Maximum HDMI 2.1 Cable Length – How long can an HDMI 2.1 cable be for 4K 120Hz & how to extend an HDMI cable?
Most good quality 4K TVs that are launched are capable of 4K @ 120Hz and feature HDMI 2.1. This is primarily used for gaming and is featured on the PS5, Xbox Series X and many PC gamers use high resolution with high refresh rates.
HDMI 2.1 has had a bit of a rocky start. When AV receives launched with HDMI 2.1, many of them didn’t work properly. There are also a limited number of soundbars that support HDMI 2.1 and eArc.
Things are improving, though, but you also need to consider the HDMI cables you are using. The old cables you have been using for 1080P for the past 10 years may not support the high data rates of HDMI 2.1/4K 120Hz.
It is less of an issue for short cables, but the longer it is, the more problems you will have.
HDMI cables, like all cables that transmit electrical signals, experience signal loss over distance. This means that the longer the cable, the weaker the signal will be at the end of the cable. The amount of signal loss depends on several factors, including the quality of the cable, the resolution and refresh rate of the signal being transmitted, and the bandwidth of the cable.
Long HDMI 2.1 Cable Recommendations
10m Active Optical by Cable Matters:
![Cable Matters [Ultra High Speed HDMI Certified] Active 8K @60Hz Fiber Optic HDMI Cable 10m - Supporting 8K@60Hz 4K@120Hz HDR - Designed for Xbox, Compatible with PS5, Apple TV, PC](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NHun8Y7LL._SL160_.jpg)
- Level up to 4K 120Hz or 8K with the Cable Matters Fiber Optic HDMI cable; HDMI 8K cable features an active chipset and fiber optics for full 8K and 120Hz resolution support at extended distances not possible with traditional cables
- Certified active Ultra High Speed HDMI cable 8K with fiber optic technology supports the latest 8K and 4K 120Hz TVs and game consoles; Fiber HDMI cable supports the newest gaming features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) as specified in HDMI 2.1 for tear-free and lag-free gaming
- 48Gbps HDMI cable with fiber optic cores ensures full signal integrity across the long cable length; Enjoy full, error-free 8K or 4K 120Hz video performance through the power of fiber optics; Active chipset inside the cable boosts the signal to ensure reliability across the entire cable length
- Fiber optical HDMI cable is fully compatible with HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) / eARC technology for immersive audio support with Dolby Atmos and DTS X surround sound 7.1 and 5.1; 48Gbps HDMI cable is backwards compatible with HDMI 2.0 cable and supports 4:4:4 RGB HDR, 12-bit color, and is compatible with Dolby Vision
- The HDMI 8K cable is compatible with the PS4 PRO, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X / S and other game consoles and home and pro AV equipment; Long HDMI cable 4K 120Hz is ideal for setting up a game console away from a wall-mounted TV and extending its cable connection while preserving the advanced features of the latest game consoles
Active HDMI 2.1 Cables by Stouchi including 7.5m, 10m, 15m and 20m – some of the shorter lengths are HDMI 2.0, so check the product descriptions
- 【HDMI 8K Fiber Optic Cable】 Stouchi Ultra High Speed (AOC) active optical cable with 4 core optical fiber, adopts optical fiber as the transmission medium that will not be affected by electromagnetic interference, can achieve true lossless transmission. Supports over 150m Lossless transmission signal, exceed the length limit, no need for signal amplifier. Ideal for gaming and demanding industries.
- 【Dynamic HDR & eARC】 The HDMI 2.1 fiber optic cable features Dynamic HDR to capture more details with 12-bit Color Depth enhancement, with BT.2020.8K @ 60Hz and 4K @ 120Hz/144Hz higher resolution, reproduce the real world vividly and get incredibly realistic images. es. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, provides an immersive viewing experience with large screen.
- 【High Performance】Stouchi fiber optic cable follows HDMI 2.1 specification with mass capacity bandwidth of 48Gbps, also has very low EMI emission. HDCP 2.2 and 2.3 Supports the latest game features. VRR, ALLM, QFT, QMS Make the game smoother, no tearing, no stuttering, no dislocation! Backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b/2.0a/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1 versions.
- 【Safe & Flexible & Durable】CL3 Fire Rated for wall use, HDMI cables are thin, lightweight and flexible, easy to install into home wiring. The plug part is made of 24K gold plated material, which accurately transmits signals. PVC shell improves wear resistance, more soft and flexible than others. The active chipset inside the cable amplifies the signal to ensure uncompressed transmission.
- 【Widely Compatible】Compatible with PS5, PS4 Pro, PS3, Roku, Nin tendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox one X/S, Laptop, PC, NVIDIA SHIELD TV, App TV, Sony, Samsung, LG Oled TV, Blu -ray player, AV Receiver, TV Box, Projector, Monitor and more. . ); With DISPLAY socket to connect HDMI display devices (HDTV, projectors, monitors, etc.)
Maximum HDMI Cable Length – What is the longest HDMI cable that can do 4K?
There are no specific rules for HDMI. It is not like Ethernet, where they state 100m is the limit. Even with Ethernet, it can go beyond that, but the signal loss will quickly deteriorate the performance, therefore, Cat5E is rated at gigabit for 100m.
For standard HDMI cables, the maximum recommended length is around 10m. Beyond this length, the signal can become too weak to produce a reliable, high-quality image and sound. Depending on what website you look at, this figure may vary from 7.5m (25ft) up to 15m (50ft). To make matters more confusing, many websites sell HDMI cables longer than this.
For high-bandwidth HDMI cables, such as those used for 4K resolution and higher refresh rates, the maximum recommended length may be shorter. This is because these signals require more bandwidth and are more sensitive to signal loss.
Another limitation of HDMI cables is that the maximum resolution, refresh rate and the colour bit depth they can transmit is limited, it is important to check that the cables you are using support the resolution and refresh rate of the device you are connecting them to.
It’s also worth noting that some cables may not be able to transmit certain advanced features, such as HDR or ARC. If you are planning to use these features, make sure that your cables support them.
How long can an HDMI 2.1 cable be for 4k 120Hz & HDR/Dolby Vision?
None of the above specifically answers the question of how long an HDMI 2.1 cable be for 4k 120Hz.
An HDMI 2.1 cable should be able to handle a 48Gbps data rate, and it, therefore, won’t be able to go as long as HDMI 2.0 cables.
If it wasn’t clear from the above, the answer is that no one really seems to know. Ironically, after years of people saying expensive cables don’t matter, the reality is that good quality cables do matter, and you may have to pay more for them.
The official HDMI website states:
The specification does not indicate a cable length. Cable length depends on many factors, including cable type and construction. Based on early testing in the UHS Cable program, it is expected that passive cables of 5 meters will be achievable.
That’s for passive cables, though. Other websites state that an active HDMI 2.1 cable can measure up to 7.5m (25ft) without difficulty, giving you much more cable reach to play with.
Apparently, the HDMI org doesn’t certify active cables, so anything you buy may or may not work. You will have to rely on user/critic reviews.
Where to buy long HDMI cables?
Plenty of websites sell longer cables, and your mileage will vary.
Amazon, as always, is your best bet. At the very least, you can buy the cable and know that you can have easy returns.
Monoprice is well regarded, and they have some long cables. Cable Matters also appears to be a reputable company.
How to extend the length of an HDMI Cable? Will a long HDMI 2.1 cable work with 4k 120Hz?
It depends on how long you want to go and how much you are willing to spend.
Long HDMI 2.1 cables that can do 4k 120Hz & HDR/Dolby Vision
For longer lengths, active HDMI 2.1 cables are you best (only) option and these are supposedly able to go up to 7.5 (25ft), again, your mileage will vary depending on quality.
Beyond this, there are active HDMI 2.1 optical cables. The best fibre optic active HDMI cables can run over 10m (32ft) and still maintain the full bandwidth of the HDMI 2.1 cable standard.
These cables are not particularly cheap. If you look on Amazon, the options are limited, with a lot of products with mixed reviews. Cable Matters seems to be a well-regarded company for active cables, and they have a 10M active cable that costs £85 or £70 for the 5m version.
- Level up to 4K 120Hz or 8K with the Cable Matters Fiber Optic HDMI cable; HDMI 8K cable features an active chipset and fiber optics for full 8K and 120Hz resolution support at extended distances not possible with traditional cables
- Certified active Ultra High Speed HDMI cable 8K with fiber optic technology supports the latest 8K and 4K 120Hz TVs and game consoles; Fiber HDMI cable supports the newest gaming features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) as specified in HDMI 2.1 for tear-free and lag-free gaming
- 48Gbps HDMI cable with fiber optic cores ensures full signal integrity across the long cable length; Enjoy full, error-free 8K or 4K 120Hz video performance through the power of fiber optics; Active chipset inside the cable boosts the signal to ensure reliability across the entire cable length
- Fiber optical HDMI cable is fully compatible with HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) / eARC technology for immersive audio support with Dolby Atmos and DTS X surround sound 7.1 and 5.1; 48Gbps HDMI cable is backwards compatible with HDMI 2.0 cable and supports 4:4:4 RGB HDR, 12-bit color, and is compatible with Dolby Vision
- The HDMI 8K cable is compatible with the PS4 PRO, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X / S and other game consoles and home and pro AV equipment; Long HDMI cable 4K 120Hz is ideal for setting up a game console away from a wall-mounted TV and extending its cable connection while preserving the advanced features of the latest game consoles
The longest option I can find is the Monoprice SlimRun 8K Optical HDMI Cable. They have options that go up to 65ft or 20M, and this costs $141. On the UK shop, they have the 9.1m/30ft SlimRun AV 8K cable for £108. However, if you look at the reviews, it has some mixed opinions, with many people claiming it doesn’t work properly with HDMI 2.1 on PCs.
There is also the Stouchi 8K cable which can go up to 20m and is comparatively cheap at just £90.
- 【HDMI 8K Fiber Optic Cable】 Stouchi Ultra High Speed (AOC) active optical cable with 4 core optical fiber, adopts optical fiber as the transmission medium that will not be affected by electromagnetic interference, can achieve true lossless transmission. Supports over 150m Lossless transmission signal, exceed the length limit, no need for signal amplifier. Ideal for gaming and demanding industries.
- 【Dynamic HDR & eARC】 The HDMI 2.1 fiber optic cable features Dynamic HDR to capture more details with 12-bit Color Depth enhancement, with BT.2020.8K @ 60Hz and 4K @ 120Hz/144Hz higher resolution, reproduce the real world vividly and get incredibly realistic images. es. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, provides an immersive viewing experience with large screen.
- 【High Performance】Stouchi fiber optic cable follows HDMI 2.1 specification with mass capacity bandwidth of 48Gbps, also has very low EMI emission. HDCP 2.2 and 2.3 Supports the latest game features. VRR, ALLM, QFT, QMS Make the game smoother, no tearing, no stuttering, no dislocation! Backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b/2.0a/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1 versions.
- 【Safe & Flexible & Durable】CL3 Fire Rated for wall use, HDMI cables are thin, lightweight and flexible, easy to install into home wiring. The plug part is made of 24K gold plated material, which accurately transmits signals. PVC shell improves wear resistance, more soft and flexible than others. The active chipset inside the cable amplifies the signal to ensure uncompressed transmission.
- 【Widely Compatible】Compatible with PS5, PS4 Pro, PS3, Roku, Nin tendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox one X/S, Laptop, PC, NVIDIA SHIELD TV, App TV, Sony, Samsung, LG Oled TV, Blu -ray player, AV Receiver, TV Box, Projector, Monitor and more. . ); With DISPLAY socket to connect HDMI display devices (HDTV, projectors, monitors, etc.)
An alternative to active optical HDMI cables are HDMI repeater/extender, but again, it’s difficult to find products that fall within the HDMI 2.1 specification.
There are cheap 8K HDMI couplers from known brands such as Ugreen, but these seem to hit a limit of around 8m total before they aren’t able to do 8K or 4K120Hz
- HDMI 2.1 Female to Female Coupler: UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Extender joints two HDMI cables to increase the reachable distance. With the HDMI Female to Female Adapter, the distance between your TV stick and television or between game console and monitor can be change flexibly.
- 8K Ultra High Resolution: UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Female to Female Connector supports a maximum transmission rate of 48Gbps to deliver better video and video quality. The Ultra High Speed HDMI Extender supports resolution and refresh rate up to 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 4K@60Hz, 2K@144Hz and 1080P@240Hz. Ideal for gaming.
- Tight Fit for Stable Transmission: With standard HDMI plugs, the HDMI 2.1 Joiner Coupler holds the connected cables firmly without wobble. The connections stay firm even when you move the coupler. Made of high-quality materials, though the 8K HDMI Connector extends the length, it causes no degradation to picture quality or audio.
- Wide Compatibility: UGREEN 4K@120Hz HDMI 2.1 Female to Female Connector plugs and plays on devices of standard HDMI 2.1/2.0/1.4 port, including TV sticks, PS5/PS4/PS3, Xbox Series X/S/One, NS switch, laptop, PC, capture card, GPU, Fire TV, Blu-ray player, AV Receiver, DVD player, SHIELD TV/HDTV, TV Box, eARC soundbars, HDTV, monitor, speaker, projector, etc.
- Future-Proofing 8K Devices: UGREEN HDMI 2.1 8K Extender supports dynamic HDR to deliver life-like and vivid images. The HDMI Adapter features eARC to improve compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio; variable refresh rate support（VRR) to eliminate stuttering and tearing in games; automatic low latency mode (ALLM) to reduce latency; quick media switching(QMS) to reduce delay switching between video sources, and quick frame transport for better utilization of the HDMI 2.1 48Gbps bandwidth.
For HDMI 2.0
If you don’t need to do 4K@120Hz then you have a bit more wiggle room, I’d personally try and stick to the HDMI 2.1 specs as that will give you some reassurance that things will work.
However, if you want to go beyond 20m, there are some well-reviewed options, but I think it will be a case of try it and see. You may need to return to Amazon.
There is a well-reviewed 30M Rommisie HDMI cable that claims to do HDMI 2.0/18Gbps capable of 4K, ARC and HDR.
- 【Supports Latest HDMI Standard 】 Upgraded HDMI 2.0 HD cables, 4K HD picture quality transmission, more exquisite picture, enjoy the 3D vision, enjoy theater level effect at home.
- 【Quality Experience 】 No double image, no flashing screen, TMDS transmission differential signal, aluminum foil ground woven (round) multiple shielding, transmission stability without loss.Large screen projection, office/speech more clear and efficient, automatic synchronization of audio and video, no manual adjustment, enjoy sound vision.
- 【 Maximizing Signal Strength 】Gold plated interface, corrosion and oxidation resistance, long-term use of rust, signal transmission is still stable.100% Pure copper conductors, Triple Cable Shielding, 24K Gold-plated full metal jacket connectors.
- 【 Compatible with all HDMI Components 】Connect Blu-Ray Player, PS3/4/5, Roku, and laptops with HDMI output to 4K UHD TV, projectors, A/V Receiver, etc.
- 【 THE BIGGEST COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMERS 】 We have professional customer service personnel who can solve any problems in purchasing and using products and bring you a satisfactory shopping experience.
Jorenca also claims to do HDMI 2.0 18Gbps 4K 60Hz, and they have a cable that goes up to 50m. I am sceptical of these claims, but that’s what they advertise, and if it doesn’t do this, then you have the right to return.
- Fiber Optic HDMI Cable Fully Meets new HDMI 2.0 standards,High-speed and stable 18Gbs signal transmission will not be affected by the length no loss, no flicker or black screen.
- Supports all formats of 4K 60Hz, including 4K 60Hz 4:4:4, 4K 60Hz HDR10, 4K 60Hz 4:2:2, compatible with 4K 60Hz 2160p、ARC、HDR、HDCP 2.2、3D Dobly Vision, etc.
- Lightweight and slim Optic hdmi cable adopts 24K gold-plated plug, super anti-oxidation, beautiful metal shell, mixed shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference, can withstand bending and folding without breaking,Plug and Play,No need external power cable.
- Optical HDMI cable is one-way transmission, "SOURCE" plug is connected to HDMI source devices, "DISPLAY" plug is for HDMI display devices such as:PC, Laptop, PS3 PS4 PS5 PS9, Xbox One, Xbox 360, TV, LG TVs,AV Receiver, Sky HD, Box TV to,Projectors and more.
- Optical HDMI cable provides a 12-month free warranty. Once you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact our customer service staff to provide you with professional and high-quality services
HDBaseT for 4K at 60 Hz with Dolby Vision
HDBaseT has been a popular option for extending video and audio over long distances. It basically uses Ethernet to transmit the data and is, therefore, capable of 100m, or further if you use multi-hops.
However, HDBaseT 3.0 is limited to 16 Gb/s, which is the equivalent of 18 Gb/s in HDMI transmission. That is basically the HDMI 2.0 data rate specification, and it can therefore achieve the same as that.
This includes:
- 4K at 60 Hz with 8-bit 4:4:4 color coding,
- 4K at 60 Hz with up to 12-bit 4:2:2 and high dynamic range (HDR),
- 4K at 60 Hz with Dolby Vision standard mode.
Buy HDBaseT 4K60Hz Extenders on Amazon
HDMI 2.1a and HDMI Cable Power
The HDMI 2.1a specification should fix some of these problems with something that is called HDMI Cable Power.
With this, HDMI cables can now be powered directly from the HDMI Connector, without attaching a separate power cable. This makes attaching and using active HDMI Cables as easy as using passive, wired HDMI Cables.
The new HDMI 2.1a cables with HDMI Cable Power will be able to provide up to 300 mA from the 5V supply of the source.
HDMI Cables with HDMI Cable Power include a separate power connector for use with source devices that do not support the HDMI Cable Power feature. Typically, these connectors will be USB Micro-B or USB Type-C, but different power connector types may be used.
However, just like the previous comments, there is no specific length defined for these new cables. I assume it will be the same as an active HDMI cable, so it will be roughly 7.5m for a normal cable or 20m for an optical cable.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
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