When buying an HDMI cable, think about two factors: what devices you are connecting and what features those devices need. Basic screens work with standard cables. For 4K screens or gaming consoles, choose a cable that matches the latest HDMI version. You can see all options in our video cables section.

Premium High-Speed 4K HDMI cables meet the HDMI 2.0 standard. These cables are built to carry 4K video signals with HDR support and handle smooth playback at standard refresh rates. They are ideal for connecting Blu-ray players, 4K TVs and consoles where consistent quality is needed. Good quality cables prevent random drops in picture quality and are less prone to interference from other devices. If your computer uses a different output, see our DisplayPort cables to find a matching adaptor.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables are certified for HDMI 2.1. They are used for advanced consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X and for gaming computers that rely heavily on high frame rates. They let you access 8K resolution and 4K video at 120Hz, aspects that make motion look more fluid and reduce lag. They also support extra functions like variable refresh rates that help avoid screen tearing during fast gameplay.

Modern laptops, tablets and even smartphones often use USB-C ports instead of older video outputs. A USB-C to HDMI cable is used to directly connect such devices to an HDMI display so you are able to present on a display, stream a movie on an external screen or extend your desktop. It is convenient to use in offices, schools and at home when there is a requirement to connect newer mobile devices to HDMI displays without additional hubs or converters.

Many desktop computers and graphics cards rely on DisplayPort. A DisplayPort to HDMI cable enables you to use a normal HDMI monitor or TV without requiring extra adaptors. This facilitates easier use of a bigger screen to view multimedia and allows you to connect using a TV as an extra screen for entertainment or work purposes.

Use an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable for these consoles. This cable provides you with 4K video at 120Hz, seamless gameplay and access to advanced gaming features that are included in HDMI 2.1.

Short cables of 5 metres or less are unlikely to experience any problems. For longer runs of 10 to 15 metres, a better-quality, thicker cable prevents loss of signal. For runs that extend significantly further than this, use a fibre HDMI cable or active HDMI alternative to ensure that picture and sound remain crystal clear.