The future of gaming is finally here, and according to some gaming enthusiasts, they see their vision of the next-gen gaming console culminating through the PS5. Due to increased demand, it can still be difficult to get a hold of the console, but officially, the PS5 is a reality that takes gaming to the next level.
Several factors contribute to the PS5’s astounding success, and one of them is the console’s HDMI cable and port. To get the most out of your console, you must know what HDMI cable comes with the PS5.
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What HDMI Version/Cable Comes With PS5?
The Playstation 5 has an HDMI 2.1 connection which lets you enjoy the content at 120 frames per second. This is considerably higher than the last generation of gaming consoles which could only stream content at 60 frames or 30 frames per second. However, not only can you enjoy a higher refresh rate, but you can also transfer content at a resolution of 4K or 8K. But to do this, your TV must also support 8K or 4K content. The downside is that 8K content will be limited to 60 frames per second.
Some gaming titles on the PS5 also offer players different gaming modes in which they experience the game at a higher refresh rate or improved graphic settings. For the PS5, this means that you can either play the game at 60 frames per second at 4K, or 120 frames per second. That said, the exact settings can vary depending on the game you’re playing.
Can I Use Any HDMI Cable for PS5?
You can, but you shouldn’t.
As we’ve mentioned, the PS5 is a next-gen console with the latest graphic and gameplay capabilities. If you do plan to get a different HDMI cable, get an Ultra High Speed 2.1 cable to get your money’s worth. A standard HDMI cable can work, but it’ll max out at a significantly lower setting.
Here’s what we mean.
| Specification | Year | Video | Audio Support | ||
| Maximum Resolution Refresh Rate | Maximum Transmission Rate | HDR (High Definition Resolution) | |||
| HDMI 1.0 | 2002 | 1080p at 60 Hz | 4.95 Gb per second | No | 8 audio channels |
| HDMI 1.1 and 1.2 | 2005 | 1440p at 30 Hz | 4.95 Gb per second | No | DVD-Audio and One-Bit Audio |
| HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 | 2009 | 4K at 60 Hz | 10.2 Gb per second | No | ARC, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD |
| HDMI 2.0 | 2013 | 5K at 30 Hz | 18.0 Gb per second | Yes | HE-AAC, DRA and 32 audio channels |
| HDMI 2.1 | 2017 | 8K at 30 Hz | 48.0 Gb per second | Yes | eARC |
You can downgrade to an older variant of the HDMI cable. Still, by doing that, you’re going to miss out on several essential features that make content consumption more enjoyable. However, if your TV does not support HDMI 2.1, you may have no other options since there are no HDMI 2.0 to 2.1 adapters.
The bandwidth at which HDMI 2.1 transfers content is almost three times higher than HDMI 2.0. This can’t be converted or adapted. If you consider getting a new TV, look for one that has an HDMI 2.1 port since it gives you bleeding-edge tech and future-proofs all digital transfer devices.
Does HDMI Cable Type Really Matter for PS5?
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When you talk about the last four releases from Sony (the PS4, the PS4 Pro, and the PS5) you’ll notice how the bandwidth aspect has improved consistently. Each of these consoles offers smart bandwidth detection. This means, if you connected your PS5 to a projector that can project content at 120 frames per second using an HDMI 1.4 cable, you won’t get the desired result.
The video you’ll see will be at 60 frames per second, limited to a resolution of 1080p. If you used the same cable to connect a PS4 or the PS5 to a 60 frames per second 4K projector, you’ll see the same results. You won’t see content at 4K, and you’ll again be limited to 60 frames per second at 1080p.
You shouldn’t see color shifts, blank screens or sparkles, but if you do, then it may mean that you have a shoddy cable or that you’ve probably forced a high bandwidth that was not capable of handling it. By this point, most of the visual errors you see in HDMI technology are mostly because:
- The hardware has evolved drastically
- The Graphic Processing Unit needs an upgrade (not relevant for gaming consoles)
- You possibly used a faulty HDMI cable
One more thing you should remember is that if you’ve connected a receiver or a soundbar into your gaming setup (with the console connected in the ecosystem), you’ll still need an HDMI 2.1 cable. But this will only be needed if you’re trying to watch content at 4K and 120 frames per second.
Any chain is only as strong as the weakest link.
If your console supports 2.1, but the receiver only supports 2.0, the features and resolutions at your disposal will be those of HDMI 2.0.
But Should I Upgrade?
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It depends..
At the moment, the one media source that can take full advantage of the HDMI 2.1 cable is the PlaySation 5. Consider trying out 4K gaming at 120 frames per second in a setup that isn’t yours. In your initial experience, you will notice a stark difference. You’ll see characters moving quickly, and you’ll enjoy a much more fluid experience. But in some cases, you may also think that the difference isn’t worth the cost.
However, If you’re getting an 8K television, you should consider getting an HDMI 2.1 cable. You should also remember that not every TV that claims to have HDMI 2.1 capability will offer you all of the state-of-the-art features you may be familiar with. A TV with 4K at 120 may also have eARC but not on the same input. On the other hand, a TV may have higher refresh rates, but not eARC. It can be confusing verifying what features from the PS5 you can utilize.
What HDMI Cable Specs Do You Need to Consider for PS5?
When you’re picking an HDMI cable for the PS5, you’ll have to consider a few factors. With the help of the list we’ve mentioned below, your decision may become a tad bit easier.
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Cable Length
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There’s no point in buying a high-end cable that can’t connect your devices properly. The cable needs to have some slack so you or someone else doesn’t trip over it. However, this also depends on where your console is placed. If your console is close to your TV, you can opt for an HDMI cable that is only a few feet long. In a short distance, you won’t have to worry about dropping frames, signal interference or a screen blackout.
That said, if the console is placed at least 15 feet away, you should opt for a Passive HDMI cable. These cables are bidirectional and can perform brilliantly in short distances. But there’s a caveat to this situation: you can’t use Passive HDMI cables for a signal above 4K at 60 frames per second.
On the other hand, if the console is placed more than 25 feet away, look for an active HDMI cable. In longer distances, the signal quality can drop because of interference. An active cable has integrated chips that borrow power to restore signal quality. Remember, active HDMI cables don’t work in reverse.
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Resolution or Bandwidth
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Perhaps the most important factor.
The cable you pick has to be fast enough to support your gaming needs. In the case of PS5, the cable must support 4K at 120 frames per second. If you’re planning to upgrade to an 8K TV or already have one, you should get an HDMI 2.1 cable. However, if your TV only supports 4K at 60 frames per second, there’s no point in getting an HDMI 2.1 cable.
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Price
An HDMI 2.1 cable is pricier than a 2.0 cable. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay a hefty amount to get an HDMI 2.1 cable. These aren’t that expensive, but if you’re looking for one with additional features, you’ll have to pay extra.
That said, you should first determine the features you’re looking for.
Best HDMI Cables for PS5
Thinking of buying an HDMI cable for your PS5? Consider the following options.
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Conclusion
Typically, an HDMI 2.1 cable for the PS5 isn’t a necessity, but having one can unlock advanced features and future-proof some of the decisions you’ll make regarding the different displays you get. Higher refresh rates do impact the gaming experience, but is it worth the cost?
You be the judge.
FAQs:
Do I Really Need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?
You don’t need one, but having one can let you utilize additional features such as 4K at 120 frames per second.
Will 1.4 HDMI Work on PS5?
Yes. The PS5 is backwards compatible with all older variants of the HDMI cable.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.