Quick answer: For 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz, you need an HDMI cable rated for HDMI 2.1’s full 48Gbps bandwidth — look for the “Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable” certification label, not just “HDMI 2.1” printed on the box. Using a cable with insufficient bandwidth may limit available resolutions, refresh rates, HDR settings, or color formats, depending on your connected devices.
If you’re hooking up a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a new 120Hz gaming TV or monitor, the cable matters as much as the port. Here’s what the HDMI version numbers and cable labels actually mean, and which cable to buy for your setup.
HDMI Versions vs. Cable Certifications: Don’t Confuse the Two
“HDMI 2.1” describes what a device’s port can do. The cable itself is certified separately, and the two labels that matter at retail are:
- Premium High Speed HDMI Cable — the older standard, carries up to 18Gbps. Fine for 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz.
- Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable — the HDMI 2.1 cable spec, certified for the full 48Gbps. Required for 4K at 120Hz with full color (4:4:4, 10-bit) and for 8K at 60Hz.
A cable that only says “HDMI 2.1” in the product title without the “Ultra High Speed” certification mark may not actually carry 48Gbps — this is a common source of mislabeled cables online. When shopping, check the cable’s stated bandwidth (look for “48Gbps” explicitly) rather than relying on the HDMI version number alone.
HDMI Cable Comparison: 18Gbps vs. 48Gbps (Premium High Speed vs. Ultra High Speed)
| Cable type | Max bandwidth | Resolution / refresh it can carry | Typical devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 (Premium High Speed) | 18Gbps | 4K at 60Hz, 1080p at 120Hz | Older TVs/monitors, Blu-ray players, PS4, Xbox One |
| HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed) | 48Gbps | 4K at 120Hz (full chroma/HDR), 8K at 60Hz | PS5, Xbox Series X, 120Hz+ gaming TVs and monitors, AV receivers with eARC |
Notes on reading this table: the 48Gbps ceiling is a cable spec, not a guarantee that every device feeding it will actually output 8K — most consumer 8K content and gaming workflows today run well under that ceiling, with 4K120 being the practical target for PS5/Xbox Series X owners. eARC (lossless audio passthrough to a soundbar or receiver) also needs an Ultra High Speed-rated cable, independent of resolution.
What You Actually Need, By Use Case
- PS5 or Xbox Series X into a 120Hz 4K TV: get an Ultra High Speed (48Gbps) cable. Both consoles support 4K120 output, and the cable is the easiest bottleneck to fix.
- PC or laptop into a 4K60 monitor, or a Blu-ray player into a regular TV: a Premium High Speed (18Gbps) HDMI 2.0 cable is enough — you don’t need to pay for 2.1 bandwidth you won’t use.
- Soundbar or AV receiver with eARC: use an Ultra High Speed cable on that connection even if your video resolution is lower, since eARC’s lossless audio formats need the extra bandwidth.
- Long runs (25ft+) at 4K120/8K: copper HDMI cables lose signal integrity over distance; past roughly 25–30ft at these bandwidths, an active or fiber-optic HDMI 2.1 cable is more reliable than passive copper.
PrimeCables Picks (In Stock)
A few Ultra High Speed (48Gbps) HDMI 2.1 cables currently in stock on primecables.ca, for different budgets and lengths:
- HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps Ultra High Speed, 8K 60Hz HDCP, Dynamic HDR, eARC, 3ft — $6.45 CAD
- HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps Ultra High Speed, 8K 60Hz HDCP, Dynamic HDR, eARC, 10ft — $10.95 CAD (sale price through Oct 19; regular $12.95)
- HDMI 2.1 8K Ultra High Speed 48Gbps UHD HDR Cord with Nylon Jacket — 6ft — $7.95 CAD (sale price through Oct 19; regular $14.99)
- HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed 8K@60Hz 48Gbps UHD HDR Cable, CL3 30AWG — 3ft — $6.99 CAD
All four are 48Gbps-rated and suitable for 4K120 or 8K60 use; pick length based on your setup (console-to-TV runs are usually under 10ft).
FAQ
Does any HDMI cable support 4K 120Hz if the devices on both ends support it?
Not necessarily. The cable itself needs to carry 48Gbps to pass full-bandwidth 4K120 (with HDR and full color sampling). Using a cable with insufficient bandwidth may limit available resolutions, refresh rates, HDR settings, or color formats, depending on your connected devices.
Do I need a special cable for PS5 or Xbox Series X 4K 120Hz gaming?
Yes — use an Ultra High Speed (48Gbps) HDMI 2.1 cable. The console port supports it, but a cable rated only for HDMI 2.0 speeds will bottleneck the connection.
Is “HDMI 2.1” printed on a cable the same as “Ultra High Speed”?
Not necessarily. The HDMI Forum’s certification mark is “Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable,” which guarantees 48Gbps. Some cables are labeled “HDMI 2.1” without going through that certification, so look for the 48Gbps spec explicitly or the certification label/QR code.
Can a long HDMI cable still do 4K 120Hz or 8K?
Passive copper cables lose signal integrity as length increases; many manufacturers only rate full 48Gbps performance up to roughly 25–30ft. For longer runs, an active or fiber-optic Ultra High Speed cable is the safer choice.
Does HDMI 2.1 cable support eARC for better soundbar audio?
Yes. eARC requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable on that specific connection, regardless of the video resolution you’re sending.
Will an 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 cable work for regular 4K60 TV viewing?
Yes. 4K at 60Hz fits comfortably within an HDMI 2.0 cable’s 18Gbps bandwidth, so there’s no need to buy a 48Gbps cable if you’re not using 120Hz, 8K, or eARC.
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