If you want 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, and eARC working reliably, buy an Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) HDMI cable from a reputable brand in the length you need — and don’t overpay for fancy finishes. For most setups, a 3–6 foot certified cable is ideal; go active fiber only for runs longer than 10–15 feet.
Why HDMI 2.1 matters (brief)
HDMI 2.1 enables higher resolutions and faster refresh rates, such as 4K at 120 Hz, and supports features you’ll use on a PS5 or Xbox Series X: VRR, ALLM, and eARC for higher-quality audio. The practical consumer rule: if your TV and console support 4K@120Hz, pick a certified Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) cable so you don’t get surprise dropouts or disabled features.
Three reliable picks
Amazon Basics Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps) — best budget pick
Why you might buy it: It’s inexpensive, widely available, and meets the Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps spec for short runs. For most console setups where the TV and console are close, this cable gives you 4K@120, VRR, and eARC without the markup. Use the 3-foot or 6-foot option for tight setups.
Cable Matters Certified HDMI 2.1 — best midrange
Why you might buy it: Cable Matters offers certified 48 Gbps cables with good flexibility and solid connectors. Reviewers and buyers praise its reliability and range of lengths. It’s a safe middle ground if you want a well-built cable without an enthusiast price.
Zeskit Maya / X-Tech series — best enthusiast pick
Why you might buy it: Zeskit earned a following for making reliable, certified Ultra High Speed cables at reasonable prices. Enthusiasts recommend the Maya/X-Tech lines for stable performance and durable construction. If you want a cable that reviewers and forums consistently recommend, this is it.
Comparison table
| Cable | Cert/Speed | Best for | Typical lengths |
| Amazon Basics Ultra High Speed HDMI | Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) | Budget short runs, casual gamers | 3 ft, 6 ft |
| Cable Matters Certified HDMI 2.1 | Certified 48 Gbps | Reliable midrange, flexible | 3 ft–10 ft |
| Zeskit Maya / X-Tech series | Certified Ultra High Speed | Trusted pick, reviewers, and enthusiasts | 3 ft–15 ft |
How to pick the right cable
Buy the right speed: choose Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) HDMI for 4K@120Hz and eARC. If your TV is only HDMI 2.0, an 18 Gbps cable is enough — but a 48 Gbps cable future-proofs you.
- Keep the length short: shorter copper cables are less likely to fail. For most console-to-TV runs, 3–6 feet is perfect.
- Use active or fiber for long runs: for runs past 10–15 feet, consider active copper or fiber-optic HDMI to avoid signal issues.
- Certification matters: look for “Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable” certification or an official test-lab logo; it reduces the risk of fake specs.
- Don’t pay for bling: gold plating and fancy jackets rarely improve real-world performance. Save money for the right spec and build quality.
How to test a cable for 4K@120
After you connect your PS5 or Xbox Series X, go into the console’s video output settings and enable 120Hz. On your TV, enable the correct HDMI input settings (sometimes labeled “4K/120” or “Enhanced” mode). If the console lists 4K@120 and the TV reports the same input, the cable is doing its job. If you see flicker, missing HDR, or the console falls back to 60Hz, try a shorter cable or a different certified cable. You can also use the console’s built-in frame-rate tests or run a game known to support 120 Hz to confirm.
Final tips
Buy a certified 48 Gbps cable in the shortest length that will reach. Test by enabling 120Hz on your console and verifying the TV input shows 4K@120. If you must run more than 10 feet, pick an active or fiber option and test again. Don’t fall for claims that a $150 cable will improve picture quality; certification and correct length matter far more.
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