When you've got a smart TV or 4K Blu-ray player, you'll want a new HDMI cable to enjoy stunning 4K content.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion today about 4K HDMI cables.

While most companies will try to sell you expensive HDMI cables, what you need is a "Premium High-Speed HDMI" cable. Any cable with this label, whether cheap or expensive, can pass a solid 4K 60Hz signal with HDR and ARC.

If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X, or the latest devices with HDMI 2.1 ports, you'll need the new "Ultra High-Speed HDMI" cables for 4K 120Hz and flawless Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos experience.

Here are the best 4K HDMI cables you can buy today.

The Belkin 4K Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable is a sleek, premium HDMI cable supporting the latest HDMI 2.1 specification. It's expensive, but you're paying for a durable and well-built HDMI cable that can handle the highest resolutions and refresh rates, including 4K at 120Hz.

This cable is also officially recommended by Apple for the new Apple TV 4K. If you experience image cutouts, flashes, or flickering with your Apple TV, especially while using Dolby Vision, this is the kind of 4K HDMI cable you need.

It delivers the best 4K HDR viewing experience without any image artifacts. Besides, the cable is officially certified by the HDMI authorized test centers for added peace of mind.

Key Features
  • Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 48Gbps
  • Dolby Vision compatible
  • Recommended by Apple
Specifications
  • Brand: Belkin
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 6.6 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • HDMI 2.1 compatible
  • Supports 4K at 120Hz
  • Great build quality
Cons
  • Expensive
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Belkin 4K Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable

The Amazon Basics Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable is the best 4K HDMI cable for most people. It's rated for 18Gbps, which is needed to support 4K resolution at 60Hz that most modern TVs, monitors, and AV receivers are capable of.

It's fully compatible with all HDR formats and audio return channel (ARC) for connecting your soundbar. The cable has a braided cable jacket for improved durability. It can withstand rough handling, lots of flexing, and tight bends than the average rubber cable.

The Amazon Basics Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable is available in different sizes, ranging from three to 15 feet.

Key Features
  • Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable 18Gbps
  • Braided for durability
  • Size options up to 15 feet
Specifications
  • Brand: Amazon Basics
  • Cable Type: Premium High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 6 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 18Gbps
Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not very flexible
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Amazon Basics Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable

When it comes to cheap and reliable HDMI cables, Monoprice and Amazon Basics lead the way. While the Amazon Basics cable is more durable due to its braided jacket, the Monoprice 4K Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable offers the same capabilities for a lower price.

Durability often comes down to how you handle the cable. If you plug and unplug devices or flex the cable more often, a braided cable is the best option for you.

But if the cable is meant to sit behind your TV or monitor untouched, then any cable, whether braided or not, can last a lifetime.

Key Features
  • Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable 18Gbps
  • Size options up to 30 feet
Specifications
  • Brand: Monoprice
  • Cable Type: Premium High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 6 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 18Gbps
Pros
  • Incredible value
  • Solid 4K 60Hz experience
Cons
  • Not braided
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Monoprice 4K Certified Premium High Speed HDMI Cable

The Zeskit MAYA Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable is the best HDMI cable for 4K gaming. It has been tested and certified to provide the 48Gbps bandwidth required to drive powerful 4K 120FPS gameplay on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and next-generation gaming PCs.

Compared to the Belkin 4K Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable, this cable is less expensive and more durable, thanks to its tough and braided cable jacket. Ultra-high-speed HDMI cables are also known to fix flickering and HDMI handshake issues common in most 4K setups.

So, even if you're yet to buy a PS5 or the new displays and AV receivers with HDMI 2.1 ports, this cable can be a great upgrade to your current 4K setup.

Key Features
  • Ultra High Speed 48Gbps Certified
  • Braided cable jacket
  • Compatible with ALLM, VRR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more
Specifications
  • Brand: Zeskit Maya
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 6.5 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Next-gen HDMI 2.1 support
  • Supports 4K at 120Hz
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not very flexible
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Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable

The Monoprice 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable is perfect for those looking for an HDMI cable that just works. It is not officially certified nor braided, but it supports 4K resolution at up to 120Hz along with all HDMI 2.1 features such as dynamic HDR, ALLM, Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and VRR.

This cable can handle all of your 4K needs, whether it's high framerate gaming or watching high-quality 4K movies in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

It also delivers futureproof 8K support for a lot less than certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables.

Key Features
  • Supports all HDMI resolutions, including 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz
  • Compatible with HDMI 2.1
  • Size options up to eight feet
Specifications
  • Brand: Monoprice
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 6 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Ultra high-speed bandwidth support
  • Budget-friendly
  • Flexible
Cons
  • Not certified
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Monoprice 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable

If you're looking for a 4K HDMI cable for long runs, the Cable Matters Active 8K HDMI Cable is an excellent option. It uses an active chip that borrows a little power from the display device to maintain signal strength and integrity at long distances. Passive HDMI cables suffer from signal degradations over long runs.

The only way to get a reliable HDMI signal at long distances is to use an optical cable or an active cable. But optical HDMI cables are insanely expensive, making active copper HDMI cables the best for most people. T

his cable is available in 16 and 25 feet, long enough to connect a gaming console or PC to a TV or 4K projector across the room. Since this is an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, you can play games in breathtaking 4K 120Hz quality and take advantage of HDMI 2.1 features such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Key Features
  • Active Ultra High Speed cable
  • Optional USB cable for more additional power
Specifications
  • Brand: Cable Matters
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 25 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Long HDMI cable
  • Supports 4K at 120Hz
  • Great build quality
Cons
  • NOT bi-directional
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Cable Matters Active 8K HDMI Cable

Cables rated "CL3" are designed to be safe for in-wall installation. Running a cable through a wall or ceiling is a great way to hide messy cords and cable clutter for a clean home theater setup or battle station.

The Zeskit MAYA Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable CL3 In Wall Rated is one of the best 4K HDMI cables for in-wall installation. Capable of 48Gbps bandwidth and up to 8K support, this cable is perfect for your current 4K needs and any upgrades down the road.

If you want to achieve a clean and cable-free environment, the Zeskit MAYA Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable CL3 In Wall Rated is a solid choice, making it easy to ensure your home isn't a safety hazard.

Key Features
  • CL3 rating
  • Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 48Gbps
  • Available in 13, 16, and 23 feet
Specifications
  • Brand: Zeskit MAYA
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 16 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Safe for in-wall use
  • Solid 4K support
  • Support for HDMI 2.1
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
Zeskit MAYA Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable CL3 In Wall Rated

FAQ

Q: Do All HDMI Cables Allow 4K?

All HDMI cables in the market today allow 4K resolutions, but there are some differences. High-Speed HDMI cables support 4K up to 30Hz refresh rate while Premium High Speed supports high refresh rates up to 60Hz. If you're a gamer, you'll benefit more from the new Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables, which support 4K at up to 120Hz refresh rate.

Q: Do All HDMI Cables Support 4K 120Hz?

Not all HDMI cables support 4K 120Hz; only the new Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables can pass 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate.

Q: Are Cheap HDMI Cables Any Good?

Cheap HDMI cables are perfectly good in terms of picture quality and sound quality. Some expensive HDMI cables may be suitable for durability, but they offer no improvement in picture quality over cheap HDMI cables.