When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
There’s nothing worse than plugging in all your home entertainment gear, booting up your system, and then seeing the dreaded “No Signal Detected” message flash on your screen. More often than not, this error is the result of using a faulty or incorrect HDMI cable. To help you avoid any issues with your cords, our tech experts have picked the best HDMI cables for all your devices.
For most setups, we recommend the Amazon Basics 48Gbps HDMI cable. Our reviewers tested it with various components and found it to be both affordable and reliable. It’s available in three-, six-, and 10-foot sizes and supports transmitting every HDMI feature available. If you’re looking for something a bit more durable, we also recommend this Highwings 48Gbps HDMI cable, which has a braided, anti-bend design.
All of our picks for the best HDMI cables can deliver ultra-high-speed bandwidth, which means they support HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz video. Though only certain gaming devices, like a PS5, benefit from such high bandwidth, ultra-high-speed cables cost about the same as other options and work with all HDMI gadgets. So, even if you don’t need that speed now, you might as well future-proof yourself.
This affordable cable can transmit 4K/120Hz signals with support for all HDMI 2.1 features. It comes in sizes that range from three to 10 feet.
This ultra-high-speed HDMI cable has a rugged design with anti-break SR ports and a durable, nylon-braided, tangle-free construction.
Although pricey, this 25-foot HDMI cable uses an active chipset to boost its signal to prevent degradation over longer distances.
This is an ideal option for buyers who need an HDMI cable that can fit into tight spaces without obstructing other ports in the area.
This braided cable is for connecting your TV or monitor to a device that has an HDMI Mini port, like a camera, tablet, or laptop.
HDMI cable FAQs
Steven Cohen/Business Insider
What speed HDMI cable do you need?
When shopping for the best HDMI cables, it’s important to remember that not all cables are created equal. There are four primary types of HDMI cables: Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed. A fifth type, called Ultra96, is set to launch later this year. Each is certified for a different bandwidth that enables support for certain resolutions, refresh rates, and HDMI features when used with a compatible device and display.
Standard: An older HDMI cable type designed to transmit 1080i or 720p video.High-Speed: This kind of cable has a max bandwidth of 10.2Gbps and supports 1080p, 4K/30Hz, 3D, and Deep Color.Premium-High-Speed: Cables with this designation are certified for 18Gbps, which enables 4K/60Hz, HDR, and wide color spaces.Ultra-High-Speed: This HDMI cable type is rated for up to 48Gbps to support all HDMI 2.1b features, including 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and dynamic HDR playback. Ultra96: This cable type will support 96Gbps to enable new HDMI 2.2 features primarily aimed at commercial applications. However, such high bandwidth is currently unnecessary for consumer use.
Most HDMI cables sold today are rated for either 18Gbps (gigabits per second), also called premium-high-speed, or 48Gbps, also called ultra-high-speed. While premium-high-speed 18Gbps cables offer enough bandwidth to support high-definition (HD) or 4K resolution at 60Hz, the cost difference between an 18 and 48Gbps cable is negligible. For that reason, we recommend getting an ultra-high-speed cable even if your current devices don’t require the extra bandwidth. This way, you won’t need to buy new cables down the road if you upgrade to a device that needs the extra speed.
Ultra-high-speed 48Gbps HDMI cables can transmit 4K video at up to 120Hz or 8K at up to 60Hz, along with high-dynamic range (HDR) and wide color. They also enable the latest HDMI 2.1 features, such as auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR), which are supported by gaming PCs and consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X when connected to a compatible display (including many of the best 4K TVs). Ultra-high-speed cables enable eARC audio connections as well, with support for transmitting lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound.
Check out the HDMI Forum website for a full list of HDMI 2.1 features.
What length HDMI cables are available?
Most HDMI cables are available in three-, six-, and 10-foot sizes, which should suit most needs. Cables longer than 10 feet are also sold, but we recommend exercising caution when purchasing extra-long cables.
Longer cables are easier to break from bends over extended distances, and high-bandwidth video signals can degrade over longer lengths. As a result, extra-long HDMI cables need to be constructed better to be reliable. If you need something longer than 15 feet, we recommend purchasing an “active” HDMI cable. This means that the cable has a built-in chipset that can boost its signal to ensure full bandwidth delivery over longer distances.
What are the different HDMI connector sizes?
In addition to different speeds and lengths, HDMI cables are also sold with different-sized connectors. Most TVs, monitors, game consoles, soundbars, and Blu-ray players have standard-sized HDMI ports that accept Type-A connectors.
But there are two other types to keep in mind. Type-C, also referred to as Mini HDMI, is smaller and skinnier than Type-A, and is often found on devices like digital cameras and tablets. Lastly, there is Type D, also known as Micro HDMI, which is even smaller than Mini HDMI. It’s not as common as the other two, and it’s usually only found on super-compact devices like smartphones.
Do you need an expensive HDMI cable?
Buyers shopping for the best HDMI cables that are 10 feet or under don’t need to spend a lot, even if they’re rated as ultra-high-speed. HDMI signals are digital, which means the transmission will either be sent through the system or fail. So, two cables that are certified for the same bandwidth will deliver the same video and audio quality, regardless of how expensive they are. Generally speaking, there’s little reason to pay more than about $10 for a six-foot ultra-high-speed HDMI cable.
However, while an expensive HDMI cable won’t offer better picture or audio performance than a cheaper one of comparable bandwidth, pricier cables can provide better build quality, which makes them more durable and last longer. Some specialized cables, like those with a Mini HDMI connector or an angled design, may also cost a bit more than a regular option. Likewise, you’ll need to spend more money on an HDMI cable if you require something longer than 10 feet.
Digital signals can degrade at extended lengths, so if you need an especially long connection, we recommend opting for an HDMI cable that’s listed as “active.” Active cables cost more than passive ones but feature integrated chipsets that can amplify their signals to prevent data loss over longer distances.
Do I need a specific cable to enable HDMI 2.1 gaming features?
If your device supports sending an HDMI 2.1 signal with 4K resolution and a high 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll need to use an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable with a bandwidth of 48Gbps. Likewise, all of the devices in your home entertainment chain will need to support HDMI 2.1 and be linked together with ultra-high-speed cables.
For example, if you connect a PS5 to a soundbar plugged into your TV, all three components must support 4K/120Hz and be connected with a 48Gbps HDMI cable. HDMI ports that support this feature are typically labeled as HDMI 2.1 on your device. Many of the best TVs feature at least one HDMI 2.1 port. These ports are less common on audio devices, but some of the best soundbars do include HDMI 2.1 support.
All of the HDMI cables we recommend in this guide support ultra-high-speed bandwidth, enabling HDMI 2.1 features when paired with compatible gear.
