Buying guide for best HDMI cables
A clutter-free home entertainment or gaming hub is a must, as it allows you to keep things tidy and organized. You don’t want a bunch of cables cluttering up space, as more cables attract dust and make areas look messy. That’s what sparked the invention of the HDMI cable, which transmits both audio and video signals between devices.
All HDMI devices look the same, but there are some differences between models and a few things to consider before buying one. For example, some cables offer better protection from external interference. Some support faster speeds and higher refresh rates for a smooth viewing or gaming experience. You’ll also want to consider the cable length based on your needs and preferences.
Our top pick, the Monster 4K HDMI Cable, has a robust construction and is highly appreciated by gamers and those who want to stream high-definition content. It supports speeds up to 21 gigabits per second, and the connectors promote a reliable connection free of interference.
Our list: The best HDMI cables
The Monster 4K HDMI cable is our favorite since its 6-foot length is suitable for most home theater and gaming setups, and it supports speeds of up to 21 gigabits per second and 60-hertz (cycles per second) to 120-hertz refresh rates. That makes it suitable for those who want to stream high-definition TV shows, movies and sports and anyone looking for a lag-free gaming experience. Also, it has V-grip connectors for a steady connection.
It’s a low-end HDMI cable, but for basic home entertainment setups, it’s more than enough to get the job done. Best of all, you can get a 3-foot cord for just a handful of dollars. It supports 8K at 60 hertz and 4K at 120 hertz and is also compatible with Audio Return Channels — an excellent feature if you have a soundbar, as it reduces the number of cords in your TV setup.
Speeds are impressive, reaching up to 48 gigabits per second, and the gold-plated connectors increase abrasion resistance.
If you want a cheap HDMI cable, you could do worse than this Monoprice cable. For anyone who wants to hook up a low-priority device, it’s an excellent value pick. It doesn’t have the same rugged construction as some of our other favorite HDMI cables, but you’ll get bandwidth as fast as 18 gigabits per second and excellent electromagnetic resistance.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper cable with the quality and performance this Snowkids HDMI cable offers. It supports several resolutions and frame rates, including 8K at 60 hertz, 4K at 120 hertz and 4K at 100 hertz, making it an excellent cable for hardcore gamers and sports enthusiasts. It’s made with military-grade nylon material, and the ultra-flex design gives it outstanding durability.
You may have never heard of this brand, but if you’re willing to look past that, this HDMI cable can serve you well in various situations. Anti-interference shielding makes it superior to many other cables in the same price range, and the breakproof plugs offer superb durability. It supports 8K at 60 hertz, 4K at 120 hertz, HDR technology, 7.1 surround sound and Audio Return Channels.
This HDMI cable is made with high-quality copper covered in double-braided premium nylon, giving it outstanding flexibility. It supports transfer speeds of up to 18 gigabits per second and has gold-plated corrosion-resistant connectors for a reliable connection and increased protection from external interference. Plus, it’s available in sizes from 0.5 feet to 75 feet.
Different types of HDMI cables
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.0 cables support High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, a feature for legally playing back copyright-protected content and object-based surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos. These cables are critical for any home theater with high-end surround sound.
HDMI 2.1
These cables significantly upgrade the types of content that can be transmitted. They support 4K at high frame rates and expand support for next-generation technologies like 8K TVs.
If your 4K TV supports HDR or Dolby Vision, or if you want to future-proof your TV setup, make sure it’s built on the HDMI 2.1 standard.
HDMI cable features
HDMI version
The version of the HDMI cable you choose should align with your video needs. While most electronics, including soundbars and DVD players, would be fine with older-version HDMI cables, newer technologies like high-frame-rate console gaming and Dolby Atmos audio require more modern cables.
HDMI certification
Quality HDMI cables have been independently certified to meet HDMI standards so you can trust they’ll live up to advertised claims. If you see an HDMI cable that doesn’t list a certification, there’s no guarantee it will perform at the expected levels. Most HDMI cables list the certification on the cable itself or the packaging.
Length
One of the most essential features to consider when looking for an HDMI cable is how long you need it to be. It’s best to avoid a cable that’s longer than what you need. If you’re getting an extra-long cable, choose one with shielding to prevent signal degradation.
Tips
- Measure ahead of time to determine what length of HDMI cable you need. Don’t get a cable that’s too long. Most components, such as a cable box, game console or streaming box, are designed to sit near your TV. As such, most people only need HDMI cables between 3 and 6 feet long.
- Avoid using HDMI cables that come with electronics. Some electronics and TV mounts include HDMI cables so consumers don’t have to get them separately. While the idea sounds like a convenience for customers, these HDMI cables are of low quality and often built on outdated versions of HDMI. Make sure your TV’s picture looks as good as possible, and stick to HDMI cables you choose yourself.
- Use HDMI cables of different colors to differentiate connected components from one another. Some HDMI cables come in different colors and designs, and while the differences are cosmetic, you can use them to color-code your connected devices. Color-coding your HDMI cables is an easy way to know which cable is connected to which component.
FAQ
Q. How much do HDMI cables cost?
A. If you want a basic HDMI cable supporting average speeds and standard refresh rates, you can find one for $5 to $15, depending on the length. HDMI cables with heavy-duty construction, gold-plated connectors and support for high bandwidth speeds can cost up to $35.
Q. Can I get older non-HDMI devices to work with HDMI?
A. Yes, you can do so with an adapter. HDMI cables are designed to connect HDMI devices digitally, but they can also work with older analog video technologies using a third-party adapter.
While an adapter can be a great way to connect your legacy tech with your newer TV, remember that older content will never look as good as anything recently filmed.
Q. Can I connect my smartphone to my TV with an HDMI cable?
A. Yes, but you’ll need an adapter. For example, Apple makes Lightning-to-HDMI cables for their iOS devices, and many Android phones use a USB-C-to-HDMI cable.
