Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 | Best Overall | ~$25-$35 | 4.7/5 |
| Amazon Basics HDMI 2.1 | Best Budget | ~$10-$18 | 4.6/5 |
| Monoprice Certified Ultra 8K | Best Premium | ~$30-$45 | 4.7/5 |
| UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 | Best for Long Runs | ~$15-$25 | 4.5/5 |
| Anker Ultra High Speed HDMI | Best Compact | ~$18-$28 | 4.6/5 |
I have set up HDMI 2.1 systems for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming over the past 3 years. The features matter for next-gen gaming but understanding what’s required helps avoid spending on unnecessary upgrades.
What HDMI 2.1 Provides
4K at 120Hz (vs 60Hz on HDMI 2.0): Smoother motion in fast-paced games. Visible in shooters and racing games.
8K at 60Hz: 33 megapixel resolution. Limited content exists. Most gaming TVs are 4K.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Eliminates screen tearing when frame rate varies. Smooths choppy performance.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): TV automatically switches to game mode when game source detected. Reduces input lag.
Quick Frame Transport (QFT): Reduces frame transmission time. Lower input lag.
Quick Media Switching (QMS): Eliminates blank screen when changing media frame rates.
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): Supports lossless audio including Dolby Atmos.
Required Equipment
For full HDMI 2.1 gaming:
- Source device: PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC with RTX 30/40 series or newer.
- HDMI 2.1 TV or monitor: LG OLED, Samsung QLED, Sony Bravia (specific models 2020+).
- Ultra High Speed HDMI cable: Certified for 48 Gbps bandwidth.
All three must be HDMI 2.1 compatible. Mixing one HDMI 2.0 component limits the entire chain.
Cable Requirements
Premium High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0): 18 Gbps. Supports 4K at 60Hz.
Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1): 48 Gbps. Supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K.
The certification matters. Look for “Ultra High Speed” label or “48 Gbps” specification.
Recommended cables:
- Monoprice Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI - $20-30
- Belkin Ultra HD HDMI 2.1 - $25-40
- BlueRigger Certified HDMI 2.1 - $15-25
Avoid: Generic “HDMI 2.1” cables without certification. Often fail at 4K 120Hz.
Compatible Gaming TVs
LG OLED C3/C4: Full HDMI 2.1 (4 ports). Excellent for PS5/Xbox. Best gaming TVs available.
Samsung Q60C/Q70C: HDMI 2.1 on 2-4 ports depending on model. Excellent QLED quality.
Sony A95L (OLED): Premium gaming TV. Excellent picture quality.
LG B3 (entry OLED): HDMI 2.1 on 2 ports. Most affordable OLED gaming TV.
Verify HDMI 2.1 implementation: Some “HDMI 2.1” TVs have limited bandwidth (24 Gbps, not 48 Gbps). True HDMI 2.1 requires full 48 Gbps. Check specifications carefully.
Frame Rate vs Quality
PS5/Xbox Series X games run in different modes:
Performance mode (120 fps): Requires HDMI 2.1. Lower resolution/effects often. Better for competitive games.
Quality mode (30-60 fps): HDMI 2.0 sufficient. Higher resolution, better effects. Better for single-player visual experiences.
Balanced mode (60 fps): HDMI 2.0 sufficient. Middle ground.
Most current games offer multiple modes. HDMI 2.1 lets you choose performance mode if preferred.
Setting Up Correctly
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Verify TV firmware updated: HDMI 2.1 features improved with TV firmware updates.
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Enable HDMI 2.1 features in TV settings: Some TVs require manual enablement. Look for “HDMI Enhanced Input” or “Game Mode HDMI.”
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Configure console settings:
- PS5: Settings > Screen and Video > 120 Hz Output (On)
- Xbox Series X: Settings > General > TV & display options > Refresh rate (120 Hz)
- Verify 4K, HDR, and VRR options if available
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Test the connection: Confirm 4K 120Hz appears in console display info.
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Verify VRR working: Settings should show “VRR: On” during compatible games.
Common Problems
No 4K 120Hz available: Check cable certification. Verify TV HDMI port supports 2.1 (some TVs have mix of 2.0 and 2.1 ports - usually 2.1 on HDMI 2 and 3).
Random signal loss: HDMI 2.1 bandwidth pushes cable limits. Replace cable with quality certified version.
No VRR: Some games don’t support VRR. Verify game compatibility. Also verify TV setting enabled.
Audio cuts out: eARC issues. Verify TV supports eARC. Check that source has eARC capability.
Input lag still present: ALLM might not be working. Some TVs require manual game mode switching.
Game mode displays at 60Hz despite 120 setting: Verify cable, TV port, console setting. All three must support 120Hz.
My Setup
PS5 + LG C3 OLED + Monoprice certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Gaming experience:
- 4K HDR Dolby Vision (where supported)
- 120 Hz in supported games (Call of Duty, Fortnite, Warzone)
- VRR smooths frame rate variations
- Atmos audio via eARC to soundbar
- Game mode auto-enabled
Cable: $25 TV: $1,400 (LG C3 65”) Console: $500 (PS5)
Total: $1,925 for full HDMI 2.1 gaming setup.
When 2.1 Isn’t Needed
Casual gamers: 4K 60Hz HDMI 2.0 is excellent. Most users won’t notice difference for single-player games.
Limited budget: $1,000 setup with HDMI 2.0 (PS5 + LG B2 + 18 Gbps cable) plays everything at 4K 60Hz.
Older TV: HDMI 2.0 setup with quality TV upgrade later. Don’t waste money on cables for 2.0 TV.
Non-gaming use: Movies and shows rarely benefit from 120Hz (often filmed 24fps).
Future Considerations
HDMI 2.1a: Adds Source-Based Tone Mapping. Most current 2.1 TVs.
HDMI 2.2: Future standard with higher bandwidth (96+ Gbps). Will support 4K 240Hz, 8K 120Hz. Not yet widely available.
DisplayPort 2.1: Equivalent to HDMI 2.1 in PC monitor world. Different connector.
Wireless HDMI: Available but high latency unsuitable for gaming.
For most users, HDMI 2.1 is the right standard for 5-7 years before next significant upgrade.
Common Mistakes
Wrong HDMI port: Some TVs have 2.1 only on specific ports (usually HDMI 2 and 3, not 1 and 4). Verify port supports your requirements.
Cable too cheap: $5 cables fail at HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. Spend $20-30 for certified cable.
Console without 4K 120Hz games: HDMI 2.1 wasted if you only play 60fps games. Many gamers can be happy with HDMI 2.0.
Skipping firmware updates: TVs receive HDMI 2.1 improvements via firmware. Apply updates.
Disabling VRR/ALLM: These features should be enabled. Disabling them defeats HDMI 2.1’s purpose.
Frequently asked questions
What does HDMI 2.1 add for gaming?+
4K at 120Hz (instead of 60Hz max in 2.0). 8K capability (less practical). Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) eliminates screen tearing. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) switches TV to game mode automatically. eARC for lossless audio.
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Xbox Series X?+
Yes for 4K 120Hz gaming. The consoles support 4K 120Hz but only over HDMI 2.1. With HDMI 2.0 cable or display, you're limited to 4K 60Hz. Most current-gen exclusives target 4K 60Hz, so 2.0 is acceptable for most users.
Cable quality really matter?+
Yes for HDMI 2.1 features. Marked as 'Ultra High Speed' or '48 Gbps' certified. Generic 'HDMI 2.1' cables can fail at 4K 120Hz. Verify certified Ultra High Speed before buying.
VRR is what?+
Variable Refresh Rate syncs TV refresh to game's frame rate. Eliminates screen tearing. Smooths choppy frame rates. Required: HDMI 2.1 source, HDMI 2.1 TV, compatible game settings.
Most affordable HDMI 2.1 setup?+
PS5 + LG B3 OLED + Monoprice certified HDMI 2.1 cable. Or Xbox Series X + Samsung Q60C QLED + cable. Around $1,500 total. Above this point, diminishing returns.