HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0 (and HDMI 2.2): Which Cable Do You Need? (2026)

In September 2013 the HDMI Forum released HDMI 2.0, raising bandwidth to 18Gbps so TVs could show 4K at 60 frames per second. Since then HDMI 2.1 more than doubled that, and HDMI 2.2 was announced in 2025. If you’re buying a TV, console or monitor, here’s HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0 in plain terms.

Quick answer: HDMI 2.0 (18Gbps) handles 4K at 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 (up to 48Gbps) adds 4K at 120Hz, 8K, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode and full eARC audio, which matter for PS5, Xbox Series X and gaming PCs. For HDMI 2.1 features, use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable; for HDMI 2.0, a Premium High Speed cable is enough.

HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0 at a glance

• Bandwidth: 18Gbps (2.0) vs up to 48Gbps (2.1).
• Resolution and refresh: 4K60 (2.0) vs 4K120, 8K60 and beyond with compression (2.1).
• Gaming: VRR, ALLM and Quick Frame Transport are HDMI 2.1 features.
• Audio: ARC on 2.0; eARC (lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X) with 2.1.
• HDR: 2.0a added static HDR; 2.1 supports dynamic HDR.

What about HDMI 2.2?

Announced at CES 2025, HDMI 2.2 raises bandwidth to 96Gbps for higher resolutions and refresh rates, with new Ultra96 cables. Devices are only starting to appear, so most people don’t need it yet. Details are on HDMI.org.

Which cable should you buy?

• Premium High Speed: certified for 18Gbps (HDMI 2.0, 4K60).
• Ultra High Speed: certified for 48Gbps (HDMI 2.1, 4K120 and 8K).
• Look for the official certification label with a QR code on the box.
• Expensive “gold” cables don’t improve picture quality if the certification is the same.

Check your devices

A TV may label only one or two ports as HDMI 2.1 or 4K120. Plug your console into that port and turn on the TV’s enhanced HDMI setting. “HDMI 2.1” on a spec sheet doesn’t guarantee every feature, so check for 4K120, VRR and eARC by name.

FAQ

Do I need HDMI 2.1 for a 4K TV?

Not for movies and streaming at 4K60. You need it for 4K120 gaming and some sound bar setups.

Are HDMI cables backward compatible?

Yes. Newer cables work with older devices at the older device’s maximum.

Will an HDMI 2.1 cable improve my picture?

Only if both devices support HDMI 2.1 features. Otherwise it behaves like a good HDMI 2.0 cable.

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