Amazon Basics HDMI Cable Review: Reliable 4K@60Hz Value
Digging into user reports, the Amazon Basics HDMI Cable 3ft High-Speed 4K HDMI 2.0 Cord Black emerges as a product that defies the “you get what you pay for” cliché. Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Amazon reviews, it consistently scores high for reliability, compatibility, and value — averaging around 9.4/10 in user satisfaction. For everyday 4K setups, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, it appears to deliver on its promises without the premium price tag.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Ideal for most 4K@60Hz needs, but not for ultra-high-end 8K or specialized long-distance runs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable without sacrificing performance | Lacks braided shielding on standard version |
| Reliable 4K@60Hz signal, HDR-compatible | Not suitable for >4K@60Hz output |
| Universally compatible with major devices | Limited length options for certain setups |
| Snug, secure connector fit | No active signal boosting for very long runs |
| Ethernet-ready for supported devices | Plain design may not appeal to premium buyers |
| Backwards compatible with older HDMI standards | Occasional confusion over HDMI version marketing |
| Quick shipping and easy availability | No gold-plating on all models |
Claims vs Reality
One of Amazon’s key claims is that this cable supports 4K video at 60Hz with 18Gbps bandwidth. Digging deeper into user feedback, this spec is not just marketing fluff — it’s verified in practice. A Trustpilot reviewer noted: “Linux Mint ran 4K60 display (3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz) with no issues” when connected to an LG TV via an Nvidia GTX 960 card. Reddit users echoed similar experiences, using it successfully with PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and Roku setups without visible lag or signal drop.
Amazon also emphasizes “Ethernet-ready” capability. While technically accurate, multiple Reddit users highlighted that few consumer devices actually use Ethernet over HDMI. As one explained: “Most HDMI devices today can’t receive Ethernet over HDMI — high-speed cables are really all you need.” This suggests the feature is more future-proofing than a current necessity.
A third claim is backward compatibility with earlier HDMI standards. Here, buyer experiences align completely with marketing. Users connected older Blu-ray players and legacy receivers without issue. A verified Amazon buyer wrote: “I replaced 7-year-old cables with these and wow! The picture changed dramatically.” This underscores that even older gear can get a refresh from a modern, well-built cable.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent praise revolves around value for money. Trustpilot reviews repeatedly state there’s “no need to buy more expensive HDMI cables”, with performance indistinguishable from high-priced alternatives. This is particularly impactful for budget-conscious gamers and home theater builders. Reddit user feedback confirmed flawless HDR passthrough with an Xbox One S and UHD Blu-ray, showing it handles demanding content streams.
Picture quality and stability also earn strong marks. One Amazon reviewer shared: “I was able to use the highest setting on my Apple TV for chroma 4:2:2… this one passed the test.” That’s a demanding uncompressed signal, and passing it means the cable is engineered well for high-bit-rate video.
Durability is another highlight. Even without braided shielding in the base model, standard PVC insulation holds up in daily use. Twitter reactions mention snug connector fit and minimal wear after repeated plugging/unplugging — crucial for setups where devices are swapped often.
Common Complaints
While rare, some reports suggest confusion about HDMI versioning. Multiple Reddit users cautioned against assuming “HDMI 2.0 cables” exist — pointing out that version numbers apply to devices, not cables. This isn’t a fault of the product, but the marketing language can mislead less technical buyers.
Length limitations occasionally frustrate users. The 3ft variant is perfect for close-proximity connections but can be restrictive for wall-mounted TVs or larger AV racks. A few Trustpilot reviewers noted they had to buy the 6ft or 10ft version for more flexible routing.
Ultra-high-end users with 8K or >60Hz requirements will find this cable insufficient, as one Reddit discussion noted some HDR modes only work at 30Hz on older cables. While this model handles 4K60 flawlessly, it’s not designed for HDMI 2.1’s 48Gbps bandwidth.
Divisive Features
The lack of gold-plated connectors in all versions splits opinion. Some buyers appreciate the simplicity and cost savings, while others prefer the corrosion resistance and perceived premium feel of gold plating — especially for long-term storage or humid environments.
Ethernet-over-HDMI support is another divisive point. Enthusiasts see it as nice-to-have, but everyday users rarely benefit from it, making it feel redundant.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot sentiment points strongly toward reliability. One verified buyer stated: “I haven’t experienced any signal loss or intermittent interruptions during my usage.” This is echoed across Reddit, where users report months of flawless operation in console-to-TV setups.
Long-term durability stories are positive. A Reddit user mentioned swapping out cheap cables from a discount store for Amazon Basics and never encountering the flickering and dropouts that plagued their old setup. In AV receiver chains, replacing multiple cables with these maintained stable ARC audio return performance.
Scam concerns are virtually absent. The only “gotcha” is marketing language about HDMI versions, which can confuse novices but does not signal deceptive quality claims.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned in discussions include premium $100+ HDMI cables and Atomos-brand coiled cables (~$100). While these can offer specialty features like active boosting or rugged build for field work, community consensus is clear: unless you need extreme length or HDMI 2.1’s 8K@60Hz/4K@120Hz, the Amazon Basics 3ft high-speed option performs equally well for a fraction of the cost.
Price & Value
Current pricing hovers around $7–$14 depending on pack size and retailer, with eBay showing open-box units as low as $4. Bulk buyers can find per-unit costs under $5. Resale value is modest — most used units sell for 30–50% of retail — but given the low entry price, community advice leans toward buying new unless you trust the seller’s condition claim.
Buying tips from users: opt for multi-packs for spares, especially since shipping often outweighs the cost of a single cable. Redditors suggested keeping extras on hand to quickly replace any suspect cable in a multi-device chain.
FAQ
Q: Does this cable support HDR at 60Hz?
A: Yes, multiple users confirmed successful HDR passthrough at 4K/60Hz, including on Xbox One S and Apple TV with chroma subsampling tests.
Q: Will it work with HDMI 2.1 devices?
A: It will function, but only at HDMI 2.0 speeds (18Gbps). HDMI 2.1 features like 8K@60Hz require certified Ultra High Speed cables.
Q: Is there a difference between this and more expensive cables?
A: For 4K@60Hz use, no. As one Trustpilot user put it: “You either get 100% of the signal or nothing at all.”
Q: Can this carry Ethernet between devices?
A: Technically yes, but most consumer devices don’t use Ethernet over HDMI, so the feature is rarely utilized.
Q: Is gold plating important?
A: It can help prevent corrosion in certain environments, but for most indoor setups, standard connectors work fine.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a home theater enthusiast, gamer, or streamer who needs a reliable, short-run cable for 4K@60Hz devices without overspending. Avoid if your setup requires 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, or runs over 50ft. Pro tip from the community: grab a multi-pack and keep spares — at this price, peace of mind comes cheap.
