HDMI cables are a must-have for any home theater enthusiast. Here are the best HDMI cables of 2022. If you’re looking to upgrade your home theater setup, you need to invest in high-quality HDMI cables. HDMI cables are the standard connection between your TV and A/V receiver, and they’re essential for watching 4K content or gaming on a big screen. Here are the best HDMI cables of 2022:
- Monoprice Premium High Speed HDMI Cable - This cable is made with premium materials and features a gold-plated connector for superior performance. It also has a lifetime warranty.
- AmazonBasics High Speed HDMI Cable - This cable is affordable and comes with a 2-year warranty. It also supports 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rates for smooth video playback.
- Anker Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cable - This cable is designed with high speed and bandwidth efficiency in mind, making it ideal for 4K streaming and gaming. It also has an 18-month warranty and supports HDR10 content playback. ..
One of the most important specs you have to keep your eyes out for is HDMI 2.1. Some modern devices like Sony’s PlayStation 5 require HDMI 2.1 in order to work properly, mainly due to the device’s usage of some of the best display technologies available.
These cables tend to be a bit pricier than those that support HDMI 2.0 or lower, but that, unfortunately, comes with having the latest and greatest tech.
It’s also important to pay attention to display standards, resolutions, and sound output. If your monitor or TV is equipped with an 8K resolution and HDR support, it’s best to double-check the cable you’re about to buy to ensure both of those specs are supported.
This also goes for special specifications like Dolby Vision and fast refresh rates. You’ll also want to ensure the cable works with your sound system, whether it’s based on Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
Of course, everyone will have their own needs and budget for finding a new HDMI cable, so to make the search easier and less tedious, we’ve rounded up six of the best cables for a variety of users.
✓ 4K HDR output✓ Braided design✓ Affordable
✗ Not designed for gaming✗ HDMI 2. 0 support only
The cable is compatible with up to 4K output which should prove to be sufficient for most users, and it offers 18Gbps bandwidth that’s enough to handle both HDR and 48-bit/px color depth.
Unfortunately, it’s not great for gamers since it only supports 60Hz refresh rates and is not HDMI 2.1 certified, but if what you’re looking for is a general-purpose HDMI cable, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
✓ 4K support✓ Affordable
✗ No HDR support✗ HDMI 2. 0✗ Not designed for gaming
The cable provides all the necessary specs for compatibility with most modern devices, although it isn’t HDMI 2.1 compatible. It also lacks HDR support, and it comes with a rubber exterior as opposed to a braided one.
Still, this cable should do the trick for most people thanks to its 4K support, 18Gbps bandwidth, and Ethernet support. While not the most robust cable you can purchase, it’s by no means a slouch.
Best HDMI 2.1 Cable: Monoprice 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable
With HDMI 2.1 devices becoming more and more common, it’s a good idea to add an HDMI 2.1 cable to your collection, and we recommend Monoprice’s 8K certified braided cable for doing just that. Its premium design means you won’t have to worry about fraying over time, and its HDMI 2.1 support means you’ll be able to connect to devices that require more bandwidth at up to 48Gbps.
✓ 8K HDR support✓ 4K @ 120Hz✓ Various surround sound formats supported✓ Braided cable
✗ Chunky design
The cable supports Dynamic HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X surround sound. Meanwhile, you can output to a display with up to an 8K resolution at 60Hz, as well as 4K at 120Hz.
The only real downside to this cable is its somewhat robust, inflexible design. If you don’t have a lot of room for a somewhat chunky HDMI connector on your devices, this model might not be for you. For everyone else, though, you won’t be disappointed.
Best 8K HDMI Cable: Cable Matters Braided 8K HDMI Cable
Jumping into the 8K content landscape? Consider picking up this 8K HDMI cable from Cable Matters. It comes with a braided design for durability with black or white color options. Sizes range from 3.3 feet to 16.4 feet.
✓ 8K @ 120Hz support✓ 4:4:4 RGB HDR, 12-bit color, and Dolby Vision✓ HDMI 2. 1✓ Dolby Atmos 7. 1 and DTS:X 5. 1 surround sound
✗ Chunky design
Of course, what counts are the specs. This HDMI 2.1 cable comes with 8K output at up to 120Hz, granting compatibility with some of the most cutting-edge displays on the market. It also includes 4:4:4 RGB HDR, Dolby Vision, and 12-bit color.
On the audio front, you’ll find Dolby Atmos 7.1 and DTS:X 5.1 surround sound support, as well as HDMI eARC. You’ll also get 48Gbps of bandwidth to power even the most complex of entertainment setups.
The ends of the cable remain the only real downfall as they’re noticeably thick, so ensure you have enough space on your device if you purchase it.
Best HDMI Cable for Gaming: Zeskit Maya 8K High-Speed HDMI Cable
When it comes to gamers, support for the latest specifications is always a must in the HDMI world, especially nowadays thanks to HDMI 2.1. A new standard that supports the latest entertainment technologies, HDMI 2.1 can be found on consoles like Sony’s PlayStation 5 which requires it for full functionality.
✓ HDMI 2. 1 certified✓ 4K @ 120Hz✓ Dynamic HDR and Dolby Vision✓ Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound
✗ Only one color option✗ Limited to 10 feet in length
If your console falls under this criteria and you need a new HDMI cable to complete your setup, consider grabbing Zeskit’s Maya 8K cable. Being HDMI 2.1 certified, the Maya cable should work like a charm for most modern gaming consoles like the PS5, while also being backward compatible with older devices.
It supports 48Gbps bandwidth which enables 4K output at 120Hz, in addition to 8K at 60Hz. Dynamic HDR support, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X compatibility are all included, and its unique copper conductors ensure a stable connection with reduced judder during gameplay.
Externally, the cable sports a durable braided finish with reinforced edges to reduce fraying. It only ships in one color and you’ll need to be okay with up to 10 feet in length. So long as they’re non-issues for you, the Zeskit Maya 8K HDMI cable should suit your setup very well.
Best Angled HDMI Cable: UGREEN Right Angle HDMI Cable
If your home entertainment setup is a challenge for cable management, it might suit you to pick up an HDMI cable with an angled connector. This model from UGREEN offers a standard flat connector on one end and a 90-degree connection on the other, helping you run the cable against a flat surface in case space is an issue.
✓ 90-degree angle for awkward setups✓ 4K output support✓ Affordable
✗ No HDR or surround sound support✗ HDMI 2. 0
It also boasts notable specs such as 4K support, 48-bit deep color, and improved shielding to ensure a stable connection.
Unfortunately, you won’t find anything fancy with this cable such as HDR support, surround sound, or fast refresh rates. So long as you can live with that, this cable can prove to be a lifesaver for those with an unorthodox home theater or office configuration.
