Comprehensive Guide to HDMI Cable Types: Features and Compatibility

HDMI cables are everywhere—from TVs and gaming consoles to projectors and streaming devices. But with so many types available, how do you know which one is best for your setup? Choosing the right HDMI cable type can impact your viewing experience, ensuring the best picture and sound quality for your needs. 

At Anker, we know tech choices can get a little confusing, so we’ve put together this simple guide to help you make the best choice. We’ll explain HDMI connector types, cable categories, and what to look for when selecting a cable. Let’s get started!

What Is HDMI

HDMI means High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a standard for transmitting uncompressed digital video and audio from a source device, like a computer or Blu-ray player, to a display such as a TV or monitor. Since its introduction in 2003, HDMI has become the primary interface for modern audio-visual equipment, replacing older analog standards. The latest version, HDMI 2.1, supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, including 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, catering to the demands of advanced gaming and streaming applications.

HDMI Connector Types

One of the first things to know is that HDMI plugs come in several varieties. Each connector is designed for a specific type of device or usage scenario. It’s much easier to pick the right cable when you understand the differences between these connectors. 

Type A (Standard)

Type A HDMI connectors are the standard 19-pin connectors, measuring 13.9 mm in width. They are trapezoidal in shape, ensuring a secure connection, and support all HDMI features, including high-definition video (1080p, 4K, and 8K with compatible cables) and multi-channel audio. These are the most common types of HDMI ports, found on TVs, gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), Blu-ray players, streaming devices (Roku, Fire Stick), soundbars, laptops, and projectors. 

Type C (Mini)

Type C, or Mini HDMI, is a scaled-down version often used on smaller devices. You might encounter a Type C connector on compact cameras, tablets, or portable media players. While it provides the same high-quality HDMI connection as Type A, the smaller size makes it more practical for gadgets where space is at a premium.

Type D (Micro)

Even tinier than Type C, the Type D (Micro HDMI) connector is found on some smartphones, GoPro-type action cameras, and other ultra-compact devices. This connector measures about 5.83 mm wide—making it easy to spot when compared to the slightly larger Type C. Although it’s small, it can still deliver high-resolution video and audio.

Type E (Automotive)

Designed for automotive applications, Type E HDMI plugs feature a locking tab to prevent disconnection due to vehicle vibrations. They are commonly used in in-car entertainment systems, connecting devices like rear-seat DVD players or navigation systems to headrest monitors. Additionally, Type E connectors have a specialized shell that protects against heat, dust, and moisture, ensuring durability in automotive environments.

HDMI Cable Types

Now that you know the different connector types, let’s focus on HDMI cable types or “categories.” These categories determine the cable’s bandwidth and the maximum resolution it can reliably handle. Knowing which category you need can help you avoid overspending or underperforming. 

Standard HDMI Cable

Bandwidth: Up to 4.95 Gbps

Resolutions Supported: Typically up to 1080i or 720p

This older category is less common nowadays, but you may still see it labeled on basic cables. Standard HDMI cables are generally best for lower-resolution setups—think older DVD players or HDTVs that max out at 1080p. If your system doesn’t go beyond 1080p, a Standard HDMI cable can handle the job, but it won’t support advanced features like High Dynamic Range (HDR) or higher refresh rates.

Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet

Bandwidth: Up to 4.95 Gbps

Resolutions Supported: Typically up to 1080i or 720p

This variation of the Standard HDMI cable includes an Ethernet channel, allowing devices to share an internet connection through the HDMI cable itself—provided both connected devices support HDMI with Ethernet. This can reduce cable clutter in network-enabled setups, such as certain smart TVs, media players, or AV receivers. However, like the standard version, these HDMI cords are typically designed to handle earlier consumer applications and do not support advanced features such as HDR, higher refresh rates, or 4K resolutions.

High-Speed HDMI Cable

Bandwidth: Up to 10.2 Gbps

Resolutions Supported: Up to 1080p and 4K at lower refresh rates (24-30 Hz)

High-Speed cables are a great fit for most modern setups that involve Full HD (1080p) or standard 4K viewing. They typically support 4K at 30 Hz, and they can handle 3D video as well. We find High-Speed HDMI cords sufficient for a wide range of home applications, especially if you’re not pushing beyond 4K at 30 Hz or stepping into the realm of high-frame-rate gaming.

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable

Bandwidth: Up to 18 Gbps

Resolutions Supported: Up to 4K at 60 Hz, plus HDR

If you want 4K at 60 Hz—or if you have a gaming console or streaming device that supports this refresh rate—a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable is likely your go-to. It’s certified to handle HDR video, providing deeper contrast and more vibrant colors. Premium High-Speed cables are often recommended for gamers who play on modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, or for anyone who streams high-quality 4K content with HDR.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable

Bandwidth: Up to 48 Gbps

Resolutions Supported: Up to 8K at 60 Hz, and 4K at 120 Hz or higher

These cables are made for next-level performance, perfect for new gaming consoles, high-end gaming PCs, or home theater systems that target 8K or high-frame-rate 4K. Ultra High-Speed cables are designed to handle advanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), and more. If you’re serious about future-proofing or you have an 8K TV and the latest gaming console, we recommend going with an Ultra High-Speed cable.

Comparison Chart of HDMI Cable Types

To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of types of HDMI cables and their features:

HDMI Cable Type	Max Resolution	Bandwidth	Best For
Standard HDMI	1080i/720p	4.95 Gbps	Older HDTVs, DVD players
Standard HDMI w/ Ethernet	1080i/720p	4.95 Gbps	Internet-sharing setups
High-Speed HDMI	1080p/4K @ 30Hz	10.2 Gbps	Streaming, gaming, Blu-ray
Premium High-Speed HDMI	4K @ 60Hz, HDR	18 Gbps	4K gaming, home theater
Ultra High-Speed HDMI	8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz	48 Gbps	Next-gen gaming, 8K TVs

Factors to Consider When Choosing an HDMI Cable

Picking the right cable can significantly impact your viewing or gaming experience. Here are some key factors we recommend you consider before you hit “buy.”

Resolution and Refresh Rate Requirements

Check the maximum resolution and refresh rate you plan to use. If you’re just watching high-definition content at 1080p, a High-Speed cable should be fine. For 4K at 60 Hz, you’ll need at least a Premium High-Speed cable. If you’re targeting 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, or advanced gaming features like VRR, go for Ultra High-Speed. This ensures you’ll avoid screen flickering, image dropouts, or audio sync issues.

Quick Tip: Look at your device’s HDMI specification (e.g., HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1) and make sure your cable is rated to match or exceed that specification.

HDMI Cable Length

Longer cables can be more susceptible to signal degradation, especially at higher bandwidth requirements. If you need a longer cable run—say, over 15 feet—consider a high-quality cable or even an active HDMI cable that has built-in signal boosters. For especially long distances (over 30 feet), you might need fiber-optic HDMI cables or other specialized solutions to prevent signal loss.

Build Quality

HDMI cables endure a fair amount of wear and tear, especially if you’re plugging and unplugging them frequently. A sturdy outer jacket, strain relief at the connectors, and corrosion-resistant connectors (like gold plating) can prolong a cable’s lifespan.

Compatibility

Not all devices use the same connector types, and not all cables offer the same features. Make sure the cable you pick is compatible with all the devices in your setup, including audio receivers, soundbars, or video capture devices. If you have specialized requirements—like hooking up a camera with a Mini HDMI (Type C) output to a TV with a Standard HDMI (Type A) input—choose a cable that has the correct combination of connectors.

Bonus Tip: Make Room for More with the Anker 4-in-1 HDMI Switch

Let’s face it—most TVs and monitors don’t have enough HDMI ports for all your devices. If you’re juggling a gaming console, streaming stick, Blu-ray player, and maybe even a laptop, constantly swapping cables can get old fast. That’s where a high-quality HDMI switch comes in.

Anker 4-in-1 HDMI Switch lets you connect up to four devices to one HDMI port on your display. With the included remote control and simple one-click switching, you can effortlessly jump between inputs without ever leaving the couch.

But convenience isn’t the only thing it brings to the table:

✅ Supports 4K Resolution – Enjoy crystal-clear visuals whether you’re streaming a movie or immersed in a game.

✅ Reliable Power & Signal – Designed to deliver stable, high-quality output with no dropouts or lag.

✅ Perfect Companion for Your Cables – Works seamlessly with High-Speed, Premium High-Speed, and even Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables.

Conclusion

Selecting the right HDMI cable type ensures you get the best performance for your setup—whether you're watching movies, gaming, or setting up a home theater. At Anker, we focus on quality, durability, and high-performance cables so that you can enjoy seamless connectivity with your devices.

We hope this guide makes your choice easier! The right HDMI cable can enhance your entertainment experience—so choose wisely and enjoy every moment.

FAQs

Are there different types of HDMI cables?

Yes, HDMI cables come in different categories, including Standard, High-Speed, Premium High-Speed, and Ultra High-Speed. Each type supports different resolutions, refresh rates, and features.

Are HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 cables different?

Yes, HDMI 2.1 cables offer significantly higher bandwidth (up to 48Gbps) than HDMI 2.0, allowing support for 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. They also include features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making them ideal for gaming.

Is there a difference between a regular HDMI cable and a 4K HDMI cable?

Yes, a regular HDMI cable (Standard HDMI) is limited to 1080p resolution, while a 4K HDMI cable (High-Speed or higher) is designed to handle 4K video signals with HDR and higher refresh rates.

Does it matter what HDMI cable you use?

Yes, using the right HDMI cable ensures you get the best performance from your devices. An outdated or incompatible cable may result in lower resolutions, signal loss, or lack of support for advanced features like HDR and high refresh rates.