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HDMI 2.1: Discover All the Advantages, Features and Types of HDMI (Includes eARC)
HDMI 2.1 is the HDMI standard version designed for modern TVs, consoles, monitors, and sound systems. Its main advantage is that it allows for more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0, which opens the door to features like 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, eARC, VRR, and ALLM.
If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X, a modern graphics card, a 4K/8K TV, or an eARC-compatible soundbar, choosing the right HDMI cable is important to avoid black screens, flickering, Hz limitations, or audio problems.
Quick summary
- HDMI 2.0: sufficient for many 4K TVs at 60 Hz.
- HDMI 2.1: recommended for 4K at 120 Hz, 8K, advanced gaming, and eARC.
- For PS5/Xbox Series X: look for an HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed cable.
- For soundbars: check if you need ARC or eARC.
- For long cables: an active HDMI or fibre optic cable may be necessary.
HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0: main differences
| Feature | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 18 Gbps | Up to 48 Gbps |
| 4K | Up to 60 Hz | Up to 120 Hz |
| 8K | Very limited | Up to 60 Hz |
| Audio return | ARC | eARC |
| Gaming | Basic | VRR, ALLM, QFT |
What advantages does HDMI 2.1 offer?
4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz
The most well-known improvement of HDMI 2.1 is the increased bandwidth. This allows more information to be transmitted per second: higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and better colour quality. This is especially important if you want to game in 4K at 120 Hz or prepare a setup compatible with 8K. For this, you need a certified Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable: an HDMI 2.0 cable is limited to 18 Gbps and will restrict the signal even if the TV and console support it.
eARC for high-quality audio
eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel. It's an improvement over ARC that allows for sending higher quality audio from the TV to a soundbar or AV receiver. This can be important if you use Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or uncompressed multi-channel audio.
If you have doubts between optical and HDMI for audio, you can also check our guide on Toslink cables.
VRR, ALLM, and improved gaming experience
For consoles and PC gaming, HDMI 2.1 enables features that improve fluidity and reduce latency:
- VRR: adjusts the refresh rate to reduce image tearing.
- ALLM: automatically activates low-latency mode on the TV.
- QFT: helps reduce the transmission time of each frame.
Do I always need an HDMI 2.1 cable?
Not always. It depends on your usage:
- 1080p or 4K TV at 60 Hz: usually a good standard HDMI or HDMI 2.0 cable may be sufficient.
- PS5, Xbox Series X, or 4K 120 Hz PC gaming: HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed is recommended.
- 8K TV: use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable.
- Soundbar with eARC: check that the TV, soundbar, and cable are compatible.
- Long distances: consider active HDMI or fibre optic HDMI.
Which cable to buy
- Main connection (console, PC, or player to TV): certified Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable 8K 60 Hz / 48 Gbps. This supports 4K 120 Hz, eARC, VRR, and ALLM.
- If the cable is too short: high-speed HDMI extension cable with Ethernet 8K 60 Hz (male-female), to gain metres without replacing the cable you already have.
For long runs, it's better to have a single cable of the necessary length than multiple splices: each connection adds losses.
Common problems with HDMI 2.1
Black screen or “no signal”
This can occur if the cable does not support the necessary bandwidth, if it is too long, or if the TV/monitor does not have advanced HDMI mode activated. Try another HDMI port, check the TV settings, and use a certified 48 Gbps cable.
4K at 120 Hz does not appear
Check that all elements are compatible: console or PC, TV's HDMI port, cable, and video settings. Some TVs only have HDMI 2.1 on one or two specific ports.
eARC audio is not working
Verify that the TV and soundbar support eARC, that it is activated in the menus, and that the cable is connected to the HDMI port marked as ARC/eARC.
Frequently asked questions about HDMI 2.1
Does an HDMI 2.1 cable automatically improve the image?
No. The cable allows more signal to be transmitted, but the improvement depends on the source and screen supporting those features.
Is HDMI 2.1 suitable for PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, it is the recommended standard to take advantage of 4K at 120 Hz and advanced gaming features.
Is HDMI 2.1 compatible with HDMI 2.0?
Yes. It is usually backward compatible, but it will operate with the limitations of the older device.
What cable do I need for 8K?
For 8K, look for an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable and check the length. For long installations, fibre optic may be suitable.
Conclusion
HDMI 2.1 is especially interesting for gaming, 4K at 120 Hz, 8K, eARC, and modern audiovisual equipment. If you only need to connect a 4K TV at 60 Hz, it may not be essential; but for current or future installations, a certified HDMI 2.1 cable is a safer choice.
See the full range: HDMI cables at TiendaCables.