What HDMI Cable is Best for Your PS4 & PS5?
What To Know
- PS4 consoles initially used HDMI 1.4, but after a 2016 software update, they support HDMI 2.0, enabling HDR but not increasing the maximum output resolution beyond 1080p.
- Any high-quality HDMI cable is compatible with PS4, but using an HDMI 2.0 cable is recommended to utilize all PS4 capabilities, including HDR.
- Top recommended HDMI cables for PS4 include the Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI 2.0 Cable, the PowerBear 4K HDMI Cable, and the iVANKY 4K HDMI Cable, each offering durability and varying lengths suitable for gaming needs.
In this article, I’ll quickly guide you through what HDMI cable your PS4 needs for the best gaming experience.
Keep reading to discover your ideal HDMI solution!
Quick Navigation
What HDMI Cable Comes With a PS4?
PS4 consoles come with an HDMI 2.0 cable.
Up until software update 4.0 in 2016, PS4s used to have HDMI 1.4 ports, which also allowed people to use the PS4’s maximum resolution of 1080p (or Full HD) along with a refresh rate of 60Hz.
The update allowed the HDMI ports to support up to HDMI 2.0, which can play 4K video at 60Hz.
Please note that this does not mean your PS4 can output 4K videos, as it can only display a maximum resolution of 1080p (Full HD).
The updated port allows PS4 users to use HDR, or high-dynamic range. Please ensure that your TV can support HDR to use this feature.
Can You Use Any HDMI Cable for Your PS4?
Yes, you can use any compatible HDMI cable for your PS4.
All high-quality HDMI cables will work with your PS4 since they all support 1080p at 60Hz.
This gives you a lot of flexibility when purchasing a cable, ensuring you can buy one from a reliable brand.
Please steer clear from discount HDMI brands, as they could be faulty, quickly break, or have low bandwidth.
Remember that if you use an HDMI 1.4 cable you will be unable to use HDR on your PS4.
So, we recommend using an HDMI 2.0 to ensure you can take advantage of all of your PS4’s capabilities.
What Is the Best HDMI Cable for My PS4?
A quick search will reveal hundreds of different HDMI cables, all boasting various capabilities.
You know that any HDMI cable will support your PS4’s maximum resolution, but how do you know if it’s good quality?
Thankfully, we’ve come up with our top three HDMI cables for your PS4.
- The Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI 2.0 Cable is perfect for gamers on a budget. It comes in four different sizes from three feet to fifteen feet long.
- Check out the PowerBear 4K HDMI Cable for a nylon-braided cable that’s meant to withstand years of use.
- If you’re willing to spend a little extra, take a look at the iVANKY 4K HDMI Cable , which is also covered in a nylon sheath and comes in gray or red.
Whichever HDMI cable you decide to buy, remember to ensure it’s HDMI 2.0 if you plan on using it for HDR.
You should also ensure it’s compatible with your monitor or TV by checking that it supports, at least, 1080p at 60Hz.
About the PS5 HDMI Cable
PS5 consoles come with an HDMI 2.1 cable.
PS5 consoles offer a higher picture resolution at a faster refresh rate, and they need a newer version of HDMI to match this.
So, every PS5 console comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable, which supports 4K at 120Hz.
Remember that your TV needs to support 4K at 120Hz to take full advantage of this powerful console.
HDMI 2.1 cables are the latest HDMI cables to hit the market and support up to 8K at 120Hz.
They offer amazing video quality and refresh rates previously only seen with DisplayPort cables.
Similar to PS4s, you can use any HDMI cable with your PS5 as long as it supports its maximum resolution of 4K at 120Hz.
If you’re in the market for a new HDMI cable for your PS5, we suggest checking out the Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable or the Anker Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable , both of which support 4K at 120Hz.
Wrapping Things Up
PS4s use HDMI 2.0, which allows them to deliver a full HD image at 60Hz and even support HDR.
However, you can use an HDMI 1.4 cable with them if you’re not interested in taking advantage of your PS4’s capabilities.
PS5s, on the other hand, use HDMI 2.1. This means they support 4K videos at 120Hz, making for an incredible gaming experience.
Remember to only buy HDMI cables from a reputable brand, or else you may be left with an obscured image on-screen.
Avoid using HDMI splitters for your PS4 or PS5, as they may increase your input lag.
What’s your experience finding the right cable for your PS4? Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.