HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1 – which is better for gaming?

Today we’re looking at HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1, to see which one is better for gaming.

While PC gamers can rely on the good old DisplayPort, those using a console use HDMI, and which kind of HDMI you go for can have several knock-on effects for your gaming set-up.

The latest generation, HDMI 2.1, was actually released back in 2017 but has taken a while to get into the mainstream. It has since established itself as close to the standard for consoling gaming, however.

In truth, the reason for HDMI 2.1’s slow pick-up is that it was ahead of its time. It wasn’t until more powerful GPUs started to come out and Xbox and PlayStation both released their next generation of consoles that we could see frame rates at the kind of resolutions and speeds that HDMI 2.1 is capable of.

HDMI 2.1’s improvements over HDMI 2.0 come in two main areas – bandwidth, and compatibility. We’ll be breaking down both areas here.

A few things to note before we get into our breakdown. The most important is compatibility. If you want to make use of the technology, you’ll need to make sure you have one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors or TVs. There’s no point in having the cable if your screen is not compatible with it.

If you do decide to go for the next generation, make sure you check out our list of the best HDMI 2.1 cables, as not all are made equal. With that out of the way, let’s get into our breakdown of HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1.

HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1 – bandwidth

HDMI 2.1 has a bandwidth three times larger than that of HDMI 2.0. That means it can transmit three times as much information, at a speed of 18 GBps (gigabits per second) to be precise.

So what does this mean for gaming performance?

Well, because of this higher maximum load, HDMI 2.1 can carry the information necessary for higher frame rates and higher resolutions. For example, the next-gen cable is compatible with 4K at 240Hz, which is incredibly powerful. While HDMI 2.0 is limited to 60Hz for HDMI 2.0.

While the Xbox Series X and PS5 are not capable of reaching 240Hz at 4k, they can both reach 120Hz or higher, meaning that you will only be able to make use of these speeds with HDMI 2.1. If you have an older generation console, however, it’s likely it won’t be able to produce anything like these speeds. as a result, HDMI 2.0 will serve you just fine.

The fact that HDMI 2.1 is capable of transmitting more data than even the latest generations of consoles can produce also means you will be well future-proofed. If you invest in the technology now, you can be confident you’ll have a long time before it is outdated and you need to upgrade your monitor again.

HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1 – support

An HDMI cable is the only way in which your monitor or TV can communicate with your console. This means it is not just transferring the images. Several technologies improve your gaming experience, and some of these will only work with the latest HDMI cables.

One of these technologies is eARC. eARC stands for Enhanced Audio Return Channel and it facilitates higher-quality audio data transmission. For example, eAARC allows for uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 audio to be transmitted. While standard HDMI can transfer this audio, it would compress it in the process, lowering fidelity.

Another feature, that is especially useful for gaming, is VRR. Essentially VRR tries to compensate for drops in frame rate. These drops can cause your console or PC to be out of sync with the monitor, which results in screen tearing. This is where the image on your screen appears to shudder or stutter before continuing as normal.

VRR eliminates this by making the console or PC in charge of the frame rate, rather than the monitor. This ensures they are always in synchronisation.

The technology is actually available through HDMI 2.0 but is not at all widespread, meaning that many HDMI 2.0 TV or monitors are not themselves compatible with VRR, even if the cable type is. However, you can be confident that any TV with HDMI 2.1 will support the technology, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Which one is better for gaming?

Which one is better for gaming depends entirely on your gaming set-up and how powerful it is. If you have either a console or PC that is capable of running games at 4K at anything over 60 frames per second, you will need HDMI 2.1 cables and compatibility in order to transfer that information to your screen.

HDMI 2.1 also brings with it a tonne of features that make gaming even smoother and improve audio. Over time HDMI 2.1 will become more and more widespread, eventually entirely eclipsing HDMI 2.0. because of this, we think there’s no real downside to investing sooner rather than later. In other words, if you have the right tech, it’s definitely worth going for HDMI 2.1.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an HDMI 2.1 cable in an HDMI 2.0 port?

Yes – HDMI 2.1 cables have backward compatibility. This means that you can use them with HDMI 2.0 ports with no problem at all.

How do I know if my TV supports 2.1 HDMI?

It should be made clear on the package or product description of any TV you are looking at. If you have already purchased your TV you can check what’s written above the HDMI input and see whether it says 2.1 or 2.0.