The Sony PlayStation 5 was released in Nov 2020 and comes with a single HDMI 2.1 port that can offer up to a 4K 120Hz resolution as its maximum output. Sony’s current-gen console does come with a capable HDMI 2.1 cable but it has some shortfalls that could make users look for a better, longer, and more durable alternative or replacement down the line.
Given the PS5’s massive success as a console, there is no shortage of options available to users, butnot all HDMI cables are created equal. Users must be aware of the following factors when selecting anHDMI cablefor their PlayStation 5 console to avoid running into limitations down the line:
Philips 2-Device HDMI 2.1 Switch
Cable Matters 8K Right Angle HDMI Cable
The team at Game Rant has made a list of some of the best HDMI cables for the PlayStation 5 below, handpicking options that help users eliminate the guesswork or trial-and-error approach to getting a replacement or an upgraded HDMI cable for their console in 2024:
Anker 8K Certified HDMI Cable
Premium-Built Well-Priced Offering
The Anker 8K Certified HDMI cable offers up to 48gbps of bandwidth across its HDMI 2.1 compliant connectors while offering 10 feet or 3 meters of length. It comes with an extensive 18-month warranty from Anker and what the manufacturer states is a 1000+ bends lifespan as a testament to its durability versus its competition.
For users who need an excellent, reliable cable with none of the guesswork for their PlayStation 5 console, Anker offers one of the best cables in the business, backed by an 18-month warranty. The cable company which is widely considered one of the juggernauts of the 3rd party cable industry delivers the maximum HDMI 2.1 bandwidth spec of 48 Gbps while offering support from 12-bit content, HDR, and eARC with ease in a neat package.
The Anker 8K Certified HDMI Cable comes in multiple trims including the 10 ft option above, meaning that users can opt for a smaller option if 10 ft is too much for their needs or go with the 25 ft option that sadly caps out at HDMI 2.0 compatibility, meaning that is restricted to 4K 60Hz throughput on the PS5 currently.
All in all, for most users, the Anker option is a superior, well-priced all-rounder when it comes to HDMI 2.1 cables and delivers on its promise and then some in 2024.
Amazon Basics 8K HDMI Cable
The Minimalistic Option
The AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable is an affordable yet useful cable that can connect various devices to monitors, sound systems or TVs. It supports 4K resolution at 120 Hz refresh rate, 8K resolution at 60 Hz, Ethernet, Audio Return Channel (ARC) and has speeds of up to 48Gbps. It features a flexible and durable architecture, with gold-plated contacts, and it comes in three different sizes, 3, 6 and 10 feet.
For users looking for a cheap but reliable HDMI 2.1 cable, one doesn’t need to look much further than Amazon’s own name-brand cable offering. The Amazon Basics HDMI 2.1 cable comes in at 2 meters or 6 ft in length, offers the full 48 Gbps bandwidth that its competition does, and as a result, supports 12-bit color via Dolby Vision and eARC with ease thanks to the added bandwidth.
It is a no-nonsense option in an industry where most options trade at a significant premium when it comes to better-known brands but do not make any meaningful compromises as a result when it comes to build quality, offering superior value for money compared to most, if not all of its competition.
At 6 ft, it might be a tad smaller than most users are comfortable with. Its unassuming packaging does create some doubts among users about its compatibility with the PS5’s 4K 120Hz throughput. Still, as the listing states, Amazon’s cable is up to the mark and gets the job done - for considerably less than the competition.
Monster Cobalt 8K HDMI Cable
The Alloy-Infused Option
For users needing a more premium option than most of its peers, the Monster Cobalt 8K HDMI Cable delivers the goods, albeit at a premium versus its competition. It offers a decent length at 12 feet, a premium feel and heavy-duty shielding to prevent interference in more demanding setups, making it a great option to pair with most HDMI 2.1 devices on the market currently.
For gamers and power users looking for a more sturdy option than the above along with premium build quality, the Monster Cobalt 8K HDMI Cable offers a longer 12 ft / 3.66 meter solution that comes with a much more premium build quality on offer with packaging to match and with better electronic shielding in tow to avoid interference from nearby electronics.
It also offers the same HDMI 2.1 interface as the rest of the options while matching the maximum 48 Gbps bandwidth that the PS5 supports allowing it to handle its highest 8K and 4K 120 Hz output options with ease. At $50 a pop at the time of writing, it does come in at a considerably higher price than most of its competition but comes backed by one of the most reputed names in the cable business and delivers on its claims of offering a superior HDMI 2.1 option versus most of its alternatives.
Cable Matters 8K HDMI Cable 25ft
Cable Matters is a brand that is synonymous with high-quality and durable cables that tend to deliver excellent value for money versus most of their competition. The 8K HDMI cable offers the maximum 48gbps bandwidth and a much longer than average length of 25 ft while delivering a shock-resistant solution for users needing a high-bandwidth cable in 2024.
For users who need a longer HDMI 2.1 option for a projector or a larger TV/media room, the Cable Matters 8K HDMI Cable comes in a larger 25 ft option. It is also relatively inexpensive versus many more ‘premium’ alternatives clocking in at just under $30 or $1.2/ft of HDMI 2.1 cable making it excellent value for money.
Users going for this can avoid having to use adapters or interfaces between smaller cables when trying to send an HDMI signal from the PS5 across large rooms or multiple smaller ones and Cable Matters' offering still feels sturdy and well-built in general even if some users report it being slightly stiffer at bends around the port area.
All in all, the Cable Matters 8K HDMI Cable delivers where it counts and allows for a high-bandwidth HDMI stream that is not limited to short distances allowing users to set up their PS5 in various locations across the room.
A well-priced HDMI 2.1 HDMI Switch
For users needing to plug in more than 1 HDMI port to a TV with limited options on offer or having a single HDMI 2.1 port, the Philips 2-Device HDMI 2.1 Switch comes in handy, allowing them to streamline their options while changing between consoles or other display options at the press of a button.
Gamers using multiple consoles that have HDMI outputs with older TVs that have limited or singular HDMI 2.1 inputs can use the Philips 2-Device HDMI 2.1 Switch to keep things easier to manage with the switch supporting the PS5’s maximum 4K 120Hz output while giving users the ability to switch between outputs at the tap of a button.
The Philips offering is a relatively inexpensive solution when it comes to HDMI 2.1 switches but does limit itself to only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, something that not all users will be happy with. Others might not like the added cable mess that is bound to happen around the switch with it having an output cable, 2 input cables, and a USB cable for power.
For users looking for an easy, inexpensive way out, the Philips 2-Device HDMI 2.1 Switch does deliver, and does not make any bandwidth or output compromises necessary, making it a great pickup for gamers and users with multiple HDMI 2.1 sources on TVs with limited or hard-to-reach ports in play.
The 90 Degree Cable You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Cable Matters 8K Right Angle HDMI Cable offers an excellent inexpensive option for users who need a 90-degree cable for their PS5 console or TV due to lack of space or for better aesthetics. It offers the maximum bandwidth via HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gbps and supports eARC while coming in a premium braided finish out of the box.
For users needing a neater install or a better fit when it comes to their HDMI 2.1 ports on their PlayStation 5 or their TV, the Cable Matters 8K Right Angle HDMI Cable gets the job done under $15 for both the 90-degree and the 270-degree option alike. Not only is the cable relatively inexpensive to many of its peers, but it also comes with a premium braided design that makes it feel like a much more premium option than many of its alternatives.
At the same time, Cable Matters' option does cap out at just 2 meters or 6.6 feet, which might not make for the best installs for users looking for a longer wire or more flexibility regarding where to connect sources. For most users who will not need more than the 2 meters on offer, however, the Cable Matters option gets the job done without further ado and offers a more durable option that also allows users with wall-mounted TVs to get a better fit in some cases.
FAQ
Q: What is the PlayStation 5’s maximum output resolution?
The PlayStation 5 can output at up to an 8K resolution. For gaming however, it is limited to a 4K resolution with up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Q: Can I Get 120 Hz On A PlayStation 5?
Yes, a PlayStation 5 can do up to 120 Hz on a variety of resolutions up to 4K on supported output devices. It is recommended to use the accompanying HDMI 2.1 cable or buying a compatible one to avoid issues however.
