HDMI 2.1 explained: do you actually need it?
48 Gbps, 4K at 120Hz and VRR: what the standard adds, and who benefits.
By the Let’s Compare Editorial Team · 1 min read · Updated September 24, 2026
HDMI 2.1 appears on every TV and console spec sheet, usually with no explanation. For some buyers it's a meaningful upgrade. For others it changes nothing, and working out which group you're in is easy.
HDMI 2.0 vs HDMI 2.1
| HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 18 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
| Max 4K | 4K / 60Hz | 4K / 120Hz |
| 8K | No | 8K / 60Hz |
| VRR & ALLM (gaming) | No | Yes |
What HDMI 2.1 adds
Mostly, bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 raises the ceiling to 48 Gbps, far beyond what HDMI 2.0 could carry. That headroom is what makes uncompressed 4K at 120Hz and even 8K at 60Hz possible, resolutions and frame rates the older standard couldn't push down a single cable.
It also brings gaming features. The big one is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which the specification describes as reducing or eliminating lag, stutter and frame tearing for smoother gameplay. Auto Low Latency Mode switches the TV into game mode automatically.
Who benefits
Own a current games console or a gaming PC? Then insist on HDMI 2.1. It unlocks 4K/120 and VRR, and games feel noticeably better for it. If you mostly stream movies and shows, it matters far less. Video tops out at 4K/60 or lower, well within HDMI 2.0's capability, and no cable upgrade will change how a film looks.
Two more things to check. A console only needs a couple of 2.1 ports, but add a 2.1 soundbar or a second device and port count starts to matter, so find out how many of a TV's HDMI inputs are full 2.1. You'll also need a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to carry the full bandwidth.
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Sources & further reading
The facts and figures in this article come from the references below (some of them not in English), so you can check them yourself.
- HDMI Forum releases version 2.1 — HDMI.org