Get the most out of your excellent 4K TV with the ultimate HDMI cables of the year – capable of supporting 120Hz gameplay, built to endure the wear and tear of everyday use and with wall-mounted television support – hundreds of options are perfect for your smart television setup.
The internet is saturated in choice when it comes to HDMI cables – with prices ranging from incredibly cheap to absurdly expensive – so it can be tough to know just how much to spend. So whether or not you're just looking for a quick, cheap way to enjoy your favourite Blu-rays on a DVD player, or you need something capable of bulldozing through 4K gaming at a rapid 120Hz – there's certainly the perfect option for you.
Chosen from a range of excellent, highly-renowned HDMI brands such as Anker, KabelDirekt, Twozoh and more – we've selected some particularly brilliant HDMI cables for your viewing pleasure – so ditch the endless Amazon doom-scrolling and pick out a shiny new HDMI cable without the hassle.
Whether you're using an opulent QLED TV or a simple budget 4K TV – these HDMI cables are perfect for any setup, and are built to last.
The best HDMI cables of 2024 at a glance:
The best HDMI cables
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall
KabelDirekt Spending a ludicrous amount of cash on a shiny new HDMI cable simply isn't necessary, even for breakneck 120Hz speeds and ultra-high resolution gameplay. German manufacturer KabelDirekt's HDMI 2.1 cable is as close to perfection at its price as you'll need.
With a staggeringly impressive range of support for even 8K output at 60Hz, and some very comfortable 4K gaming at 120Hz (making it an absolutely impeccable choice for next-generation console owners) – KabelDirekt's 8K HDMI 2.1 cable is simply unbeatable at its price.
As for its build quality, however, the KabelDirekt HDMI 2.1 cable is lacking some refinement - there's no braiding to keep it strong and sturdy throughout years of use and the plastic near the cable tip is absolutely solid and bulky, making it somewhat challenging to work into the back of a wall-mounted television, so those with a 43-inch TV on their bedroom wall, take caution.
Pros
- Incredible range of resolution support
- Amazing range of cable lengths available
- Fantastic value
Cons
- The design isn't as sturdy or flexible as other HDMI cables
| Resolution support: | 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz, 1080p at 240Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 18Gbps |
| Cable material: | Plastic |
Best budget
Amazon Basics Simple, honest and incredibly durable - the Amazon Basics HDMI 2.0 cable is the quintessential HDMI cable you've been looking for. Incredibly sturdy (in no small part thanks to its braided cabling), well made with users rarely facing any technical problems out of the box, and with a fantastic range of resolution support (with max speeds of 240Hz at 1080p) Amazon Basics HDMI 2.0 cable is absolutely perfect for gamers, cinema enthusiasts or for those binging their favourite TV boxset.
At 4K, however, gaming is restricted to around 60Hz - which is perfectly fine for most, but for those looking for that next-level 120Hz experience - picking up something a little more extravagant and costly might be the way forward.
Pros
- Durable build quality
- Excellent range of resolution support at an affordable price
- Great range of available sizes
Cons
- Not suitable for those in need of 120Hz gameplay at 4K
| Resolution support: | 4K at 60Hz, 1080p at 240Hz |
| Cable length: | 0.9 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 18Gbps |
| Cable material: | Braided |
Best ultra-high-speed
AnkerIf you want an absolutely flawless TV-watching experience - then you'll want to splash a little more cash. Anker's ultra-high-speed HDMI cable is decisively one of the most well-made cables on the market right now. From its braided cables to solid tips for peace of mind - Anker's high-speed cable is built to last through accidental tugs and wobbling of everyday use.
But enough about the build quality - you're here for one thing and one thing only - just how good is the quality of the Anker HDMI cable's output? The answer - very, very good. Hitting a triumphant 48Gbps bandwidth, Anker's HDMI 2.1 cable will output some incredible quality video footage without hindrance - making it absolutely perfect for next-generation consoles, 4K films and even content for your breathtaking 8K TV to play.
Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of size options for cables, giving you some limitations on external device positioning - but at 2 metres, you've got plenty of room regardless.
Pros
- Practically unbeatable bandwidth
- Gorgeous braided cable for incredible durability
- Fantastic futureproofing
Cons
- No options for longer cables currently
| Resolution support: | 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 48Gbps |
| Cable material: | Braided |
Best for wall mounting
Twozoh Made especially for that slightly out-of-reach port just begging to be used, Twozoh's range of right-angled HDMI 2.0 cables is a blessing to any cinephile in need of an HDMI cable capable of fitting in the most snug of spaces.
With a range of different angles to choose from with all manner of orientations - finding the perfect HDMI 2.0 cable has never been easier - and with its rapid 18Gbps output rate - you're not sacrificing smooth playback or second-to-none 4K resolution for the privilege.
Our nitpicks of the Twozoh, though minor, largely centre around the cable quality itself - which appears to be somewhat lacking. The thinner design that is necessary for increased flexibility leaves the cable vulnerable to some eventual twisting and warping - which isn't ideal in the long run. However, should you treat the cable well - you're unlikely to have any issues.
Pros
- Excellent for difficult-to-reach HDMI cables
- Solid refresh rate support
- Fantastic range of angles and cable sizes to choose from
Cons
- The cable is somewhat flimsy
| Resolution support: | 4K at 60Hz, 1080 at 240Hz |
| Cable length: | 1 metre |
| Bandwidth: | 18Gbps |
| Cable material: | Plastic |
Best budget 8K
Etseinri Are you still looking for that unbeatable ultra-speed bandwidth at a lower price? Etseinri's 8K HDMI 2.1 2m HDMI cable offers an incredible amount of value at practically the same cost - with very drawbacks.
With a 48Gbs bandwidth, braided cabling, a huge range of support for next-generation consoles, and a wide range of length options - this 8K cable is simply perfect for anyone looking to future-proof their TV setup without the cost.
Our only minor gripe with the design is the aluminium connector tip - which is far too bulky to be used with difficult-to-reach HDMI ports, so take caution before buying.
Pros
- Excellent bandwidth
- Fantastic futureproofing
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Rigid cable connector tips are difficult for wall-mounted TVs
| Resolution support: | 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 48Gbps |
| Cable material: | Braided |
Best for PS5
Snowkids If you've managed to afford one of the best OLED TVs of the year to use with your PS5, you'll need a cable that can handle the PS5's 120Hz gaming output - enter the Snowkids HDMI 2.1 8K cable.
Suitable for use with a proper 8K television for 60Hz output, or with an ultra-smooth 120Hz 4K output, gamers simply have to experience 120Hz gaming to understand how much of a leap it is from standard gaming.
Well-made and affordable, with high bandwidth and solid length for use with a TV mount setup or stand, the Snowkids HDMI 2.1 8K cable is a reliable choice for those in need of great visuals at a low price.
Pros
- Excellent 120Hz output support
- Perfect for gaming
- Very affordable
Cons
- Some users have experienced a loose connection
| Resolution support: | 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 48Gbps |
| Cable material: | Braided |
Best long HDMI cable
True HQFor those in need of extra HDMI cable length, the True HQ cable more than covers your distance needs. At a whopping 30 metres long, you can easily connect a television that's far from a receiver, console or Blu Ray player with True HQ's fantastic HDMI cable.
Solid build quality with a two-year guarantee, the True HQ is built to last, and is certainly capable of handling full-HD films with ease. Any more than full-HD, however, and you'll find that this HDMI cable undoubtedly struggles.
Pros
- Excellent 30-metre length
- Perfect for long-distance use
- Good build quality
Cons
- No 4K support
| Resolution support: | 1080p at 60Hz |
| Cable length: | 30 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 10.2 Gbps |
| Cable material: | PVC |
Best premium HDMI cable
Belkin Belkin's ultimate high-bandwidth HDMI cable is one of the most premium HDMI cables on the market, and its price certainly reflects that.
Made of high-quality braided cable that's undoubtedly tough enough to endure the snags and pulls of day-to-day use, Belkin's high-speed HDMI cable is perfect for avid cinephiles and competitive gamers to get the most bang for their buck.
Pros
- Premium cable from a trusted brand
- Perfect for ultra-HD gaming and films
- Great build quality
Cons
- Cable could be longer for its price
| Resolution support: | 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 48GBps |
| Cable material: | Braided |
Best tough build
Sniokco Sniokco's nylon braided 8K HDMI cable is at an incredible price for its quality, whilst also offering some of the fastest bandwidth speeds around.
Costing significantly less than most of its competition, whilst also being incredibly well-made, the Sniokco 8K HDMI cable is perfect for any TV setup.
Pros
- Tough build quality
- Great bandwidth
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Particularly thick cable
| Resolution support: | 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 48Gbps |
| Cable material: | nylon braid |
Best under £10
Lead-SnowkidsFor less than £10, this Snowkids 4K HDMI cable is exceptional - gaming, watching films and more has rarely looked better, it's simply perfect.
For higher bandwidth speeds and stronger performance overall, however, you might need to invest in something a little more pricey.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Solid bandwidth
- Nicely braided
Cons
- No 8K support
| Resolution support: | 4K at 60Hz |
| Cable length: | 2 metres |
| Bandwidth: | 18Gbps |
| Cable material: | Nylon braided/aluminium alloy |
How to choose the best HDMI cable for you
What are the HDMI versions and what do they mean?
HDMI versions refer to the generation of HDMI cable and precisely what resolution they're capable of supporting. We've listed all of the main generations of HDMI below, along with their respective maximum resolutions:
HDMI 1.0, 1.1, 1.2: 1920 x 1080p at 60Hz
HDMI 1.4: 3840 x 2160p at 30Hz
HDMI 2.0-2.0b: 3840 x 2160p at 60Hz
HDMI 2.1: 7680 x 4320 at 60Hz
How can I figure out what my television's resolution is?
The easiest way to figure out your television's resolution is to search its model number, which should be visible on the rear of the television. If you can't see a model number whatsoever on your television's model, there are other ways to find it.
Go to your TV's settings and look for anything listed under "Quality" or "Resolution", you should then be able to see your TV's resolution.
If you're using an external device, the resolution of your TV should appear when selecting a source.
How do I know what HDMI cable to pick?
Picking an HDMI cable is entirely dependent on the device you're looking to connect, and the television you're connecting it to.
First, figure out what resolution your television is, you can do that by following our FAQ guide. Once you know, you'll also need to know what the output resolution of your external device is.
Using the PlayStation 5 as an example, if you're looking to output at 4K to a 4K TV, you'll need an HDMI 2.1 cable. Bear in mind, you'll also want to buy a cable that can support high refresh rates if you plan on playing at 120Hz or higher.
If your device supports 4K, but your television is only full-HD, a standard HDMI 1.2 cable will work well. But if you plan on upgrading any time soon, you can still use an HDMI 2.1 even if your device isn't 4K.
FAQs
What is HDMI bandwidth?
Bandwidth is a measurement of the amount of data you can stream per second - the greater the bandwidth - the quicker your HDMI cable can transfer data to your television.
A high HDMI bandwidth gives anything you're outputting, be it games, films or TV shows, a smoother refresh rate and prevents issues such as audio delay.
Why are braided HDMI cables better?
Braided HDMI cables have considerably better structural integrity than conventional plastic cables, meaning that warping and fraying are much less likely to happen over time - meaning that you won't be scouring the internet for another HDMI cable again any time soon.
What is HDMI ARC?
HDMI ARC is a method of reducing the number of cables you need from your TV to your external device - with an ARC input, you can actually transmit audio from the TV to another device, rather than solely transmitting audio and video one way.
End thoughts: what's the best HDMI cable?
For those determined to grab themselves an HDMI cable, there are a huge range to pick from, but for us, we must recommend that you get yourself a 4K HDMI 2.1 cable. Compatible with full-HD, and of course 4K, you cannot go wrong with picking up one of these affordable cables that can handle their own when it comes to gaming or high-quality boxset binge-watching.
Ryan Houghton is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What’s The Best, known best for his expertise in gaming, with a particular soft spot for PC gaming, audio tech, televisions and smartphones.
Diligently writing for What’s The Best for almost two years, there are very few tech products Ryan hasn’t had his hands on to review; televisions, headphones, folding phones and even LEGO, if it’s nerdy, he’ll be there.
His well-versed history as one of the resident techies at What’s The Best has kept him keen to uncover the very best deals, savings and offers for those in need of a cracking deal to upgrade their setup.
In his downtime, Ryan most likely has his nose buried in a fantasy book, or his eyes glued to a screen whilst playing a tough-as-nails Soulslike or leisurely RPG, indulging in most forms of escapism where possible.
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