If you think about it, the length of an HDMI cable might not seem like the most pressing concern on a gamer’s mind. But as any avid gamer would know, the devil is in the details.
In this case, the devil is in the length of the PS5’s HDMI cable. It would be quite unfortunate if the length of the cable included with the PS5’s package is too short to reach the TV stand.
This would particularly be a shame if you have an overhead projector hooked to the ceiling which your PS5’s included cable will certainly not reach from the ground.
So that begs the question “How long is the PS5 HDMI cable?” and what can you do in order to extend it in case the cable does not reach your display device?
Well simply put, the length of the included cable is 1.5 meters and it belongs to the HDMI 2.1 interface with Standard Type A form factor. This detail is very important in case you want to expand it or want to buy a longer cable.
So How Long is the PS5 HDMI Cable?
As mentioned earlier, the HDMI PS5 comes bundled with an HDMI 2.1 cable, aka HDMI Ultra High-Speed cable, with a length of 1.5 meters or about 59 inches.
While this is certainly more than sufficient for the majority of the setups, some may warrant longer cables.
In that case, you will need to understand:
- The HDMI interface version
- The HDMI cable version and what they entail.
How to Extend It?
In order to extend the included PS5 cable or to buy a new longer HDMI cable, you cannot just use any cable.
While all HDMI cables CAN work on PS5, the exact performance that you get depends upon what version they belong to.
So while all HDMI cables and HDMI ports look the same they vastly differ in terms of their performance.
PS5 and HDMI 2.1 Interface
PS5 offers the HDMI 2.1 interface. It supports up to 4K at a 120Hz refresh rate for many games out there.
So if you were to connect PS5 to a TV or a monitor with an inferior HDMI 2.0 or 1.4 port, then its display mode will get restricted to a lower level.
The following table explains this further:
| HDMI Version | Max Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDR |
| 1.2 | 1440P | 1080P = 60Hz 1440P = 30Hz | No |
| 1.3-1.4 | 4K (4096 x 2160) | 1080P = 120Hz 1440P = 60Hz 4K = 30Hz | No |
| 2.0 | 4K (4096 x 2160) | 1080P = 240Hz 1440P = 144Hz 4K = 60Hz | Yes |
| 2.1 | 8K (7680 x 4320) | 1440P = 240Hz 4K = 144Hz 4K = 240Hz (DSC) 8K = 120Hz (DSC) | Yes |
So the exact version of the HDMI port essentially dictates the amount of bandwidth or information that it can carry. This is influenced heavily by the resolution and the refresh rate.
Now in order to support the bandwidth of the newer HDMI ports, you need to have the right cable.
Enter Ultra High Speed, aka, HDMI 2.1 Cable
Now this is where the cable version matters. You see, like the HDMI ports, the cables also have their versions.
The following table explains this further:
| HDMI Cable Certification | Supported Specs | Intended HDMI Port Version |
| Standard | 1080P @ 60Hz | 1.0-1.3 |
| High Speed | FHD @ 144Hz QHD @ 60Hz 4K @ 30hz | 1.4 |
| Premium High Speed | FHD @ 240Hz QHD @ 144Hz 4K @ 60Hz | 2.0 |
| Ultra High Speed | FHD @ > 240Hz 1440P @ > 240Hz 4K @ 144Hz (240Hz with DSC) 8K @ 120Hz (DSC) 10K @ 120Hz (DSC) | 2.1 |
As you can see, in order to carry the rated bandwidth of up to 4K @ 120Hz refresh rate, you will need an Ultra High Speed, aka HDMI 2.1 cable.
Now fortunately PS5 comes with an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable but it ONLY has a length of 1.5 meters or 59 feet.
But the exact choice of cable would also depend upon what TV or monitor you have.
- For HDMI 1.4 TV/monitors with up to FHD and 120Hz refresh any HDMI cable (HIgh speed or better) would do just fine.
- For HDMI 2.0 TV/monitor with up to 4K at a 60Hz refresh rate, premium HDMI or a better cable would be needed.
- For HDMI 2.1 TV/Monitor with 4K @ 120Hz refresh rate or beyond, you would need an Ultra High-speed cable.
Extending Using an Extension Cable or a Joint
When buying a longer cable, when using an HDMI extension cable, or if using an HDMI joint, you need to make sure that they conform to the HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High-Speed) standards preferably or the standard of your TV/monitor at a minimum.
So if you have a TV or a monitor with an HDMI 2.1 port do not get an extension cable or a joint conforming to HDMI 2.0 (Premium high speed) standard.
Similarly, if you have a TV/monitor with an HDMI 2.0 port, do not get an extension cable or a joint conforming to HDMI 1.4 (High Speed) standard.
Also when buying Ultra High Speed or Premium High-Speed cables, always check for the QR Code + Holographic certifications labeled on the package.
