No, you don't strictly need HDMI 2.1 for all 4K, as HDMI 2.0 is sufficient for 4K at 60Hz (4K/60fps), which covers most movies and streaming. However, HDMI 2.1 becomes essential for advanced 4K features like 4K at 120Hz (4K/120fps) for high-end gaming, or for features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for immersive sound (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X).
HDMI 2.1 is worth it for a monitor if you need higher refresh rates, better resolutions (like 4K at 120Hz or 8K), or features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother gaming. If your monitor or devices don't support these features, HDMI 2.1 might not make a significant difference.
If you're happy with your current setup and don't plan on upgrading to an 8K TV anytime soon, HDMI 2.0 is more than adequate. But if you want to future-proof your setup and take advantage of the latest technologies, HDMI 2.1 is the way to go.
HDMI 2.1's expanded bandwidth allows for eARC to handle more advanced audio formats and channels. In fact, it can cope with up to 7.1 channels and even supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
Yes, HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with HDMI 2.0, so it should work with the Samsung Odyssey G7's HDMI 2.0 port. HDMI cables are backward compatible with previous generations of HDMI connectors, so an HDMI 2.0 cable will work with HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4, and HDMI 1.2 ports.
Yes, it does matter. To fully experience 4K content, especially HDR or high-frame-rate 4K, you will need an HDMI cable capable of delivering the necessary bandwidth and features, such as HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1.
People say this but the thing is, the average person doesn't care much for HDMI 2.2. Literally the only reason you'd care about the bandwidth of the cable you have purchased is because you have a specific reason for getting a higher bandwidth capable cable.
Some new TVs support 8K resolution. To be able to display all those pixels, you need HDMI 2.1 to have sufficient bandwidth. This is also why you need HDMI 2.1 to view 4K 120Hz content. High refresh rate like this is mostly beneficial for gaming, as movies and TV shows are played back at a maximum of 60Hz.
When it comes to 4K technology, HDMI connections do make a difference. 4K has a much higher resolution, refresh rate and bandwidth than standard high-definition TVs and monitors. So, only 4K or 8K HDMI cables will work on a device that supports 4K.
Gamers with 4K or 8K displays, high refresh rate monitors or HDR-capable devices should opt for HDMI 2.1 cables to ensure maximum quality and performance.
Overview of HDMI 2.0
Released in September 2013, the specification includes support of increased bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, resolutions up to 4K @ 60 Hz, simultaneous delivery of two video streams and up to four audio streams, 32 channels of audio, as well as other key enhancements.
Whether you're connecting the player to a home theater receiver, sound bar, or directly to your TV, you'll need to make sure the inputs on your device are HDCP 2.2 compatible. If you don't have a 4K TV, you can still watch 4K Blu-rays on a 1080p TV, but obviously won't get the full effect.
Is 4K 120Hz better than 4K 60Hz? It depends on the intended use. If you are planning to use your monitor for high-end gaming, then opting for 4K@120Hz might be a better choice. This higher refresh rate allows for smoother gameplay with reduced lag or stuttering, particularly in fast-paced first-person shooter games.
120Hz refresh rates have become the norm in the last few years on all mid- to high-end TVs. This faster refresh rate allows you to game at 120 fps. Most TVs on our list pair well with modern consoles, as they support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for 4k @ 120Hz gaming.
HDMI 2.1 is only needed if you want to use HDMI with 4K over 60Hz. This applies to consoles, as on PC, you can get the same performance with DisplayPort 1.4, which is readily available. So, it's likely that adding HDMI 2.1 cables and expense to your setup is not something you need to worry about now.
Yes, HDMI 2.1 cables are backward compatible with HDMI 2.0 ports. However, the cable will function at the maximum capabilities of the HDMI 2.0 port, meaning you won't get HDMI 2.1 features like 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, VRR, or eARC.
Most streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-rays use 4K60 signals, and HDMI 2.0 is more than capable of handling that. However, if you're gaming on a next-gen console, plan to upgrade to an 8K display, or want to make sure your setup is ready for any future content formats, HDMI 2.1 is the clear choice.
Although HDMI.org announced the latest HDMI 2.2 standard in January 2025, the first certified cables and HDMI 2.2-compatible devices aren't expected to hit the market until the third or fourth quarter of the year. That doesn't mean you'll need to replace everything again in 2026.
The PS5 console supports the HDMI 2.1 specification, and it also supports 4K 120Hz video output. As this emerging technology isn't fully supported in the market, Sony Interactive Entertainment is working with TV manufacturers to improve performance and bring the best experience to console users.
HDMI 2.0 is capable of doing 4k @ 120Hz, but only up to YCbCr 4:2:0 8bit instead of the full YCbCr 4:4:4 10bit (though I'm not sure how close wayland is to 10bit support). It will be fine for gaming, just not for everyday PC use.
The short version is HDMI 2.1 allows for higher resolutions, higher frame rates and a lot more bandwidth. The connector itself isn't changing, however, so new HDMI 2.1 gear will be backward-compatible with your current cables and equipment.