An HDMI cable is an HDMI cable, right? Not quite. An old 1080p TV, a 4K TV, a new game console and a projector at the back of a room do not need the same cable. Here is how to choose without overpaying, and without a picture that drops out.
1. Start with what you want to display
The cable should match the most demanding device in the chain. Three cases cover almost everything:
- 1080p TV, desktop computer, cable box: a regular high-speed HDMI cable is enough. Example: our 6 ft 1080p HDMI cable.
- 4K TV, streaming player (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV), soundbar: pick a cable rated for 4K at 60 Hz. Example: the 3 ft HDMI 2.0 4K 60 Hz cable or its 10 ft version.
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, recent graphics card, 120 Hz or 8K TV: you need an HDMI 2.1 cable (48 Gbps) to get 4K at 120 frames per second. Example: the Globaltone nylon-braided HDMI 2.1 cable or our 6 ft 8K cable.
2. HDMI versions made simple
| Version | Bandwidth | What it supports |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | 10.2 Gbps | 1080p, 4K at 30 Hz, Ethernet channel and audio return (ARC) |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 4K at 60 Hz, HDR |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48 Gbps | 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, eARC, variable refresh rate (VRR) for gaming |
A newer cable works with an older device. The reverse limits the picture: a 1.4 cable on a 4K 120 Hz console drops you to a lower quality.
3. Length matters more than you think
The longer the cable, the weaker the signal, especially in 4K. Our rules of thumb:
- Up to 15 ft: no issue at any resolution. Behind a TV stand, 6 to 10 ft is the most common.
- 15 to 50 ft: fine for 1080p. For 4K, pick a good-quality cable such as our 15 ft 4K cable, or the 25 ft cable for a 1080p projector.
- Over 50 ft: add an HDMI repeater-extender, or use a cable with a built-in booster. For a meeting room, our 100 ft cable is made for it.
4. No HDMI port on your device?
Recent laptops often have only USB-C, and desktops use DisplayPort. No need to change screens:
- Globaltone USB-C to HDMI adapter for compatible laptops, tablets and phones.
- DisplayPort to HDMI 4K adapter for desktops and graphics cards.
- HDMI to VGA converter with audio for older projectors and monitors.
5. One screen, several devices (or the other way around)
- More devices than TV ports: a 5-input HDMI switch.
- The same picture on two screens: a 1-in 2-out HDMI splitter.
- A clean in-wall installation: a 4K HDMI wall plate.
Three mistakes to avoid
- Paying for an overpriced "gold-plated" cable. HDMI is digital: a well-made $10 cable gives the same picture as an $80 cable of the same standard.
- Buying too long "just in case". A 25 ft cable coiled behind the TV only adds risk of signal loss.
- Forgetting the console. For a PS5 or Xbox Series X on a 120 Hz TV, use an HDMI 2.1 cable or you lose 120 Hz mode.
Need advice?
The full range is in our Audio, video and HDMI collection, in stock at our Bois-des-Filion warehouse. Shipping across Canada, free from $50, or free local pickup. A question about your setup? Write to us and we will answer.