How to Choose an HDMI Cable | PS5 & Switch 2 Compatible

There are a huge number of HDMI cable types out there, and many people might be wondering, “Which one should I actually choose…?”
In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation on how to choose the best HDMI cable for your devices without hesitation.

By reading this article to the end, you will be able to find the perfect HDMI cable for your environment without compromising high image and sound quality.

The decisive factor for choosing an HDMI cable without failure

The most important point in choosing an HDMI cable without failure is to select a cable that matches the performance of the device you are using.
Especially for high-performance devices such as PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and 4K/8K TVs, an appropriate HDMI cable is essential to maximize their capabilities.
In this article, we will provide the decisive information to help you choose the best HDMI cable for your devices without hesitation.
By following the points explained in this article, you can build a comfortable environment without compromising high image and sound quality.

To maximize the original performance of PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2

HDMI is a digital communication standard for transmitting video and audio signals together through a single cable.
It is installed in many modern AV devices such as PCs, TVs, Blu-ray recorders, and game consoles like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
Even if you have these high-performance devices, using an incompatible HDMI cable may prevent the device from performing at its full potential.

For example, if you connect a modern game console that supports 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate to an HDMI cable of an older standard, it may not be able to display at 4K/120Hz because the cable’s performance is insufficient.
To enjoy HDR (High Dynamic Range) and high-quality spatial audio supported by modern TVs, choosing a cable that matches the device’s supported features is important.

Standard	Max Supported Resolution/Refresh Rate	Example Features
Ultra High Speed	4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz	Dynamic HDR, VRR, eARC
Premium High Speed	4K/60Hz	HDR
High Speed	4K/30Hz, Full HD/144Hz
Standard	1080i or 720p

As you can see, to maximize the beautiful images, smooth movement, and powerful sound of your PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and other high-performance devices, it is essential to choose an HDMI cable that matches the device’s specs.

Key points to keep in mind for ideal HDMI cable selection

Even if you have high-performance AV equipment or game consoles, they cannot fully demonstrate their capabilities if the cable is not compatible.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the checkpoints for maximizing the performance of connected equipment, which is the most important part of ideal HDMI cable selection.

Performance check of connected equipment

First, it is necessary to check what level of video and audio the devices you want to connect (TV, game console, PC, Blu-ray recorder, etc.) support.

Knowing the “maximum performance supported by the device” is the starting point for choosing the optimal HDMI cable.
Be sure to check the supported resolution (e.g., 4K, 8K) and refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz, 120Hz) of the devices you own.

Additionally, whether it supports features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is also an important checkpoint.
These features are necessary to achieve richer, more realistic video expression and high-quality sound.
When connecting high-performance equipment, if the cable does not support that performance, you may not get the expected video or audio quality.

Choosing a cable with specs that match or exceed the performance of the checked device is the first step in successful cable selection.

HDMI connector types

The next thing to check when choosing an HDMI cable is the “shape” of the connector that fits the terminal of the device you want to connect.
HDMI connectors come in several types, and the shape varies depending on the device.
If the shape doesn’t match, you won’t even be able to plug the cable in.

The most widely used is the standard HDMI connector called “Type A”.
It is commonly used in TVs, many PCs, game consoles, Blu-ray recorders, etc.
On the other hand, video cameras and some compact laptops may use “Type C (Mini HDMI),” which is one size smaller than Type A.
Furthermore, even smaller devices like smartphones and digital cameras may use “Type D (Micro HDMI),” which is even smaller than Type C.

Check the shape of the HDMI terminal on the device you are connecting in advance and choose a cable with the same type of connector.

HDMI versions

HDMI standards have evolved over time through version upgrades.
The higher the version, the more information can be transmitted at high speed, and the supported resolutions, refresh rates, and available functions improve.
Currently, labeling product HDMI version numbers (e.g., HDMI 2.1) is prohibited, but performance is indicated by “standard names,” which are listed on cable packaging and specifications.

Standard	Main Supported Resolution/Refresh Rate
Ultra96	12K/120Hz, 16K/60Hz, Max 96Gbps
Ultra High Speed	8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz, Max 48Gbps
Premium High Speed	4K/60Hz, HDR, Max 18Gbps
High Speed	4K/30Hz, Full HD/120Hz, Max 10.2Gbps
Standard	Up to Full HD (1080i/720p), Max 4.95Gbps

Checking the performance your equipment requires and choosing a cable of the corresponding standard is the key to achieving high image and sound quality.

Appropriate cable length

Choosing the right HDMI cable length is crucial, not just for reaching between devices but also because it affects signal stability.
A cable that is too short for the required distance is obviously unusable, but a cable that is too long can also cause several problems.
First, if it’s too long, the wiring becomes complicated, which not only looks bad but can also get in the way of cleaning.

Since the impact becomes more noticeable at 5m or longer, we recommend using active HDMI cables (with built-in video adjustment equalizers) or optical fiber HDMI cables.

Active HDMI cables (with built-in equalizers) allow for signal strength adjustment, making it possible to maintain signal quality even over distances of 10m or more.

Optical fiber HDMI cables have less signal attenuation even over long distances and can transmit signals efficiently.

Cable thickness and ease of handling

When choosing an HDMI cable, the thickness and flexibility of the cable itself, or “ease of handling,” is also a surprisingly important factor.
Generally, thicker cables tend to have better protection for the internal signal lines, making them more resistant to noise and providing higher signal stability.
Particularly when transmitting over long distances or high-load signals (high resolution, high refresh rate), a thicker cable may provide more stable connection.

Feature	Pros	Cons
Thick Cable	High signal stability, tends to be durable against breaks	Stiff and difficult to handle, bulky
Thin Cable	Flexible and easy to handle, keeps wiring neat	Possibility of signal instability over long distances or high loads
Flat Cable	Thin and easy to run along walls, etc., looks good	May have restrictions on the direction of bending

By considering the space of the installation location and the layout of the wiring, and choosing a cable with the optimal thickness and shape, you can create a comfortable connection environment while keeping things looking neat.

Knowledge of convenient functions

HDMI cables don’t just transmit video and audio; they also support several convenient functions.
Knowing these functions can further improve the usability of your equipment.

Function	Overview
HEC	Share internet connection via HDMI cable
ARC/eARC	Transmit TV audio to soundbars or amplifiers (eARC supports high-quality formats)
CEC	Link operations between HDMI-connected devices (e.g., operate a recorder with a TV remote)

By checking whether you need these functions in advance and choosing a compatible cable, device integration and wiring become simpler, and you can build a comfortable viewing environment.

Notes to know before purchasing

When choosing an HDMI cable, it is wise to avoid deciding based on price alone.
Expensive cables are not necessarily the best, but extremely cheap cables or products from unknown sources may not perform up to their stated specs or may have low durability.

Especially when using them in high-demand environments like high resolution or high refresh rates, low-quality cables may cause signal instability.

Point	Content
Don’t use price as the only criterion	Extremely cheap products may have unstable performance or quality
Choose reliable manufacturers	Manufacturers with a track record tend to have solid quality control
Check for official certification	Certification marks are a guarantee that performance requirements are met (especially important for latest standards and long distances)

To get the most out of your equipment’s performance, be careful with your cable selection and try to choose reliable products.

Official certification programs for worry-free selection

There are official certification programs established by the organization that manages HDMI standards, such as the “Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program” and the “Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable Certification Program.”
These programs verify through rigorous testing that cables meet specific performance standards and only permit the use of certification logos on passing products.

Cables that have received these certifications are given a dedicated certification logo, which can be scanned with a smartphone to confirm their authenticity.

Benefit	Content
Performance Guarantee	Resolution, refresh rate, bandwidth, etc., are strictly met
Quality Reliability	Passing rigorous tests implies expected signal stability and noise resistance
Peace of Mind	Serves as a reliable guide for choosing from a vast number of products
Counterfeit Protection	Scan function of the certification logo allows confirmation of authenticity

Especially for those of you who are confused by the many types of HDMI cables, this official certification logo is a very reliable guide to quality.
If you’re unsure, we recommend choosing a cable with the certification logo for the standard you want to support.

Thank you for reading to the end!

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