HDMI 2.0b vs HDMI 2.1
Comparison
| HDMI 2.0B | HDMI 2.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 4K | 4K and 8K |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz (4K) | 120Hz (4K) - 60Hz (8K) |
| ARC/eARC | ARC | eARC |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No | Yes |
Resolution
2.0b: 4K with 50Hz
The HDMI 2.0b cables support a maximum resolution of 4K with 60Hz. You can enjoy sharp images thanks to the 4K support, but the images aren't always displayed smoothly due to the 60Hz support. You won't notice this when you watch talkshows or regular television programs, but the lack of Hertz might bother you when you watch action scenes.
2.1: 4K with 100Hz and Variable Refresh Rate
The HDMI 2.1 cables are better prepared for the future than the other HDMI cables. The cables support a resolution of 4K with 100Hz. Thanks to this, you can enjoy a high resolution with a high refresh rate. Thanks to the Variable Refresh Rate support, you'll always experience the right frame rate while gaming. This will allow you to game without slowing down. This HDMI cable also supports a resolution of 8K with 60Hz. With this, you're prepared for the future and you can enjoy the 8K images that are available so far.
(e)ARC
2.0b: ARC
All HDMI cables support ARC, which stands for 'Audio Return Channel'. This allows you to send the audio of your television to your soundbar via the HDMI 2.0b cable. As a result, you just need one cable to watch your favorite movies and series with a spatial and rich audio.
2.1: eARC
HDMI 2.1 cables support eARC. The term eARC is short for 'Enhanced Audio Return Channel'. With eARC, you can send the audio of your TV to your soundbar without losing quality. That's because HDMI 2.1 cables have a larger bandwidth than HDMI 2.0b. This cable also supports Dolby Atmos without quality loss thanks to eARC. As a result, you can enjoy this immersive audio experience to the fullest. Dolby Atmos directs the sound towards the ceiling, after which it reflects back to your listening position. Thanks to this, it feels like the sound is coming from above too.
Conclusion
An HDMI 2.1 cable is clearly more developed than an HDMI 2.0B. The HDMI 2.1 cable supports a higher resolution with higher refresh rate, and transmits the audio without losing quality. Do you just watch television for the news, talkshows, and other similar content? An HDMI 2.0b cable is sufficient. If you want to get the most out of your television and enjoy movies, series, and other content to the fullest, choose an HDMI 2.1 cable.
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