The HDMI standard has several versions, which were developed as televisions, monitors, and other video devices transitioned to higher resolutions and refresh rates. The HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.0b, HDMI 2.1, and HDMI 2.2 standards reflect the various stages of this development.
The most important difference between these versions is bandwidth. HDMI 2.0 and 2.0b provide up to 18 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 increases this to 48 Gbps, and HDMI 2.2 doubles the maximum bandwidth again to 96 Gbps.
However, bandwidth is not the only difference. Newer HDMI specifications also introduce additional video, audio and gaming capabilities.
HDMI 2.0 vs 2.0b vs 2.1 vs 2.2
| Specification | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.0b | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum bandwidth | 18 Gbps | 18 Gbps | Up to 48 Gbps | Up to 96 Gbps |
| Main 4K capability | Up to 60Hz | Up to 60Hz | Up to 120Hz | Up to 240Hz |
| 8K | Limited | Limited | Up to 60Hz | Up to 60Hz and higher modes |
| HDR | Supported | Additional HDR capabilities | Dynamic HDR support | Expanded high-bandwidth capabilities |
| VRR | No | No | Supported | Supported |
| ALLM | No | No | Supported | Supported |
| eARC | No | No | Supported | Supported |
| Cable for maximum bandwidth | Premium High Speed | Premium High Speed | Ultra High Speed | Ultra96 |
The table shows the maximum capabilities associated with each specification. A particular television, monitor or other device may support only some of these capabilities.
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.0 increased the maximum bandwidth to 18 Gbps. This made it possible to handle 4K video at up to 60Hz and provided enough bandwidth for many home entertainment applications.
HDMI 2.0 is therefore suitable for many 4K televisions used for streaming, television broadcasts, Blu-ray playback and other content that does not require a refresh rate above 60Hz.
HDMI 2.0b
HDMI 2.0b is an update to HDMI 2.0 rather than a major new generation.
Its maximum bandwidth remains 18 Gbps, so HDMI 2.0b does not provide higher 4K refresh rates than HDMI 2.0.
The main development was additional HDR-related support, including Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), which is particularly relevant to broadcast television.
For this reason, HDMI 2.0b should be viewed as an enhanced version of HDMI 2.0 rather than a faster standard.
HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1 was a much larger change. It increased maximum bandwidth from 18 Gbps to 48 Gbps and introduced support for higher resolutions and refresh rates.
One of its most important capabilities for consumer electronics is 4K at 120Hz. The specification also supports 8K at 60Hz and introduces features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Quick Media Switching (QMS) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).
For televisions, HDMI 2.1 is particularly important for modern gaming. A compatible 4K 120Hz television can receive a 4K 120Hz signal from a suitable console or PC, while VRR can synchronize the display refresh rate with the source.
HDMI 2.1 is also backward compatible with previous HDMI generations. This standard is now the de facto standard for most devices, as it supports virtually all video processing capabilities of modern displays; furthermore, the latest versions of 2.1-standard chips allow for video processing at higher refresh rates of 144 or 165 hertz.
HDMI 2.2
HDMI 2.2 is the newest HDMI specification. HDMI Forum officially released it on June 25, 2025.
Its most significant change is the increase in maximum bandwidth to 96 Gbps, twice the maximum of HDMI 2.1.
This additional bandwidth is designed for much more demanding video formats. HDMI 2.2 supports formats including 4K at 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz with full 4:4:4 chroma, as well as higher-resolution configurations such as 12K at 120Hz and 16K at 60Hz.
HDMI 2.2 also introduces the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), designed to help maintain audio and video synchronization. For most current 4K televisions, HDMI 2.2 is not yet necessary. HDMI 2.1 already provides the bandwidth needed for 4K 120Hz and the gaming features commonly used today.
HDMI cables
The HDMI specification and an HDMI cable are two different things. A newer HDMI device does not necessarily require a newer cable, unless the signal requires a bandwidth that the existing cable cannot provide. In reality, these are quite complex image-processing algorithms. To put it simply, if your TV has HDMI 2.1 ports but technically can only display 4K video at 60 Hz, then an HDMI 2.0 cable will work just fine.
For connections requiring speeds up to 48 Gbps, the HDMI Forum recommends using a SuperSpeed HDMI cable. For HDMI 2.2 applications requiring higher bandwidth, the HDMI Forum has introduced the HDMI Ultra96 cable, designed for bandwidth up to 96 Gbps.
Therefore, when purchasing a cable, it’s best to pay attention to the official designation rather than simply choosing a product advertised as an “HDMI 2.1 cable.”
A manufacturer may implement the HDMI 2.1 interface without utilizing the full 48 Gbps bandwidth. For example, a TV may support HDMI 2.1 and 4K120 while providing less than 48 Gbps on its HDMI inputs.
The same principle applies to HDMI 2.2. The specification supports speeds up to 96 Gbps, but devices with HDMI 2.2 may have different maximum bandwidth capabilities.
Backward Compatibility
HDMI versions are designed to work with previous generations. A device with HDMI 2.1 can be connected to a device with HDMI 2.0, and a device with HDMI 2.2 can be connected to a device with HDMI 2.1. The connection will utilize the capabilities supported by both devices.
For example, connecting an HDMI 2.1 source to a TV with HDMI 2.0 does not enable the TV to play 4K120 content. The limitation remains with the HDMI 2.0 input. The same applies to HDMI 2.2. Connecting an HDMI 2.2 source to an HDMI 2.1 display does not enable the display to support HDMI 2.2 video modes.
