HDMI cables

Discover our range of HDMI cables

Connecting a console, laptop, or streaming box to your TV should be simple, clean, and sharp. A good HDMI cable makes that happen by carrying digital video and audio in one lead, so you spend less time fiddling and more time watching. For wall-mounted screens or longer runs to a projector, length and certification matter as much as the plug shape.

Short links, such as between a set-top box and TV, are well served by Standard or High Speed HDMI. If you want 4K at higher frame rates, variable refresh rate, or eARC for lossless TV-to-soundbar audio, look for Ultra High Speed HDMI certification, which is built for the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 features.

Cable length makes a difference. Up to around 5 metres, a well-made passive lead usually performs reliably. Beyond that, consider an active HDMI cable or a certified fibre HDMI for long, tidy runs to a projector shelf or ceiling mount. A 5-metre option remains a handy sweet spot for most lounge layouts.

Small touches help day to day. Low-profile plugs fit neatly behind a TV bracket, and flexible jackets route cleanly through trunking. Avoid tight bends that pinch the cable, and leave a gentle loop so the connector is not stressed when you swivel the screen.

If you use a soundbar, eARC simplifies things by sending high-quality audio back to the bar via the same HDMI that feeds video to the TV. For smart sets and receivers, HDMI with Ethernet can support device-to-device networking, though most homes will still rely on Wi-Fi or wired LAN.

Currys stocks a range from compact leads for desks to long, installer-friendly runs, plus certified Ultra High Speed options for 4K/120 and 8K setups. See the product page for exact specs and supported features.

Do pricey HDMI cables improve picture quality?

Digital signals work or they do not, so once a cable meets the needed spec and length, spending more will not add detail, though build quality can aid durability.

Are HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 cables different?

Yes. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are rated for HDMI 2.1 features and higher bandwidth, while many older High Speed cables cover HDMI 2.0 features.

How long can an HDMI cable be before it struggles?

Passive cables are commonly reliable up to about 5 metres. Longer runs may need an active or fibre HDMI to maintain performance.

Do all HDMI cables carry Ethernet?

No. Only HDMI with Ethernet supports that feature, and many setups do not use it because devices connect via Wi-Fi or a separate network cable.