Best HDMI cable for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC in 2024

Amazon Basics HDMI cable with navy and red GamesRadar backdrop
(Image credit: Future)

Picking up the best HDMI cable should be pretty simple, but it's all too easy to fall into marketing traps. You only have to walk into a big store that sells TVs and tech to see extortionate options, many of which are designed to be expensive add-ons pitched during point of sale. Sure, some of them will be designed to support higher refresh rates and resolutions using standards like HDMI 2.1, but there are a few culprits that boast things like gold plating to justify a higher price. That's why we continually test HDMI cables with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, as we'd rather only point you towards functional wires at the right price.

No, you don't have to spend a fortune on gold plated shenanigans, and many of the best HDMI cables out there are aren't considered 'premium'. That's not to say dodgy wires don't exist, and if you've invested in the best gaming TV, you'll want to avoid bandwidth and connectivity caveats. Nevertheless, you'll be able to find plenty of HDMIs that'll deliver on specs and reliability, and they're readily available for a reasonable price.

To aid you on your search for new or replacement wires, we've picked out the best HDMI cables on the market for your consideration. We've made sure to include both budget options and higher-spec cables with HDMI 2.1 certification, so you'll be able to enjoy faster refresh rates at 4K while using your PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC graphics card. Just keep in mind that if you've still got the cable that original came with your console, you potentially don't need to fork out on an upgrade.

The best HDMI cable overall

1. Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed

The best HDMI cable overall

Specifications

Transfer speed: 48Gbps
Length: 2m
Certification: HDMI 2.1

Reasons to buy

+
Very high spec
+
Good brand for reliability
+
Decent price for a high-end cable

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in 2m (at present)

Are you one of those insufferable people who always has to have the latest iPhone, the latest watch, and every new game on the day of release? You also need Belkin’s new Ultra High speed HDMI. 

This is one of the first cables to be primed for HDMI 2.1, a spec designed to wave in 10K-resolution video. The cable can handle up to 48Gbps video bandwidth, which today’s consoles can’t even get close to. It also proves why Belkin is such royalty among tech accessory makers. Despite being better-specced than some cables costing hundreds, this one costs just $39.99/£29.99 for 2m. (A premium price for a cable, admittedly, but that's the water we're swimming in here.)

It also has conveniently small connectors and, to be frank, we just trust Belkin a lot more than most no-name accessory makers. 

The best HDMI cable for most players

2. Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI

The best HDMI cable for most players

Specifications

Transfer speed: 18Gbps
Length: from 1.8m - 10.6m
Certification: CL3-certified

Reasons to buy

+
Low price
+
Lots of length options

Reasons to avoid

-
Not HDMI Premium certified

Amazon has its own range of low-price tech accessories, including a smart-priced HDMI. You’re looking at $6 / £6 for a 1.8m version. Beat that, un-named high street retailer. It’s a low-frills black plastic affair, but does have gold-plated terminals to avoid looking like it came bundled free with something. This one isn’t certified to the HDMI Premium standard, but it has the part we’re after anyway: 18Gbps bandwidth. 

The AmazonBasics HDMI comes in lengths up to 10.6m, and the design appears to scale up a little as you get to the higher lengths too. For example, that longest version is CL3-certified. This is a spec for custom installers, and means the cable is designed to handle higher voltages. 

This cable does everything you need it to - delivering 4K connections between your gaming set-up and your display, for a ridiculously low price and in a range of sizes.

The best HDMI 2.1 cable

3. LINKUP Swivel Angle Connector HDMI 2.1 Cable

Best HDMI 2.1 cable

Specifications

Transfer speed: 48Gbps
Length: Up to 3m
Certification: HDMI 2.1

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent design 
+
Glorious HDMI 2.1
+
Great value

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in two lengths

The LINKUP Swivel Angle Connector HDMI 2.1 Cable offers not only HDMI 2.1 functionality to help you ease into the next-gen of gaming, but also offers the unique selling point of unbelievable flexibility at the same time.

To elaborate, at each HDMI connector, there is a swivel and twist design that means you can plug the cable in and then bend and direct the cable to exactly where you need it to go. When I was rearranging my media unit to incorporate the latest consoles last year, these cables were the answer to my problems, and in an instant I had the perfect cables for getting through the back of the unit, angling them perfectly - and all the while knowing they were HDMI 2.1 and future-proof as a result too.

If you've been a bit worried about how much strain is on your cables and how the slack seems to 'pull' on the connectors, then these could put your mind at ease in an instant. And if like me, you really had to plan out your media unit based on where power and HDMI ports were on your consoles, along with the holes the cable needs to go through, then they are a downright lifesaver. Brilliant design, and absolutely worth the extra cash to get the best HDMI cable for PS5 for added flexibility. Literally.

LINKUP also does the same design for an HDMI 2.0 cable - that I also use for my PS4 and PS3 - which is just as handy when working in a multi-console/machine setup and needing to ensure the cables go where they need to and are pointing in the right direction to help you navigate them through furniture and apertures.

The best HDMI cable for durability

4. Onyx HDMI

Best HDMI cable for durability

Specifications

Transfer speed: 18Gbps
Length: 2m/3m
Certification: HDMI Premium Standard

Reasons to buy

+
Sturdy design
+
HDMI Premium certified

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than most on this list

If you want a cable that should take a bit more abuse than the one you might find in Poundland, take a look at the Onyx 4K HDMI cable.

It has thicker-than-average cabling, with an extra mesh sheath on top to act as armour against chair legs or the teeth of bored pets. The connectors also have metal outers, making them more rigid than most. 

We don’t usually advise people get too worked up about gold plating but, sure enough, there’s “24ct” gold bling on the terminals too. 

And, the bit that really matters, the Onyx 4K is certified to the latest HDMI Premium standard. You’ll find cheaper options that work just as well, but this is a good pick for best HDMI cable for PS5 for those who demand the finer things in life. 

The best premium HDMI cable

5. EZQuest Braided Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cable

The best premium HDMI cable

Specifications

Transfer speed: 48Gbps
Length: 2.2m
Certification: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Great build quality
+
Strong, braided cable
+
Future proof HDMI 2.1

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one length currently available

Looking for a solid, new-gen HDMI cable, that'll be robust and do the job? Then the EZQuest Braided Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cable could be the job for you.

Like others, the build of the cable and housings are things to have great confidence in, and they feel robust and strong: the cable is nylon braided and offers toughness, and the connectors are housed in anodized aluminum. Solid. (In our testing, the braided cable was so tough that it made flexing it a little tricky - though not impossible.)

This is a speedy cable looking to offer future-proofing for those with an eye on 4K 120Hz gaming, and beyond: EZQuest claims the cable will handle up to 10K resolutions too. But before you even consider that madness, the cable is a cert for 4K 120Hz pictures, and even 8K at 60Hz, so whatever job you need it to do now, it'll handle it.

The only concern would be the limited lengths available - currently only in a 2.2m variety - but the quality shines through and if you need a quality HDMI cable for PS5, PC or any other device that's only a couple of metres long then this is one to have confidence in. 

Note: This cable is only readily available in the USA currently.

Best discrete HDMI cable

6. Rhinocables Flat HDMI

Best discrete HDMI cable

Specifications

Transfer speed: 27Gbps
Length: 2m
Certification: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Flat cabling
+
Decent build

Reasons to avoid

-
Performance not certified

If you want to run your HDMI under a rug, perhaps to reach a projector without tearing up your walls’ plasterwork, a flat cable is the best option. Just a few millimetres thick, it’s a lot less obtrusive than the average round type. 

The cable itself is also nylon braided for added toughness so is a top HDMI for PS5 and other consoles you can have confidence in.

There’s no mention of the HDMI Premium standard, but Rhinocables claims bandwidth of at least 27Gbps, which is well in excess of what we need for 4K and HDR. We don’t really care too much about how our HDMI connectors look as, with any luck, they’re out of sight 24/7. However, the Rhinocables HDMIs are chromed if you must have a bit of glamour to everything you own. 

Best low-profile HDMI cable

8. SlimHDMI

Best low profile HDMI cable

Specifications

Transfer speed: 4K compatible
Length: 3m
Certification: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Super-slim terminals
+
Low price

Reasons to avoid

-
May not be the most durable option

In the saturated world of HDMI cables, it’s good to have something to help you stand out. SlimHDMI’s name gives its game away. This is one of the lowest-profile HDMI cables for PS5 around. 

It’s not the cable itself that is ultra-slim, which would have a knock-on effect on performance, but the terminals. This is handy if there’s not much free space behind your game console or TV. 

There are no grand claims about its performance, but it is ready for 4K. Given an ultra cut-down design probably won’t do any favours for durability, this is a cable for a specific situation. At the same time, it may be exactly what you need if normal designs are just that bit too chunky. 

Best HDMI cable for gaming: FAQs

Do you need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?

In short, no, an HDMI 2.1 is not needed for the PS5, but, it absolutely is necessary if you want to enjoy 4K 120Hz gameplay. Otherwise, you'll be able to use any good quality cable. If you're looking for a new HDMI cable for PS5 now, we'd still recommend considering a HDMI 2.1 cable, as it'll futureproof your setup and potentially save you buying another by the time the PS6 arrives.

What HDMI is best for PS5?

In terms of specs, an HDMI 2.1 certified cable is technically the best for PS5. That doesn't mean the console will only work with that standard, as you'll be able to simply use a basic option if you're not using an 4K 120Hz display.

What HDMI do I need for 120Hz PS5?

You'll need an HDMI 2.1 certified HDMI cable to enable 120Hz on PS5, but you won't be able to do so with any old screen. In fact, you're going to need a TV or monitor that also supports the standard, not to mention it'll need to feature a higher refresh rate than 60Hz. 

What HDMI cable comes with the PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

The cable included with your new PS5 or Xbox Series X is in fact HDMI 2.1 certified, so you won't have to pick up an additional wire to enable 4K 120Hz output. However, if you pick up a console second hand, the original cable might not accompany your thrift, meaning you'll have to pick an one up.

How we test HDMI cables at GamesRadar+

Surely testing an HDMI cables merely involves plugging it in, right? Well, not quite, as we spend hours testing with a variety of consoles, graphics cards, and other devices. After all, picking up the wrong cable can limit your hardware's display capabilities, and poor quality options can even lead to fidelity and signal issues - the last thing you need if you want to just kick back and play games.

Most of our HDMI cable tests revolve round whether they can output to a gaming monitor or TV properly. However, it's also important to look into whether options advertised as HDMI 2.1 certified can actually handle 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz. Once we're satisfied that a third party cable lives up to our expectations, we're able to judge if it's good value for money, which potentially earns it a place on our recommended list.

For more information, check out our full Hardware Policy for a rundown on how we approach all of our reviews and testing. 


The best HDMI cable for gaming can also be used for speakers and sound too so check out the best gaming sound systems, and the best computer speakers going too to see if you can take your setup further.

Rob Dwiar

Rob is the Deputy Editor of sister site, TechRadar Gaming, and has been in the games and tech industry for years. Prior to a recent stint as Gaming Editor at WePC, Rob was the Commissioning Editor for Hardware at GamesRadar+, and was on the hardware team for more than four years, since its inception in late 2018. He is also a writer on games and has had work published over the last six years or so at the likes of Eurogamer, RPS, PCGN, and more. He is also a qualified landscape and garden designer, so does that in his spare time, while he is also an expert on the virtual landscapes and environments of games and loves to write about them too, including in an upcoming book on the topic!

With contributions from