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HDMI 2.1: Discover All the Advantages, Features and Types of HDMI (Includes eARC)
HDMI 2.1 is the version of the HDMI standard designed for modern TVs, consoles, monitors, and audio equipment. Its main advantage is that it allows for more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0, which opens the door to features such as 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 issues.
View collection: HDMI cables and adapters.
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: active HDMI or fiber optic 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 are the advantages of HDMI 2.1?
4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz
The most well-known improvement of HDMI 2.1 is the increased bandwidth. This allows for more information to be transmitted per second: higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and better color quality. This is especially important if you want to game in 4K at 120 Hz or prepare a setup compatible with 8K.
eARC for high-quality audio
eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel. It's an improvement over ARC that allows for higher quality audio to be sent from the TV to a soundbar or AV receiver. This can be important if you use Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or uncompressed multichannel 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
On consoles and gaming PCs, 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: a good standard HDMI or HDMI 2.0 cable may usually be sufficient.
- PS5, Xbox Series X, or 4K 120 Hz gaming PC: 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 fiber optic HDMI.
Common HDMI 2.1 problems
Black screen or “no signal”
This can happen if the cable doesn't support the necessary bandwidth, if it's too long, or if the TV/monitor doesn't have advanced HDMI mode enabled. Try another HDMI port, check the TV settings, and use a certified cable.
4K at 120 Hz is not displayed
Ensure 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's enabled 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 for more signal to be transmitted, but the improvement depends on the source and display supporting those features.
Is HDMI 2.1 compatible with PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, it is the recommended standard for taking 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 HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed cable and check the length. For long installations, fiber optic may be more 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 might not be essential; but for current or future installations, a certified HDMI 2.1 cable is a safer choice.
View products: HDMI cables at TiendaCables.