HDMI 2.1
The current consumer-grade HDMI standard, capable of 48 Gbps bandwidth — enough for 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC.
HDMI 2.1 raised the headline bandwidth from HDMI 2.0's 18 Gbps to 48 Gbps. It introduced several gaming-relevant features:
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) — eliminates screen tearing during fluctuating framerates.
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) — TVs switch to game mode automatically when a console connects.
- eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) — uncompressed multi-channel audio back to a soundbar.
How many is enough?
For a gaming PC + console combo with a soundbar, you want at least two HDMI 2.1 ports on the TV plus one for the soundbar. Mid-tier TVs often advertise "HDMI 2.1" but only have it on one or two of four ports — read the spec carefully.
Cables
"Ultra High Speed" certified cables (look for the QR code label) are required for the full 48 Gbps. Many older "high speed" cables work fine at 24 Gbps but cap out below the full spec.
How to use HDMI 2.1 in a real comparison
The current consumer-grade HDMI standard, capable of 48 Gbps bandwidth — enough for 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC. In practice, this is most useful as one part of a decision rather than a standalone quality badge. Compare it alongside the workload, room, ecosystem, budget, and ownership constraints that apply to you; the strongest published figure is not automatically the best outcome for every buyer.
What to check next
On vsMars, read together so the value has product-specific context. It is especially relevant in .
Avoid the one-number trap
Manufacturers can describe the same capability under different conditions. Compare like-for-like variants, check the unit and test condition where available, and use a head-to-head page to see whether a measurable difference is material for your own use.
vsMars presents structured catalog values to make trade-offs legible. The linked product and spec pages are the right place to inspect the underlying values before buying.