HDMI 2.1 raised the HDMI bandwidth to 48Gbps, enabling it to handle the demands of modern gaming with support for higher resolutions of up to 8K, faster refresh rates of up to 120Hz in 4K, and lower latency.

Whether you're a hardcore gamer looking to get the most out of your PS5 or Xbox Series X or a casual player looking to upgrade your home theater, these HDMI 2.1 cables are the way to go.

Here are the best HDMI 2.1 cables for gaming.

Traditional copper HDMI cables lose signal strength over longer distances leading to graphical artifacts, screen flickering, higher input lag, and lower refresh rates.

If you want an HDMI 2.1 compatible cable that spans extended distances, a fiber optic cable is the best for you.

The Cable Matters Active Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable combines an active chipset with fiber optic cores to support the full 48Gbps bandwidth over long distances up to 10 meters. It has a braided jacket for extra durability.

Key Features
  • Officially certified
  • Up to 49.2-foot long
  • Braided jacket
Specifications
  • Brand: Cable Matters
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 10m
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Stable signal strength over longer distances
  • Braided for durability
  • Certified for added peace of mind
Cons
  • Not bi-directional
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Cable Matters Active Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable

The Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable was one of the first HDMI 2.1 cables to appear in the market. It is certified, so you can have peace of mind knowing your performance will be reliable.

The cable is available in different sizes up to three meters. With a CL3 rating, this cable is ideal for in-wall HDMI installations. It is also braided to provide extra protection and durability.

Key Features
  • Officially certified
  • CL3-Rated for in-wall installations
  • Braided cable jacket
Specifications
  • Brand: Zeskit Maya
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 6.5 feet
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • High-quality build
  • Cable length options
  • Two-year warranty
Cons
  • Not flexible enough
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Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable

If you have multiple HDMI 2.1 devices, you can get more bang for your buck with the Cable Matters 3-Pack 48Gbps Ultra HD 8K HDMI Cables. Impressively, this pack is cheaper than buying a single cable.

While not officially certified, Cable Matters affirm these cables were tested to meet the complete requirements of the HDMI 2.1 specification. They support 4K at 120Hz and up to 8K at 60Hz.

The color-coded design makes it easy to organize your cabling and see behind the TV. The cables are very flexible and have gold-plated connectors to minimize corroding and wear over time.

Key Features
  • Color-coded HDMI cables
  • Flexible PVC jacket
  • Gold-plated connectors
Specifications
  • Brand: Cable Matters
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 2m
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Great value
  • Color coded for ease of installation
  • Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Not the best for durability
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Cable Matters 3-Pack 48Gbps Ultra HD 8K HDMI Cable

If you regularly plug and unplug your HDMI devices, the Anker 8K@60Hz HDMI Cable is your best choice. The company claims it can be plugged and unplugged over 10,000 times without any loss in video quality.

The Anker 8K@60Hz HDMI Cable features high-quality construction with a double-braided nylon finish for durability. It is officially certified by the HDMI Forum to meet all the requirements of the HDMI 2.1 standard. You also get an 18-month warranty for added peace of mind.

Key Features
  • Officially certified
  • Double-braided nylon jacket
  • Tested plug and unplug for 10,000+ times
Specifications
  • Brand: Anker
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 2m
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • High-quality construction
  • Durable braided nylon finish
  • 18-month warranty
Cons
  • No cable lengths options
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Anker 8K@60Hz HDMI Cable

The QGeeM 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable might not be from an established brand nor certified, but it is still worth considering. It fully supports HDMI 2.1 with resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz. You also get to choose from different lengths up to 4.5 meters.

The build quality is excellent for a cable of this price. QGeeM claims the cable can withstand more than 3,000 bends. You can also plug and unplug the cable more than 6,000 times, great if you constantly change your HDMI source devices.

The QGeeM 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable is an ideal budget option for in-wall HDMI installations.

Key Features
  • Flexible PVC jacket
  • Gold-plated connectors
  • Rated plug and unplug lifespan for 6,000+ times
  • 3,000 bend lifespan
Specifications
  • Brand: QGeeM
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 2m
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Cable length options
  • Flexible and durable
  • Can be used for in-wall installations
Cons
  • Not certified
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QGeeM 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable

The Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Braided Cord is an affordable HDMI 2.1 cable with an impressive bend lifespan of more than 25,000 times. It's the best for use in space-restrained setups, which require you to bend the cable to connect your devices.

The Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Braided Cord is also well built. It has a high-quality braided nylon finish with gold connectors and an aluminum shell. It's one of the most durable and flexible HDMI 2.1 cables you can buy.

Key Features
  • 25,000+ bend lifespan
  • Double-braided military fiber nylon jacket
  • Gold-plated connectors
Specifications
  • Brand: Highwings
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 2m
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Outstanding anti-bending design
  • Braided for extra durability
  • Cable length options
Cons
  • Not certified
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Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Braided Cord

The AmazonBasics 48Gbps High-Speed 8K HDMI Cable is another cheap HDMI 2.1 cable for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It's an entry-level option, but it has everything you'd expect in an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable.

The build quality is impressive. It has a flexible PVC finish and gold connectors for reliable signal transmission performance. You can select from lengths ranging from one to three meters. It also comes in white, making it a great combo for your PS5 or white gaming rig.

Key Features
  • Available in white or black
  • Cable length options
  • Gold-plated connectors
Specifications
  • Brand: AmazonBasics
  • Cable Type: Ultra High Speed HDMI
  • Length: 1m
  • Data Transfer Rate: 48Gbps
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Flexible PVC jacket
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Not great for durability
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AmazonBasics 48Gbps High-Speed 8K HDMI Cable

FAQ

Q: Do HDMI 2.1 Cables Make a Difference?

HDMI 2.1 cables make a huge difference in gaming by supporting high refresh rate gaming up to 120Hz at 4K resolution. They also can carry uncompressed 8K resolution at 60Hz.If you want to game in 4K at 120Hz on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, an HDMI 2.1 cable is required. Using an HDMI 2.0 cable with the next-generation consoles will only give you up to 60Hz at 4K.

Q: Do You Need HDMI 2.1 for 4K?

You don't need HDMI 2.1 to display 4K content. HDMI 2.0 can fully support 4K at 60Hz, but HDMI 2.1 is required for 4K at 120Hz. The main reason HDMI 2.1 is more prominent is that gamers can now enjoy smooth high refresh rate gaming with a high level of detail.

Q: What Is a HDMI 2.1 Cable?

An HDMI 2.1 cable is an HDMI cable that fully supports the 48Gbps bandwidth of the HDMI 2.1 specification. These cables are officially known as Ultra High Speed HDMI cables.All Ultra High Speed HDMI cables support all the features of HDMI 2.1, meaning they can all support 4K at 120Hz and the other HDMI 2.1 features such as VRR, ALLM, dynamic HDR, QFT, and QMS.Choosing the best HDMI 2.1 cable really means choosing the best build quality, price, length, warranty, and certification status.