HDMI cables are important accessories in your home theater or media center. Using an HDMI cable is one of the most common ways to connect smart devices to a TV or home theater set-up. Computer monitors, laptops, HD TVs, and game consoles all use HDMI.

There are three basic types of HDMI cables—Standard, High-Speed, and Ultra High-Speed—and each type has subcategories. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about HDMI cables, including what types are available and what different HDMI connector types mean.

HDMI Cable Types

Different HDMI cords
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When deciding on computer cable types, it’s important to understand cable standards and capabilities. HDMI cables, for instance, are classified based on their HDMI version and signal transfer speed (bandwidth). Here are the types of HDMI cables.

Standard HDMI Cable

Standard is the most basic HDMI cable, designed for earlier consumer applications. The cable has a bandwidth of 5Gbps, which supports 1080i or 720p resolution. Standard HDMI cables do not transmit 4K and later resolutions.

The Standard HDMI cable has a refresh rate of 30Hz and is a solid choice for satellite TVs, DVD players, and screen projectors. HDMI versions 1.0 to 1.2a are native to this cable.

Standard with Ethernet

This cable has the same performance capability as standard HDMI cables. The main difference is that it’s equipped with a dedicated data channel. Both connected devices must have an Ethernet Channel enabled to use the feature.

Standard Automotive

Standard Automotive is designed for in-vehicle HD video systems. The cable has the same features as the standard HDMI cable and is usually used to link portable or in-car DVD players to in-car video displays. It also can transmit strong signals and withstand vibrations.

High-Speed HDMI Cable

A High-Speed HDMI cable is designed to transmit 1080p, 4K at 30Hz, and 3D signals. It has a bandwidth of 10.2Gbps and is optimized for HDMI versions 1.3 to 1.4a.

The High-Speed HDMI cable also supports 3D and Deep Color technologies and is recommended for 4K capable video consoles and Blu-ray Disc players.

High-Speed with Ethernet

A High-Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet has similar features as a high-speed cable, like support for 1080p up to 4K and advanced display technologies. The main difference is that they are equipped with a dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel.

Although very few devices are compatible with this type of cable, it’s a great choice for systems that support Ethernet streaming channels.

High-Speed Automotive

A High-Speed Automotive HDMI cable has the same features as the regular high-speed HDMI cable, except it’s specifically designed for use in the automotive industry. High-speed automotive can perform under unique stresses of the automotive environment like temperature extremes and vibrations.

Premium High-Speed

Premium High-Speed HDMI offers a bandwidth of up to 18Gbps and is optimized for HDMI versions 2.0, 2.0a, and 2.0b. In addition, the cable supports HDR and 4K at 60Hz, 4:4:4 chroma sampling, and expanded color spaces, including BT:2020.

The cables also have a low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are available for both HDMI Type A and Type D connectors. Premium High-Speed is a great choice for design software and PC gaming.

To ensure your cable meets the specifications in this category, look for one that has a Premium HDMI Cable Certification Label. Each certified product label includes a unique holographic fingerprint and a QR code which you can scan for verification using the HDMI smartphone app.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable

The Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable is designed to support uncompressed 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz up to 48Gbps of bandwidth. The cable can present a video in up to 10K resolution and achieve up to 240Hz on an HDR TV.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI supports HDMI 2.1a, meaning it works with almost all HDMI devices as it’s also compatible with earlier standards. And it’s less susceptible to EMI caused by some wireless devices.

It also supports new features like eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). For compliance with all the specifications, check the cable packaging for the Ultra High-Speed HDMI Certification Label.

HDMI Connector Types

Different sized HDMI connectors
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For an HDMI cable to fit into a particular display device and source, it requires an end-connector. There are multiple types of HDMI connectors, but only four actually matter. Here are the HDMI connector types.

HDMI Type A (Standard HDMI)

Standard HDMI connector types are typically used on common source devices like laptops, video game consoles, and Blu-ray players to TVs and video projectors. Type A uses a 19-pin configuration and is the largest HDMI connector.

This HDMI connector was designed for very hi-res displays but is currently not used in any mainstream consumer products. The reason for this is that, with the inception of HDMI 1.3, the speed of a single link surpassed that of the old dual link.

HDMI Type C (Mini HDMI)

Mini HDMI connectors also use a 19-pin configuration and share the full functionality of standard HDMI connectors. However, Type C is smaller and slimmer than types A and B. You’ll likely find it on smaller, portable devices like tablets, DSLR cameras, and even some laptops.

HDMI Type D (Micro HDMI)

Though smaller than Mini HDMI, Micro HDMI retains the 19-pin configuration and provides the full functionality of its larger siblings. This connector type is typically used for small cameras, smartphones, and other mobile devices.

HDMI Type E (Automotive)

Type E is a special connector for automotive HDMI cables. Automotive differs from other connector types in that it features a locking tab that allows it to remain in place when your vehicle vibrates.

Which HDMI Cable Should You Buy?

HDMI cables are the standard for audio and video in everything from game consoles and TV to PC screens and soundbars. While there are many cable standards with different features, almost any HDMI cable seen in the market in the last decade can handle anything you throw at it.

For most devices, including TVs, game consoles, and some sound systems, you likely need an HDMI 2.0 cable that supports 4K up to 60Hz, but you can opt for more advanced HDMI cable types. The good thing is that most HDMI cables are affordable, and many reputable manufacturers offer consumers a wide range of pricing.