You might think that the only difference between a cheap HDMI cable and an expensive one is the build quality and cable length, but you’d be very wrong.
The HDMI cable connecting your games console, computer or blu ray player to your television or monitor can make all the difference when it comes to refresh rates and picture resolution.
If you’ve invested serious money in a top of the line gaming PC or a shiny new next-generation, don’t waste all that power by connecting to your display with an HDMI cable that doesn't tick all the boxes.
To that end, we've selected what we think are some of the best HDMI 2.1 cables to use on either HDMI 2.1 monitors or any HDMI 2.1, 120hz TVs to ensure your connection is reliable, strong, and built to last.
So whether you're looking for a fantastic choice for your Apple TV with the Belkin Ultra HD High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable or you're on the hunt for a rather long cable with the Yauhody 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable, we've got you covered right here.
Let's get to it!
Best HDMI 2.1 cables
- IBRA HDMI 2.1 High-Speed Cable (1 metre)
- Belkin Ultra HD High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable (2 metres)
- Yauhody 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable (4.6 metres)
- True HQ™ HDMI 2.1 Cable (2 metres)
- YIWENTEC HDMI 2.1 Copper Cord (5 metres)
- Primewire Premium HDMI 2.1 Cable (0.5 metres)
Best HDMI 2.1 cables all-rounder - IBRA HDMI 2.1 High-Speed Cable
The IBRA HDMI 2.1 High-Speed Cable is available in a wide variety of lengths, from as short as 0.75m all the way to a lengthy 3m.
The cable itself is pretty durable thanks to its nylon braided design, so it should last you a good long while even if you’re frequently handling it.
We actually love the colour choice here and think it gives the cables an almost 'sporty' look!
Best HDMI 2.1 cables for Apple TV - Belkin Ultra HD High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
Apple TV owners rejoice for the Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 cord has been optimized to work with Apple TV and the Apple TV 4K.
This cord has been certified by Forum ATC with an HDMI 2.1 Ultra HD certification, ensuring both a high resolution and a high refresh rate.
Read More: How to connect a second screen for a dual monitor display
It features a durable 2-layer shielding construction to minimize interference.
Best HDMI 2.1 cables over 12 FT - Yauhody 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable
This Yauhody 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable offers a Nylon Braided Design, which ensures that it doesn't snag or get stuck around any corners.
It offers a cable length of 15 ft, which is perfect for users that have to move their monitors or computers farther away from each other.
Even at this long length, this cable can support an amazing TV with an 8K resolution with a 60 Hz refresh rate or a 4K resolution with a refresh rate of 144 Hz.
Best HDMI 2.1 cables 2 metres - True HQ™ HDMI 2.1 Cable
The True HQ™ HDMI 2.1 Cable is a great choice if you're going for something around the mid-length mark and is useful in the case that your console is not directly next to your TV.
As far as HDMI 2.1 cables go its black and gold finishing actually gives this cord a bit of a lux feel...well, at least we think so.
This also features a braided nylon jacket to cover the wire itself, adding a nice level of durability to this important connector.
Best long HDMI 2.1 cables - YIWENTEC HDMI 2.1 Copper Cord
We’ll refrain from making a ‘size matters’ gag here, but sometimes you do need a cable with some length.
If that’s the case then this YIWENTEC Copper Cord HDMI 2.1 cable, which measures a sizeable 5m, should suffice.
Whether you’re running your cable from a projector, or just have a mammoth-sized entertainment unit this cable should stretch the distance.
The cord itself is designed to be rugged as well, which is always a big plus.
Best short HDMI 2.1 cables - Primewire Premium HDMI 2.1 Cable
If your 2.1 monitor or television is in close proximity to your console, PC or blu ray player then you probably don’t want a lengthy HDMI cord creating messy cable spaghetti all over the place.
This short Primewire HDMI 2.1 cable is the perfect solution. At just 0.5m you can run it underneath a desk or around a smaller entertainment unit without fuss or additional stretches of cable getting in the way.
The gold-plated finish and tough cord give it a premium feel as well, despite its very budget-friendly price tag.
Frequently asked questions about HDMI 2.1 cables
Need to know more? We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions about HDMI 2.1 cables right here.
What is HDMI 2.1?
In short, HDMI 2.1 refers to a brand new form of the HDMI connectivity standard that so many of us use to connect TVs or monitors to PCs and games consoles alike.
It replaces the older, outgoing HDMI 2.0 standard that was previously introduced in 2013.
What features does HDMI 2.1 have?
The headline feature of HDMI 2.1 is that it allows for a faster refresh rate, up to 120Hz compared to 60Hz with standard HDMI 2.0, and higher resolutions, up to 10K compared to the 4K maximum of HDMI 2.0.
That’ll mean if you really want the sharpest image possible at the smoothest framerate, you need to be gaming on an HDMI 2.1 connection.
Other benefits include preventing audio compression, a common problem with HDMI 2.0, and utilising variable refresh rates for reducing lag and screen-tearing while gaming.
These aren’t small improvements that only the trained eye will notice as well, they’re fundamental differences that will change the way you experience games.
How expensive are HDMI 2.1-compatible displays?
We've seen that HDMI 2.1 is a total game-changer when it comes to offering some of the best gaming performance out there today, but it does come with a drawback, with regards to pricing.
HDMI 2.1 cables can be expensive themselves when compared to their older HDMI 2.0 counterparts. More integrally though, monitors and TVs that offer HDMI 2.1 support can be rather costly, too.
However the technology is starting to become more widely adopted, and a lot of the best 4K TVs released are now offering at least one HDMI 2.1 port.
Should I go for HDMI 2.1?
If you’ve got a compatible television, or are planning to upgrade in the near future, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re using anything other than HDMI 2.1, why splash out on all that tech then not take full advantage of it after all?
This is especially true given the standard is likely to stick around for a number of years, so getting involved now will maximise your time with such a powerful connectivity standard.
Don't forget to check out our top TV picks for PS5 right here, and remember to stop by soon as we'll be updating our list with all the latest deals as they come in!
READ MORE: Best HDMI 2.1 monitors: Top Picks, New Releases, And More