When it comes to HDMI cables, the consensus among experts is that for typical lengths (under 5-10 meters), a cheap cable will perform just as well as an expensive one. HDMI is a digital signal; it either works, or it doesn’t. There’s no “better picture quality” from a more expensive cable unless the cheaper one is faulty or incapable of the required bandwidth.
The key differences between cheap and expensive cables often lie in:
- Build Quality & Durability: More expensive cables might have thicker insulation, braided jackets, more robust connectors (e.g., gold-plated, though this offers little real-world benefit for digital signals), and better strain relief. This can lead to a longer lifespan, especially if the cable is frequently plugged/unplugged or subjected to stress.
- Shielding: Better shielding in more expensive cables can reduce interference, which might be a factor in very long runs or in electrically noisy environments. However, for most home setups, it’s not a significant concern.
- Bandwidth Certification: For higher resolutions and refresh rates (e.g., 4K@60Hz, 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz), you need a cable certified for “High Speed” (18Gbps for HDMI 2.0) or “Ultra High Speed” (48Gbps for HDMI 2.1). Cheaper cables might claim these specs but may not be officially certified.
Therefore, for most common uses (1080p, 4K@30Hz, basic 4K@60Hz), the cheapest “High Speed” HDMI cable will suffice. For anything requiring HDMI 2.1 features (8K, 4K@120Hz, VRR, eARC), you’ll need an “Ultra High Speed” certified cable, which will naturally be a bit more expensive, but still not exorbitant.
Here’s a review of 10 of the cheapest HDMI cables currently available on Amazon UK, keeping in mind that “cheapest” often means basic “High Speed” (HDMI 2.0) capabilities, and prices can fluctuate. I’ll focus on 1-2 meter lengths as they are most common for value.
1. Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable (1.8m)
Score: 8/10
Amazon’s own brand often offers excellent value for basic accessories, and their HDMI cables are no exception.
Pros:
- Very Affordable: One of the cheapest reliable options.
- High-Speed (HDMI 2.0): Supports 4K@60Hz, 1080p, 3D, ARC, and Ethernet, covering most common needs.
- Reliable Performance: Generally provides a stable connection for its stated specs.
- Decent Build Quality: While basic, it’s usually durable enough for normal use.
- Wide Availability: Easy to find and order.
Cons:
- Basic Design: No fancy braiding or premium aesthetics.
- Not HDMI 2.1: Won’t support 8K or 4K@120Hz (though Amazon also sells more expensive 2.1 versions).
Approx. Price (1.8m): £4 – £6
2. UGREEN HDMI 2.0 Cable (2M)
Score: 7.5/10
UGREEN is a popular brand on Amazon for various electronics accessories, often offering good quality at competitive prices.
Pros:
- Affordable: Good value for a well-regarded budget brand.
- High-Speed (HDMI 2.0): Supports 4K@60Hz, 1080p, 3D, ARC, and Ethernet.
- Braided Nylon (often an option): Many UGREEN cables come with a braided jacket for added durability and a nicer feel.
- Good Reviews: Often has very positive customer feedback.
Cons:
- Not HDMI 2.1: If you need the latest specs, you’d need their more expensive 2.1 version.
- Bulkier (if braided): The braided versions can be less flexible than thin PVC cables.
Approx. Price (2M): £5 – £8
3. Snowkids HDMI Cable 4K (2M)
Score: 7/10
Snowkids is another brand frequently appearing in the budget HDMI category, often emphasizing their 4K capabilities.
Pros:
- Low Price: Very budget-friendly.
- 4K@60Hz Support: Adequate for most 4K TVs and devices.
- Braided Design: Often features a braided nylon jacket for perceived durability.
- Gold-Plated Connectors: Standard for most HDMI cables, but often highlighted.
Cons:
- Generic Brand: Less established than Amazon Basics or UGREEN, so quality control might be less consistent.
- Marketing Claims: Like many cheap cables, be wary of over-the-top claims (e.g., “10K” on a cheap cable unless it’s genuinely HDMI 2.1 certified).
Approx. Price (2M): £14 – £17
4. PowerBear 4K HDMI Cable (2M)
Score: 6.5/10
PowerBear focuses on accessories that offer basic functionality at an aggressive price.
Pros:
- Very Cheap: Often among the absolute cheapest options.
- 4K@60Hz Support: Delivers standard 4K resolution.
- Braided Nylon: Gives it a more premium feel than its price suggests.
Cons:
- Potential for Durability Issues: At this price point, long-term durability might be less than higher-priced alternatives.
- Less Flexible: Braided cables can be stiffer, making routing difficult in tight spaces.
Approx. Price (2M): £4 – £7
5. KabelDirekt 4K HDMI Cable (1M)
Score: 8/10
KabelDirekt is a German brand known for producing reliable cables that often perform above their price point.
Pros:
- Excellent Value: Offers solid performance and build quality for the price.
- Certified High Speed: Known for reliable 4K@60Hz and 1080p performance.
- Durable Build: Often has a thicker, more robust PVC jacket and good connectors.
- Good Customer Reviews: Consistently well-rated for reliability.
Cons:
- Slightly More Expensive: While still cheap, it might be a pound or two more than the absolute cheapest unbranded options.
- Less Flexible: The robust build can make it less pliable.
Approx. Price (1M): £6 – £9 (longer lengths will increase price more significantly)
6. BlueRigger 4K HDMI Cable 15M (4K 30Hz, HDR10, in-Wall CL3 Rated, High Speed, HDCP2.3, eARC)
Score: 7/10
BlueRigger is a lesser-known brand but often appears with highly-rated HDMI cables on Amazon.
Pros:
- Good Price-Performance Ratio: Offers good reliability for its cost.
- High-Speed HDMI: Supports 4K, 3D, and Ethernet.
- Durable Construction: Often features multi-layer shielding and a robust jacket.
- Gold-Plated Connectors: Standard feature for corrosion resistance.
Cons:
- Less Recognizable Brand: May not have the same trust as more established names.
- Limited Availability: Might not always be readily in stock in all lengths.
Approx. Price (15m): £15 – £18
7. CSL – HDMI Cable (1M)
Score: 6.5/10
CSL (Computer Shop Langenhagen) is a German company that sells a wide range of PC and electronics accessories. Their cables are generally functional and inexpensive.
Pros:
- Very Budget-Friendly: Among the cheapest options available.
- Standard Functionality: Delivers 1080p and often 4K@30Hz or 4K@60Hz for shorter lengths.
- Simple Design: Unobtrusive and easy to integrate.
Cons:
- Basic Build Quality: Connectors and cable jacket may feel less robust than others.
- Performance at Length: For longer runs (e.g., 5m+), the consistency of 4K@60Hz might be less reliable than higher-quality options.
- Less Feature-Rich: No braiding, etc.
Approx. Price (1M): £3 – £5
8. Consoletronic 2m Long HDMI to HDMI Cable
Score: 7/10
This Consoletronic HDMI cable is a very budget-friendly option designed for connecting standard devices like DVD players to TVs. Given its low price, it serves its primary function for compatible older hardware adequately.
Pros:
- Extremely Affordable: At its typical price point, it’s one of the cheapest HDMI cables you can find, making it highly accessible for basic connectivity needs.
- Adequate for 1080p Content: For connecting a Samsung DVD-E360, which outputs 1080p, this cable is perfectly sufficient to transmit a clear digital audio and video signal.
- 2-meter Length: A practical length for many home entertainment setups, offering enough slack without excessive coiling.
- HDMI v1.4 Features: The product description mentions support for HDMI v1.4, which includes 3D over HDMI, 4K x 2K resolution (though a DVD player won’t output this), Audio Return Channel (ARC), and HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC). While some of these features might not be relevant for a DVD player, it indicates a basic modern standard.
- Simple Functionality: It’s a plug-and-play solution; no complex setup required.
Cons:
- Basic Build Quality: At this price, expect a fairly thin cable and basic plastic connectors. It’s unlikely to feature premium shielding or robust construction, which could lead to durability issues over time, especially with frequent plugging/unplugging or bending.
- Limited Future-Proofing: While it claims 4K support, it’s HDMI 1.4, which has limited 4K capabilities (e.g., typically 4K at 30Hz, not the smoother 60Hz or higher common with newer devices). It won’t perform as well with modern 4K TVs, gaming consoles, or Blu-ray players that require higher bandwidth HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cables.
- Potential for Interference (Minor Risk): Less robust shielding in very cheap cables can sometimes lead to minor signal degradation or interference in electrically noisy environments, though this is rare with short HDMI runs for 1080p content.
- Generic Brand: Consoletronic is not a well-known brand for high-end AV accessories, so customer support or long-term reliability might be less guaranteed compared to more established cable manufacturers.
- No Gold-Plated Connectors: While often debated, gold plating on connectors can offer better corrosion resistance over time, which cheaper cables like this typically lack.
Approx. Price: £1.29 – £3.00 (Prices for generic HDMI cables are very low and can fluctuate slightly)
9. iVanky 4K HDMI Cable (1M)
Score: 7/10
iVanky is another brand that has gained traction on Amazon for offering well-regarded, slightly more premium accessories at reasonable prices.
Pros:
- Good Build Quality: Often features braided jackets and robust connectors.
- Reliable Performance: Known for stable 4K@60Hz transmission.
- Positive Reviews: Generally well-received by users.
- Good for Routing: Sometimes offers slimmer designs for easier installation.
Cons:
- Slightly Higher Price: While still affordable, it sits at the higher end of the “cheapest” category.
- Not HDMI 2.1: You’ll need their dedicated 2.1 cables for higher bandwidth.
Approx. Price (1M): £6 – £9
10. DIGITUS HDMI cable – 2m – UltraHD 4k/30HZ
Score: 7/10
This DIGITUS HDMI cable offers a solid, basic solution for connecting devices that output 4K at 30Hz or lower. It’s a reliable choice for common home entertainment setups, especially given its affordable price.
Pros:
- Good Value: For a 2-meter HDMI cable with 4K/30Hz support and Ethernet, it’s typically very well-priced, offering good bang for your buck.
- Reliable for its Specs: For devices that output 4K at 30Hz (like many older 4K TVs, some streaming sticks, or certain laptops), this cable will transmit the signal effectively without issues.
- Ethernet Channel (HEC): If you have devices that support HEC (e.g., some smart TVs and Blu-ray players), this can help reduce cable clutter by allowing network connectivity through the HDMI cable itself.
- Gold-Plated Contacts: Helps prevent corrosion and ensures a stable connection over time.
- Good Length: 2 meters is a versatile length for most common home entertainment setups.
- Brand Reputation: Digitus is a known brand for various computer and network accessories, suggesting a reasonable level of quality control.
- Good Customer Reviews: Often receives positive feedback on Amazon UK for its performance at its specified resolution.
Cons:
- Limited to 4K/30Hz: This is the biggest limitation. It will not support 4K at 60Hz or higher refresh rates, which are now standard for many modern 4K TVs, gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), and PCs. If you connect it to a device capable of 4K/60Hz, you will likely be limited to 4K/30Hz or 1080p/60Hz.
- Ethernet Channel Adoption: While a ‘pro’ in theory, the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) was never widely adopted by manufacturers. Many devices simply don’t support it, meaning this feature might go unused. Most people still rely on Wi-Fi or separate Ethernet cables.
- No HDR/Dolby Vision Guarantee (Implied): While a 4K/30Hz cable can theoretically support basic HDR (like HDR10), the HDMI 1.4 standard (which typically supports 4K/30Hz) has more limited bandwidth for advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision or HDR10+ compared to newer HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 cables. If HDR is critical, a cable rated for 4K/60Hz and higher bandwidth is safer.
Approx. Price on Amazon UK: £2 – £8 (Prices can vary, but these types of cables are generally very affordable).
Summary for Cheapest HDMI Cables:
For most users connecting a TV to a Blu-ray player, gaming console (older generations), or set-top box for 1080p or basic 4K (30Hz/60Hz), almost any “High Speed HDMI with Ethernet” cable from a reputable budget brand (like Amazon Basics, UGREEN, KabelDirekt) will do the job perfectly. There’s no magic in expensive HDMI cables for picture and sound quality.
If you are aiming for:
- 8K resolution
- 4K resolution at 120Hz (for next-gen gaming consoles like PS5/Xbox Series X)
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
- Dynamic HDR formats (like HDR10+ or Dolby Vision at high frame rates)
…then you must buy a cable certified as “Ultra High Speed HDMI” (HDMI 2.1). These will be more expensive than the cables listed above, but still significantly less than what retailers once charged for “premium” cables.
Always check the specific version (e.g., HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1) and bandwidth (e.g., 18Gbps, 48Gbps) mentioned in the product description to ensure it meets your needs, especially if you have a newer TV or gaming console.
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