HDMI Cables, the Versions and why this matters

HDMI cables all look the same in the box, yet not all is the same, the version of the HDMI specification your devices support determines how much picture and audio data can flow between them. Choosing the wrong cable won't damage anything, but it can silently cap your resolution or refresh rate below what your hardware is capable of.

This guide focuses on the two versions most relevant to current 4K and gaming setups: HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1. We've separated manufacturer specifications from compatibility guidance throughout, so you know exactly what is a stated spec and what depends on your own device combination.

Quick Comparison: HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1

The table below lists the published specifications for each version. Whether a specific device pair reaches these maximums depends on both devices supporting the same version.

Specifications sourced from the HDMI Forum's published standards. Actual device support varies by manufacturer implementation.

Decision Checklist: Which Version Do You Need?

Work through the questions below in order. Stop at the first answer that fits your setup.

Do you need 4K @ 120 Hz, 8K, VRR, or eARC?

Yes → You need an HDMI 2.1 cable and HDMI 2.1 ports on both devices. A 2.1 cable alone won't unlock these features if your TV or source device only has 2.0 ports.
No → Continue below.

Is your display 4K @ 60 Hz or lower?

Yes → A High Speed HDMI 2.0 cable is sufficient. This covers the majority of 4K TVs, monitors, and streaming devices sold in the last five years.

Are you connecting a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a recent GPU to a compatible 4K 120 Hz TV?

Yes → Use HDMI 2.1. Both the console and the TV must have HDMI 2.1 ports. Check your TV's manual — not every HDMI port on the same television is necessarily 2.1.

Are you using a PC monitor at 1440p or 1080p high refresh (144 Hz+)?

Possibly fine with 2.0 — 1440p @ 144 Hz fits within 18 Gbps at 8-bit colour. If you want 1440p @ 165 Hz+ or 10-bit HDR at high refresh, check whether your GPU and monitor's HDMI port is 2.1.

Cable Length Considerations

HDMI does not transmit an unlimited distance. Longer cables must maintain signal integrity, and the higher the bandwidth, the more demanding the run.

• HDMI 2.0 passive cables: Generally reliable up to around 5–10 m, depending on cable construction. Beyond 10 m, signal degradation is common without active or optical cables.
• HDMI 2.1 passive cables: 48 Gbps places much higher demands on the cable. Passive cables are typically reliable to around 2–3 m. For longer HDMI 2.1 runs, look for active HDMI 2.1 cables or fibre-optic HDMI solutions.
• General advice: Buy the shortest cable that comfortably reaches your devices. Excess coiled cable introduces unnecessary impedance. If you need a long run, measure first and choose the correct length.

The lengths above are general guidance based on common use. Actual performance depends on cable quality and construction, not just stated length.

Connector Types Explained

HDMI cables come with several connector types. The version (2.0 or 2.1) is independent of connector shape.

• Standard (Type A): The full-size connector on TVs, monitors, AV receivers, and consoles. The most common.
• Mini HDMI (Type C): Found on some cameras and older tablets. Adapters or mini-to-standard cables are available where needed.
• Micro HDMI (Type D): Smaller still, used on some compact cameras and single-board computers.
• 90° and angled connectors: Useful where cables exit from the back of a wall-mounted TV or behind a rack. The angle reduces strain on the port and can tidy cable runs significantly.
• Rotating / swivel connectors: Allow the cable exit angle to be adjusted after installation — practical in awkward spaces or when the cable needs to bend sharply immediately on exit.

Common Misconceptions

• "Any HDMI cable will do." For 4K @ 60 Hz and below this is largely true. For 4K @ 120 Hz or 8K, the cable must support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and the ports on your devices must also be 2.1.
• "A 2.1 cable makes my TV do 120 Hz." No — the cable is only the link. Both the source (console, PC, player) and the display must have HDMI 2.1 ports and the feature must be enabled in settings.
• "Expensive cables carry better picture quality." A cable either carries the signal at spec or it does not. Beyond meeting the bandwidth requirement for your setup, extra expenditure on the cable itself does not improve image quality.
• "All ports on my TV are the same version." Many TVs have a mix — for example, one HDMI 2.1 port and three HDMI 2.0 ports. Consult your TV's manual or manufacturer website to identify which port is which.

Shop HDMI Cables

Browse our full range of in-stock HDMI cables, including High Speed and angled options for a variety of setups:

• Nedis High Speed HDMI™ Cable with Ethernet | 4K@30Hz | ARC | 1.50 m
• Nedis High Speed HDMI™ Cable with Ethernet | 4K@30Hz | ARC | 0.50 m
• Nedis High Speed HDMI™ Cable with Ethernet | 4K@30Hz | Mini Connector | 3.00 m
• High Speed HDMI™ Cable | 90° Connector | 1.50 m | Metal | Black
• High Speed HDMI™ Cable | 90° Connector | 5.00 m | Metal | Black
• High Speed HDMI™ Cable | 90° Connector | 10.0 m | Metal | Black
• High Speed HDMI™ Cable | 80° Connector | 0.75 m | Metal | Black
• High Speed HDMI™ Cable | Rotating Connector | 1.50 m | Metal | Black
• High Speed HDMI™ Cable | Rotating End | 1.00 m | Black
• HDMI™ Cable | Metal End | 5.00 m | Black
• Bandridge 2 m High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
• Bandridge 0.5 m High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet

View all HDMI Cables in our collection →

Summary

For most 4K setups running at 60 Hz or below, a High Speed HDMI 2.0 cable is all you need. If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a gaming PC feeding a 4K 120 Hz display — and both devices have HDMI 2.1 ports — then an HDMI 2.1 cable is required to reach those resolutions and refresh rates. Keep cable lengths conservative, match your connector type to the port on your device, and check your TV or monitor manual to confirm which port is actually HDMI 2.1 before buying.