with older standards, which means that it can be used with the existing installed base of HDMI devices. Other supported features include Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gamers, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS), Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and more. Finally, it also comes with Pacroban’s lifetime replacement warranty.
10. Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable
Finally, there’s the Zeskit MAYA series Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. These are officially certified by the HDMI Forum and comply with stringent specifications designed to ensure support for high resolution video modes such as 4K@120Hz and 8K@60Hz. It also supports new features such as eARC and VRR. The cables have ultra-low EMI (electro-magnetic interference), which reduces signal interference with nearby wireless devices.
The Zeskit Ultra HD High Speed HDMI cable is designed for high-bandwidth features, including uncompressed 8K video with HDR. Other popular supported features include Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDCP 2.2 & 2.3, DTS:X, eARC. It is backwards compatible and can be used with the existing installed base of HDMI devices. For future-proofing, the cable also supports Dynamic HDR, VRR, ALLM, QFT, QMS and more.
The Best Connectivity Options for Your Gadgets
Just because you’re getting a shiny new television doesn’t mean you have to get an expensive HDMI cable. However, if you do happen to need one, you can choose any of the ones listed above based on your need and budget. Spending more won’t necessarily give you better quality images, but you should ensure that they adhere to the specifications they advertise. Our list above includes cables from reputable brands and you can rest assured that you won’t get any unpleasant surprise from any one of them. Also, while we are on the topic of HDMI cables, don’t forget to read our explainer article on HDMI-CEC to understand the tech behind these cables in a little more detail.
