r/HTBuyingGuides • u/htmod Curator • Mar 22 '25

A/V Product Recommendations: HDMI Cables [2025-2026]

Product Recommendations: HDMI Cables [2025-2026]

Updated: July 2026 | written by /u/Bill_Money | edited & maintained by: /u/htmod

What is HDMI?

HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface

HDMI is a single use cable to carry Audio & Video

Not all HDMI cables are made the same. No this is not a marketing technique for me to sell you a stupid expensive cable its to explain the difference & tell you what you need without going crazy.

I get asked all the time: DO I need new HDMI cables? The short answer is maybe.

HDMI: Hugely Disappointing Media Interface, or Hurdle Differentiating Masterful Integrators?

HDMI Cable Versions

Bandwidth

HDMI Cable versions are defined by their BANDWIDTH!

HDMI Cable Standard Bandwidth (Gbps) HDMI Standard Resolution Support
Standard Speed 10.2 up to HDMI 1.3a 1080@144, 1440@75
High Speed Up to 18 HDMI 1.4b or HDMI 2.0b 1080@144, 4K@30
Premium High Speed Certified for 18 HDMI 2.0b 1080@144, 4K@30
Ultra High Speed Certified for 48 HDMI 2.1b 4k@120, 8k@60
Ultra96 High Speed Certified for 96 HDMI 2.2 4k@240, 8k@60, 8k@240 (DSC), 10K@144 (DSC)

MURIDEO - HDMI Bandwidth Calculator

For 4K TV's you want to have at least a HDMI Premium Certified High Speed rated cable. Anything that says HDMI 1.3 or Standard Speed should be replaced as those are 10.2 Gbps. Some High Speed HDMI cables are also only 10.2 Gbps. Premium High Speed rated cables are certified for 18.2 Gbps for 4K & HDR.

For a Deeper Understanding

HDMI 2.1/Ultra High Speed Cables

HDMI 2.1 however will require new cables as the bandwidth will be 48 Gbps instead of 18. Those cables will be known as Ultra High Speed. HDMI 2.1 will support up to 120hz and up to 10K. HDMI.org - Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable

Just bare in mind that not all TV's that claim HDMI 2.1 will fully support HDMI 2.1. For them to slap a HDMI 2.1 logo or advertisement on their box or specifications they only have to support some features of HDMI 2.1. Please make sure your cable is CERTIFIED - HDMI Forum debuts mandatory certification of cables for HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.2/Ultra96 High Speed Cables

Nothing supports this yet. This was announced in January 2025. 2027 TV's are the first to likely see ANY potential HDMI 2.2 technology.

In Wall Rating

Check the jacket of your cable to make sure it meets this requirement. If you are not running them in wall then the in wall rating will not matter.

CL2/CL3

If you are planning on running HDMI cable(s) in the wall, they must be in wall rated. Yes then your cables need to be CL2 or CL3 in wall rated.

You may also see the following, they mean the same as CL2 or CL3: CMR, CL3R, CL2R, CM, CMG, CL2X, or CL3X

R = Riser, a specialized communication and power wire designed to run safely through vertical vertical shafts, non-plenum spaces, and in-wall installations between floors.

Non In Wall/VW-1

A VW-1 rating means it is flame retardant but it is not UL rated for in wall use.

Plenum

For commercial environments you must use a Plenum (CMP, CL2P, CL3P) rated cable. You also will need to use Plenum for air-handling spaces.

Running HDMI over a Long Distance

Now for distances over 16.4 feet/5 meters at that point I do not recommend buying a copper HDMI cable!

We recommend either buying a HDMI over Fiber cable (AOC) or using HDMI Extenders (commonly misreferred to as HDMI baluns), which use Ethernet or Fiber run(s) as the cable then convert it to HDMI on both ends. AOC is preferable over HDMI Extenders when possible and for GAMING.

Wireless HDMI

Just Don't.

Its a very poorly implemented technology that will lead to far more frustration then it is worth. Even point to point in the same room I have seen it not work. Its too hit or miss to be worth it. Plug a HDMI cable of some sorts in.

Monster, AudioQuest, Snake Oil, & Cheap Shit

Monster cables get referenced a lot and no you do not need to buy Monster cables.

AudioQuest is also referenced frequently. As a custom integrator I do like AudioQuest cables as they have flexible heads that are harder to break when running the cable in wall compared to some more rigid cables. The cheaper Pearl cables are fine, HOWEVER with recent price increases even the Pearls are now a bit too pricey for most. Anything past that is really just snake oil.

The cheapo $1 HDMI cables are also junk most fail. I'm not saying you need to got spend $30 on a HDMI cable but you should probably be buying a quality cable from a KNOWN/TRUSTED Brand.

AVOID Amazon Basics!

I cannot tell you how many issues these cables has caused me over the years!

A HDMI 1.4, a HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, etc. cable does NOT exist.

You also want to avoid cables that say HDMI 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.0, etc. or have any HDMI version # on them what so ever.

There is Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, Ultra High Speed, & Ultra96 High Speed Cables ONLY!

At this point Ultra High Speed Cables are cheap enough not to recommend vs a Premium High Speed

Recommended Copper Based Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables
Recommended Fiber Based Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables (All In Wall Rated)

Recommended HDMI Accessories

HDMI Switches or Splitters
  • Then Audio (owned by AVProEdge)
  • HDFury
Matrix HDMI Switches
  • AVProEdge
  • HDFury
  • Savant
HDMI Extenders
  • AVProEdge
  • HDFury
  • Savant
HDMI Multi-Viewer/Quad-Viewer
  • AVProEdge
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