HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard in the display cable space. If you have brought any TVs recently, chances are you have seen this mentioned in the packaging.
To leverage it, the PS5 comes with built-in HDMI 2.1 ports. But do you get an HDMI cable on the box supporting this standard?
Read on as I answer this burning question today.
Follow our epic guide on how to tell if HDMI cable is 2.0.
Does the PS5 Come With HDMI 2.1 Cable?
Yes, you do get an HDMI 2.1-supported cable with your PS5. It has a length of 5 feet which is enough if the TV and the console are near each other.
You may be tempted to use an old cable from PS4 or Xbox One if you have any longer cables from before. But if you use that, you will miss out on higher frame rates that come with PS5.
The older HDMI cables are based on version 1.4. While this can output at 1080p in 120Hz, you are only limited to 24Hz at 4K. That means when running Spiderman at 4K, you will miss out on the 60 fps that PS5 can easily output.
Moreover, Sony is marketing the PS5 as an 8K 30 fps console for the future. This is very demanding for running games, even with the power the PS5 possesses. But streaming videos via Netflix or Amazon Prime should not be an issue.
With future updates, Sony promises to unlock this resolution as more 8K contents become available for streaming.
With HDMI 2.1, you can easily output 120 Hz at 10K. That’s just in the specification; maybe future PlayStation can support this resolution. For now, the PS5 can output up to 4K at 120 fps.
Check out our separate post: second HDMI port not working.
Why do you Need an HDMI 2.1 Cable?
The HDMI 2.1 cable that comes with PS5 supports 120fps at 4K. Gaming at this high frame rate is why you should use it to hook your PS5 to the TV.
But what about the games that support 120 fps at 4K?
Well, there aren’t that many games that currently run at a constant 120 fps at 4K on PS5. Some less demanding games, such as The Touryst, allows you to do this.
But there are a plethora of games that run at 120 fps. Most of these are first-person shooters, where the extra frame rates would increase the smoothness. And these run at 1080p.
Apex Legends, COD MW2, Fortnite, and COD Warzone, are some titles that support a constant 120 fps on the PS5. If you compare this to the meager 30 fps on the PS4, it is surely a game changer. 
However, let me clear something first. Not every game will run at native 4K in 120 fps. The developers have implemented upscaling techniques that make it run at 4K, with a tad lower details but an unlocked frame rate. Expect the fps to hover between 60 and 100.
The Last of Us and Horizon Forbidden West are titles that employ this technique. Inside the settings of the respective games, you have a Performance mode that provides this option to provide an unlocked frame rate.
Also, check out our separate post: PS5 HDMI not working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PS5 come with a 2.1 HDMI cable?
Yes, you get an HDMI 2.1 cable along with other peripherals with the PS5.
Do you need an HDMI 2.1 cable for PS5?
You can connect the PS5 with an older HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 cable, and it will work just fine. But you will be limited to 30 fps on all the games. To enjoy 60 fps and more at 1080p and 4K resolution, you will need an HDMI 2.1 cable.
What comes with a PS5 console?
You get the PS5 itself, a dual sense controller, an HDMI 2.1 cable, a USB A to USB type C cable and a power cord inside the box.
Should I upgrade the HDMI cable for PS5?
You don’t need to upgrade if you already use the HDMI cable that the PS5 came with. Additionally, if it has a UHD High-Speed, you are fine. But when using an older HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 cable, you need to upgrade it.
Does HDMI 2.1 support 120 Hz?
As per specifications, HDMI 2.1 supports 120 Hz at 4K and 60 Hz at 8K resolutions.
Conclusion
HDMI 2.1 unlocks faster frame rates that the previous generation lacked. For a long time, console gamers missed out on 120 fps gaming. Well, that ends with the PS5.
With the right cables, you can finally enjoy smoother gaming on the titles that support it. If not, you are in dire need of an upgrade. You can find many cables compatible with the PS5 online and offline retailers.
Let’s end this article with a toast as you embark on your gaming journey with PS5.
