As clear from the name itself, this article is about HDMI Cables. Yeah, that common cable that is indispensable doesn’t matter if it’s your favorite A2A title like COD, PUBG, etc or just a casual flick on Netflix, Prime, etc. You need it whenever you want to connect to a bigger display.
Also, frame rates on Screen Cast are not that good so HDMI cable is an inevitable tool in your arsenal.
Now, the real question is what to look for in an HDMI cable as whenever you go shopping for one, you are bombarded with numerous technical jargon that is not only confusing but at times misleading also.
So, this is where this column will come in handy & I will make sure that buying an HDMI cable would never be a hassle for you again.
Let’s Dig in:-
TYPE –
There are a variety of types of HDMI like –
- Standard HDMI– For common Broadcast like Cable, Satellite TV, etc.
- Standard Automotive HDMI– Same as the former one but is used in Cars instead.
- High-Speed HDMI– Can easily handle resolutions up to 4K(30Hz). You can get one around $6.
- Premium HDMI – Even superior to High-Speed one as this boasts of 4K/60Hz.
- HDMI with Ethernet Built-In– Commonly called HEC ( HDMI Ethernet Channel) but this feature is not normally found on devices.
Connector Type –
- Regular Size (Type A)– HDMI with normal connector forconnecting devices like Laptop, Consoles, etc.
- Mini Size (Type C)– Mini Connector specially for DSLRs and Tablets/Phablets. The other end is the normal Connector.
- Micro Size (Type D)– This is uncommon still if you have it, then you can connect smaller devices like Smartphones.
- Automotive (Type E)– Used in Cars, Vehicles, etc.
Length –
Ideal Length is anywhere less than or equal to 10 Ft. Longer than that would only create extra burden and hardly adds anything to its utility.
Which HDMI specs to look for:
Firstly & most importantly, don’t spend a fortune on HDMI as for a few bucks, you can grab a good one.
Then, look for gold plated HDMI connectors with Ferrite Core Filter (Thick ring in the wire) as that gives more Stable Transmission speed while reducing Interference. The braided cable is another thing that you will regret not having in the long run.
Thirdly, Ensure that HDMI is Male-to-Male as that is Standard which is required in most cases.
Lastly, High-Speed HDMI (4K/30Hz) is good enough for anything you throw at it so go for premium only of you have a valid reason. Also, Type A is adopted in most cases.
Now, let us see what is the best available for you in the market:
- All HDMI needs are economically met here.
- Supports Ethernet, 3d and even 4K with Audio Return Channel (ARC).
- Compatible with Xbox 360, all Play Stations including PS4 & anything that has a HDMI port.
- 18Gbps bandwidth with 2160p, 48bit/px color depth, so you could enjoy your content in even 4K.
- Brand Name: AmazonBasics
- Product weight: 3.9 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Length: 6.6 Ft (Up to 50 Ft available)
Cons:
- Not fancy and looks a bit obsolete
- Not so Effective at high frame rates in 4K
Grab one for $7 at:
- Supports 4K 60Hz reproduction so your gaming experience will be enthralling.
- ARC with same bandwidth as AmazonBasics but with 600MHz Refresh rate.
- Also, it is backwards compatible with earlier versions of Ethernet.
- This one has 24K Gold Plated Connectors (this is what the spec says :p) so you could show off.
- Apple TV, Xbox, Blu-Ray Player, you name it and it supports it.
- Buy this & forget any sorts of compatibility issues for life.
- Brand Name: BlueRigger
- Product weight: 6.4 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Length: 6.6 Ft
Cons:
- Limited Length
- Once a while, it losses connection
Grab one for $10 at
3.SecurOMax HDMI Cable –
With 18Gbps Bandwidth, this one also supports 4K/60Hz along with 3D and ARC, so you could render those 3D playbacks smoothly and get things done faster without interference on bigger screens also.
Along with this, it can easily handle 2160P and 1440p as well with again 3D support for those uninterrupted workflows that needs to be done at all costs.
HDTV, Oxygen-free copper wire are some of other factors that are worth mentioning.
Extra Length (10Ft total) is always welcomed for placing your devices wherever you want.
- Brand Name: SecurOMax
- Product weight: 6.4 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: Average, Exact isn’t available
- Length: 10 Ft
Cons:
- Sometimes Quality Control issue
4.Tripp Lite High-Speed HDMI 4K x 2K –
- As clear from the name itself, this is massive in context of Pixels, if that’s your concern, this one is definitely for you with Ultra HD 4K x 2K.
- This is Double shielded and even supports Apple Video Mirroring when used with its AV adaptor.
- DVRs, Monitors, Projects or TVs no matter whatever your use case is, this cable has got you covered.
- One key point is its Lifetime Warranty so that’s a major thing to consider which only a handful of brands offer.
- Brand Name: Tripp Lite (Manufacturer)
- Product weight: 0.82 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 0.1 x 12 x 10 inches
- Length: 20 Ft
Cons:
- Nothing major just losses connection sometimes after a year or two
5.Belkin HDTV High-Speed HDMI Cable (2.0)-
1080P Full HD, 4K Ultra High Definition, HDTV, 3D, you name it, this one has it.Not only this, it also has 3-layer shielding that protects it against any sort of Interference that could ruin your overall experience.
Are we done? No as this also offers 7.1 Surround Sound support, now that’s something which you will be pleased with if your device also supports that.
- Brand Name: Belkin
- Product weight: 1.87 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 40.51 x 0.86 x 0.48 inches
- Length: 3.3 Ft (Available up to 6.6 Ft)
Cons:
- Numerous Defective pieces are there so make sure to get the genuine one and replace it immediately if it’s not.
- 2.1 version is even costlier so first decide which one to go for.
6.AudioQuest Pearl HDMI –
This has features like Carbon-based 3-layer Noise-Dissipation with alternating metal & carbon-loaded synthetics.Maximized Performance of HDMI can be achieved in this with support of up to 8K/30, yes that is right 8K.Also, HDR and eARC (better than normal Audio return Channel) is there.
Simply put, this one is for those geeks who just want the best no matter what the cost is.
- Brand Name: AudioQuest
- Product weight: 3.52 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Length: 3.3 Ft (6.6 Ft available)
Cons:
- Expensive (1m will cost $35)
7.Insignia – 4′ 4K Ultra HD HDMI Cable – Black –
Supports up to 4K Ultra High Definition Resolution.High Dynamic Range (HDR) Pass through is there to give better color & contrast.
Along with all other features, 4′ length which is a major plus point.
- Brand Name: Insignia
- Product weight: 2.4 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 0.94 x 2.91 x 5.91 inches
- Length: 13.12 Ft
Cons:
- it is Finicky so requires much care
8.Syncwire HDMI Cable 6.5 ft HDMI 2.0 (4K@60 Hz) –
Apart from 4K, it supports up to 60Hz.Bandwidth is 18Gb/s so Syncing would never be a problem again.
Also, it has Dolby TrueHD 32 Channel Audio with 48 bit deep color to enhance the much needed quality.
- Brand Name: Syncwire
- Product weight: 4.8 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 5.31 x 0.75 x 5.39 inches
- Length: 6.5 Ft (Up to 10 Ft available)
Cons:
- You’ll have to trust on their 3K bends claim :P.
- Grab one for $12 at:
9.iBirdie 4K HDR HDMI Cable 8 Feet, HDMI 2.0 18Gbps, Supports 4K 120hz
From the aesthetics, you can easily get that this is a high-end gaming HDMI cable with all those extravagant Specs.HDR, 4K, 2.0a, 20.0b, Blu-ray, this has got you covered in all aspects.
- Brand Name: iBirdie
- Product weight: 6.4 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches
- Length: 8 Ft (Up to 50 Ft available)
Cons:
- One person received a 50Ft (ordered 10 Ft) of this cable :P, I don’t know if that’s a con.
10.Monoprice 113580 HDMI High-Speed Cable
Theatre quality sound with 32 channels and triple-shield 36AWG copper wires (Reduces interference).This is even compatible with Roku.
Apart from this, Deep colour, HDMI-CEC, HDCP, etc are some features that you will feel in the quality itelf.
- Brand Name: Monoprice
- Product weight: 0.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 0.07 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
- Length: 3 Ft (Up to 6 Ft available)
Cons:
- 36AWG is not effective after 3Ft length
- Grab one for $7 at:
11.8K HDMI Cable 6.6 ft iVANKY HDMI 2.1 Cable 8K@60Hz
If transferring 4K content from source to screen is your thing then this is for you.8K TV at 60Hz is not something that you find in any other cable.
Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Sound system is also there to amplify your experience.
- Brand Name: iVanky
- Product weight: 4.8 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches (package)
- Length: 3.3 Ft (Up to 6.6 Ft available)
Cons:
- Fragile
12.HDMI Cable 6.6 ft, Capshi High-Speed 18Gbps HDMI 2.0
Up to 50Ft length is available with a 12-month exclusive warranty also.Already enough specs are in the name itself so just try to digest these :p.
- Brand Name: Capshi
- Product weight: 0.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 3.6 x 0.7 inches (package)
- Length: 6 Ft (Up to 50 Ft available)
Cons:
- At times, smells like cheap plastic.
13.Twisted Veins HDMI Cable 8 ft, 2-Pack, Premium HDMI Cord
Now, something for those with Appliances at odd spots & limited clearance from the wall. A must-have if you fall in the above-mentioned category.Along with this, it offers up to 60 Hz refresh rate with 4K support.
All HDMI standards are also compatible with this.
- Brand Name: Twisted Veins
- Product weight: 8.8 ounces (whole package weight)
- Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches (package)
- Length: 8 Ft (Up to 50 Ft available)
Cons:
- Sometimes even the specialty of something works against it, this can happen with this one, so first, get an idea of clearance your HDMI port has.
14.Spotlight HDMI Cable (6 ft) – Barolo & White –
For those of you stuck with a mess of numerous HDMI cables round the back of the TV and consequently strive to tell them apart as this has a very elegant LED inbuilt.
It has the latest HDR 10 with 28AWG & 4K at 60 Hz support
- Brand Name: Spotlight
- Length: 3 Ft (6 Ft available)
Cons:
- Still looking for cons after coming this far, go get one.
Final Verdict:
- Looking for one that wouldn’t hurt your pocket, go for AmazonBasics (1) without any doubt.
- Want something that is powerful, elegant and can be gloated to friends as well. Go for Capshi High-Speed Cable (13) without any second thought.
- Need that convenience to place your devices wherever you want, Buy the Insignia – 4′ 4K HDMI (7).
- Clearance space is a major issue with your HDMI port location, not a problem. Twisted Veins Cable (14) is just for you.
- Want best of the best wire in which even radiation would dare to interfere, Get the Monoprice 36AWG HDMI (10) & forget what interference means.
- What if you already have some HDMIs in your arsenal but needs something to serve the purpose as well as manage the already spread mess (ahaa, no worries, I am here to solve this).
Spotlight HDMI Cable (15) is just for you with a fine LED in it, so you wouldn’t have to do the cumbersome Sorting again.
These are just our recommendations, all cables in the above are worth checking and each of them has its pros & cons.
Again, I am stating the most important factor here is to address your need first and then choose the product accordingly because every time just spending is not the right answer.
That’s it folks, hope you make a wiser decision now and can immerse in your content.