HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0 is one of the biggest questions PS5 owners ask, especially when choosing the right TV or monitor. If you’re wondering whether HDMI 2.1 is actually worth it or if HDMI 2.0 is still good enough for PS5 gaming,
What Each Version Actually Supports
Before jumping into gaming performance, here’s what each HDMI version brings to the table:
HDMI 2.0
- Max Resolution/Refresh: 4K at 60Hz
- Bandwidth: 18 Gbps
- HDR: Supported (HDR10, Dolby Vision on TVs that support it)
- VRR: Limited / manufacturer-dependent
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Not guaranteed
HDMI 2.1
- Max Resolution/Refresh: 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz
- Bandwidth: 48 Gbps
- VRR: Fully supported
- ALLM: Fully supported
- eARC: Enhanced audio return channel (better for soundbars and AV receivers)
So What Does This Mean for PS5 Gaming?
The PS5 can output 4K 120Hz, but only if your TV or monitor supports HDMI 2.1.
The differences show up in three key areas:
1. 120Hz Gaming
This is the biggest, most noticeable advantage of HDMI 2.1.
- HDMI 2.0: Limited to 4K 60Hz
- HDMI 2.1: Enables 4K 120Hz on supported titles
Not all PS5 games support 120Hz, but many popular ones do, including:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 / 3
- Fortnite
- Destiny 2
- Spider-Man Remastered
- Devil May Cry 5
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Doom Eternal
If you want max smoothness, HDMI 2.1 is the way to go.
2. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
VRR helps remove screen tearing and reduces stutter.
- HDMI 2.0: Might support VRR depending on brand/model
- HDMI 2.1: Guaranteed full VRR support
PS5 now supports VRR through system updates, so if your TV has HDMI 2.1 VRR, you’re getting a smoother, more consistent experience especially in fast-paced games.
3. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
ALLM automatically switches your TV to the lowest latency mode when you start gaming.
- HDMI 2.1 supports this natively
- Some HDMI 2.0 TVs do it manually (Game Mode switching)
Not essential, but convenient.
Do You Really Need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?
You need HDMI 2.1 if:
- You want 4K 120Hz gaming
- You play competitive shooters or fast-paced titles
- You want the best future-proof experience
- Your display already supports 2.1 features (many new TVs do)
HDMI 2.0 is enough if:
- You’re happy with 4K 60Hz
- Your TV doesn’t support 120Hz anyway
- You mostly play cinematic games (God of War, Last of Us, etc.)
- You’re on a budget
Most PS5 games prioritize visuals, not extreme framerate, so HDMI 2.0 owners aren’t missing out on most content.
What About the HDMI Cable That Comes with the PS5?
Good news:
The PS5 includes an HDMI 2.1 cable right in the box.
So even if you upgrade your TV later, you won’t need a new cable.
Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you want maximum performance, smoother gameplay, and future-proofing: 👉 Go for HDMI 2.1
- If you just want a clean, stable PS5 experience without fancy extras: 👉 HDMI 2.0 is still perfectly fine
Do You Really Need HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.0 for PS5? Ultimately, your TV or monitor decides everything. If your display only supports HDMI 2.0, upgrading cables won’t magically unlock 120Hz. If your display has HDMI 2.1, enjoy those next-gen features.
