HDMI cable – how to choose the right cable for your TV, console and home cinema?
How to quickly choose an HDMI cable for your equipment?
When choosing an HDMI cable, it is worth starting by determining which devices you want to connect and what video signal parameters it should support. The right HDMI cable is one that fully utilises the capabilities of your TV, console, monitor or projector – without any bottlenecks during transmission. The checklist below will help you make an initial decision in less than a minute.
- Determine the application: 4K TV, PS5/Xbox Series X, 144 Hz monitor, projector, conference room, home cinema or connecting a laptop to a monitor.
- Check the connectors: standard HDMI, mini HDMI, micro HDMI, USB-C → HDMI, DisplayPort → HDMI, HDMI → DVI.
- Select the standard: HDMI 2.0 is sufficient for 4K/60 Hz; for 4K/120 Hz and 8K, choose HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed 48 Gb/s.
- Choose the cable length: desk 0.75–1.5 m; living room 1.5–3 m; wall/projector 5–15 m; professional installations 20–40 m – AOC fibre optic cables.
- Pay attention to features: HDR, Dolby Vision, eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), VRR, Ethernet, 3D support, ARC compatibility in soundbars.
What types of HDMI cables can you find in our offer?
The ‘HDMI cables’ category includes a full range of HDMI cables – from short 0.5 m cables to active fibre optic cables up to 40 m. Whether you need a standard cable for a set-top box or an advanced solution for a professional installation, you will find the right product here.
- Standard HDMI 1.4/2.0 High Speed with Ethernet cables – for Full HD TVs, 4K/60 Hz, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, laptops and computers. They support basic HDR and Audio Return Channel formats.
- HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed 48 Gb/s cables – for 4K/120 Hz, 8K/60 Hz, VRR, ALLM, eARC, Dolby Vision. Ideal for home cinema, PS5/Xbox Series X gaming and modern monitors.
- Thin HDMI Slim cables – for installation behind walls, in VESA mounts, with TVs close to the wall.
- Flat HDMI cables – for difficult spaces: recesses, narrow TV cabinets, flat mounting on the wall.
- Active copper HDMI cables – with built-in electronics for longer distances of 10–20 m without loss of video signal quality.
- AOC fibre optic HDMI cables – for 4K/120 Hz and 8K transmission over distances of 20–40 m in conference rooms, home theatres and professional installations.
- Special cables and adapters – USB-C → HDMI, DisplayPort → HDMI, HDMI → DVI, mini HDMI → HDMI, micro HDMI → HDMI. They allow you to connect smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and other mobile devices to TVs and projectors.
Which HDMI standard to choose – 1.4, 2.0 or 2.1?
The HDMI standard specifies the maximum bandwidth and supported features of the High Definition Multimedia Interface. Matching the cable standard to the capabilities of your TV, monitor and console is critical to image and sound quality.
HDMI 1.4 – for simple applications and older equipment
HDMI 1.4 mainly supports Full HD and basic 4K/30 Hz – this solution is suitable for older TVs (e.g. models from 2010–2014). Cables compliant with this standard are suitable for connecting, for example, a DVB-T2 decoder, a simple Blu-ray player or an older laptop with an HDMI output. For modern consoles and gaming monitors, the HDMI 1.4 standard is no longer sufficient – it limits the capabilities of the equipment and does not support advanced features such as VRR or eARC.
HDMI 2.0 / 2.0b – the golden mean for 4K TVs
HDMI 2.0 supports 4K/60 Hz, popular HDR formats (HDR10), 3D and a wider colour space – it is a good solution for most 4K Smart TVs. The bandwidth of approx. 18 Gb/s is sufficient for home use without extreme gaming requirements. HDMI 2.0 cables are backwards compatible with older devices and are the optimal choice for 4K TVs from around 2015–2020, PS4 Pro and Xbox One X consoles, and most 4K streaming devices.
HDMI 2.1 – for 4K/120 Hz, 8K and demanding gamers
HDMI 2.1 is the current premium standard with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, supporting resolutions of 4K/120 Hz, 8K/60 Hz and even 10K. Key features include VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), eARC and support for advanced HDR formats, including Dolby Vision. An HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed cable is essential to take full advantage of the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, modern 4K/120 Hz TVs (models from 2020 onwards) and 120-144 Hz gaming monitors. It is worth buying an HDMI 2.1 cable right away so as not to limit the capabilities of your new devices.
How to choose the right HDMI cable length for your application?
The length of the HDMI cable matters – a cable that is too short makes it difficult to position the equipment, while one that is too long can cause signal interference and messy cabling. Below you will find specific recommendations for typical scenarios.
Short HDMI cable – 0.5–2 m
Short HDMI cables are ideal for desks (laptop → monitor), desktop computers, consoles next to the television, or connecting a set-top box to the television. Our range includes lengths of 0.5 m, 0.75 m, 1 m, 1.5 m and 2 m – perfect for tidy workstations and gaming. Avoid unnecessary ‘spare’ lengths behind your desk and TV cabinet to prevent excess cable clutter.
Universal HDMI cable for the living room – 3–5 m
The 3 m length is the most popular option for a typical living room, where the console or player is next to the television. 3–5 m cables are suitable for connecting a home cinema, AV receiver, soundbar with eARC or console on an adjacent shelf. In this category, you will find both HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 versions, as well as flat or angled variants for difficult spaces.
Long HDMI cables – 7.5–15 m for projectors and large rooms
Long HDMI cables are needed for a ceiling projector in the living room, a projector in a conference room or a TV far from the equipment socket. For lengths above approx. 7.5–10 m, active HDMI cables with a signal amplifier are recommended. Lengths of 7.5 m, 10 m, 12 m and 15 m require good shielding and robust connectors to maintain stable video signal transmission.
Very long distances – 20–40 m and AOC fibre optic cables
For distances of 20–40 m, active AOC fibre optic HDMI cables are the best solution. They provide lossless 4K/120 Hz and 8K transmission even over several dozen metres, without noticeable signal degradation. Fibre optic HDMI cables are resistant to electromagnetic interference and are suitable for professional AV installations, large conference rooms, home theatres with a projector in a separate area, and events.
What materials and workmanship affect the quality of an HDMI cable?
The quality of an HDMI cable translates into durability, signal stability and installation safety. When choosing an HDMI cable, it is worth paying attention to several key design parameters.
Conductor – copper, oxygen-free copper, wire vs stranded wire
Standard copper works well for most home applications, but oxygen-free copper (OFC) offers lower signal loss and greater durability, especially over longer distances and in wall installations. The wire vs. stranded design is a compromise between mechanical strength and flexibility: stranded cables are more flexible but less resistant to repeated bending in one place.
Shielding, braiding and interference resistance
Shielding (aluminium foil, copper braiding) protects the HDMI signal from interference from 230 V mains, Wi-Fi and household appliances. For long cables running parallel to power cables, it is worth choosing models with better shielding. Reinforced braiding is also a better solution for frequent reconnection and transport – the cable retains its parameters for longer.
Plugs, gold plating and housing
Solid metal HDMI plugs are more resistant to repeated connection and removal. Gold-plated contacts improve corrosion resistance and ensure stable contact over a longer period of time. Ergonomics also matter: angled plugs work well with TVs close to the wall, slim plugs work well in tight sockets, and additional handles make it easier to remove the cable without straining the HDMI connector.
HDMI cable for home use – TV, set-top box, Smart TV
For most home applications, a well-chosen HDMI 1.4/2.0 High Speed with Ethernet cable is sufficient. Below are some typical scenarios to help you choose the right cable.
Full HD television and set-top box/player
In this scenario, a 1–2 m High Speed HDMI cable (1.4 or 2.0) will suffice. It will work well when connecting, for example, a DVB-T2 set-top box, satellite tuner, older generation DVD/Blu-ray player or Full HD Smart TV box. There is no point in overpaying for HDMI 2.1 if your equipment does not support 4K/120 Hz anyway.
4K television and Smart TV, Netflix, YouTube, VOD
For newer 4K TVs, we recommend an HDMI 2.0 High Speed cable with 4K/60 Hz and HDR support. It will work well when connecting 4K streaming devices (Apple TV 4K, Chromecast 4K), 4K decoders and computers with graphics cards that support 4K resolution. Ethernet cables can be useful if you use the HDMI Ethernet Channel feature.
Soundbar and receiver with eARC / ARC
When using Audio Return Channel or eARC (e.g. Dolby Atmos with Netflix), it is worth choosing cables that are compatible with HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. Scenario: 4K TV with eARC port → receiver or soundbar supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X. The cable must be of good quality, but not necessarily the most expensive – it is crucial to use the correct HDMI port on the TV (marked as ARC/eARC).
HDMI cable for gamers – consoles and gaming monitors
For smooth gameplay (high Hz) and low latency in games, it is crucial to choose the right HDMI cable. The differences between old and new generation consoles are of fundamental importance here.
PS4, Xbox One, older consoles
PS4, Xbox One and older consoles operate at 1080p or max. 4K/30-60 Hz, so an HDMI 1.4/2.0 cable is sufficient. The recommended length is 1.5-3 m for the living room. Reinforced cables are suitable for users who frequently reconnect their console. It is worth remembering about HDR support in selected games – the HDMI cable must support this format.
PS5, Xbox Series X|S and 120 Hz monitors
To take full advantage of 4K/120 Hz, VRR and ALLM, you need an HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed 48 Gb/s cable. Typical scenarios are: console → 4K/120 Hz TV (models from 2020) or console → 120–144 Hz gaming monitor. For cable lengths over 3 m, it is worth avoiding cheap, uncertified cables and opting for proven brands to avoid signal problems.
Gaming computer and graphics cards
When the graphics card has HDMI 2.1 and the monitor has HDMI 2.0 (or vice versa), the transmission parameters are limited by the weaker link. HDMI and DisplayPort have different strengths in the context of gaming – when choosing an HDMI cable for a gaming station, it is worth considering the length, type (standard, slim, angled) and installation conditions (movable desk, VESA mounts, passage through a cable duct).
HDMI cable for the office, conferences and presentations
The reliability of the HDMI signal at work, in training rooms and conference rooms is crucial for the smooth running of presentations and meetings.
Connecting a laptop to a monitor or projector
When connecting a laptop to a 24–27" monitor (Full HD or 4K), cables with a length of 1–2 m are recommended. For a ceiling projector in a conference room, longer cables of 5–15 m are needed, often routed in the wall or skirting boards. It is worth choosing cables with good shielding and solid plugs that are resistant to frequent plugging and unplugging.
USB-C → HDMI, DisplayPort → HDMI and other adapters
Users of ultrabooks and MacBooks that only have USB-C / Thunderbolt need adapters or dedicated USB-C → HDMI cables. The difference between active and passive DP → HDMI adapters is in the way the signal is converted – active adapters provide better compatibility with 4K/60 Hz support. Adapters also work well when connecting a smartphone with USB-C (DeX mode), tablet or camera with micro/mini HDMI to a TV or projector.
How to connect and arrange an HDMI cable correctly?
Even the best HDMI cable can cause problems if it is poorly arranged – kinks, looseness in the HDMI connector or signal interference. Below you will find some practical tips.
Avoiding kinks and strain
HDMI cables have a specific minimum bending radius – a small bending radius can damage the conductor and cause image interruption. For flat-mounted TVs, it is advisable to use slim or angled cables and plug strain relief brackets. Running cables in conduits, skirting boards and behind furniture protects them from accidental damage.
Distance from power cables and sources of interference
Running an HDMI cable parallel to 230 V cables may increase the risk of transmission interference. Maintain a minimum distance or use shielded cables, especially for long distances. For larger installations, wall grommets and cable marking are helpful, as they facilitate subsequent servicing and system expansion.
Frequently asked questions about HDMI cables (FAQ)
Below, we answer common questions customers have when choosing HDMI cables.
- Does a more expensive HDMI cable provide a better picture than a cheaper one? – With digital transmission, the signal either arrives without loss or visible artefacts appear. More expensive cables differ in durability, build quality, shielding and features, but the picture itself is identical when functioning correctly.
- Will any HDMI cable support 4K and HDR? – No. For 4K/60 Hz with HDR, you need a Premium High Speed (HDMI 2.0) cable, and for 4K/120 Hz, you need an Ultra High Speed (HDMI 2.1) cable.
- How can you tell if a cable is HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed 48 Gb/s compliant? – Look for the ‘Ultra High Speed’ markings in the description and on the packaging. Some products have a QR code to verify authenticity.
- Does the length of the HDMI cable affect image quality? – With longer lengths (over approx. 7.5 m), the risk of interference increases. Active and fibre optic AOC cables solve these problems.
- Can HDMI cables be connected via an extension cable or switch? – Yes, but with long lengths and high resolutions, there may be a drop in signal quality. It is better to use a single, sufficiently long cable.
- How to care for your HDMI cable so that it lasts for years? – Avoid sharp bends, do not pull on the cable when removing it, roll it up loosely and store it away from heat sources.
Summary – which HDMI cable should you choose?
An HDMI 1.4/2.0 High Speed cable is sufficient for most Full HD and 4K televisions operating at 4K/60 Hz, set-top boxes, players and basic home applications. An HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed 48 Gb/s cable is essential for full use of 4K/120 Hz, 8K, VRR, eARC and modern consoles. Choose the cable length to suit your scenario: short (0.5–2 m) for your desk, universal (3–5 m) for your living room, long (7.5–15 m) for projectors, and for 20–40 m, go for active AOC fibre optic cables. In our ‘HDMI cables’ category, you will find variants from 0.5 to 40 m – from simple home cables to professional solutions for permanent installation. Choose a cable that suits your configuration: home cinema, gaming station, office or conference room.
If you are in doubt about which cable is best for you - HDMI or DisplayPort, or which cable length to choose to maintain the highest image quality, our experienced specialists will be happy to help you make the best choice.