Having the best HDMI cables for PS5 and Xbox makes a huge difference when connecting your console to a TV or monitor. While it’s often the most humble part of a gaming setup, there are countless options for length, design, brand, and even type – which affect the video and audio output. There’s a lot to take into account when it comes to finding the best HDMI cables.
A decent HDMI cable could be the difference between playing your new Xbox games and new PS5 games in 1080p or 4K on a gaming TV or the best PS5 monitors.
The best HDMI cables for PS5 and Xbox Series X are:
The best overall HDMI cable for Xbox Series X and PS5.
Belkin Ultra High-Speed HDMI Specs:
HDMI type | HDMI 2.1 |
Maximum resolution/refresh rate | 8K60 |
Features | VRR, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Sizes | 6.6ft |
Pros
Cons
The Belkin Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable is the priciest option on our list but is the most advanced, supporting 8K60 and 4K120 video. While the Xbox and PS5 can play games at 4K120, you’re guaranteed to get the best performance and futureproofing.
Belkin is a respected brand, and this product offers quality and reliability. The bandwidth of 48Gbps is capable of making use of Dolby Vision and HDR 10 features, plus a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), meaning you can get a bumpy-free gaming experience.
The Belkin Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable is only available in 6.6ft/2m length. So, if you have a home with a long-winded setup of wires, or want a long cable for better cable management across your room, then this HDMI cable might not be for you. For the majority of setups, though, that length should have you covered.
The best future-ready HDMI cable.
Anker 8K60Hz HDMI specs:
HDMI type | HDMI 2.1 |
Maximum resolution/refresh rate | 8K60 |
Features | VRR, Dolby Atmos, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), HDR |
Sizes | 6.6ft/2m |
Pros
Cons
For future-ready HDMI cables at a sensible price, the Anker 8K60Hz is perfect. It offers the same resolution and refresh rate as the Belkin at 8K60 and 4K120, VRR for gaming, and Dolby Vision and Dynamic HDR. Anker also offers an 18-month warranty on the cable.
However, that does come at a price, with the Anker HDMI cable being more expensive than most budget options. That being said, if you’re looking for something future-proof like the Belkin, but without breaking the bank, then you’ll get similar value at a cheaper price.
The Anker suffers similarly to the Belkin, however, with the 8k60Hz HDMI cable maxing out at 6.6ft (2m) in length. If you’re looking for a longer wire, check out one of the AmazonBasics models below.
The best budget HDMI cable.
Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI specs:
HDMI type | HDMI 2.1 |
Maximum resolution/refresh rate | 8K60 |
Features | N/A |
Sizes | 3ft, 6ft, 10ft, 15ft, 25ft |
Pros
Cons
Sometimes, you don’t need to spend a fortune on cables. The Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI cables are cheap and cheerful but effective, with the same resolutions as the other options on our list at 8K60 and 4K120. This option lacks exciting gaming features like VRR or support for Dolby experiences. If that doesn’t bother you, then we suggest saving money where you can.
In the US, you can get 3ft, 6ft, 10ft, 15ft, or 25ft versions of the cable, which should cover everyone’s needs. If you’re worried that the low price and the ‘Basics’ branding mean cheap build quality, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Amazon’s HDMI cables are made of pretty sturdy stuff. While the cable itself looks quite cheap, the general design is a bit chunkier than the more expensive options on this list.
The best-protected HDMI cable.
Amazon Basics Braided HDMI specs:
HDMI type | HDMI 2.0 |
Maximum resolution/refresh rate | 4K60 |
Features | N/A |
Sizes | 3ft, 6ft, 10ft, 15ft, 25ft |
Pros
Cons
Finally, we have the AmazonBasics Braided HDMI concluding our list. A braided cable like this one gives you that extra confidence that it won’t split if you’re constantly moving your setup or swapping the HDMI to use on multiple devices. It is also perfect for those with kids or who have setups spanning their living room.
Unfortunately, the AmazonBasics Braided HDMI can only output 4K60, but this is still suitable for most. It doesn’t come with any major gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate, HDR, or Dolby Vision, which may put some of you off this cable. However, considering the extremely competitive price, that’s a fair trade.
However, if you’re looking to purchase a cable that will last years, or work great on a high-end PC set up, you may be better off getting the Belkin or the Anker HDMI cables, as they’ll be compatible in most setups for the foreseeable future.
To make up for a lack of features though, Amazon offers the Braided HDMI in sizes ranging from 3ft/0.9m all the way up to a massive 25ft/7.6m, so this is perfect for almost any setup.
You can, but HDMI 2 (and HDMI 2.1) are much better for gaming than HDMI 1.4, as the former usually offers features such as Variable Refresh Rate that are useful for gaming while providing 4K60 or more resolutions and refresh rates.
While HDMI 1.4 does support 4K, the quality of the image quickly deteriorates, making it a worse experience, while HDMI 2.0 cables provide a much sharper image. Price also doesn’t matter, as a $100 HDMI 1.4 cable won’t outperform a $10 HDMI 2 cable. Sometimes, being expensive doesn’t mean better.
Finally, HDMI 2.0 is faster at bandwidth, from a minimum of 18Gbps compared to HDMI 1.4’s maximum of 10.4Gbps. Overall, you’re going to get a much better gaming experience using a HDMI 2 cable, and considering you can get one on a cheap budget, there’s no competition. That’s why we haven’t put any HDMI 1.4 cables on this list.
The best HDMI cable for gaming is the Belkin Ultra High-Speed HDMI. Despite an expensive asking price compared to most options and a lack of various sizes, Belkin’s cable offering is high quality, offers 8k60 which is overkill for the current generation of consoles, and will be a great cable for years to come.
Alternatively, Anker’s 8K60Hz HDMI offers a similar cable for cheaper. Despite not being as popular of a brand as Belkin, Anker’s products are great, and at a budget too.
When picking out the best HDMI cable, you should take a few points into consideration:
If you’re hoping to know more about how we decide which products are the best of the best, check out our how we test page with all of the details on our testing process.
Those are the best HDMI cables for PS5 and Xbox Series X right now. To further enhance your console gaming set-up, check which other must-have products we recommend in our best PS5 accessories and best Xbox accessories lists.
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