The latest version of the HDMI cable promises a video experience that is ten times more immersive. Unfortunately, there are so many manufacturers offering this cable, that choosing one has become complicated. To help you in your quest, we offer this buying guide to the best HDMI 2.1 cables of this year.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"A visual and graphic experience that borders on perfection, that's what this latest generation HDMI 2.1 cable offers you. With a length of 3 meters…"
"Although it's more than competitively priced, this HDMI 2.1 cable does its job superbly. This model measures 1 meter, but is available in several sizes,…"
"Belkin offers the ultimate in HDMI 2.1 cables. The model presented here is exceptional in that it is capable of supporting the highest video resolutions.…"
"To make your multimedia experience as immersive as possible, this ultra high speed 2.1 cable is designed by Snowkids. It will give you the best…"
A visual and graphic experience that borders on perfection, that's what this latest generation HDMI 2.1 cable offers you. With a length of 3 meters and available in an angled version, this cable is especially recommended for connecting home theater components, video projectors, PCs and consoles.
16,13 £ on AmazonThis HDMI 2.1 cable from KabelDirekt is one of the favorites of gamers. This model is optimized for gamers whose PCs are equipped with a Radeon RX series or GeForce RTX series graphics card. It will also meet the expectations of fans of new generation consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox X or S series. Ultra-polyvalent, this certified Ultra High Speed connector supports UHD-II resolutions in 8K (7680 x 4320) or 10K (10240 x 4320).
This manufacturer has made sure that its flagship product can be used by you for years to come. For this purpose, KabelDirekt decided to coat the copper wires with a thick braided sheath of anodized aluminum. This material gives it a very good protection, but also prevents interference during use.
Although it's more than competitively priced, this HDMI 2.1 cable does its job superbly. This model measures 1 meter, but is available in several sizes, including 2 meters, 3 meters and 5 meters.
8,83 £ on AmazonThis HDMI 2.1 cable is well known among PC and console gamers and other users. The number of ratings and rave reviews it has received since its release is a clear indication of this. The main reason why this cable is so popular is because of the quality of its construction. While the nickel connectors ensure a perfect fit with the HDMI ports, the braided nylon jacket provides optimal resistance to torsion and wear. Don't worry, this cable will last you for years.
No lag, no screen tearing, and optimal picture fluidity are the promises of this high-quality 2.1 cable. If you're used to playing 3D games, expect to be blown away by the depth and color transition of the graphics. You'll really feel like you've been transported to another world.
Belkin offers the ultimate in HDMI 2.1 cables. The model presented here is exceptional in that it is capable of supporting the highest video resolutions. Blu-Ray movies and games can be viewed in up to 8K.
44,13 £ on AmazonWith this HDMI 2.1 cable, you'll experience your movies and video games in a whole new way. That's because this cable supports high frame rates and resolutions. As long as your TV or monitor is Dolby Vision or HDR10 compatible, there should be no incompatibility issues. Just plug it in and enjoy your multimedia entertainment in 8K at 60Hz.
This HDMI 2.1 cable is designed to be future-proofed for future audio and video standards. With a braided jacket, this cable will withstand both mobile and stationary use. It will not become obsolete after 3 years. Your installation will be compatible with the next technological evolutions. Compatible with all peripherals and all HDMI sources of today and tomorrow, this connector will not disappoint you.
To make your multimedia experience as immersive as possible, this ultra high speed 2.1 cable is designed by Snowkids. It will give you the best picture and sound possible on your TV screen or computer monitor.
21,59 £ on AmazonIf you're a gaming enthusiast, this HDMI 2.1 cable is capable of ultra-high 8K at 60Hz. If quality graphics and sound are important to you, this braided nylon and aluminum alloy cable is for you. Once on your screen, images will become more vivid and fluid with Dynamic HDR support and 12-bit color depth processing.
It's said that digital signals can drop in quality if the cable is too long. Rest assured, you won't experience such an inconvenience with this model. No matter how you use it, your experience is always optimal. This superb performance is due to the very design of this cable, but also to the particular attention that the manufacturer has paid to the materials that make it up.
Any specific needs?
The best HDMI 2.1 cable in 2021
The best entry-level HDMI 2.1 cable
The best high-end HDMI 2.1 cable
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| THE BEST | CHEAP | HIGH END | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
KabelDirekt HDMI 2.1 cable
|
Ugreen HDMI 2.1 cable
|
Belkin HDMI 2.1 cable
|
Snowkids HDMI 2.1 cable
|
|
A visual and graphic experience that borders on perfection, that's what this latest generation HDMI 2.1 cable offers you. With a length of 3 meters and available in an angled version, this cable is especially recommended for connecting home theater components, video projectors, PCs and consoles.
|
Although it's more than competitively priced, this HDMI 2.1 cable does its job superbly. This model measures 1 meter, but is available in several sizes, including 2 meters, 3 meters and 5 meters.
|
Belkin offers the ultimate in HDMI 2.1 cables. The model presented here is exceptional in that it is capable of supporting the highest video resolutions. Blu-Ray movies and games can be viewed in up to 8K.
|
To make your multimedia experience as immersive as possible, this ultra high speed 2.1 cable is designed by Snowkids. It will give you the best picture and sound possible on your TV screen or computer monitor.
|
|
|
|
3 m
|
1 m
|
2m
|
5m
|
|
Maximum resolution
|
10 K at 60 Hz
|
8K at 60 Hz
|
8k at 60 Hz
|
8K at 60 Hz
|
|
Warranty
|
36 months
|
2 years
|
2 years
|
-
|
|
Recommended use
|
PC gamers, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, laptops, video projectors.
|
PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, PS5, Xbox Series X, laptops, projectors.
|
Streaming platforms, Apple TV, PS5, Xbox Series X
|
PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, PS5, Xbox Series X, laptops, video projectors.
|
|
Available in other sizes
|
|
|
|
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
Regardless of its format or certification, an HDMI cable is always made in the same way. The signal is carried from point A to point B by copper wires that are bundled and then encased in a sheath or case. Here, it is the gauge of the wires that make the connection perform or not. To get the most out of 8K content, prefer cables that incorporate American Wire Gauge wires, specifically 28 AWG.
On HDMI 2.1 cables, the connectors are made with gold-plated materials that are supposed to prevent signal drop. As for the jacket, have a preference for high-strength braided synthetic materials. Due to space constraints, you will have to bend this cable. It would be a shame if its jacket ends up breaking, which will affect the performance of the transmitted signal.
The length will depend on the use you intend to make of the HDMI 2.1 cable. To connect a computer to a monitor, or the Blu-Ray box to the TV, a 2 meter cable is sufficient. However, to connect a source to a projector located high up, you will need a cable of at least 5 meters. Be aware, however, that lags can occur when a cord is too long. To maintain the quality of a picture or sound, it would be best to move the two devices closer together.
The shape of the connectors is a criterion worth considering while buying an HDMI 2.1 cable. You will have to choose between straight or angled connectors. The former are very common on the market, but they prove to be very impractical, especially if there is not enough space between the device and the back of the furniture it is installed on. Despite their somewhat unconventional shape and rarity, angled connectors are more practical for tight spaces.
Of course, not all commercially available HDMI 2.1 cables are created equal. As with all commercially available accessories, there are always good and bad cables. Low-end products don't last long under heavy use. Since you can't spot them by eye, you'll have to narrow down your comparisons. Generally speaking, reputable brands produce excellent connectors. If you wish, you can base your choice entirely on this criterion.
The HDMI 2.1 cable is therefore the latest version of the standard that was approved in 2017 by the HDMI Forum consortium. This cable has the particularity of supporting a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. With such a speed, it is now possible to obtain 10K and 8K graphics at 60 Hz. For a little while, the dream of all gamers has become a reality. But to get the most out of this video stream, they must of course have a monitor and PC configuration that can handle this level of performance.
If you're using a next-generation console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, the HDMI 2.1 cable's Auto Low Latency Mode prevents lag during a game. In addition, its high Refresh Rate reduces image jitter. As with the PC, gamers need to use a TV that can handle the high refresh rate resolution of 4K120 generated by the cable.
This new certification is also compatible with HDR Dynamic technologies, such as Dolby Vision or HDR10+, which promises better color and contrast rendering. In other words, the details of the images are really striking. As for audio, this cable supports the eARC standard and thus Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies.
If your TV's resolution is limited to 1080p, you won't be able to experience 4K120 even with an HDMI 2.1 cable. The pattern is exactly the same for sound. If your soundbar only supports HDMI 2.0, you'll only be able to enjoy the features of that format.
The active HDMI 2.1 cable is the opposite of the classic or passive HDMI cable. This connector has the advantage of transmitting a signal over a very long distance without reducing its intensity. This excellent performance is due to their electronic components which are of superb quality. The best HDMI 2.1 cables are able to carry a signal up to 30 meters.
However, there are also shorter active HDMI 2.1 cables (2 to 3 meters) that use short copper sections which makes them thinner, more flexible and therefore more convenient to use. Note that the direction of the active HDMI 2.1 cable is different from the classic HDMI cable. So you should not make any mistake in connecting sources.
Now you can find coaxial type HDMI 2.1 cables in stores. This category of cable is distinguished by their coaxial wires that have their own shielding. These shielded wires make HDMI 2.1 more resilient and significantly better than the older versions and their twisted wires.
Coaxial HDMI 2.1 cables are rarely longer than 5 meters. And unlike active connectors, coaxial cables are thin, flexible and can be connected in both directions. That's mostly what makes them more expensive.
The twisted HDMI 2.1 cable is easily recognized by its coiled or helically twisted cord. Regardless of the nature of the connectivity (HDMI 2.1 male to HDMI male or a micro HDMI 2.1 to HDMI cable), this connectivity provides a cost-effective solution for connecting next-generation HDMI devices to existing HDMI technology.
The twisted HDMI 2.1 cable saves space with its coiled shape. Since it is only one meter long at most, signal loss is minimal and it can be easily stored in a bag. It is more of a nomadic device.
From an aesthetic point of view, the new HDMI 2.1 cables look very similar to the old HDMI connectors. In other words, there are no new connectors. The main difference is the amount of data the new cables are able to transmit. They can carry up to 48 Gb/s against only 18 Gb/s for the previous version. That's 2.5 times more bandwidth and again, the new cables are backwards compatible. The superb performance of the HDMI 2.1 cable makes it especially a solution for gamers.
It seems that the Display port is the only technology that is able to compete with the HDMI 2.1 cable. In fact, version 1.3 of this connector (which already dates back to 2014) can handle a display with a resolution of 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz. Equipped with a Display port 1.4, the latest generations of AMD and Nvidia graphics cards are capable of handling 8K at 60 Hz and 10K at 120 Hz on the appropriate monitor. In addition, a specific category of this connectivity can support multiple monitors simultaneously.
It's often difficult to choose between the HDMI 2.1 cable and the Display port, as both are roughly equal in terms of performance. These connectors will allow you to enjoy stunningly realistic graphics for your games. If you're using a 4K or 5K monitor, it's best to use the Display port. It is best to reserve the HDMI 2.1 cable for the TV.
1. this connection provides excellent quality graphics
The latest version of the HDMI cable is in many ways better than the older versions. Whether you play games on a next-generation console, on a PC or simply want to enjoy a Blu-Ray movie, the digital signal transmission is always optimal. This is especially noticeable in the graphics, which are exceptionally realistic and smooth.
2. this connection makes the experience even more immersive
Games and movies are even more entertaining because they are never interrupted by lags. If you're a gamer, you know there's nothing more frustrating than graphics that suddenly change resolution in the middle of a game due to a cable or hardware fault.
3. this connector optimizes the 3D experience
With an HDMI 2.1 cable, you can use a virtual reality headset for all your console or PC games. You'll feel like you've been transported to a parallel world with this technologically advanced accessory. Be careful not to overuse the 3D function, as it is not good for your health.
4. this connection provides a rare quality of sound
The HDMI 2.1 cable can transmit both video and audio signals. That's what makes it different from analog cables. No matter how complex your soundbar's audio scheme is, HDMI 2.1 cable handles it perfectly. From handling the audio return channel, to sending sound from the TV tuner to the receiver, to providing equalizer function and processing sounds, this connector can do almost anything.
5. this connector is available in different sizes
Whether it's ten meters or fifty centimeters long, you'll always find the right HDMI 2.1 cable for your needs in physical stores and on the Internet.
In our opinion, the best brands of HDMI 2.1 cables in 2022 are :
Active since 2012, Ugreen stands out not only for its futuristic design, but also for the superb performance of its creations, especially its HDMI cables for the general public. Highly rated, its range of products will have pleasant surprises in store for you.
Trusted brand, Annke has managed to seduce several tens of millions of users around the world. Its high-quality HMDI cables will meet your every need and expectation.
Belkin has made routers, cables, network switches, hubs, and accessories for cameras and smartphones its specialties since its founding in 1983. Still highly rated, the American manufacturer continues to strengthen its position in the top 10 of the world's best digital equipment manufacturers.
German-owned KabelDirekt offers for sale various audio and video accessories whose quality has nothing to envy to its competitors. Moreover, its HDMI cables are known throughout the world for their efficiency.
Although not very well known by the general public, this brand has built a solid reputation among connoisseurs for the excellence of its products. Its data storage media, HDMI cables, and other PC accessories adhere to a high standard of quality.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Check the ports on your devices before buying an HDMI 2.1 cable
To reduce the risk of incompatibility, make a point of checking the HDMI port sizes and certifications of the devices you use before making a purchase. That way, you'll be sure to choose the right size for the connectors.
Look for where the HDMI ports are located
Whether it's on a TV, desktop, laptop, or game console, make sure you locate the HDMI 2.1 port input. It may sound hackneyed, but through lack of discernment, some people come to insert an HDMI 2.1 cable into a USB port.
Gently feed the HDMI 2.1 cable into the port
Connecting the HDMI 2.1 cable into its dedicated port should be as natural as possible. Never force the input if it gets stuck. It may simply be that the insertion was done on the wrong side. So, just turn the cable over and insert it in the right position.
Use the correct length HDMI 2.1 cable
Don't forget to measure the distance between the source and its device. If there is 1 meter between the two, choose an HDMI 2.1 cable of no more than 2 meters. If the cable is too short, you're going to have to rearrange the layout of the devices. However, if it's too long, the signal quality may be weakened.
Don't twist the HDMI 2.1 cable
Avoid twisting or stapling the cable after connecting a device with a source. Unless it is a twisted model, the quality of the digital signal carried by the HDMI 2.1 cable may be impaired due to twisting.
The HDMI 2.1 cable is, by far, more efficient than the previous versions of this connector. This connector is capable of transmitting up to 48 Gb/s of digital data, whereas the previous versions can only carry 18 Gb/s. The difference is obvious. If you're looking for performance above all else, use an HDMI 2.1 cable.
The HDMI 2.1 cable is the connector that gamers have been waiting for for years. That's because this cable supports 4K format video at 120 frames per second, as well as 8K video. It also supports the latest image formats such as Dolby and HDR. More concretely, the images that are rendered by the 4K or 5K TV or monitor are more realistic.
First of all, you should know that the reputation of the brand is a selection criterion that you can take into account while buying an HDMI 2.1 cable. Keep in mind that this is a juicy market with top manufacturers vying for control. If you don't want to replace your HDMI 2.1 cable every month, look for a product made by a premium brand.
This can be the result of incompatible technologies. Even if you use an HDMI 2.1 cable on terminals that can only handle an HDMI 1.4 for example, it is normal that the video and sound quality is not up to par. Poor results can also result from a cable that is too long or twisted.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
