Summary
HDMI cables are an integral part of any home theater or modern display setup. However, shopping for the best HDMI cables for you can become overwhelming due to the sheer number of choices and marketing fluff surrounding them.
That’s why I keep it simple and focus on three key considerations. These straightforward guidelines always help me buy high-quality HDMI cables, and they can do the same for you.
Look for HDMI Cable Certification
There is no dearth of HDMI cables on the various marketplaces. Everyone, from obscure Chinese brands to reputed accessory makers, sells HDMI cables. All these cables boast numerous marketing buzzwords and promised features. But how are you supposed to know whether these cables will deliver what they are promising? This is where cable certification comes into play.
These cable certifications, offered by theHDMI Licensing Administrator (HDMI LA), help confirm that the cables you’re purchasing meet that certification program’s specifications and will work as expected. For example, the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable certification is awarded to HDMI cables that meet the requirements of theHDMI 2.1(includingHDMI 2.1aand 2.1b) standard.
So, if you want to enjoy HDMI 2.1 features, such as 4K 120Hz gaming, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and Dynamic HDR, you need a cable that’s certified Ultra High Speed. While a non-certified HDMI cable can support all the same features, there is no guarantee that it will. The certification gives you peace of mind and helps avoid fakes and underperforming cables while shopping.
Besides the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable certification, two additional cable certification programs exist: the Ultra96 HDMI Cable Certification for theHDMI 2.2 specificationand the Premium High Speed HDMI Cable Certification (and Premium High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet) for the HDMI 2.0 specification.
To determine whether an HDMI cable is certified, look for the official certification in the cable’s marketing materials. The certification sticker is also present on the product packaging, and you can scan the included QR code with your phone to confirm if the certificate was indeed issued to that particular cable and length.
As of mid-2025, the most sensible HDMI cable to purchase is the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. It’s relatively futureproof as the Ultra96 HDMI Cables or related hardware has yet to hit the market, and most people won’t need more than 48Gbps bandwidth. The older HDMI cables make little sense, as the HDMI 2.1 cable is backward-compatible, and you won’t really save any money by going with the older cables.
Don’t Buy Expensive HDMI Cables
‘The more expensive it is, the better it will be,’ is hardly ever true for HDMI cables. This is because HDMI cables are designed to meet certain standards and specifications. As long as the cable meets those specifications, its price, brand, or any other factor doesn’t really matter when it comes to performance.
So, although you can find HDMI cables across a range of price segments, you don’t need to pay a premium for claimed extra performance that isn’t possible. It’s especially true for so-called audiophile-grade HDMI cables, which are significantly more expensive but are little more than snake oil. The claimed benefits of these expensive HDMI cables are often exaggerated and are essentially marketing hype.
Remember, for digital signals, a cable either works perfectly or it doesn’t. There’s no “better” picture or “richer” sound if the signal is successfully transmitted. Indeed, features like a braided jacket or length-appropriate technology (optical and optical-active cables for longer lengths) are worth the premium. But avoid paying extra for anything else.
Highwings HDMI 2.1 cable
This Highwings HDMI 2.1 cable is an excellent example of a reasonably priced Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. One thing to note is that only the two-meter version of the cable seems officially certified.
Look for Build Quality and Durability
HDMI cables are no different than any other cables—they are susceptible to wear and tear. And if you are frequently using a particular cable, and it’s being plugged in and unplugged, it has a higher chance of getting damaged. So, it makes sense to invest in well-made and durable cables.
Since HDMI cables aren’t a product that’s widely reviewed by tech publications, I rely on buyer reviews on marketplaces and check product specifications to gauge whether the cable I’m buying will last a reasonable amount of time.
I prefer a braided jacket over regular PVC jackets, as it’s noticeably more durable. It does make the cable a bit stiffer, but that’s a compromise I’m willing to make for a longer lifespan. Additionally, any strain-relief design features near the connector are always welcome, as that’s one of the places where most cables break. That said, if an HDMI cable is going to remain connected to one particular device and isn’t moving around too much, you won’t need any special durability enhancements.
Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (A8743)
The Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (A8743) is an excellent choice for most people. It comes from a reputed brand, has nylon braiding for durability, and is officially certified.
Shopping for HDMI cables doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By prioritizing official certification, being mindful of pricing, and opting for solid build quality, you’re able to confidently purchase a reliable and value-for-money HDMI cable. If you’re interested in HDMI cables, you may want to read abouthow to avoid buying fake HDMI 2.1 cablesandhow to tell if your HDMI cable is faulty.
