As technology moves towards HD capabilities with all viewing mediums, including TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones, having cables that can transfer the data needed for crisp and clear images is a must. The best HDMI cables are designed to act as the high bandwidth highway between digital devices. Creating a seamless entertainment experience and cutting down on the number of cables and remotes need to run audio-visual systems, HDMI cables are a must-have for anyone who wants to take full advantage of their HD-capable unit. By combining audio and video signals into one industry-standard, plug-and-play cable, HDMI cables have simplified audio-visual entertainment setups.
HD screens, most commonly found with TVs, have a wider screen, faster refresh rate, and more pixels than traditional analog screens. All that extra data needs to be quickly transferred from the cable box, DVD player, laptop or gaming console and to the screen to deliver the graphics as they were designed to be viewed. The best HDMI cables transfer the information instantly, eliminating the need for TVs to manually process the power and signal into an analog format. When setting up a BluRay or DVD player, a gaming console like Xbox or PlayStation, or viewing your computer screen on your television, an HDMI cable will ensure that the video’s sound and pixels are quickly transferred from the player to the TV. The best HDMI cables deliver a smooth viewing and audio experience 100% of the time, with no noticeable lag.
Standard HDMI cables can carry a 1080p high definition signal, which is the most common display for HDTVs. They can also support eight channels of uncompressed audio, which is enough to power a 7.1 surround sound system. If you’re setting up a home theater system or want to connect your computer, smartphone or tablet to an HD screen, an HDMI cable is a necessity.
These audio-video cables come in a wide variety of lengths, from short 1.5ft cables all the way up to 100ft options. We recommend ordering a cable that’s slightly larger than the distance you need to give you some flexibility. For most home applications, 10 feet is more than enough room to connect your devices, although some commercial applications and complicated home theater setups warrant a longer cable length. And because HDMI cables transmit data so quickly (at least 18 Gbps), you won’t experience any lag time with longer cables.
To help you find the best HDMI cables for any job, we’ve included our picks for the best cables for your entertainment system.
1. BlueRigger Rugged High Speed HDMI Cable
With a nylon braided exterior, the BlueRigger Rugged High-Speed HDMI Cable is rugged and durable with triple cable shielding and 100 percent pure copper conductors. These HDMI cables are ideal for a home with pets that enjoy clawing at loose cables. They support the most up to date HDMI standard including 4K, UHD, 3D functionality and a 600 MHz refresh rate. They’re compatible with a wide range of devices including Blu-Ray players, Apple TV, and Xbox One among others. Finally, like the best HDMI cables, the Blue Rigger HDMI cables feature 24K gold-plating on the metal jacket connectors, which means these cables will last as long or longer than the devices they’re plugged into.
Pros: Added durability thanks to the nylon-braided construction, supports the latest HDMI standard bandwidth up to 18Gbps. Choose from 3ft to 25ft cable lengths.
Cons: While the nylon braiding adds a protective layer, once the cable is bent in a specific direction it does not easily readjust.
2. AmazonBasics High-Speed 4K HDMI Cable
If you’re looking for a reliable but basic HDMI cable, then this straightforward pick from the AmazonBasics line is a great option. Like other products from AmazonBasics, it’s a no-frills and affordable alternative to premium products. Like the best HDMI cables, this product will easily connect your HDTV with your video game console, computer, laptop, Blu Ray player, Apple TV, Fire TV or virtually any other audio-visual hardware. This 6ft cable has an 18Gbps bandwidth to support 4K video, 2160p and surround sound audio. This basic HDMI cable also eliminates the need to use a separate Ethernet cable. With 26AWG pure copper conductors and gold-plated full metal jacket connectors, this 6ft cable is more than capable of anything you need. While this specific product comes as a single cable, multi-packs are also available in a variety of lengths.
Pros: Affordable cable that’s fully capable of supporting almost all HD video formats. Ethernet connectivity.
Cons: No nylon braiding or extra protective features. Cables are thicker than other options. 6ft cable may be too short for some connections.
3. Capshi 4K HDMI Cable
This high-quality, high speed HDMI cable from Capshi has 4K capabilities and a durable nylon jacket on the outside to protect it from wear and tear around your home. The cord has a bend lifespan of 6000+ and durable 24k gold plated connectors that protect the integrity of your devices long-term. The gold is corrosion-resistant and helps protect against signal interference and signal loss. It’s compatible with a wide variety of HDMI standards including 1.3, 1.4, 2.0, 2.0a and 2.1. It’s perfect for all of your streaming devices with an ultra-fast connection. These cables are available in sizes ranging from 1.5ft to 50ft lengths, although the standard 6.6ft option is long enough for most purposes.
Pros: Long cable with 4K capabilities and a fast connection, durable nylon exterior and gold plating for added protection. Supports Ethernet in addition to audio-video signals.
Cons: The ends of the cable can be a bit bulky to carry about in a work bag and are better suited for a home entertainment system.
4. HUANUO High-Speed HDMI Cable
This three-pack from HUANUO includes three different high-speed Ethernet HDMI cables of different colors, making organizing that mess of cables in your entertainment system that much easier. Each cable is male to male and can connect between Blu Ray players, Playstation consoles, Xbox systems, projectors, computers, laptops and more. This three-pack also comes with a 90-degree elbow adaptor for close wall connections so your cable won’t get bent out of shape. This product also comes with convenient velcro ties for easy storage between uses.
Pros: Easy to store cables with different colors for added convenience. Like the best HDMI cables, they feature copper conductors and gold plating for better signal and sound quality. More affordable than other premium HDMI cables.
Cons: No nylon or braided exterior.
5. Twisted Veins HDMI Cable
This three-pack of Twisted Veins HDMI Cables might be the only HDMI cables you need to buy this decade. The cables are built to last with a protective braided jacket and gold-plated connectors. They support signals up to 18Gbps in bandwidth, have a 60hz refresh rate and can accommodate all high definition video formats including 4K and 1080p. They’re compatible with a wide range of devices including the Roku Ultra, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch and high-end Blu Ray players. In addition to high definition audio and video, these cables also provide fast Ethernet connection.
Pros: Durable construction with a braided jacket and 24K gold plated contacts. Supports wide variety of HD video formats. Cables also feature Ethernet connectivity.
Cons: The cables are only three feet long, making it difficult to connect devices that aren’t on top of each other.
6. Toptrend 4K HDMI Cable
Toptrend’s high-quality HDMI 2.0 cable has a braided exterior for protection and built-in capabilities that support 1080p, 3D, 4K, UHD and HDR video formats. This cord support True-HD 7.1 picture quality and master audio to match. It operates at a super high speed with a bandwidth of up to 24 Gbps, higher than the average HDMI cable (18 Gbps). It’s constructed using high-quality materials including gold plating, high purity copper wiring and chrome-plated zinc housing. This premium HDMI cable will last for years in your home entertainment setup, work station or anywhere else you need to connect devices. Choose from 3ft to 100ft cables.
Pros: HDMI 2.0 cable easily supports 1080p video and high-quality audio. Made of durable materials, gold plating, copper wiring. Has a CL3 rated jacket for added external protection. Ethernet connectivity.
Cons: The ends of the cable are larger than normal which can be problematic in close connections.