A TV may not function optimally if you do not have one of the best HDMI cables. Buying a 4K TV on Black Friday may seem like an excellent deal, but it could look better if you had a little patience. A good HDMI cable could be the answer.
Some will agree that more expensive HDMI cables aren’t much better than cheaper options, but there are differences in types. To get 4K and HDR quality, you need to use an HDMI 2.1 cable. As long as you have enough bandwidth, you’ll be able to offer up to 8K at 120Hz, so you’re pretty much future-proofed.
The 10 Best HDMI Cable Reviews
All that said, a longer cable can lose quality over distance, so a shorter, higher quality cable is better than a longer, cheaper one. Consider using a shielded cable if you plan to run it outdoors or near any heating source.
If you haven’t upgraded yet and Black Friday is on your radar, see the best TVs guide, or see the best HDMI switchers if you want to feed many devices into one HDMI port.
Monoprice DynamicView Active High Speed HDMI Cable
The Monoprice DynamicView Active HDMI cable, also known as the Monoprice HDMI High-Speed cable, is an all-around winner. Due to the 18GB capacity, it can stream decent 4K quality at 60Hz with HDR support, which should handle the top-end signals of most new TVs.
Furthermore, it is an active cable, meaning it receives power from the device to boost signals over long distances. In its longest form, it has a range of 60 feet. The cable is built to a very high standard and is guaranteed for life.
Although we’ll probably have 8K TVs with actual content and will need to upgrade cables in the future, it’s reassuring to know the build quality is high and this is built to last. Whether you’re gaming, watching TV, or listening to music, this cable can handle it all and it’s a fair price too.
Pros
- Great length options
- 4K and HDR support at 60Hz
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not 8K supported
Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable
For those on a budget, the AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI cable is a great option. Despite being super affordable, this cable is still capable of 18GB, meaning you can watch 4K images at 60 frames per second.
It doesn’t have an official HDMI certification, but it is CL3-rated, meaning it’s made with low-smoke materials to resist fires. Gold-plated connectors allow for long life and good connectivity. A lot of features for a low price.
Pros
- Super low price
- 4K quality support
- Up to 10.6m
Cons
- Not HDMI certified
Belkin Ultra HD High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
Belkin’s HDMI 2.1 Ultra High-Speed cable is a real modern winner. In gaming, you want the fastest possible transmission of the most information along your HDMI cable.
Therefore, you need the latest generation HDMI 2.1 standard, which, in this case, offers 48GB of data, which translates into a full 4K at 120Hz and even 8K at 60Hz.
Its braided cable makes it tough enough to be moved regularly between consoles without sustaining damage, plus it has a two-year warranty. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, so it works well with high-end TVs, projectors, and gaming monitors.
Pros
- Up to 8K support
- 4K at 120HZ
- Braided out jacket
Cons
- Not the longest
BJC Series-FE Bonded-Pair High-Speed HDMI Cable
Blue Jeans Cable is based in the United States and makes its cables in Kentucky, Indiana. The Series-FE offers a selection of different lengths and thicknesses but is ideal for simple applications.
With a standard length of three feet and a bonded-pair configuration, you can store up to 18GB of data, making it 4K-capable. Although it has a PVC jacket and gold-plated connectors, the 30-day warranty is less than reassuring.
Pros
- Made in the US
- Lots of lengths
- Tougher versions available
Cons
- 30-day warranty only
JSAUX Flat Slim HDMI 2.0 Cable High Speed
At a low price of less than $10, the JSAUX HDMI 2.0 cable is a great deal. Due to its HDMI 2.0 rating, this 18Gbps cable still provides 4K at 60Hz despite its price. However, the quality of this cable really stands out.
In addition to the gold-plated connector head with tin-plated inner and thick shielding along the cable, the connector between the head and cable is designed to withstand more than 1,000 bends during its lifetime. This makes it a great option for anyone who will be moving it frequently or who needs to bend it around to fit in a space.
Pros
- Tough build quality throughout
- HDMI 2.1 18GB speeds
- Affordable
Cons
- 60Hz limit
Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Zeskit’s Maya HDMI cable is one of the best HDMI cables out there. In addition to its massive 48Gbps bandwidth, the slim cable is capable of delivering 8K and 120Hz content.
This cable, despite being slender, is incredibly robust thanks to its braid, so it’s not only resistant to external cuts but also built to withstand bending and torsion from within.
The solid OHFC copper wiring provides superb conduction, and the zinc-alloy housing ensures that the signals are very clear and high-quality. Despite the low price, it does all of that while staying so affordable.
Pros
- Compact flat cable
- 48GB bandwidth
- Braided covering
Cons
- There are slimmer cables
BlueRigger Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable
The BlueRigger Micro HDMI to HDMI cable is ideal for connecting portable video devices such as cameras, GoPros, and projectors. However, this is not MicroUSB, so it won’t work with phones or tablets that use that port.
Besides being able to transmit data up to 4K at 60Hz, it also supports Dolby DTS-HD. Gold-plated connectors make this cable tough, and it uses a 32-gauge premium-grade cable that is shielded. The company guarantees the cable to be free from defects for a lifetime.
Pros
- 4K capable
- Long length options
- Lifetime cover
Cons
- Not 8K future-proofed
Monster Black Platinum Ultra HD HighSpeed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
Monster HDMI 4K cable is not the cheapest on this list, but it is one of the strongest and comes with a lifetime warranty. If something goes wrong with your cable, you can have it replaced – the company even upgrades you when technology advances and your cable becomes obsolete.
However, the cable should last for a while as it supports 4K, and thanks to the V-Grip the connection between the gold ends and the flexible cable is strong and durable.
Pros
- Lifetime replacements
- Ultra flexible yet strong
- 4K certified
Cons
- Not cheap
iVANKY Fiber Optic HDMI Cable 50ft
As it follows the more recent HDMI 2.0b standard, iVanky HDMI 2.0 should really be called HDMI 2.0b. Consequently, the TV will be able to display 4K and HDR content to the best of its ability.
This means you can enjoy 48-bit deep color, as well as Dolby TrueHD 7.1 channel surround sound. There is even a Velcro strap to help keep things tidy. The cable is shielded with braided housing to provide flexibility and resilience.
Pros
- Dolby TrueHD support
- 4K HDR ready
- 48-bit color
Cons
- Still not 8K ready
Highwings Ultra High-Speed HDMI Braided Cord
The Highwings 8K Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable is just that, incredibly fast at 48Gbps. The result is a full 8K resolution at 120Hz while keeping the price low. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice, since you get a tough, double-braided military fiber nylon cable with shielding.
The connectors are gold-plated, and the shell is made of light yet durable aluminum. This is a great cable option for HDR with 12-bit color and comes in a variety of length options that are all extremely affordable.
Pros
- 8K, 12-bit HDR and 120Hz
- Tough braided cable
- Affordable
Cons
- Could have longer options
How We Evaluated
Our team spent hours researching product descriptions, manufacturer sites, HDMI.org, user reviews, and anything else you might find in your search for an HDMI cable.
With our wealth of information, we compiled the necessary information for your purchase decision, as well as technical information not particularly helpful for HDMI search.
In order to help you make a confident buying decision, we only provide you with the information you need. Reliability is the best quality of an HDMI cable.
HDMI cables are all-or-nothing devices, making the reliability of the manufacturer and distributor essential. The products we recommend are the most reliable and trustworthy ones, so you can find the right fit for your needs at the right price.
Do You Need a New HDMI Cable?
It is possible to watch 4K content on your new 4K TV without purchasing new HDMI cables. It’s a good idea to try your cables with the new technology before getting new cables just because you’ve upgraded other aspects of your home entertainment system.
There’s a good chance they’ll work. When shopping for new HDMI cables, here are a few things to consider if your data needs are more intensive or if you need a new cable for another reason.
Types of HDMI Cables
HDMI cables come in several different classifications and certifications. The main difference between cable types is the amount of data they can handle. It will be possible to play 4K content at 60Hz with a standard HDMI 2.0 cable in 2020.
There are high-speed HDMI 2.1 cables that can carry 8K content up to 120Hz. The majority of people require high-speed HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cables, but there are options for every type of media connection.
In addition to carrying an HDMI Ethernet channel, standard, high-speed, premium and ultra-high-speed cables can also make network connections with compatible devices. However, this is rare, since most devices connect to networks through other methods.
What Should You Pay for an HDMI?
Every HDMI cable in a certain category is tested and performed to the exact same standard as every other HDMI cable within the same category. High-speed HDMI cables give you the same quality as other high-speed HDMI cables.
If you are looking for an HDMI cable, we recommend finding the cheapest one that fits your needs. There are great high-speed HDMI cables available for under $10 each. Cables with thinner walls, active cables, and higher certifications cost more.
HDMI Cable Build Quality
While cables that work will not deliver better sound or video than other cables that work, some cables are built better than others. It is the build quality of the cable that determines whether it will work and how long it will work.
Longer cables are especially susceptible to poor build quality; a better cable design can make all the difference. The importance of delineating here is that not all expensive cables are better built than inexpensive ones.
The HDMI cables we recommend are all from trusted brands that produce quality cables. Basically, look for products that have a lot of positive reviews and avoid items that cost substantially more than similar items for no apparent reason.
Check the fire safety rating of your HDMI cables if you plan to run them through your walls. A CL2 or CL3 rating is typically recommended for in-wall use, but you should check with your insurance company or local building codes to make sure.
Active vs. Passive Cables
As a result of our review, all HDMI cables are passive, meaning they act as a pipeline to transfer data between devices. Some HDMI cables are active cables, meaning they include extra tech for ensuring high-speed performance over longer distances and in thinner cables.
These cables are directional and boost signals. Usually, they require a power source as well. For shorter lengths, active cables aren’t really necessary unless your setup requires a flexible HDMI cable rather than the usual one.
HDMI Cables FAQs
What is an HDMI Cable used for?
HDMI cables transmit audiovisual data from one source to another via a single cable. Among other things, it can be used on Blu-ray players, HD TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
Are there different kinds of HDMI cables?
HDMI cables come in different lengths, materials, and signal types. In general, HDMI cables can support 720p and 1080i signals, whereas high-speed cables can support 3D signals.
What does HDMI stand for?
HDMI is short for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is used to transmit audio and video signals.
What is the best HDMI cable?
Here are some (but not all) of the best HDMI cables: Monoprice Certified Premium Ultra Slim, Atevon High-Speed 18Gbps HDMI Cable 2.0, and Belkin Ultra HD High Speed.
Will my TV support HDMI 2.1?
The TV makes a difference. In spite of the fact that many modern TVs still lack an HDMI 2.1 port as standard (many LG OLEDs and Samsung QLEDs are starting to include them), it is sure to become more common in the coming years as 8K becomes more popular.
When buying a new TV that you will have for more than five years, make sure it has an HDMI 2.1 port. A mid-priced model that doesn’t worry about future-proofing isn’t a deal-breaker at all.