What cable do I need for a 4K TV?
For most 4K streaming and Blu-ray (4K/60 Hz), any Premium High Speed HDMI cable works. For gaming at 4K/120 Hz on a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable.
HDMI version quick reference
| HDMI version | Max resolution / refresh | Bandwidth | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | 4K / 30 Hz | 10.2 Gbps | Older streaming sticks |
| 2.0 | 4K / 60 Hz | 18 Gbps | Streaming, Blu-ray, current cable boxes |
| 2.1 | 4K / 120 Hz, 8K / 60 Hz | 48 Gbps | PS5, Xbox Series X, PC gaming |
Cable certification labels explained
- Standard HDMI — 1080i, older devices only.
- High Speed HDMI — 1080p and 4K/30 Hz
- Premium High Speed HDMI — 4K/60 Hz with HDR; HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.
- Ultra High Speed HDMI — 48 Gbps; required for HDMI 2.1 features (4K/120 Hz, VRR, eARC).
Does cable length matter?
Passive HDMI cables work reliably up to about 15–20 feet. Beyond that, signal quality can degrade and some cables will show flickering or no picture at 4K. For long runs (20+ feet), use an active HDMI cable or a fiber HDMI cable.
DisplayPort alternative
If you are connecting a PC to a 4K monitor (rather than a TV), DisplayPort 1.4 handles 4K/144 Hz and is often preferable. Most TVs do not have DisplayPort inputs — HDMI is the standard for television.