Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 CableHDMI is everywhere. From TVs, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players to AV receivers, soundbars, and streaming devices, a multitude of devices use HDMI to transfer data from one device to another. So it’s no surprise that you’re in the market for an HDMI cable. To help, I have handpicked the best HDMI 2.1 or Ultra High Speed HDMI cables you can buy in 2022. All my recommendations can handle everything possible with the HDMI 2.1 standard, including eARC, variable refresh rate, auto low latency mode, 4K@120fps gaming, and 8K@60fps gaming.

What you need to know about HDMI 2.1 or Ultra High Speed HDMI cables

While there are several types of HDMI cables on the market, the HDMI 2.1 or Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are the latest generation cables that support everything is offered by the HDMI standard. So if you don’t want to worry about replacing your cable in a few years or are not getting the best performance from your existing cable, HDMI 2.1 is the way to go.

HDMI 2.1 cables are also backward compatible, so even when you use them with older devices, they will work without issues.

While regular Ultra High Speed HDMI copper cables are fine for shorter lengths, like 3 feet, 6 feet, or 10 feet, if you are looking for longer cables, HDMI active or HDMI fiber optic cables are more suitable. They don’t lose signal quality, are more resistant to EM interference, and generally perform better.

Some cases when you need an HDMI 2.1 or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable: You use Apple TV 4K, need to play games in 4K at 120fps via Xbox Series X, PS5, and high-end graphics cards on your PC, or you want to listen to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound.

Best Ultra High Speed HDMI cables

Best HDMI 2.1 cable Best budget HDMI 2.1 cable Best HDMI 2.1 Fiber Optic cable  Best HDMI 2.1 cable with right-angle connector
Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI cable AmazonBasics HDMI cable Cable Matters Fiber Optic HDMI 2.1 cable Cable Matters Right Angle HDMI cable

Best HDMI 2.1 cable: Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable

Anker makes some of the best accessories on the market, and this HDMI 2.1 cable is no exception. It’s a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, so you are sure to get all the bells and whistles.

The Anker cable is also durable and comes with an 18-month warranty. It’s available in a 6.6 feet size. If you’re not a fan of Anker, Spigen also sells an officially certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that costs the same as the Anker cable. The Spigen cable is also 6.6 feet and comes with a 24-month warranty.

> Buy Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI cable from Amazon

Best budget HDMI 2.1 cable: AmazonBasics HDMI cable

AmazonBasics products are often a hit or miss, but this AmazonBasics HDMI cable is an excellent product. It performs as expected. Unfortunately, the cable is not officially certified as an Ultra High Speed cable. Therefore it doesn’t come with that branding.

While the cable works as intended for 4K@120fps and 8K@60Hz gaming and has 48Gbps bandwidth, eARC support is unclear. Amazon only mentions ARC support on the product page, so if you specifically plan to buy a budget HDMI 2.1 cable for eARC use, you’re better off with the Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI cable or the Ugreen HDMI 2.1 cable.

The AmazonBasics High Speed HDMI cable is available in 3 feet, 6 feet, and 10 feet sizes, but I would suggest not going above 6 feet as longer cables have a high failure rate. You also get three colour options.

> Buy AmazonBasic High Speed HDMI Cable from Amazon

Best HDMI 2.1 Active/ Fiber Optic cable: Cable Matters Fiber Optic 8K HDMI cable

As mentioned, the regular copper HDMI 2.1 cables are not suitable for longer lengths, so you need an HDMI 2.1 active cable or Fiber Optic HDMI cable to avoid signal loss, such as this Cable Matter Fiber Optic 8K HDMI cable. You can buy it in 16,4 feet, 32.8 feet, 49.2 lengths.

The Fiber Optic HDMI cable uses light to transfer data, so it’s more reliable, and data can travel longer distances without issues. The Cable Matters cable is also a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.

> Buy Cable Matters Fiber Optic 8K HDMI cable

Best HDMI 2.1 cable with a right-angle connector: Cable Matters 8K HDMI cable

There are situations when a right-angle connector makes more sense than a regular straight connector. Cable Matters offers its 90 degree and 270 degree HDMI cables for such cases. The 90-degree connector cable goes up after the connection, whereas the 270-degree connector cable goes down. So pick the one which suits your needs.

Both 90-degree and 270-degree connector cables are 6.6 feet in size and support HDMI 2.1 features.

> Buy Cable Matters 90 Degree 8K HDMI cable from Amazon

> Buy Cable Matters 270 Degree 8K HDMI cable from Amazon


Which HDMI 2.1 cable are you planning to buy? Have you tried any of the Ultra High Speed HDMI cables listed above? Let me know in the comments section. Also, if you are looking to buy a new OLED TV, I have selected the best OLED TVs you can buy in 2022. My best streaming device recommendations may also be helpful to you.

Gaurav Shukla

Gaurav Shukla is a journalist with over 12 years of experience covering the consumer technology space. He started his career with a self-published Android blog and has since worked with Microsoft's MSN.com,...

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply