# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Display Cables

HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 2.1

Comparing 2 standards across 7 specifications. 6 key differences identified.

Comparing:
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.0 →

HDMI 2.0, released September 4, 2013, raised maximum bandwidth to 18 Gbps, finally enabling 4K resolution at 60Hz. It also increased maximum audio to 32 channels; HDR support followed later via the HDMI 2.0a update in 2015, not the original 2.0 release.

View full HDMI 2.0 spec sheet →
HDMI 2.1 →

HDMI 2.1 increases total bandwidth to 48 Gbps via Fixed Rate Link (FRL). It mandates Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable certification and supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and eARC.

View full HDMI 2.1 spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

7 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.1
Max Resolution @ Refresh Rate
4K @ 60Hz / 1440p @ 144Hz 8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz (10K with DSC)
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
18.0 Gbps (TMDS) 48 Gbps (FRL 4 lanes)
Pin Count
19 Pins (Type A) 19 Pins (Type A)
Display Stream Compression (DSC)
Not Supported DSC 1.2a Supported
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Vendor-specific (AMD FreeSync over HDMI) HDMI Forum VRR & Quick Media Switching (QMS)
Max Audio Channels
32 Channels (Standard ARC up to 5.1 lossy) 32 Channels (eARC up to 192kHz / 24-bit uncompressed)
Max Recommended Cable Length
5 Meters (Passive Premium High Speed) 3 Meters (Passive Ultra High Speed) / 100m+ (Active Optical AOC)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.0 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.2 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.4 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. DisplayPort 2.1 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. DVI → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 1.0 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 1.3 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. HDMI 1.4 → Compare HDMI 2.0 vs. VGA →