It comes as a surprise to many to learn that there are actually numerous types of HDMI cables to choose from! For years, it’s been as simple as grabbing a basic HDMI cable, and hooking up your console, Blu-ray player, or set-top-box to the TV. Now, with the increased adoption of 4K and 8K TVs, there is a demand for specialised HDMI cables to support higher resolutions.

But how are you supposed to tell which HDMI cable type is best for you? What types of HDMI cable will work with your TV? And just how many types of HDMI cables are there?

Let’s untangle the mystery of modern HDMI cables in our article below. We’ll take you through everything you need to know so you can grab the HDMI cable that you need!

What Type Of HDMI Cable Do You Need?

The answer to this question will depend on the total resolution you are aiming for. Let’s take a look at the requirements of each resolution!

1080p Resolution

If you are aiming to play content at a basic 1080p resolution, then a standard HDMI cable will be perfectly suited for you. Standard HDMI cables have a total bandwidth of around 4.95Gbps. This is more than enough to transmit a 1080p signal to your TV. However, if you plan to enjoy content at higher resolutions, you’ll need to upgrade!

4K Resolution

If you’re looking for a slight bump in resolution, then you will be well met by a High-Speed HDMI 1.4 cable. This cable has a bandwidth of 10.3Gbps. Allowing the cable to present images at 4K resolutions. However, the content will be capped at a 30Hz refresh rate.

The best option for 4K content is a 4K HDMI 2.0 cable. This specific HDMI cable has a bandwidth of 18Gbps that allows 4K content to play at a silky smooth 60Hz! The 2.0 cable type is also compatible with HDR video formats. This is great for enjoying the best of film and TV, with the increased colour palette offered by the HDR format. This cable is also great for 4K gaming, as it easily supports higher frame rates for greater control.

8K Resolution

If you have an 8K TV, then you will absolutely need to grab an 8K HDMI 2.1 cable. The maximum bandwidth of the 2.1 cable is 48Gbps, giving it a clear advantage over all other cables. In fact, the clear bump in bandwidth also allows both 4K and 8K content to display at 120 frames per second! This also makes the 2.1 cable a great option for gamers who want to bump their frame rates above 60fps.

The best thing about modern HDMI cables is that they are actually backwards compatible. If you have an 8K TV, but you’re planning on watching 1080p content, you don’t need to worry about swapping cables around. An HDMI 2.1 cable will simply adjust itself to suit the bandwidth of the content being played.

If you have an 8K TV, then a HDMI 2.1 cable is essential. The best thing about HDMI 2.1 is its backward compatibility. Making it suitable even for 4K and 1080p content.

Simply think about the type of TV you have and the resolution you plan to aim for. Even if you are only planning on sparingly enjoying 8K content, an HDMI 2.1 cable would be a fantastic investment.

What Are The Different Types Of HDMI Cable?

When browsing through different HDMI cables, you will no doubt notice that a number of them feature different connection types. Let’s take a look at them!

Standard

You’d easily recognise a standard HDMI cable at a glance. This connection type is found on most TVs, and supports a connection to game consoles, Amazon Fire Sticks, and other HD input sources!

If you’re looking for an HDMI cable for your TV, you’ll pretty much only need to look out for the standard connection type! You can choose the resolution to suit your display!

Mini HDMI

Mini HDMI cables are pretty much exactly as you’d expect. They’re a much smaller connection type that supports HD video signals. They’re most commonly found on cameras, such as DSLRs, and even a number of laptops. Look along the side of your own laptop, it’s likely there will be a Mini HDMI port there!

Micro HDMI

Micro HDMI cables are the smallest available HDMI connection type. They’re much smaller than a Mini HDMI cable, and so they’re usually found on tablets, smartphones, and other portable electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of HDMI Cable Do You Need?

You need a HDMI cable that is suited to your TV’s resolution. Different HDMI cable types are able to support different bandwidths. A standard HDMI cable can support a lower bandwidth for 1080p content. If you want to enjoy 8K content, you’ll need a HDMI cable with higher bandwidth, such as an HDMI 2.1 cable!

Is There A Difference Between A Regular HDMI Cable And A 4K HDMI Cable?

Yes! A 4K HDMI cable will boast a much higher bandwidth. You cannot play 4K content with a standard HDMI cable, as the bandwidth is not high enough. The higher bandwidth of a 4K HDMI cable also allows it to transmit video signals for higher frame rates. This makes them great for gaming!

Do You Need HDMI 2.1 For 4K?

You don’t technically need an HDMI 2.1 cable for 4K content. An HDMI 2.0 cable would still be suitable. HDMI 2.1 cables are best recommended if you are planning to enjoy gaming at higher frame rates. The higher bandwidth of this cable allows both 4K and 8K content to play at higher frame rates.

Do You Need A Specific HDMI Cable For A 4K TV?

You don’t need a single specific HDMI cable for a 4K TV. However, you will need to make sure your HDMI cable is a high-speed one. High-speed HDMI cables are crucial for enjoying 4K content. Thus, you should avoid simply purchasing a standard HDMI cable, designed only for 1080p content.