Are you looking for an HDMI cable that fits your television, game console, laptop or media box? Then you will soon notice that there are many different types. Different versions, different lengths and all kinds of terms fly around your ears. However, choosing the right HDMI cable is less complicated than it seems. As long as you know what to look for, you can easily find the right cable for your usage situation. In this article we will take you step by step through all the important aspects of HDMI cables. This way you know exactly which one you need for the best image and sound quality.

What exactly does an HDMI cable do?

An HDMI cable – short for High Definition Multimedia Interface – is a cable that allows you to transfer both image and sound in digital form between devices. This technology replaces older connection methods such as SCART, VGA or component. Because HDMI works completely digitally, it delivers a much better quality than the analogue variants. In addition, you only need to connect one cable instead of several, which makes it easy to use.

An HDMI cable is used in all kinds of situations. For example, think of connecting a laptop to a projector during a presentation, connecting a game console to a television or linking a soundbar to a television. The cable ensures that the signal is transferred quickly, without interference and with preservation of quality. Because image and sound go through the same cable, it is also a lot less messy in your TV cabinet or work environment.

What types of HDMI cables are there?

Although all HDMI cables look the same, there are differences between them. These differences are mainly in the maximum resolution they support and the amount of data they can process per second. For example, there are standard HDMI cables that are suitable for Full HD images, and more advanced versions that are specially designed for 4K or even 8K display. The names you see on the packaging, such as High Speed ​​HDMI cable or Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cable, indicate the possibilities the cable offers.

A regular standard HDMI cable is suitable for older devices and TVs that support a resolution of up to 1080p. These cables are fine for basic use. However, if you want to use modern features such as 4K, HDR or Dolby Atmos, you will need a cable with more capacity. For these situations, there are High Speed ​​and Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cables. If you have a 4K TV that supports 60 Hz or use an Apple TV 4K, a Premium High Speed ​​HDMI cable is often the best choice. The Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cables are specially designed for HDMI 2.1 and support features such as 8K video, 4K at 120 Hz and variable refresh rates. These cables are especially interesting for gamers and users of high-end equipment.

How to choose the right HDMI cable

To choose the right HDMI cable, first look at the devices you want to connect. If you have an older television or media player, a standard cable will probably suffice. If you use a modern gaming console such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, or stream a lot of content in high quality, a cable that supports HDMI 2.1 is necessary. The same applies if you have a TV that supports 4K at high refresh rates or uses features such as eARC or Dynamic HDR.

Your personal usage situation also plays a role. For a simple connection in the living room, a two-meter cable is often long enough. If you use the cable in a fixed location, you can choose a thicker, sturdier version. For flexible applications, such as in presentation rooms or with portable equipment, flat or extra flexible HDMI cables are also available.

When choosing, also pay attention to the quality of the cable itself. Although the signal is digital and therefore works well or not at all, cheap cables can wear out faster or are less well shielded against interference. You will notice this, for example, in stuttering images or dropping sound. A good cable does not have to be expensive, but it is worth choosing a reliable manufacturer.

What do versions 1.4 to 2.1 mean?

HDMI cables are identified by version numbers that indicate which specifications and features are supported. HDMI 1.4 is an older version that is mainly suitable for Full HD resolutions. This version also supports 4K, but only up to a refresh rate of 30 Hz, which is not ideal for movies or games. HDMI 2.0 already offers a big step forward with support for 4K at 60 Hz and wider color reproduction. This makes it the standard for many modern televisions and media players.

With HDMI 2.1, the latest features become available. This version supports 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, which is especially interesting for gamers looking for smoother images. There are also other benefits such as eARC, which enables better sound quality, and support for variable refresh rates, which prevents stuttering in games. To use these features, both your device and cable must support HDMI 2.1.

What if you want to connect multiple devices

If you have multiple devices, such as a decoder, game console, soundbar and media player, you will soon run out of ports on your television. Fortunately, there are solutions that easily solve this problem. With an HDMI switch, you can connect multiple sources to one HDMI input. This device allows you to switch between the different devices without having to swap cables. Some models do this automatically as soon as you switch on a device, others can be operated with a button or remote control.

If you want to show one device on multiple screens, for example a presentation in different rooms, then you use an HDMI splitter. This distributes the signal over multiple screens at the same time. Furthermore, there are extension cables and adapters available that allow you to combine HDMI with other connections, such as USB-C or DisplayPort. This is useful for laptops without an HDMI port or when connecting older screens.

What about the length of the cable?

When choosing an HDMI cable, the length is an important factor. A short cable of up to three meters does not cause any problems in principle and always provides a stable signal. However, if you want to bridge larger distances, for example in a meeting room or if your devices are in different corners of a room, then you have to be careful. At lengths above five meters, there may be a loss of quality, depending on the quality of the cable and the equipment used. For distances up to ten meters, it is best to choose a well-shielded cable or an active HDMI cable with built-in amplification. For even larger distances, there are solutions where the HDMI signal is sent via network cables.

Frequently Asked Questions about HDMI Cables

A frequently asked question is whether you need an expensive HDMI cable for good quality. The answer is simple: as long as the cable meets the right specifications, there is no difference in quality between a cheap and an expensive cable. HDMI works with a digital signal, which means that it either comes through well or not at all. There is little room for in between. So pay more attention to the version and not so much to the price.

Another question that is often asked is which HDMI cable you need for a game console or streaming device. If you are using a new generation game console such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X, an HDMI 2.1 cable is the right choice. This allows you to benefit from the highest resolutions and fastest refresh rates, which ensures smooth gameplay and impressive image reproduction. For streaming devices such as an Apple TV 4K or Chromecast Ultra, a cable that supports HDMI 2.0 is usually sufficient, as long as you watch content in 4K at 60 Hz.

As for the length of the cable without loss of quality, you can usually get by without any problems up to five meters. After that, it depends on the cable quality. For longer distances, it is better to choose a reinforced cable or get advice on alternative solutions such as HDMI via Ethernet.

Finally, many people wonder if you can connect multiple devices to one HDMI port. That is certainly possible, using an HDMI switch. This is a compact and handy solution that allows you to easily switch between different sources, without having to swap cables every time. For households with multiple devices, this is often an indispensable tool.