Let's be real – the best HDMI cable won't be the most exciting accessory for your PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, or even the new Switch 2. In fact, plenty of you won't have to buy one once since you'll get one with your console, but your setup may demand specific lengths, angles, or specs. If you're aiming for speedy 4K 120Hz performance, you'll also want to make sure you're definitely using an HDMI 2.1 lead with your device, and I'm here to help you grab the right wire without being lured by snake oil salesmen.
No, you don't have to spend a fortune on gold-plated shenanigans, and many of the best HDMI cables out there aren't considered 'premium'. That's not to say dodgy wires don't exist, and if you've invested in the best gaming TV or the best gaming monitor, you'll want to avoid bandwidth and connectivity caveats. Nevertheless, you'll be able to find plenty of HDMI cables that'll deliver on specs and reliability, and they're readily available for a reasonable price.
The quick list
Not only are you getting two in a pack, but this HDMI 2.1 cable boasts durability and performance for less than branded options.
If you're looking for basic 4K specs, Amazon's HDMI cable offers value and reliability.
Great specs and a pivoting head make this a solid HDMI 2.1 option for various TV and desktop setups.
If you've got a device that uses a smaller port, this cable will provide reliable connectivity.
Those of you who specifically want a pricey cable will want to check this wire out.
Best discrete cable
Concealing this cable and fitting it into tight spaces is a breeze thanks to its flat-head design.
The best HDMI cable overall
That's right, our go-to HDMI solution isn't by a fancy brand, as this cable by Highwings is both super affordable and 2.1 certified. Rather than spending potentially over $20 on a wire just to hit 4K 120Hz, this one will help you do that for half the price, not to mention you'll get two for far less than one branded option.
Highwings' wire checks all the boxes in terms of reliability, durability, and specs, whether you're using a PS5 or trying to hit 8K using a UHD gaming TV. While some no-name options online can fall short when it comes to promised bandwidth, this option holds up in both our tests and user feedback online. Its braided sheath means it should hold up over time better than options with a standard rubber coating, and aluminium casing on the heads should protect the connectors from the perils of your gaming chair wheels (you wouldn't believe how many cables we've ruined doing that).
HDMI cables don't have to do much on the design front to stand out, but this black and grey options available, you can match Highwings' wire to your setup. It's perhaps not the most discrete option due to its fairly traditional formfactor, and the rigidity of its braided coating could hamper flexibility if you're trying to perform TV wall mounting acrobatics. However, all of those points are purely subjective and don't detract from the cable's solid construction and capabilities.
As for whether it holds true to its 2.1 promises, you won't have to worry about Highwings' HDMI cable playing ball with your PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. The wire is able to send glorious 4K through from all three systems to supported TVs without a hitch, and we didn't manage to catch any data loss shenanigans or visual glitching. That's impressive considering we've actually experienced both with some well known names, so it just goes to show you're best checking every cable before declaring it as a winner.
Overall, its price that helps the Highwings 2.1 Certified HDMI cable claim top place, as you're getting a cable that will last into the future for much less than branded options. While you might be only rocking a Nintendo Switch and PS4 for now, we'd always advise picking up accessories that will move with you from generation to generation without the need to reinvest in a bunch of add-ons.
The best HDMI cable for most players
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
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. If you're rocking a premium TV like the new LG OLED G4, however, you'll want to invest in the 2.1 version to get the most out of current-gen consoles and future machines.
Best mini HDMI cable
Not all devices can squeeze a full-size HDMI port into their bodies, and the Jsaux mini HDMI cable is a great option when you need to use a smaller connector. Opting for a cable specifically for the standard will save you from using any dongles, and you'll be able to keep the wire with whatever device specifically uses it.
Jsaux knows how to make great quality accessories like best Steam Deck dock contenders, and this mini HDMI cable features all the company's usual quality hallmarks. Its braided sheath means it'll be more resilient to being crammed behind units, and each connector features aluminum shielding for extra strength.
The fact that these mini HDMI cables can reach almost 2 meters is also pretty impressive, as while not everyone will need the extra length, it's nice to have the option for specific scenarios. For example, the Evercade EXP uses the port for video output, so you could use an extra long lead and hook straight to the TV from your couch.
We'll hopefully end up never needing this smaller connector in the future, especially since USB-C can now output everything you'd need via a single cable. But, for now, options like this Jsaux cable are here to save the day in terms of compatibility.
The best premium HDMI cable
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
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 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 cable comes with the PS5 and Xbox Series X?
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.
What HDMI cable do I need for Switch 2?
Nintendo says you'll need at least an HDMI 2.0 cable to play Switch 2 games at 4K 60Hz. While the wire you use for the original handheld will work, the system will be capped at 4K 30Hz since it uses an older 1.4 standard. You'll also be able to use an HDMI 2.1 cable if you have one for your PS5 and Xbox Series X, but Ninty's handheld won't quite manage 120Hz unless you step things back to 1080p.
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.
Are 8K HDMI cables worth it?
If you've got an 8K capable device and display, you're going to need an HDMI 2.1 cable. Otherwise, you won't be able to output beyond 4K to your screen, not to mention refresh rate will be capped even when sticking to standard UHD.
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.
Buying HDMI cables: Things to watch out for
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It really is all too easy to overspend on an HDMI cable, especially if you pick one up while investing in a new TV. Comparably, the price might seem reasonable compared to your shiny new OLED screen, but in reality, you shouldn't be paying much more than $10 for a standard length. So, here are some things to consider when shopping for a new cable:
Gold plating: Back in the day, plating analog cables in gold would theoretically improve connectivity thanks to its conductive properties. However, when it comes to digital signals, you won't see any benefit in opting for gold over other materials. Normally, you'll find that even the cheaper options are plated with gold anyway, so if you see any wires at a high price point with that as a main feature, walk away.
Length: Before settling on a specific cable, we'd implore you to consider how long you need it to be. Typically speaking, you'll pay more for longer versions, which makes sense given they use more materials, but you don't always have to pay top dollar for something over 6 feet. Just keep in mind that if you run a cable over 50 feet, your signal will degrade, which could ultimately stop your visuals from showing.
Angles: If you've got a wall-mounted TV, or just like to channel wires in a specific direction, you may want to consider an angled HDMI cable over traditional straight options. Doing this will mean it won't shoot straight out the back of your console or PC, effectively allowing you to choose the direction it trails in. Some options when come with a pivoting head for flexibility, which could be handy if you constantly change your setup.
HDMI 2.1: Checking certification before you buy a cable is super important, as it could prevent you from reaching higher resolutions and refresh rates. The PS5 specifically will need a 2.1 cable to hit 4K 120Hz, as the older 2.0 standard taps out at 60Hz. Of course, if the console you're using only outputs 1080p or 4K 60Hz anyway, then you can save money by opting for a cheaper standard.
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.
