Not all HDMI cables for streaming all kinds of audio and video are created equal, but you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get one with the latest specs and performance. These are usually fashioned to last long, equipped with non-corrosive metal parts and thick wire coatings. Check out our nifty list to see our favorites — one of them may be your newest movie time essential.
Zeskit Maya HDMI Cable
Best Overall
Be ready to have your mind blown by movies in high-resolution when you use the Zeskit Maya HDMI Cable. Certified by the HDMI Licensing and Administration, you can rest assured that this HDMI cable has undergone tests and proven that it’s capable of handling high video resolutions as well as high refresh rates. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices with HDMI ports and is also backward compatible with earlier HDMI versions.
Why we love it:
- With a 48-gigabit per second bandwidth to support newer features, including dynamic HDR and 8K60 resolution
- It has low electromagnetic interference, so it won’t interrupt wireless devices and services
- It comes in lengths varying from 1.5 to 10 feet
AmazonBasics High-Speed 4K HDMI Cable
Best Value
All high-speed HDMI cables can easily support 4K video and high-quality audio, and the AmazonBasics High-Speed 4K HDMI Cable is no exception to the rule. Available in sizes from three to 25 feet, this HDMI cable is a sure-fire way to connect your HDMI devices without breaking the bank. It’s compatible with most HDMI devices and is also backward-compatible with older versions.
Why we love it:
- Also available in bundles of up to 24 cables for bulk purchases
- It can support resolutions up to 4K60 and bandwidth up to 18 gigabits per second
- With 24K-gold plated contacts that shield against corrosion
PowerBear HDMI Cable
Most Bendable
If you’re searching for a trusty HDMI cable that’s built to last, then the PowerBear HDMI Cable is your best choice. Thanks to its triple tin shield and double-braided nylon jacket, it can take five times more bends and tugs than the other cables on the market. At the same time, it can support video resolutions up to 4K60 and HDR color depth. It comes in lengths from 0.5 to 50 feet and is universally compatible with almost all HDMI devices.
Why we love it:
- Features a 30WG copper wire and gold-plated, corrosion-resistant connectors that ensure high sound and image quality
- It’s flexible enough to be wound around pieces of furniture
- The braid’s color scheme is very chic and modern
IVANKY HDMI Cable
Best in Durability
The IVANKY HDMI Cable is another sturdy option, armed with a high-grade braided nylon jacket and a tenacious aluminum alloy shell. It also has connectors that won’t easily rust or corrode, as well as tinplate metal shielding. Moreover, it can take up to more than 15,000 instances of getting bent. This robust HDMI cable can deliver up to a UHD 4K 2,160-pixel resolution and transfer 18 gigabits per second of data.
Why we love it:
- It supports many audio formats, including Dolby
- It’s engineered for all HDMI devices (even those with the HDMI 2.0 standard) and is also backward-compatible with older versions
- Ensures stable signal transfer and no external interference
Monoprice Certified Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable
Best for Gaming
For avid gamers who’d like to amplify their experience by connecting their console to a larger monitor or TV, the Monoprice Certified Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable is a godsend. It’s certified to support all the latest HDMI specifications and features. Thus, it will function with 4K-resolution devices seamlessly and deliver up to 18 gigabits per second of bandwidth.
Why we love it:
- It can also support Deep Color, up to the 16-bit variation
- It’s available in black and white, as well as sizes from three to 30 feet
- It can smoothly deliver dual video streams to many users on the same display screen
Will high-speed HDMI cables always work?
Unlike analog cables, where the signal quality can degrade from excellent to poor and have a corresponding effect on video or audio, HDMI is a digital cable, and ones and zeroes don’t have quality. They either make it from the source device (like a Blu-ray player) to the destination device (a TV), or they don’t. Occasionally, if there’s a problem with the signal path (usually caused by a cable that’s too long), you’ll see tears and stutters on the image displayed on the screen. This means that some of the ones and zeroes aren’t making it across the gap. The solution is almost always to replace your HDMI cable with a shorter one.
How to pick the best HDMI cable
These are the things you should mainly consider:
Speed (or bandwidth):
Speed is the single most significant consideration when choosing an HDMI cable. It won’t be reliable if your HDMI cable isn’t fast enough for your specific equipment, HDMI version, and media sources. HDMI cable speed is measured in gigabits per second (Gbps).
Length:
In an ideal world, you’d pick the HDMI cable that had the shortest possible length for your desired setup. However, these arrangements have a habit of changing as you add, remove, and relocate your A/V components. Make sure you select an HDMI cable that’s long enough for your current and potential future needs, especially if you’re installing it in a wall or ceiling.
But, be wary of any HDMI cable that runs longer than 25 feet, as these can suffer from signal degradation, and you might find that long lines don’t maintain a reliable connection between your devices. Always check to make sure an HDMI cable works with all your devices and content types before installing it permanently.
Installation type:
If you’re planning on running an HDMI cable through a wall or ceiling, it must be rated for that type of use. Don’t run a standard HDMI cable behind drywall — its protective covering wouldn’t have been designed to withstand accidental contact with construction materials like nails, screws, and metal drywall hangers. Look for cables with a CL2 or CL3 rating, and always check your local building codes for compliance before installing. Installing an HDMI cable in a wall isn’t always a great idea, even if the cable is rated for in-wall use.
About the Author:
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Why You Should Trust Us:
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
