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The 13 best HDMI 2.1 cables for 2023

Updated Feb 15th, 2023 4:41PM EST
Samsung Frame TV mounted on a wall
Image: Jonathan S. Geller for BGR

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If you’re streaming content to your TV or you’re gaming, you’re probably going to need an HDMI 2.1 cable. This is an improved version of a traditional HDMI cable that supports higher resolution displays, refreshes faster, and delivers better dynamic HDR range. For those who are lucky enough to have a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, you need HDMI 2.1 cables in order to game on your TV.

Amazon Logo See Pricing
Amazon Logo See Pricing
Amazon Logo See Pricing
Amazon Logo See Pricing

Speaking of TVs, HDMI 2.1 cables will work with TVs with refresh rates up to 120Hz. But, even if you don’t have a TV with that or you have an older Blu-ray player, you can still use an HDMI 2.1 cable as it is backward compatible.

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If you’re trying to decide on an HDMI 2.1 cable for your home, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our picks and why we picked them.

Monoprice 8K Certified Braided Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 cable

Monoprice 8K Certified Braided Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 cables

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This is one of the top options you can buy and it’s from a premiere electronics company that we all love, Monoprice. The durable braided cable can withstand a lot of bending and use. You can use it with all HDMI devices for streaming and gaming purposes. This supports 48Gbps bandwidths, Dynamic HDR, eARC, and 8K@60Hz, too. You can get it in either a 3-foot, 6-foot, 10-foot, or 15-foot version. It also comes in a pack of five if you know you need a few of them.

IBRA Orange 2.1 HDMI Cord 8K

IBRA Orange 2.1 HDMI Cord 8K

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This HDMI 2.1 cable meets the latest 2.1 standards. It supports a range of high resolutions and supports 8K@60Hz. Use this with your Blu-ray player, Smart TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation, Roku, Fire Stick, and more. The cord design is made from durable braided nylon and the cable features a 100% oxygen-free copper conductor and triple EMI shielding for fast transmission.

Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 cable

Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 cable

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The Belkin Ultra HDMI 2.1 cable comes from a popular brand for consumers. This is a terrific options for gamers, as this updated version supports 4K, 8K, and 10K resolutions. Your games have never looked as clear while you’re playing than they do when you use this kind of HDMI 2.1 cable. This is also compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR 10, and will work with laptops, PCs, and MacBooks. The two-layer shielding protects the delicate wiring. It comes in a 6.6′ option.

Dorset Ultra Braided 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

Dorset Ultra Braided 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

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This is a great option for those on a budget, as it performs incredibly well. You can enjoy 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz, using cutting-edge technology to deliver a clear and crisp picture. This will process every signal source and its transmission speed is 48Gbps. It is backward-compatible with 2.0b, 2.0a, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, and 1.1 versions. You’ll maximize the value of your graphics card. This measures 10 feet.

iBirdie 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

iBirdie 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

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If you’re looking for variations in length for your HDMI 2.1 cables, you’ve found the right option. You can choose from options that are 1.5′, 3′, 6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, 15′, 20′, 25′, 30′, 32′, 50′, 65′, 75′, 100′, 130′, 150′, 200′, or 328′. These are compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X, and a number of smart TVs. They are also backward compatible with many settings and devices.

Yauhody 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

Yauhody 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

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The Yauhody 8K cable supports Dynamic HDR content, 48Gbps ultra high speed, and works with PCs, MacBooks, monitors, PlayStations, Nintendo Switch, and different smart TVs. It’s incredibly durable, as it has undergone at 15,000 bends test. It supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz, 120Hz, or 60Hz. You can also get this in sizes 3′ to 100′.

Monster Essentials Directional Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable

Monster Essentials Directional Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable

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This is an incredibly durable and functional high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable. It doesn’t come in sizes shorter than 16.4′, so keep that in mind when you’re purchasing. What you’ll get is an 8K cable made from Duraflex PVC with an aluminum extrusion connector. Enjoy high transfer rates and a secure connection.

MFE HDMI 2.1 cable

MFE HDMI 2.1 cable

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The MFE HDMI 2.1 cable helps deliver excellent sound and visuals to your system. It supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Dynamic HDR, Dolby VRR, eARC, and more. It also connects and is compatible with your Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, and PS3. This delivers transfer speeds of 48Gbps. It also won’t set you back much.

Fussion8k HDMI 2.1 cable

Fussion8k HDMI 2.1 cable

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The gamers out there will love the Fussion8K cord. It offers features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and works with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One X and S. You can also hook up your high-end gaming laptop to this. It supports max resolutions up to 7680×4320.

UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

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This is a quality option that won’t set you back too much. It supports 8K@60Hz and is backward compatible with a ton of devices. This also offers Auto Low Latency Mode, Quick Frame Transport, and Quick Media Switching modes for gamers. You can get it in a 3-, 6, 10-, or 16-foot option.

Uptab Certified HDMI 2.1 8K Ultra High Speed Cable

Uptab Certified HDMI 2.1 8K Ultra High Speed Cable

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You’ll love the visuals and audio you’re getting when you use this. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS-X DTS-HD Master Audio, and TrueHD Dolby 7.1 to bring the sounds perfectly. This also supports Dolby Vision HDR, HDR 10 and 10+, and HLG. There are many resolutions that this supports, bringing you top-notch visuals. It’s also a smart pick for gamers. Choose from three lengths.

Infinnet 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

Infinnet 8K HDMI 2.1 cable

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Choose either a single or a pack of two of these and thank us later. They are offered in either one meter (3.28 feet) or two meter (6.56 feet) options. It supports resolutions up to 10K and offers high transfer speeds. Better than previous versions of this cable, it improved the audio end to support uncompressed 7.1 and uncompressed 5.1 as well as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more.

SnowKids 8K HDMI Cable 2.1

SnowKids 8K HDMI Cable 2.1

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If you’re in need of multiple cables, SnowKids offeres all of their cables in packs of two. The cables support transmission speeds up to 48Gbps bandwidth and support resolution and refresh rates up to 8K@60Hz. Boost your home theater, thanks to the audio signal control capabilities. You can also choose a small cable that’s just 0.3 feet in length. But there is also a 15-foot pack option as well.

FAQ

How do I pick the best HDMI 2.1 cable?

You want to rely on the right speed and bandwidth choices for your HDMI 2.1 cable. Many of them are backward compatible with older technology, so you can focus on what you need from the 2.1 cable and work backward.

Does HDMI 2.1 cable make a difference?

Yes because they have a higher bandwidth capacity. You’ll get more out of your resolutions, transfers, and better audio as well.

Do you need special HDMI 2.1 cable?

Not particularly other than an HDMI 2.1 cable. It can handle a lot and works with a regular HDMI port.

Does HDMI 2.1 cable improve picture quality?

Yes it supports higher resolutions and frame rates. You’ll see a difference in the clarity of the picture as well.

How long can HDMI 2.1 cables be?

As you’ve seen from our list, there are some that are over 300 feet long. But mostly, people will use a 6- or 10-foot option.

Do expensive HDMI 2.1 cables make a difference?

Not particularly. The key to the price difference is often with the durability and build of the cable. More expensive ones might be because of how long they’ll last or their length.

Chris Hachey Commerce Editor

Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles.

When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog.