A good HDMI cable is a must if you don’t want to encounter any video and audio issues. Still, most people often overlook cables when installing their home-theater system. Whether you are hooking up an Android TV box or your favorite gaming console with your 4K TV, you need an HDMI cable that can handle the data throughput demand. To make your life easier, we have listed the best 4K HDMI cables you can buy in 2021.

These HDMI cables support 4K at 60Hz and are capable of delivering 18Gbps data transfer speed, which makes them a solid foil for buffer-free 4K streaming (resolutions up to 3840 x 2160). Furthermore, the cables are also backward compatible and feature additional shielding to ward off accidental damage. Not to mention, they can not only resist corrosion but also fight out pet chewing which could be a lifesaver.

To be more precise, there are three pivotal checkboxes you should look for when buying HDMI cables:

1. Highwings – Nylon-Braided Material with SR Joint Design

Highwings’ 4K HDMI cable (6.6 feet) is a complete solution. Made of high-quality nylon-braided material, the HDMI cable brings a sturdy construction to withstand wear and tear. The incorporation of the high-grade aluminum connectors further strengthens the durability. Notably, the cable features SR joint design at both ends that play a vital role in preventing joint cracking.

Cons: 

  • May fail to establish a strong connection at times

Both in terms of transferring data at rapid speed and resisting fraying, this offering from Ivanky (6 feet, also available in several lengths like 20, 25, and 50 feet) is a top-notch HDMI cable. The PVC jacket coupled with the aluminum alloy casing and gold-plated connectors not only give it a premium look but also boosts durability. So, you can bank on this HDMI cable to withstand the test of time.

Pros: 

Cons: 

For the folks who are on the lookout for a long and corrosion resistant HDMI 4K cable, PowerBear appears to be the right answer. Made with the double-braided nylon material, the cable is exceptionally strong. For an additional layer of safeguards, it is triple tin shielded.

Moreover, it boasts 30WG copper wire inside that has a major role to play in both consistent performance and much-improved resistance against fraying. The company claims that it can last 5x more bends (over 10, 000 bend life cycles).

4. iBirdie – Durable HDMI Cable with Support for 4K at 120Hz Refresh Rate

Boasting high dynamic range technology, iBirdie (6 feet) is touted to deliver top-grade brightness and color. And looking at the raw specs, I don’t see any reason why it can’t live up to the claim.

  • Can deliver top-grade brightness and color
  • Support for 4K at 120Hz
  • Robust casing
  • Protective PVC jacket

Whether it’s supporting higher bandwidth up to 18Gbps or being fully equipped to get the most out of your 4K TV (supports 4K@60HZ for resolutions up to 3840 x 2160) or being an ideal foil for high dynamic range video and CEC, this offering from Atevon (10 feet) has checked off all the boxes to be your reliable 4K HDMI cable. What’s more, it’s also compatible with HDCP 2.2, deep color 24/30/36/48 bit, and 3D format. As it is 10 feet long, you can comfortably use it for both laptop and TV setups.

Notably, the oxygen-free bare copper wiring (28AWG) plays a key role in ensuring the cable is able to transfer data fast and consistently. Thus, there is less chance of flickering coming in the way of your movie streaming. Overall, Atevon is one of the 4K HDMI cables in the market right now.

Cons:

  • The casing could be more durable

Should you wish to go for a relatively cheap yet efficient HDMI 4K cable, Ainope (6 feet) could be a smart pick. For starters, the cable meets all the latest HDMI standards including the 18Gbps high-speed data transfer, HDMI 2.0, dynamic color mapping, and Dolby Vision HDR. With these notable features, the $17 for 2-pack makes it the sort of deal that most would like to grab.

  • 18Gbps high-speed data transfer consistently
  • Supports dynamic color mapping
  • Compatible with Dolby Vision HDR
  • Claimed to have passed more than 20000 bend tests

Frankly speaking, Benfei (6 feet) belongs to the same territory as Ainope. So, if you want to buy a good yet budget-friendly 4K HDMI cable, keep it on your radar as well. The cable is fitted with a 32 AWG tinned copper wire that empowers it to transfer data at 18Gbps speed consistently. Hence, you can trust this cable to enhance your 4K video streaming by preventing flickering and lagging.