HDMI 2.1 Cables For 4K 120 Hz Consoles And TVs

If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a 120 Hz 4K TV, you want a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.

See also: Best USB‑C cables

Quick picks

• Certified 2-pack, 6–8 ft

👉 See certified 2-pack (paid link)

• Budget 3-pack for extra rooms

👉 See budget 3-pack (paid link)

What “HDMI 2.1” means

Certified Ultra High Speed supports up to 48 Gbps for 4K 120 Hz and 8K features, plus VRR and ALLM.

Length and signal

Keep it short when you can. For long runs, use active or fiber HDMI rated for 48 Gbps.

Setup tips

Use TV ports labeled 2.1, enable 120 Hz or Enhanced mode, update console firmware.

What HDMI 2.1 really adds

HDMI 2.1 isn’t just a higher number - it introduced Ultra High Speed certification (48 Gbps bandwidth) and a bundle of gamer‑friendly features: 4K at 120 Hz, 8K support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Media Switching (QMS) on compatible devices. That 48 Gbps pipe allows uncompressed 4K 120 with HDR in many scenarios, reducing visual artifacts that come with heavy compression. You’ll feel it most in fast‑paced games where motion clarity and input responsiveness matter.

Bandwidth, color formats, and HDR

Video signals are more than resolution and refresh rate. They also include color depth (8‑, 10‑, 12‑bit), chroma subsampling (4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0), and HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG). 4K 120 10‑bit 4:4:4 requires more bandwidth than 4K 120 10‑bit 4:2:2, for example. Real setups often use 4:2:2 to fit within 48 Gbps while keeping HDR intact. Don’t be discouraged if your TV reports 4:2:2 at 120 Hz - that’s normal and visually excellent at living‑room distances.

Signal integrity and length guidelines

Short, passive copper HDMI 2.1 cables (6–8 ft) are the sweet spot for reliability. As you extend length, tiny imperfections accumulate and the highest data rates get harder to maintain. If you need 15–50 ft, choose an active copper cable with built‑in signal conditioning, or a fiber HDMI cable designed for 48 Gbps. Fiber cables are directional - follow the “Source” and “Display” labels. For in‑wall runs, consider CL‑rated options and keep a pull string in conduit for future upgrades.

Consoles and PC settings

• PlayStation 5: Enable 120 Hz in game settings; set the TV input to Enhanced/4K120. The PS5 outputs 4:2:2 for 4K120 HDR on many TVs - this is expected.
• Xbox Series X: Toggle 120 Hz and VRR in display options; the Xbox often exposes granular modes per game and supports Dolby Vision gaming on select TVs.
• PCs with HDMI 2.1 GPUs: Use the latest drivers. On Windows, set 3840×2160 at 120 Hz, then enable HDR. For sharp text on TVs, enable PC or “Game” input label and disable overscan.

eARC and audio considerations

Enhanced ARC (eARC) lets you send high‑bitrate audio (like lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos) from your TV’s apps back to a soundbar or receiver. Cables that meet Ultra High Speed certification also handle eARC robustly. If you route all sources into a receiver and then to the TV, ensure both the receiver’s HDMI output and the receiver’s internal switching support 4K120 and VRR, or connect the console directly to the TV and use eARC for audio return.

Troubleshooting real issues

• No 120 Hz option: Turn on the TV’s HDMI Enhanced/PC/Game mode for that port; some TVs hide 120 Hz until you enable the right mode.
• Blackouts or flicker: Replace long passive copper runs with active or fiber. Try a shorter test cable to confirm.
• VRR stutter: Update firmware on TV and console/PC; some TV models require a specific firmware to stabilize VRR.
• Dolby Vision gaming breaks 120 Hz: Many sets limit Dolby Vision at 60 Hz. Switch to HDR10 for 120 Hz if needed.
• Receiver passthrough fails: Connect console to TV, and use eARC to return audio until you upgrade the receiver.

Myths vs. facts

• “Gold‑plated means better quality.” Plating resists corrosion; it doesn’t magically increase bandwidth.
• “8K on the box guarantees 48 Gbps.” Not true. Look for the Ultra High Speed certification QR label.
• “Any HDMI cable that works at 60 Hz also works at 120 Hz.” Sometimes, but 120 Hz doubles the data rate; marginal cables reveal issues.

Buying advice for different rooms

• Living room console at 6–8 ft: Certified Ultra High Speed passive cable is ideal - simple and robust.
• Wall‑mounted TV with hidden box 15–30 ft away: Use active copper or fiber certified for 48 Gbps, and plan conduit for serviceability.
• Multi‑room rack: Favor fiber HDMI, label directions, and keep spare pull strings; test each run at 4K120 before buttoning up.

Verification checklist

• Scan the cable’s Ultra High Speed QR with the HDMI app to verify authenticity.
• On the TV, enable the input’s enhanced mode (sometimes called “4K120” or “HDMI 2.1”).
• On console/PC, set 120 Hz and HDR; confirm VRR toggles on supported games.
• Play a fast motion test video or game; watch for blackouts or audio drops.

Environmental and practical notes

Shorter, simpler connections reduce troubleshooting and waste. Avoid unnecessary adapters or daisy‑chains. If a cable fails intermittently, replace it rather than living with frustration - digital signals either work or they don’t at these rates. Keep a known‑good short cable handy to isolate problems quickly.

FAQ (expanded)

• Do I need new HDMI cables for a new TV? If you want 4K 120, VRR, or reliable eARC on long runs, yes - get Ultra High Speed certified.
• Will an expensive brand improve picture quality? Not beyond what the standard provides. Either the bits arrive intact or they don’t; certification and length matter most.
• How long can passive copper go at 48 Gbps? Around 10 ft is the reliable zone; beyond that, consider active or fiber.
• Is 8K worth it? For gaming today, 4K 120 with VRR is the practical sweet spot; 8K content is scarce and stresses the chain.

Summary

For PS5, Xbox Series X, and modern 4K TVs, a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable gives you 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and reliable eARC. Keep short passive runs for the living room, use active or fiber for long in‑wall routes, and verify with both the QR app and on‑screen settings. With the right cable and a few toggles in TV menus, you get the smooth motion and responsiveness you paid for - without the rabbit hole.

Before you buy

• Look for the official Ultra High Speed QR label; scan to verify.
• Avoid “8K” marketing without certification. It’s not a guarantee of 48 Gbps.
• For wall runs, consider CL3‑rated (in‑wall) or conduit for future swaps.

Troubleshooting

• No 120 Hz option: enable HDMI Enhanced/4:4:4 mode on the TV input.
• Black screens or dropouts: try a shorter cable or an active/fiber model.
• VRR issues: update TV and console firmware; some models require latest patches.

FAQ

• Are expensive HDMI 2.1 cables better? Not for short runs; certification matters more than brand.
• Do I need 8K for PS5/Xbox? No; you need 48 Gbps (Ultra High Speed), not “8K” on the box.
• Maximum length? Passive copper is reliable up to ~10 ft for 48 Gbps; go active/fiber longer.

Alternatives

For long conduit runs, pre‑pull a thin fiber HDMI plus a spare pull string so you can replace it later without opening walls.