Amazon Basics 50ft HDMI Fiber Optic Cable Review
Few long-distance HDMI cables maintain flawless 4K output over 50 feet — but the Amazon Basics HDMI Fiber Optic Cable, 50 feet earns a solid 8.7/10 from customers for doing exactly that.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — great for long runs and 4K@60Hz setups, but directionality and 4K HDR requirements catch some users off guard.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable 4K signal over 50 feet | One-way transmission — must install correctly |
| Durable zinc alloy housing, gold-plated connectors | Some HDR/HDCP compatibility issues |
| Flexible 4.8mm cable despite length | Dropouts reported with certain laptops/displays |
| Good value compared to competitors | Needs “certified premium” for flawless HDR |
| Minimal signal loss with 18Gbps bandwidth | Issues can appear after weeks of perfect use |
Claims vs Reality
The product page boasts “18Gbps high-speed performance, supporting HDMI 2.0 standards with 4K UHD video at 60Hz, 2160p, 48-bit color depth, Ethernet, 3D, and ARC.” Marketing emphasizes thinness (4.8mm OD) and one-way fiber optic transmission for reliable, lag-free output.
While many buyers confirm the 4K@60Hz performance, some ran into nuanced issues. Reddit user u/with_in_raisin explained that although the cable worked fine for weeks with 4K HDR, artifacts eventually appeared: “A couple times it would delve into just static… turned out it was my HDMI cables… I needed 4K certified premium HDMI cables throughout. The Amazon Basics ones were recommended but not up to snuff.” This underscores a gap between the 4K HDR claim and real-world HDR reliability on certain setups.
Another marketing claim is “thin, flexible, and durable” for its length — which held true for most. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “They are not stiff yet thick enough that they don’t feel cheap and should help with interference.” Yet durability doesn’t entirely shield from directional installation mistakes — multiple users stressed that installation must follow the “source” and “display” labels or the cable simply won’t work.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
A recurring point of appreciation is the ability to transmit high-quality video over extreme distances without boosters. Reddit user acra_gas10 shared: “I’m using the 50 foot version… for a 4K projector setup, and it works flawlessly thus far.” This consistency makes the cable attractive for home theater owners who route signals through ceilings or walls.
Conference room installers on Trustpilot liked the form factor: “Not stiff yet thick enough… very well made cables that should help with interference.” Even with 50 feet, many appreciated the cable’s minimal flex resistance, easing installation in tight conduits. Amazon reviewers also noted “excellent picture and sound” and “great signal and quality” for typical 1080p and 4K setups, adding that the gold-plated connector felt premium at a budget-friendly price.
Gamers found value in uninterrupted performance during long runs. One Reddit user replacing a problematic 20-foot HDMI with this fiber optic version said, “Solved the black screen problem… these cables have to be installed the correct way around.”
Common Complaints
Length doesn’t forgive directionality mistakes. Users misinstalling the cable reported no signal, with several frustrated posts advising double-checking connector labels. One verified buyer pointed out: “If you don’t pay attention to the labels at the end of each cable connector… they won’t work.”
HDCP and HDR issues emerged in higher-end gaming setups. Reddit’s u/dug_the_freshest described using the cable with an LG CX and Nvidia 3090 Ti: turning on HDMI deep color locked resolution at 1024x768, turning it off allowed 4K but no HDR — suggesting that while standard 4K is fine, certain HDR pathways fail.
A minority encountered intermittent dropouts. Trustpilot’s 1-star review claimed: “Signal would drop in and out, or not display at all… several issues on different laptops and displays.” Though most experienced stable performance, these reports hint at potential weaknesses in some PC-to-display chains.
Divisive Features
Flexibility is praised for installations, yet some users dislike the cable’s relative thinness when compared to heavy-duty alternatives. One Amazon review mused whether the thin sheathing would “maintain pliability over time.” Conversely, others liked that “these are sturdy and fit into ports snugly… heavy duty insulation” despite fiber optic construction.
Price perception also divided buyers — while many said “these can’t be beat” for cost-performance, a few argued spending more on “certified premium” cables is worthwhile if HDR is mission-critical.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term patterns show mixed durability outcomes. Many report flawless condition even “after almost two years,” per BestViewsReviews data, affirming material longevity. However, anecdotal cases on Reddit suggest 4K HDR performance can deteriorate after weeks, potentially linked to cumulative handling or bandwidth strain.
Trustpilot feedback reveals the chief reliability risk — directionality errors and device handshake incompatibility. One installer’s advice was clear: always align “source” and “display” ends to prevent mysterious failures. Despite minor negative posts, the absence of scam-like patterns and a strong 96% positive rating in category comparisons show this is not a fly-by-night product.
Alternatives
Competitor mentions include Highwings 4K 60Hz 50ft HDMI Fiber Optic and ibirdie HDMI 2.1 50ft cables. Highwings earns praise for HDR video support and robust braided design, offering 8K@60Hz capabilities. ibirdie matches length for those needing future-proof HDMI 2.1 bandwidth but comes at a higher price. For users needing HDR with full 4:4:4 chroma, these may outperform the Amazon Basics option in compatibility — but they lack Amazon’s low price draw.
Price & Value
At $60.91, the Amazon Basics HDMI Fiber Optic Cable undercuts higher-end 50ft fiber optics in the $80–$100 range. Secondary listings (eBay) show resale around $25–$42, but these tend to be sealed stock, indicating limited depreciation for unused units. Community buying tips: grab it during holiday sales when Amazon often discounts basics cables up to 30%, making long-run installations cost-effective.
FAQ
Q: Does this cable support HDR?
A: It supports HDMI 2.0 HDR formats on paper, but some users reported intermittent HDR handshake failures, especially on PC-to-TV projector setups. Installation and source compatibility heavily influence HDR success.
Q: Can I use it bidirectionally?
A: No. This is a one-way fiber optic cable. You must connect the labeled “source” end to your output device and the “display” end to your input device, or it will not transmit.
Q: Is it flexible enough for in-wall runs?
A: Yes. Several installers praised its thin, flexible profile for conduit routing, though some caution that extreme bends should be avoided to protect fiber integrity.
Q: Will it work with my gaming console?
A: For standard 4K@60Hz gaming, multiple users confirmed stable performance with devices like PS4 Pro and Xbox One. For HDR gaming, ensure all devices and the cable meet “certified premium” spec.
Q: What is the maximum length available?
A: Amazon Basics fiber optic HDMI cables reportedly go up to 200 feet, according to Reddit users, making them viable for very large spaces.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home theater owner or installer needing long-run 4K@60Hz video without boosters, and you’re attentive to installation direction. Avoid if your setup demands flawless HDR across mixed device chains — competitors with HDMI 2.1 certification may be safer. Pro tip from community: Always verify the “source” and “display” orientation before blaming devices.
