The PlayStation 5 delivers stunning visuals, high frame rates, and immersive gaming experiences — but getting the full benefit depends on more than just the console itself. One of the most common questions among PS5 owners is whether they need an HDMI 2.1 cable to make their system work properly. The short answer: it depends on your display and what features you want to use. To understand why, it’s essential to break down the differences between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, examine what the PS5 supports, and determine if your current setup is holding you back.
HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1: What’s the Difference?
HDMI standards define how much data can be transmitted between devices like your PS5 and your TV or monitor. While both HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 carry audio and video signals, they differ significantly in bandwidth, supported resolutions, refresh rates, and advanced features.
HDMI 2.0, introduced in 2013, supports up to 18 Gbps of bandwidth. This allows for 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and multi-channel audio — all solid capabilities for modern gaming. However, it lacks support for newer technologies like variable refresh rate (VRR) over HDMI and 4K at 120Hz without compression.
In contrast, HDMI 2.1, released in 2017, increases bandwidth to 48 Gbps. This enables higher resolutions (up to 10K), faster refresh rates (4K at 120Hz or even 8K at 60Hz), dynamic HDR, enhanced audio return channel (eARC), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and VRR. These features are particularly important for next-gen consoles like the PS5, which are built to take advantage of them.
What Does the PS5 Support?
The PS5 is designed with HDMI 2.1 capabilities in mind. It comes equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port and includes a high-speed HDMI cable rated for 48 Gbps, compliant with Ultra High Speed HDMI certification. This means the console can output 4K at 120Hz, support VRR, ALLM, and HDR — but only if your display also supports these features via HDMI 2.1.
If you're using an older 4K TV that only has HDMI 2.0, the PS5 will still function perfectly — just not at its full potential. You’ll be limited to 4K at 60Hz, which is excellent for most games and streaming content, but you'll miss out on smoother motion in fast-paced titles and some adaptive sync benefits.
Sony has been clear: the PS5 scales its output based on your display’s capabilities. So while the console *supports* HDMI 2.1 features, it doesn't *require* them to operate. Your PS5 will work with any HDMI cable, but performance depends on the entire chain — source (PS5), cable, and sink (TV/monitor).
“HDMI 2.1 isn’t about making your PS5 work — it’s about unlocking what it can do.” — Mark Benson, Senior Systems Architect at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Do You Need a New Cable for Your PS5?
This is where confusion often arises. The PS5 ships with a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable — capable of handling 48 Gbps and all HDMI 2.1 features. If you’re using this original cable and have an HDMI 2.1-compatible TV, you don’t need to buy anything else.
However, many people assume their existing HDMI cables will suffice. Standard HDMI cables (sometimes labeled “High Speed”) typically max out at HDMI 2.0 specs (18 Gbps). Using one of these with your PS5 may result in:
- No 4K/120Hz output
- VRR not functioning
- Lower-than-expected brightness or color depth
- Intermittent signal drops during gameplay
In such cases, upgrading to a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable resolves the issue — provided your TV supports HDMI 2.1. But if your display only has HDMI 2.0 inputs, buying a new cable won’t unlock 4K/120Hz or VRR. Bandwidth limitations are enforced by the hardware interface, not the cable alone.
How to Check Your Setup
- Confirm your TV model supports HDMI 2.1: Check the manufacturer’s specifications. Look for terms like “4K/120Hz,” “VRR,” or “HDMI 2.1” in the input section.
- Identify the correct HDMI port: Many TVs only enable HDMI 2.1 on one or two specific ports (often labeled “HDMI 2.1” or “Enhanced”).
- Use the included PS5 cable or a certified replacement: Ensure it carries the “Ultra High Speed HDMI” logo and certification.
- Test in Settings > Screen and Video: On your PS5, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. If 4K/120Hz appears as an option and you can enable it, your setup supports HDMI 2.1 features.
Comparison Table: HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1 for PS5 Use
| Feature | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Bandwidth | 18 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
| 4K Resolution Support | Up to 60Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| 8K Resolution | Not supported | Up to 60Hz |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | Limited or not supported | Yes, full support |
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | No | Yes |
| eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) | No | Yes |
| Cable Type Required | High Speed HDMI | Ultra High Speed HDMI |
| Backward Compatible? | Yes (with reduced features) | Yes |
Note: Even with HDMI 2.1 hardware, not all features may be enabled depending on the TV manufacturer’s firmware implementation.
Real Example: A Gamer’s Experience
Consider Alex, who upgraded to a PS5 and connected it to his 2019 4K TV using an old HDMI cable he had lying around. He noticed that games looked good, but fast-moving scenes in titles like *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare* felt slightly choppy. After researching, he discovered his TV only supported HDMI 2.0 and his cable wasn’t rated for higher bandwidth.
He tested the PS5 with the included Ultra High Speed HDMI cable — same TV, same settings — and saw no change. That made sense: the bottleneck was the TV, not the cable. Later, when he upgraded to a Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV (which supports HDMI 2.1 on specific ports), he reconnected using the PS5’s original cable. Suddenly, 4K/120Hz became available, and VRR smoothed out frame pacing dramatically in *Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart*. The difference was immediately noticeable.
His takeaway: the cable matters, but only when the rest of the ecosystem supports it.
Checklist: Are You Getting the Most From Your PS5?
- ✅ Confirm your TV supports HDMI 2.1 features (check manual or product page)
- ✅ Use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that came with your PS5
- ✅ Plug into the correct HDMI port on your TV (look for labels like “HDMI 2.1” or “4K/120”)
- ✅ Enable 4K and 120Hz in PS5 settings (Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output)
- ✅ Turn on VRR if supported by your TV and game
- ❌ Don’t assume all HDMI cables are the same — verify certification
- ❌ Don’t expect HDMI 2.1 features on non-HDMI 2.1 displays
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old HDMI cable with the PS5?
Yes, you can. The PS5 will work with any HDMI cable, including older HDMI 2.0 versions. However, you may be limited to 4K/60Hz and lose access to advanced features like 120Hz output and VRR. For optimal performance, use the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable included with the console.
Does the PS5 require HDMI 2.1 to function?
No. The PS5 works perfectly with HDMI 2.0 displays and cables. HDMI 2.1 is not required for basic operation. It only unlocks enhanced performance features when paired with compatible hardware.
Are expensive HDMI cables worth it?
Not necessarily. As long as the cable is certified as “Ultra High Speed HDMI” by the HDMI Forum, it meets strict testing standards for 48 Gbps bandwidth. Branded cables can cost hundreds, but generic certified ones perform identically. Avoid uncertified \"premium\" cables sold with exaggerated claims.
Final Recommendations
If you own a modern 4K TV released in 2020 or later, there’s a strong chance it includes at least one HDMI 2.1 port. In that case, using the PS5’s included cable and selecting the right input ensures you’re getting the best possible experience. For competitive gamers or those playing visually intensive titles, 4K/120Hz and VRR offer tangible improvements in responsiveness and visual smoothness.
But if you’re on an older TV, don’t feel pressured to upgrade your cable or display just yet. The PS5 delivers exceptional performance even within HDMI 2.0 limits. Streaming, single-player campaigns, and most multiplayer games look fantastic at 4K/60Hz with HDR. The console is backward compatible in every meaningful way.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in HDMI 2.1 infrastructure should be based on your viewing habits, display capabilities, and future-proofing goals — not fear of incompatibility.
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