Posted on 24 August 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
UGreen HDMI 2.0
This HDMI 2.0 cable seemed to be the most convincing solution in our comparison for most users. It is suitable for the majority of devices operating at 4K/60 fps.
The UGreen HDMI cable offers, in our opinion, the best value for money. It is designed to support 4K/ 60 fps and 1080p/120 fps. It also includes support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and HD, HDCP 2.2, etc. On the hand, we found it to be flexible enough to fit in many interiors while conveying a sense of durability despite the lack of external braiding.
HDMI is the latest technology for connecting AV equipment.
There's no point in getting the latest cables if you don't have a proper TV.
HDMI 2.0 cables support 4K 60 fps.
A shielded or protected cable will stand the test of time better.
The flexibility of the cable is important to ensure that it fits properly into all your devices.
Belkin HDMI 2.1
This 2.1 option is the best performing in our comparison. Equipment compatible with this cable only came out in early 2019, which is why it is expensive.
This HDMI 2.1 cable can play 4K video at 120 fps, but also 8K video. It also supports the latest picture quality formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR 10. This HDMI cable is shielded, which protects it from electromagnetic interference. In our tests, it was flexible enough to be easy to install, which was quite convenient for our tight testing environment. Given its performance and price, it is reserved for those who want a cable that is upgradeable and compatible with the latest technologies. Still, we would have preferred it to be braided for greater durability.
AmazonBasics HDMI 2.0
This HDMI cable is more than adequate for most users, as it supports 4K resolution in particular. It is the only braided cable in this comparison.
It is the perfect solution for users looking for a cable that is functional and sufficient for the majority of current devices. It is compatible with 4K up to 60 Hz, but can also be used for 3D. HDR is of course included. This cable can also be used for ARC audio or data transmission via Ethernet. It complies with the HDMI 2.0 standard and therefore offers a bandwidth of 18 Gbps. The braided jacket, although made of nylon, seemed durable enough for long-term use. The braided jacket, although made of nylon, seemed to be durable enough for long-term use and is much more convincing in the hand than the PVC coating of other cables from the brand. However, users point to an inconsistency in quality, which led us to place it as an alternative.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best budget | Best high-end | Budget alternative |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| UGreen HDMI 2.0 | Belkin HDMI 2.1 | AmazonBasics HDMI 2.0 |
| This HDMI 2.0 cable seemed to be the most convincing solution in our comparison for most users. It is suitable for the majority of devices operating at 4K/60 fps. | This 2.1 option is the best performing in our comparison. Equipment compatible with this cable only came out in early 2019, which is why it is expensive. | This HDMI cable is more than adequate for most users, as it supports 4K resolution in particular. It is the only braided cable in this comparison. |
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Honorable mentions
Currently, there are no products available on the European market that we consider to have the necessary qualities to be included in our main selection. However, we will provide you with some interesting alternatives as soon as they become available.
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How to choose your HDMI cable?
HDMI sockets succeeded the Scart sockets in the early 2000s. It is the latest technology for connecting audiovisual equipment.
Although the same name has been used ever since the standard is constantly evolving. An HDMI 1.4 cable does not support the same content as a 2.1, and there is no point in buying the latest cables if you don’t have a suitable TV.
To help you make the right choice and find an HDMI cable that suits your needs, it is necessary to research some key criteria:
- The standard: this is the most important criterion to consider. HDMI 1.4 cables can send sound to home theatres; this is known as ARC for Audio Return Channel. HDMI 2.0 cables support, among other things, 4K 60 frames per second and can be suitable for most users. The HDMI 2.0b standard adds support for HLG and HDR, which offer better overall picture quality. Finally, HDMI 2.1 allows for 4K video playback at 120 frames per second and 8K.
- Formats: cables supporting HDR and Dolby Vision offer much better picture quality, provided you use equipment compatible with these technologies. The same goes for sound formats: DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD or DTS increase the accuracy of the sound.
- Shielding: this is an important criterion depending on where you want to install your cables. The better the shielding, the better it will resist electromagnetic interference as well as intermingling with other cables.
- The shape: some HDMI cables are angled (bent). Their advantage is that they are more durable, as the connectors do not bend under the weight of the wire. However, check that they can be inserted correctly into your devices. In this sense, flexibility is also important.
We have restricted our selection to two-metre HDMI cables, but you can often get them in different sizes.
How did we test?
To test the different cables, we first unpacked and handled the different models to determine their durability and flexibility, including an analysis of the materials. We also took a look at the datasheet in order to determine the advertised compatibility.
The last step was to put each cable through an image and video test. This allowed us to determine whether or not the cable provided a quality gain in use.
Other HDMI cables tested
AmazonBasics HDMI 2.0 (£7.79 upon publication): basic and fickle. Like our cheap alternative, this cable from AmazonBasics does what it was designed to do. It meets the 2.0 standard, making it compatible with most current devices. However, its inconsistent quality rules it out of our selection. It also lacks nylon braiding which increases durability. We also tested a CL3 version (capable of handling up to 300V) and a higher quality braided version which have the same qualities/faults.
SnowKids HDMI 2.0 (£11.53 upon publication): disappointing picture quality. At first glance, this cable seems to be quite qualitative with its braided sheath, but we were disappointed when it came to the picture quality, which is below what a standard cable can offer. This observation is confirmed by several buyers.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
