If you are reading this, then you probably need a new cable for your TV. And since you are reading this and not just buying the first HDMI cable you see, you are probably looking for the best. If this is the case, then you are reading the right article. We know how important providing a good signal is, and how much of a difference a good cable makes to that. What is the point in buying a good cable if you are going to need to replace it anyway?
Yet if you look online, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of options for HDMI cables, and it can be hard to pick out the best from the rest. Isn’t one cable just as good as the rest? Not necessarily, which means some research is required if you do not want to deal with potential problems with your setup in the future. Even if the cable is cheap, the inconvenience alone from a faulty cable can be infuriating.
We recommend investing now ahead of time to avoid future issues, especially when a good cable is just a few dollars more than the cheapest ones found online. So here is everything you need to know when buying a cable and some of our top recommendations:
What matters most to you might differ a bit, but ultimately you will want to consider all the following:
While a cable does not need to be able to resist fires, explosions, and flooding (though that would be nice), a cable should be able to withstand some bending and people accidentally stepping on it from time to time. It is even better if your cable can handle a few nibbles from your furry friend before you notice it. If a cable breaks at the slightest touch, you will just wind up inconvenienced and having to buy another one.
Look for a braided cable design and other toughness features when buying your cable.
Nearly any HDMI cable you can buy today can provide a quality signal, but there are options if you want to ensure the absolute best signal to your TV from whatever device you are using. Any HDMI cable will be able to transmit 4K signals and pictures without issue, though you may wish to look for HDMI 2.1 support specifically, as that is the newest option.
There are variations, however, and just in case you might be looking at older models you want either a “premium high-speed HDMI cable” or an “ultra-high-speed HDMI Cable”. There is also the “high-speed HDMI cable”, but it might not be able to support high refresh rates with 4K content, as might become the norm with some programs and games nowadays.
There is no exact right or wrong length for a cable, but you do want to find a balance between being long enough for whatever your setup needs and short enough so that there is not too much excess cable to manage. There is a point where you will lose out a bit on signal quality with length, though for an HD TV setup we do not think this will come into play. The good news is that with most cables listed here there will be a selection of lengths to choose from, often from one foot to even up to 50.
In this case we mean the quality of the ends of the cable. They should be sturdy like the rest of the cable and fit snugly in the ports. While some of this is dependent on the quality of the port on your TV and other devices, making sure there is no issue in the cable which is more easily replaced or controlled can mean a great deal. Overall, while this is something we would not like to worry about, unfortunately we have noticed some poor results from some cables.
There is not too much to design with an HDMI cable (it is a cable with two ends), but there is one major variation of note: an L-shaped or right-angle design that is perfect for those though setups. It is not for everyone and can make some setups more awkward, but it is worth thinking about.
Additionally, you might want to notice the color if you care deeply about aesthetics, though ideally good cable management should keep HDMI cables mostly out of sight anyway.
Without further wait, here are our top choices. They are not necessarily in any order, as each one will be the best cable depending on your needs. We encourage you think carefully about what your setup is and what you might need from your cable before picking one.
Our top choice in most circumstances is the simple yet effective Amazon Basics Premium-Certified Braided HDMI Cable, which will work with most devices and certainly be a good pick for your HD or 4K TV. In fact, if you do not know which cable to go with or are ordering a cable for a friend, it is hard to go wrong with this choice.
The HDMI cable will support an ethernet connection, 4K video, 3D, and supports an Audio Return Channel. It will provide 4K signal at 60 Hz, is backwards compatible with other HDMI versions, and can handle a bandwidth of up to 18Gbps, which is more than many people will use for their setup. In short, it is the perfect cable for the average home setup.
While there are other Amazon Basics cables, we prefer the braided option for extra durability. Though it is slightly more expensive, the extra protection is well worth the small price increase. And it means your cables will last longer, so you won’t have to spend extra on new ones every couple years. That will save money in the long run. However, for setups that require thinner wires, do be aware that this cable is extra thick compared to others on the market, and might be tougher to work with.
The Amazon Basics Braided Cable comes in 3, 6, 10, 15, and 25-foot options. You can also get multiple cables in one pack if you know you are going to need several.
If you want a cable that can hold up to the test of time when it comes to signal quality and will be able to work with even the newest of tech, then we recommend the Monoprice 8K Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable. Sure, there are more expensive options on the market, but we found that none of them were worth the additional price and this selection will satisfy nearly any home setup.
The cable can handle up to 8K@60Hz or 4K at 120 Hz resolution, some of the highest numbers we could find. Additionally, in terms of internet bandwidth, the cable can support up to 48Gbps. As in the title, it reaches HDMI 2.1 cable specifications, and is perfect for all the most modern devices, whether they be next-gen gaming consoles or the latest and greatest of other devices, including those supporting HDR.
This cable also is braided for extra durability and can withstand more abuse than most other cables. While you might not want to take it out in the country, it will be more than enough for home use.
To summarize, the Monoprice 8K truly is a great cable and has the next generation of tech in mind. Sure, it is more expensive than some of the other cables combined but consider this one an investment and what is required for the absolute best setups. There are not many 8K televisions on the market right now, but remember when that was the case for 4K TVs or even HD TVs? It is only a matter of time.
The Monoprice 8K Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable is available in lengths of 3, 6, 10, and 15 feet.
When you need a cable that will fit into the tightest or most awkward of setups, we recommend the UGreen Right-Angled HDMI Cable, which has the previously mentioned right angle setup that might be needed for tight squeezes where you worry the wires will not otherwise fit. The HDMI cable, as can be expected, is perfect for any entertainment needs. You will not regret adding it to your setup even if it changes over time, and the connection will likely feel more secure.
Outside of the noticeable design difference, the UGREEN is still an excellent cable, able to provide the best picture (and audio) quality to viewers, going up to 4K in resolution (at 60Hz) and easily handling anything less. It is also quite sturdy and has triple-shielding of the ground wire and gold-plated connectors to ensure a long lifespan.
However, if you do not need the right angle for your setup, we still recommend one of the other HDMI cables for your needs. They will either be cheaper or have more capabilities than this pick. Additionally, it might be harder to switch things around with your setup. This cable is meant for more permanent HD TV setups.
This cable is available at lengths of 3, 6, 10, and 15 feet and uses HDMI 2.0. We would also like to note that here we are talking about the 90-degree version of the cable. There is a 270-degree version of the cable also available if you know that this will be a better fit.
We understand that even though HDMI cables are not that pricey, you might be on a strict budget or not need a cable for anything special or commonly used. In these cases, we recommend the Amazon Basics CL3 Rated High-Speed HDMI Cable (not to be mistaken for our all-around pick).
While a budget choice, this cable can still work fine for your HD TV setup. It is still capable of 4K video at 60 Hz and supports 18Gbps bandwidth. It is mass-produced for easy sales, low prices, and avoids the bells and whistles for its customers.
And as a budget cable, it does not have some of the features and durability of other cables listed here, and as such we recommend you treat it more gently and try not to bend it or crush it all that much. Otherwise you will need to get a new one soon, wasting your savings.
The Amazon Basics CLS Rated High-Speed HDMI Cable is available in lengths of 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35, 50, and 100 feet. Most lengths are available in packs of multiple cables. We would also like to note here that for the budget option, you might be able to find cheaper HDMI cables if you look for sales. If this is the case, use your better judgement using the criteria listed above.
Whether you have something more of an outdoor setup or are just tired of having to replace you cables after damage over and over again, we recommend the Onyx High-Speed HDMI Cable, which has . Onyx is actually a brand known for sturdy outdoor gear. Whatever you think you need it for, the Onyx should be able to keep up.
The cable is heavily braided to resist the elements and has gold-plated connectors to reduce potential corrosion or connection problems.
In terms of signal quality, the Onyx will also not disappoint you. It can handle up to 21 Gbps bandwidth and can support a 4K@60Hz or HD resolution. It reaches the HDMI 2.0 standard and will be compatible with most devices.
We would like to note that this is the durable cable of choice if the other two braided cables listed here do not interested you or are not what you need. Both are excellent and solid in their own right and will likely be able to meet your durability needs. If you are looking for something special, or manage to find this on sale, then the Onyx is for you.
The Onyx High-Speed HDMI Cable is available in lengths ranging from 15 feet to 40 feet. It also comes with an 18-month warranty in case it breaks or gets damaged.
While they are for the most part cheap and easy to order, a good cable can ensure you have a great experience with your TV and a bad cable can ruin your day without you being aware of it. If you need a new cable or your current cables have been around for too long or not serving you well, do consider one of the cables listed above or ones like them. A bit of investment now will absolutely be worth it. We hope this information helped you and invite you to bookmark this page if you will need new cables soon.
