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Quick answer
Version numbers like 2.0 and 2.1 are specs for TVs, consoles and other devices. Cables are labeled with a cable name. The cable that matches 2.1 features is the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable (48Gbps), which HDMI.org says was introduced in the HDMI 2.1 spec. For 4K at 60Hz, a Premium High Speed cable (18Gbps) is enough. 2.1 is also no longer the newest spec. HDMI 2.2 brings Ultra96 cables rated up to 96Gbps.
Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables (48Gbps):
Cable Matters 48Gbps certified Belkin AV10175 Ultra High SpeedHow much bandwidth each format needs
| Format (HDMI.org data-rate table) | Approximate data rate | Cable to use |
|---|---|---|
| 4K at 60Hz, 8-bit, 4:4:4 | about 18Gbps | Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed |
| 4K at 120Hz, 8-bit, 4:4:4 | about 32Gbps | Ultra High Speed |
| 4K at 120Hz, 10-bit, 4:4:4 | about 40Gbps | Ultra High Speed |
A Premium High Speed cable is certified up to 18Gbps, so 4K at 120Hz needs an Ultra High Speed cable.
Spec version vs cable name
- 4K at 60Hz with HDR: Premium High Speed, certified up to 18Gbps.
- HDMI 2.1 features like 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz: Ultra High Speed, introduced in the HDMI 2.1 spec, up to 48Gbps.
- HDMI 2.2 features: Ultra96, up to 96Gbps. HDMI.org says it's made to support all HDMI 2.2 features.
HDMI.org requires the official cable name on the cable jacket and package. A box that only says "2.1" without the Ultra High Speed name or certification label doesn't tell you much. Here's how to check the label.
How we work: speeds and data rates come from HDMI.org's cable pages and data-rate table. We don't test cables ourselves. Sources are listed below.
Questions people ask
Is an HDMI 2.1 cable different from an HDMI 2.0 cable?
The versions describe devices. For cables, HDMI.org uses names: Premium High Speed (18Gbps) is enough for 4K60, and Ultra High Speed (48Gbps) is for 4K120 and higher.
How much bandwidth does 4K at 120Hz need?
HDMI.org's data-rate table lists about 32Gbps for 4K120 at 8-bit 4:4:4 and about 40Gbps at 10-bit 4:4:4. Both need an Ultra High Speed cable.
Is HDMI 2.1 the latest version?
No. HDMI.org has announced HDMI 2.2 with Ultra96 cables rated up to 96Gbps.
Sources
Last checked Oct 23, 2026. Cable names and speeds come from HDMI.org. Console steps come from PlayStation and Xbox. Check your TV manual for which of its ports support 4K 120Hz.
