Yes, the PS5 comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable out of the box. The PS5 HDMI cable it comes with is about 1.5 meters or about 5 feet long. This is enough to connect your PS5 to your TV if they are sitting close together, on a TV shelf, for example.
But, the cable is built enough with ultra-fast specifications which means it can handle about 48Gbps of bandwidth (no compression).
In the following text, I’ll go into detail about the PS5 monitor’s specs, the cable it comes with, and whether you actually need an HDMI 2.1 cable at all.
Different HDMI cables and versions
Before we dive into the topic, you may want to brush up on some basic knowledge regarding HDMI interface versions and cable versions.
Basically, as the resolution and refresh rate on TVs and monitors increase more and more and as gamers demand higher and higher screen specifications, the HDMI interface is evolving.
The original PS4 supported the HDMI 1.4 specification because it was intended to play at FHD @ 60Hz max. The frame rate was often capped at 30fps though in many games.
However, with the PS5 you have a whole new generation of gamers to meet your needs. Thus, the PS5 supports the latest generation of HDMI 2.1 ports.
The following table shows the specifications that can be supported by different versions of the HDMI port:
As you can see, HDMI 2.1 has the ability to support resolutions up to 10K at 120Hz.
However, the PS5 does not support the maximum specification that HDMI 2.1 was designed for. That may change in the future.
In order to meet the newer specifications, you also need more robust HDMI cables. Here are the different HDMI cables out there.
Hence, HDMI 2.1 is called Ultra High Speed according to the official designation from HDMI.org.
Which brings us to the question at hand.
Which HDMI 2.1 cable came with the PS5?
The PS5 comes with an HDMI 2.1 or Ultra High-Speed cable that’s 1.5 meters, or about 5 feet, long.
Due to the short length of the HDMI cable, if your game console is located at a distance from the TV or monitor and if you plan to get a newer and longer HDMI cable, make sure it complies with the 2.1 specification.
HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed) cables are naturally more expensive than HDMI 2.0 or 1.4 cables.
Can you use old PS4 HDMI or HDMI cables with the PS5?
Yes, you can use old HDMI cables but it is not recommended.
This is because if you’re using an HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 cable with the PS5’s existing HDMI 2.1 port, you’ll unfortunately be limited by older generic cable specifications.
Because of this, while your PS5 has the ability to support 4K @ 120Hz, with an HDMI 2.0 cable, you’ll only be limited to 4K @ 60Hz.
And with an HDMI 1.4 cable, things get even worse with your maximum data rate only supporting 4K @ 30Hz max.
Does the PS4 come with an HDMI 2.1 cable?
No, the PS4 does not come with an HDMI 2.1 cable. Even the latest PS4 Pro only comes with an HDMI 2.0 port and therefore comes with an HDMI 2.0 cable.
The following table shows the different devices, game consoles, and the version of the HDMI port they come with:
Do you really need an HDMI 2.1 cable for your PS5?
Whether or not you actually need an HDMI 2.1 cable depends on what type of TV and monitor you have.
In other words, if you have an FHD @ 60Hz monitor or TV, even an HDMI 1.4 cable can work. And if you were wondering, yes, HDMI is backwards compatible.
Likewise, if you have a 4K monitor or TV with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, an HDMI 2.0 cable will suffice.
The only time you’ll actually need an HDMI 2.1 cable is when you have a 4K 120Hz monitor or TV and want to take advantage of all of it.
For that, you’ll need a TV with HDMI 2.1 as well — which is often only found on the top of brand new TVs.
Additionally, you should understand that the PS5 is not really aiming to hit the 4K @ 120Hz (120fps) performance rating for their games in any way.
Pushing 120fps at 4K would be difficult even for a PS5 and even with highly optimized titles.
According to Christopher Mullins, Director of Digital Products and Home Cinema at Sony, the PS5 aims instead for an immersive 4K @ 60Hz experience. For this, even an HDMI 2.0 cable is enough.
“4K at 120Hz…interesting, but really with next-gen consoles. The core performance is getting really good native 4K/60Hz performance, and getting that performance across a lot of games.”
Thus, in most cases, you may not even need an HDMI 2.1 cable after all.
What screen specifications does the PS5 support?
Supports PS5
Full HD resolution with a refresh rate of 120 Hz (120 frames per second)
4K resolution with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
8K resolution with a refresh rate of 60 Hz
However, when it comes to actual support currently. the PS5 can only reliably support 4k @ 60Hz since 4K @ 120Hz isn’t mature enough for consoles – let alone 8K.
Does the PS5 support 144Hz monitors?
The PS5 does not support the 144Hz refresh rate, however, it does support monitors that are rated for a 144Hz refresh rate.
As mentioned, the PS5 only supports a maximum of 120Hz in 4K.
Thus, if you have a monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate whether it is FHD or 4K, the refresh rate will be capped at 120fps max.
To avoid any issues, it is wise to change the refresh rate of your monitor which is 144Hz to 120Hz to sync properly with the PS5 cover.
This tutorial shows how you can change your monitor’s refresh rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an HDMI 2.1 cable necessary for gaming on PS5?
An HDMI 2.1 cable isn’t a requirement for gaming on PS5, but it does offer certain benefits like increased bandwidth and VRR support. If you are looking to get the most out of your PS5 gaming experience, an HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended.
Can I use an HDMI 2.0 cable with my PS5?
Yes, you can use an HDMI 2.0 cable with your PS5. However, you won’t be able to take advantage of some features like VRR and 8K resolution. An HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended for the best gaming experience on PS5.
How do I know if my TV is compatible with HDMI 2.1?
You can check your TV’s specifications to see if it is compatible with HDMI 2.1. Most new TVs manufactured in 2021 and later support HDMI 2.1. In addition, you can check the input ports on your TV, if it has an HDMI 2.1 port, it will be named as such.
How much does an HDMI 2.1 cable cost?
The cost of an HDMI 2.1 cable can vary depending on the brand and length. On average, you can expect to spend around $20 to $50 for a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable. However, prices can range from $10 to over $100 for premium options.
Are there any other cables that can be used in place of an HDMI 2.1 cable?
At this time, HDMI 2.1 is the most advanced cable option for gaming on PS5. Other cables, such as DisplayPort and USB-C, may support higher resolutions and refresh rates, but they are not as widely compatible as HDMI. An HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended for the best gaming experience on PS5.
Does the PS5 support Ultrawide displays?
The PS5 does not support Ultra HD displays, which have an aspect ratio of 21:9 or higher.
Does the PS5 support QHD, WQHD, and 1440P resolutions?
No, unfortunately, the PS5 does not support Quad HD resolution. Thus, if you have a monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, you will be limited to playing it in Full HD.
Final Thoughts
So the answer to the question “Does the PS5 come with an HDMI 2.1 cable?” yes. Thus, out of the box, it can support 4K @ 120Hz or even 8K resolution.
However, the question remains, is the PS5 even capable of pushing 4K @ 120Hz or 8K @ 60Hz with its hardware for AAA titles at the highest quality? However, the answer to this is, unfortunately, not in the light of the scenario.
