November 5, 2025, 11:37 am | Read time: 4 minutes
When buying a new TV, many focus on picture quality, size, and price. But there’s another detail that’s quite important yet often overlooked: the HDMI ports. A limited HDMI 2.1 access can later become an expensive trap. Why this standard is so important and what you should definitely pay attention to when buying.
A modern TV today can do much more than just display programs–it is a hub for streaming, gaming, and home theater. But to fully utilize all these possibilities, the technical equipment must be right. This is where many make a fundamental mistake when buying: They evaluate the device based on its visible functions and not on the interfaces that make everything possible in the first place.
Overview
The Overlooked Mistake When Buying a TV
Picture quality and features of a TV are crucial for many buyers. However, a critical point is regularly neglected when choosing a device: the number and quality of HDMI ports. Especially with budget models, manufacturers often cut corners and only install one or two high-performance HDMI 2.1 ports.
HDMI 2.1 is essential for modern applications like 4K gaming at 120 hertz or transmitting surround sound via eARC. Without this standard, the full capabilities of current consoles, soundbars, or receivers cannot be utilized. While older HDMI versions generally work, they quickly reach their limits with higher demands.
What’s in HDMI 2.1?
The HDMI 2.1 standard was introduced in 2017 and supports a data transfer rate of up to 48 gigabits per second. This allows for resolutions up to 8K at 60 hertz refresh rate, smooth 4K gaming at up to 120 hertz, and dynamic HDR. Gamers also benefit from features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which ensure smooth display and low input lag.
Important: An HDMI 2.1 port does not automatically mean that all these functions are supported by the device. The version number only indicates the maximum possible range of functions. Buyers should therefore not only look for the presence of HDMI 2.1 but also for specific specifications like “4K 120 Hz” or “eARC,” which are usually marked directly on the port.
Beware of Cheap Devices
Many entry-level TV models have only a single HDMI 2.1 port–this is often insufficient in practice. For example, if you want to use a game console and a soundbar simultaneously, you will have to regularly switch connections or set priorities. In times of increasing connectivity and rising demands from modern input devices, this can quickly become a limitation.
TVs with at least two HDMI 2.1 ports are recommended. High-quality devices now offer up to four of these ports. Buyers can find relevant information in best lists or test databases, such as those from ComputerBILD. There, you can also specifically check which models have enough HDMI 2.1 sockets.
What to Consider When Buying an HDMI Cable
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The Cable Must Be Right Too
There are also pitfalls with accessories, as not every HDMI cable is automatically suitable for HDMI 2.1. For stable transmissions at high bandwidths, so-called “Ultra High Speed” cables should be used. Only these guarantee 48 gigabits per second and support all functions of HDMI 2.1–including 8K and dynamic HDR.
If you want to connect multiple devices, you can use AV receivers or HDMI switches–but it’s also important to ensure they support current standards. Only then will image and sound formats like Dolby Atmos and HDR10+ be correctly transmitted.
Read also: What to Look for When Buying an HDMI Cable
Successor Standard HDMI 2.2 Already in the Starting Blocks
Introduced in 2017, HDMI 2.1 has been on the market for several years. With HDMI 2.2, however, there is a newer development. The standard is designed for particularly high bandwidths of up to 96 gigabits per second. This makes the interface twice as powerful as HDMI 2.1 and is intended to meet future demands–such as for applications like virtual reality, 8K with higher refresh rates, or even more complex audio formats.
Even though few end devices currently use the full functionality of HDMI 2.2, the standard is considered future-proof. Those who invest in a TV or home theater system today that already supports HDMI 2.2 are technically on the safe side–provided that cables and input devices are also equipped accordingly.