Over the last several years, the port has become one of the most sought, used, and important AV connectivity options. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any shiny-new game console, computer, or TV that doesn’t have at least one HDMI connection. And for every HDMI port, there’s the HDMI cable you’ll need to complete every Device A to Device B handshake. Believe it or not, HDMI cables are not all created equal. Some are dirt-cheap, while others cost more than most of us would ever spend on a wire. But you’ll also want to make sure you’re buying the right HDMI cables for the equipment you own.
To help you on this corded journey, we’d like to share this list of the five best HDMI cables you can buy right now.
1. Zeskit Maya HDMI 2.1 Cable
The customer who wants a superior HDMI cable without overpaying.
With some HDMI cables hitting over the $40 or even $50 mark, it can seem scary to buy one on the cheap. However, the Zeskit Maya HDMI 2.1 cable is likely for you. While being below the $20 line, this cable from Zeskit still manages to reach the HDMI 2.1 certifications that should last you for years and with upgraded equipment. That means it can work well with eARC, HDR, Dolby Vision Atmos and many other highly-requested features in an HDMI cable. It will pair well with your computer, TV, laptop, and projector and can appropriately connect with Apple TV, consoles, monitors, and more.
The Zeskit Maya 2.1 HDMI Cable uses quality braiding, and its wiring is built to resist interference from EMI waves, while the interior is built with a single solid-body Copper wire instead of the many wires that other HDMI cables might have. Available lengths run from 1.5 feet to 10 feet, all of which are customer-tested and approved. Its uni-body plug-in heads are nestled into a zinc alloy housing for enhanced durability.
For most people, this is the best HDMI cable to get.
2. Highwings HDMI Cable
Those who need a durable, good-looking HDMI cable of nearly any length.
A close second to the Zeskit Maya, the Highwings HDMI cable is a customer favorite and has a slightly lower price than some of the competition. The tough braiding on the exterior actually looks nice, too, making it one of the best HDMI cables in terms of appearance. This braiding, along with its anti-break, fray-resistant head, make the Highwings HDMI cable perfect for throwing in your travel bag or to bring along for your projector during business presentations.
That being said, this technology makes the ends rather stiff and non-pliable, making them harder to plug-in in more cramped spaces. Another thing to note about the Highwings HDMI cable is the absurd possibilities in the length of the cord available. It’s best to get the shortest length possible (most customers will enjoy the 1, 1.5, 3.3, or 6.6 foot models) but — if need be — you can get a Highwings HDMI cable up to 330 feet long if you desire.
It goes without saying, there can be some customer complaints about HDR not working, but that goes with the territory with overly long HDMI cables. Stick to what you need, and the Highwings HDMI cable is one of the best.
3. Cable Matters HDMI Cable
The action gamer looking to get the most out of their gaming monitor.
The Cable Matters HDMI cable will allow your 4K gaming monitor to operate at its maximum refresh rate (or at least up to 240Hz). That matters if you’re a gamer with lightning-fast reflexes and want an extra edge in those sniper-on-sniper duels the best FPS games are known for. It’s also a big deal if you want to get the most out of your fancy monitor. Plus, it can operate in 8K up to a 60Hz refresh rate if you want the extra beauty and aren’t too concerned with the refresh rate too much.
One of the reasons this cable is recommended as the best HDMI cable for gaming is its speed, the other is the discounted rate you can get on color-coded multipacks for your dual-monitor setup. Unfortunately, the color coding is limited to the heads and not the PVC covering of the wire itself, but that’s still enough to see what is going where should problems arise.
4. Cable Matters Right Angle HDMI Cable
The PS5 gamer that wants all the features and an easy plug-in.
If you’re a console gamer, one of the trickier parts of setup is running wires behind your TV. This is in large part due to the way TVs tend to have their HDMI connections facing outward from the TV while also abutting walls and cabinetry. One solution is to have downwards-facing connections on your TV. Another is buying a high-quality right-angle HDMI cable, such as the Cable Matters Right Angle HDMI cable.
Believe it or not, one of the most sought-after cables is an HDMI cable for PS5 consoles. Part of this comes down to Sony’s marketing, which mentions that PS5 supports HDMI 2.1, but the hallmark HDMI 2.1 benchmark of 4K@120Hz is not fully supported by most PS5 game makers. They then go on to assert that auto low-latency mode (ALLM) is supported, but only if you use HDMI 2.1. To further confuse, there is this $100 cable that happens to be quite expensive.
Our research, and public sentiment, indicates that this offering from Cable Matters will do the trick and save you money. If you want to save even more money, are okay with 4K@60Hz, and don’t need ALLM, you can also try this from UGREEN for your PS5.
5. Amazon Basics HDMI 2.0 Cable
Those using older equipment.
If you want the absolute cheapest possible, yet still functional HDMI cable, the Amazon Basics HDMI 2.0 cable is for you. The big warning is that this cable is “only” HDMI 2.0, just supporting a 60Hz refresh rate at 4K. While this guide will overall push you to get an HDMI 2.1 cable — this is the only HDMI 2.0 cable on the list — this really isn’t too bad of a deal if you want something on the cheap.
To put it into perspective, one of the best gaming monitors, the Samsung Odyssey G7 240Hz, refreshes at 60Hz in lower than 4K resolution. It’s simply not that bad.
This being said, the savings here aren’t so great that better cables should be skipped over. An HDMI 2.1 cable will likely last you years and years if you don’t feel the need for the latest tech and will only cost a tad more. Plus, features that will be popping up on your next TV, monitor, etc. won’t necessarily work with your old 2.1 cable. This is the best HDMI cable for you if it is destined to be for a dedicated setup using older equipment or if you want to buy in bulk. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up to buy two cables; one now and one in the future.
