So you decided a fiber optic HDMI cable is what you need for your setup but you’re not sure which one to pick. There are lots of fiber optic HDMI cables out there, with a wide range of prices, and it is a hassle finding one that suits you.
I was dealing with the same problem, and after several hours of research, I narrowed down the options to a few, of what I consider to be, the best fiber optic HDMI cables. These are high-speed cables that have almost no signal loss at long distances, making them great for high-resolution media, such as 4K and 8K.
Let’s dive in.
Best Fiber Optic HDMI Cables
1 – FeizLink 4K HDMI Cable 10m Fibre Optic High-Speed 18Gbps Support
When it comes to buying a fiber optic HDMI cable, the Feizlink fiber optic HDMI cable is a good starting point. First things first, it’s compatible with the HDMI 2.0 standard, so it works best when connected to a device that supports that standard.
The build quality is great, it can transfer 4K at 60 Hz, and the wire is quite flexible. The 24k gold-plated connectors are a nice touch too. The cable has a maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps and it’s compatible with all HDMI-enabled devices, as long as the connectors are inserted into the right ports. Overall, a really nice and slim fiber optic HDMI cable.
2 – ATZEBE HDMI Cable 10M
Here’s another option by a company called ATZEBE, it’s a nice slim fiber optic HDMI cable with silver connectors. The HDMI specification is 2.0 so it can handle high resolutions over long distances with no problems. Another great thing about this cable is the wires are surrounded by an aluminum alloy shell, which not only keeps the data transfer stable but also protects the electronics from interference. It also has 24K gold plated connectors.
It works much like every other fiber optic HDMI cable, simply insert the labeled ends into the right device, and everything should work great. Most people use this 10M cable to run high-resolution content, such as 4K, from a PC to a TV or similar display.
3 – Shulian Fiber Optic 2.0 4K HDMI Cable
If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, here’s a good option. This cable, designed by Shuliancable, is another fiber optic HDMI cable with the 2.0 specs. The main difference between this cable and the others on our list is this one has black connectors, the same color as the wire, so it’s a little easier on the eyes. You also have more options for lengths, from 5M all the way to 30M.
The price is a little cheaper too, and I find the build quality is about the same. The downsides are this one doesn’t seem to have 24K gold-plated connectors, but I’m not sure if that makes much of a difference. Overall, if you need to shave a few dollars, this one is worth a look.
In my opinion, these three cables are the best fiber optic HDMI cables on the market. Before you add them to your cart, you might want to take a look at some more information below.
How Does Fiber Optic HDMI Cable Work?
Fiber optic HDMI cables work with the use of photoelectric chips that convert photoelectric signals from the optical cable into a digital format. Essentially, these cables use light pulses inside optic cables to transfer data, instead of relying on electricity through copper. The optic alternative can carry data much further without any of the problems that plague regular cables.
Fiber Optic Cable vs HDMI: Are Fiber Optic HDMI Cables Better?
When compared to regular HDMI cables, fiber optic HDMI is much better, especially for high-resolution media such as 4K across long distances.
In most cases, a regular HDMI cable will start running into issues transferring 4K at the 3-meter (10 feet) mark. In comparison, fiber optic HDMI cables can transfer that same data much further, around 300 meters or more, with no signal loss or other problems.
On top of that, fiber optic cables are less prone to outside electrical interference, so the image quality is usually much more stable. The downside is fiber optic HDMI cables are a bit more expensive, and they’re not unidirectional, but the pros are worth the investment.
How Long Can a Fiber Optic HDMI Cable be?
A fiber optic HDMI cable can be as long as the manufacturer needs them to be, there doesn’t seem to be a distance where they encounter issues. Most cable manufacturers will design cables in the 5 to 100-meter range, but custom cables can be found in the 300-meter range too.
Fiber Optic HDMI vs HDMI Cable for Gaming
Generally, fiber optic HDMI cables are much better than gaming HDMI cables. However, the main advantage of using fiber optic is to transfer data further than the limits of regular HDMI.
If your gaming HDMI cable is within those limits, such as under 3 meters, it might not be necessary to buy a fiber optic HDMI cable. At short distances, the gaming HDMI cable should be able to handle 4K and other resolutions with no problems. At longer distances, you’ll start running into issues.
If you want to send 4K signals from your PC to your TV in another room, then a fiber optic HDMI cable is your best option. However, for simple desk setups, such as from a PC under the desk to a display above, a regular gaming HDMI cable should be good enough.
