Best HDMI Cables 2022: Equipped for 4K, 8K, TV, PS5 & more
Do you want the best HDMI cable for your devices? Understandable. But don’t base your decision for or against a cable solely on the price. What matters is what you need it for.
By Sven Wernicke
HDMI Cable Types You Should Know
HDMI cables haven’t changed optically in the past 20 years. Technically, however, a lot has happened. And that’s exactly what makes it a little more difficult to find your way through the jungle of HDMI cables.
Good to know: Modern cables are completely backwards compatible. This means you can also use them on old TV sets or DVD players. Conversely, it is not advisable to use, for example, 15-year-old HDMI cables on the latest 8K Smart TV, as they do not support high image resolutions, for example.
Currently and in the near future, HDMI cables with the following designations play a role:
- HDMI High Speed (with Ethernet)
- HDMI Premium High Speed (with Ethernet)
- HDMI Ultra High Speed
Inexpensive HDMI cables to get you started: HDMI High Speed ISY IHD-1300
ISY IHD-1300 High Speed
Image: © ISY 2022
The entry-level category of HDMI cables is called HDMI High Speed. These cables are suitable for older game consoles as well as DVD and Blu-Ray players. Because the relatively low data rates (8-16 Gbit/s) allow a maximum of 4K video content to be transmitted at 30 Hz. That is actually not enough in 2022. We have long since reached 60 Hz and 120 Hz.
On the other hand, since HDMI High Speed supports Full HD resolutions (1,920 x 1,080p at 120 Hz), such cables are sufficient if, for example, you want to dust off your PlayStation 3 and connect it to a television – or if connected players only have resolutions up to 1,080p anyway Offer. In this case you are, for example, with the ISY IHD-1300 high-speed HDMI cable well advised. Here it can be a bargain.
Tip: An HDMI high-speed cable is sufficient if the player to be connected HDMI up to version 1.4(b) supported. You can find the relevant information in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
For almost every purpose: HDMI Premium High Speed from Inline
INLINE HDMI cable HDMI
Image: © INLINE 2022
Some time ago, cables labeled HDMI Premium High Speed were the measure of all things. They support high image resolutions of up to 4K at refresh rates of 60 Hz. This is sufficient for a PlayStation 4 Pro or a UHD Blu-Ray player, for example.
Tip: Does your TV (or other device) offer HDMI 2.0, 2.0a or 2.0b, an HDMI cable with HDMI Premium High Speed is sufficient.
The new standard: HDMI Ultra High Speed
HDMI cables with Ultra High Speed have now become established. They are used on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Apple TV 4K (2021) and the latest smart TVs, among other things. Only these cables are capable of delivering 4K resolutions at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz and even 10K at 60Hz to the screen or TV. That makes it possible StandardHDMI 2.1on which HDMI Ultra High Speed is built.
Most current cables are designed for the latest technical possibilities and trends:
- eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
- dynamic HDR (High Dynamic Range)
- variable refresh rates (VRR, variable refresh rate)
The differences in the cables are in the details, for example the materials used and the protection of the cable and the contacts.
For bargain hunters: Wicked Chili HDMI cable
WICKED CHILI 1m HDMI cable
Image: © WICKED 2022
A good HDMI cable with Ultra High Speed does not have to be expensive. That Wicked Chili HDMI Cable 8K has everything you need for optimal quality. It even has anti-corrosion protection: the contacts are gold-plated. Here you make no compromises and still save money.
For home cinema lovers and gamers: Ultra HDTV Premium 8K HDMI cable
ULTRA HDTV Premium 8K
Image: © ULTRA HDTV 2022
The cable developed by the UHD magazine “Ultra HDTV” offers high-quality materials at a fair price. The full metal housing made of aluminum promises a perfect fit. So the connector is rock solid. The gold-plated contacts ensure the best possible signal quality and protection against corrosion. A special kink protection reinforcement prevents cable breaks, especially at the ends.
That Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable from Ultra HDTV is aimed at film enthusiasts and gamers who value the highest picture quality – without having to dig too deep into their wallets.
Officially Certified: Bivani Premium 8K Ultra High Speed Cable
BIVANI Premium 8K
Image: © BIVANI 2022
It gets more expensive if you value official certification by the HDMI Forum and the HDMI Licensing Administrator. If HDMI cables have been tested by these institutions, you can be sure that they meet the highest standards and are guaranteed to offer the HDMI standard 2.1. So here you really get the best HDMI cables.
A prime example is the not very cheap Bivani Premium 8K Ultra High Speed Cable, which is triple shielded and thus ensures interference-free transmission. There are also 24k gold plated contacts and a zinc alloy case. On top of that there is a nylon fabric for additional protection. This HDMI cable looks stylish and unusually valuable.
Summary – and what you should consider when buying
- Make it easy for yourself: If you want to buy the right and best HDMI cable for you, go for a model that supports Ultra High Speed and thus HDMI 2.1. It works with the latest game consoles as well as older DVD players – thanks to full backwards compatibility.
- cable length: The maximum HDMI cable length is specified as 10 meters. Anything above that can lead to transmission problems, especially with large amounts of data (4K, 120 Hz). The shorter the cable, the better the quality.
- cable shielding: Higher-quality cables are usually shielded several times and are made of materials such as gold, zinc or aluminum.
- HDMI certification: Cables that are certified by the HDMI Forum, for example, offer guaranteed high quality. But cables without certification are not necessarily bad(er). With the certificate you play it safe.
Reference-www.turn-on.de