HDMI cables are virtually everywhere, all thanks to the massive popularity of the display tech. But, not every HDMI cable is built equally, all thanks to the evolution of standards over the years. And now, with the drastic rise of 4K content and the easy affordability of 4K TVs, the HDMI cable you buy next must be able to run 4K content without skipping a beat. And that’s where HDMI 2.0 cables compliant with HDCP 2.2 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) come into the picture.
While HDMI 2.0 will ensure throughput of 18Gbps and run 4K content at 60Hz, the HDCP 2.2 compatibility ensures that your devices won’t have HDCP handshake issues. The thing about HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 is that while the former is backward compatible, the latter standard is not when it comes to running 4K content.
So, if you have one of the new age TVs and streaming boxes, or plan to upgrade to one, it’s best to invest in a quality HDMI cable to get the most of it.
In this post, we have curated a list of the best HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI 2.0 cables that you can buy this year. But before that,
- Have a ton of peripherals to connect to your TV? Connect them all using these HDMI switchÂes.
- Looking for quality USB-C hubs? Have a look at the best ones here.
1. Monoprice 115428 Certified Premium HDMI Cable
Available length: 3ft, 6ft, 10ft, 20ft, 25ft, 30ft
The Monoprice 115428 HDMI Cable doesn’t bundle any frills such as rubbery plugs or extra grips. Instead, it keeps things simple with a simple outer shell. It’s an HDMI 2.0 cable that supports virtually all the audio formats such as SA-CD, DVD-Audio, and DTS-HD, among others. And well, I needn’t tell you that it can transmit both audio and video and has a throughput of 18Gbps. So, if you have an HDMI 2.0-compatible device, this cable will play well and ensure that you get 4K content in all its best.
Monoprice ships HDMI cables of various lengths, and you can go up to 25ft.
Monoprice cables are popular for their solid build quality, and this one is no exception. Unless you plan to upgrade to a bleeding-edge technology soon, this HDMI 2.0 cable will take care of all your 4K TV needs.
2. SecurOMax HDMI Cable
Available length: 10ft
The SecurOMax HDMI cable measures 10ft in length and will be apt for you if you have an extended TV setup. The exterior is braided to prevent wear and tear, and the connectors have a solid build that fits well into the HDMI ports. Users have appreciated this cable for its picture quality, minimal connectivity issues, and solid construction.
The snug fit of its connectors means you can let go of worries about flickers and blank screens. However, these cables are thick, and you may have difficulty in bundling the extra length together. But then again, it’s nothing that a few cable clips can’t take care of.
Other than that, you can bid goodbye to HDCP errors and other ‘unauthorized errors’ while playing 4K content.
3. Monoprice HDMI High Speed Active Cable
Available length: 35ft
The Monoprice HDMI High-Speed Active Cable is the apt one for you if you are planning to run your cables over a long distance. This 35ft cable has an Active chip, which is designed to amp up the signal. It has all the usual flavors like HDCP 2.2 and HDR compatibility and the ability to run 4K content at 60Hz. Furthermore, the braiding on the cable’s exterior prevents frayings and tearings to ensure it lasts a long time.
Installing Active HDMI cables can be a bit tricky, and you’ll have to extremely careful. These cables are unidirectional and can’t carry the audio/video signal in both directions, unlike passive cables. And once installed, the signal directions are not reversible.
Thankfully, both the ends are clearly marked with the source and the destination labels.
4. iBirdie 4K HDR HDMI Cable
Available length: 3ft to 200ft
If you are looking for a heavy-duty HDMI 2.0 cable, you can’t go wrong with the iBirdie HDMI cable. This one has a strong zinc alloy shell, and the cable is sheathed in a cotton mesh jacket to shield the cable from the elements of nature. And wait, that’s not all. The plug is also coated with gold plating to prevent oxidation in the long run. That is a plus, especially if you live in a moisture-laden environment.
Another plus is the inclusion of copper wiring inside the cable. For the unaware, the copper wiring inside any cable reduces the resistance and prevents signal loss. It’s suitable if you plan to buy a long-run cable.
This HDMI cable is quite popular among its masses, primarily for its seamless performance. Fakespot estimates that more than 50% of these reviews are reliable and trustworthy.
Do note that thicker cables are a bit tough to manage, especially when it comes to routing them. Hence, it’s always advisable to go for shorter lengths. Again, the thick plugs at both the end may pose a problem if the HDMI ports on your 4K monitor or TV doesn’t have enough space in between.
5. BlueRigger 4K HDMI Cable
Available length: 15ft, 25ft, 35ft, 50ft
Yes, the looks of an HDMI cable may not matter much, but it doesn’t hurt to get one great-looking cable. The BlueRigger 4K HDMI Cable shares some of the above cable specs, such as gold-plated connectors and copper wires. And at the same time, you will find the usual suspects such as ARC, HDCP 2.2 compatibility and running 4K content at 60Hz. The plugs have stylish connectors which help in gripping the cable better.
The BlueRigger cables are available in various lengths, and the longer lengths make it easy to route the cables if you have an extended setup. Plus, they are designated CL3 cables, meaning they are safe for in-wall use.
If you must know, CL3 is a safety standard for cables meant to be used within walls. In the unfortunate event of a fire or overheating issues, these cables do not release toxic gases.
These HDMI cables are quite popular on Amazon and have received a fair bit of reviews, with users liking them for the performance, quality of material, and, more importantly, the bang-for-a-buck deal.
4K Galore
An HDCP 2.2 supporting HDMI cable won’t alone help you in streaming 4K protected content. Along with your cable, the other equipment like your gaming station, TV, and your streaming box also need to be HDCP 2.2 compatible.
Hence, before you buy a cable, check your device’s compatibility. At the same time, not every HDMI port in your TV may support HDCP 2.2, so should you run into any trouble, do check the port compatibility.
Next up: Love TV shows and movies? Read the article below to check out the best TV show and movie tracker app.
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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