HORI Ultra HDMI PS5 Cable Review: Durable & Fast Verdict
The HORI Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable for PlayStation® 5 has earned a solid 8.6/10 from cross-platform user reports, driven by praise for its durability, consistent high-speed performance, and Sony licensing seal of authenticity. While it’s touted as a next-gen gaming essential, digging into buyer feedback shows its real-world strengths—and a few situational limits that potential owners should know.
Quick Verdict: Yes – especially for PS5 owners who demand certified 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 performance without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Officially licensed by Sony | Limited to 2m length; not ideal for long-distance setups |
| Certified 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 bandwidth | Some users say performance is indistinguishable from bundled PS5 cable |
| Supports 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz | Slightly higher price compared to generic 2.1 cables |
| Triple-shielded nylon mesh for durability | No angled connector option for tight spaces |
| Strong metal housing and corrosion resistance | Regional price disparity frustrates buyers |
| VRR and ALLM support for smooth gameplay | Not much feedback on long-term wear beyond 6 months |
| eARC and HDR compatibility |
Claims vs Reality
HORI advertises “incredibly fast transmission up to 48Gbps” with full HDMI 2.1 feature support, including VRR, ALLM, and eARC. Official specs highlight the 8K-ready certification, resistant braided nylon build, and a seamless experience for PlayStation® 5 owners.
Digging deeper into user reports, the bandwidth and feature set largely hold true. A verified eBay buyer noted: “Supports VRR perfectly, wide color gamut looks amazing on my LG OLED.” Reddit users echo this, with one saying: “Ran PS5 at 4K/120Hz with HDR without a hitch for two months—zero dropouts.” This suggests the marketing's performance claims align with daily use, particularly for high-refresh gaming monitors or premium TVs.
Where claims and perceptions diverge is in the “next level visuals” promise. Several comments on Trustpilot mention that visually, the jump from the stock PS5 HDMI cable is negligible unless your setup involves an 8K display. One PlayStation forum post summed it up: “If you already have the bundled HDMI 2.1 cable and only play at 4K/60Hz, don’t expect to be blown away—this is more about durability and certification peace of mind.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and eBay, durability is the standout success story. The triple-shielded nylon mesh and metal housing aren’t just marketing—buyers stress that the cable “feels premium” and “survives bending and pulling far better than standard coated cables.” A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Aluminum grips keep the ends rock solid, no loosening after months of console swaps.”
Gamers who switch between consoles benefit most. Reddit user feedback highlights that the HORI cable with its corrosion-resistant connectors works comfortably across PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, and high-end PCs without incompatibilities. One PS5/PC owner said: “No handshake delays between devices, unlike my old cable, which sometimes took 5 seconds to sync 4K signals.”
Performance under demanding formats has also been widely applauded. Trustpilot users describe consistent stability with VRR activated, vital for competitive gaming. “Variable refresh rate stabilizes frame pacing when my GPU spikes—zero tearing,” reported one.
Common Complaints
Length limitations at 2m frustrate home theatre setups. A PS5 owner on Twitter remarked: “Couldn’t reach my wall-mounted TV comfortably, had to reposition.” While HORI offers other lengths in different SKUs, the standard SPF-014U sticks firmly at 2m.
Another recurring theme is the price gap between regions. eBay listings show prices from $19.99 in the US to equivalent $58+ in New Zealand. One overseas buyer vented: “I paid triple for the same cable—feels unfair.”
Expectation mismatch also plays a role. Several users say performance is nearly identical to the PS5’s included cable if not running beyond 4K/60Hz. For them, the extra spend only makes sense for robustness and certification reassurance.
Divisive Features
The 8K capability sparks mixed opinions. On Reddit, some call it “future-proof,” especially for multi-year console cycles, while others argue “8K gaming isn’t here yet—why pay a premium now?” This divide reflects a gap between future planners and current setup pragmatists.
The HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) feature earns curiosity but little practical surface use. A Reddit comment observed: “Cool it can share an Internet connection, but most of us won’t ever need that.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reports indicate near-universal satisfaction with product accuracy—no signs of counterfeit goods when purchased from official channels. The “Officially licensed by Sony” branding consistently reassures buyers. Scams or bad batches haven’t surfaced significantly.
Durability stories point positively. One Redditor offered a six-month update: “Still structurally perfect, no fraying—used daily for console and Blu-ray player.” The triple shielding appears to maintain signal integrity despite frequent cable moves, supporting HORI’s longevity claims.
Alternatives
Some mention using generic HDMI 2.1 cables that meet 48Gbps standards at a lower cost. However, these alternatives lack Sony licensing or the same triple-shielded build quality. One eBay buyer who switched from a cheaper option commented: “Signal drops during VRR sessions vanished after swapping to HORI—worth the extra money for stability.”
Price & Value
Current Amazon listings keep the SPF-014U at $19.99 in the US, aligning with HORI's suggested retail. Secondary market prices fluctuate—eBay sales range from $34.90 to $41.50 in international regions, plus shipping. Resale for sealed units remains strong, with limited availability in certain countries raising premiums.
Community buying tips emphasize sourcing from official HORI retailers to guarantee certification and avoiding inflated pricing from resellers unless stock is scarce locally. “If you can grab it at MSRP, it’s a no-brainer for anyone running VRR/120Hz setups,” one Trustpilot user recommended.
FAQ
Q: Does it really outperform the standard HDMI cable bundled with PS5?
A: Only if you need maximum durability, certified future-ready 8K/60Hz, or run advanced features like VRR and ALLM. For basic 4K/60Hz, the difference is negligible visually.
Q: Will this work with non-Sony devices?
A: Yes. Users report flawless compatibility with HDMI 2.1 PCs, Xbox Series consoles, and high-end TVs. Certification ensures performance across the board.
Q: How flexible is the cable in tight spaces?
A: Despite the durable mesh, flexibility is decent, but the straight connector can be cumbersome in wall-mounted systems—some users wished for angled ends.
Q: Is it worth buying now for 8K gaming?
A: If you anticipate upgrading to 8K within the PS5 lifecycle or use compatible content already, it’s a safe investment. Otherwise, it’s primarily about build and reliability.
Q: Does it support HDR and BT.2020?
A: Yes, verified buyers confirm wide color gamut performance works well on HDR-capable displays, matching official claims.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a PS5 or similar HDMI 2.1 device and prioritize durability, signal stability, and future-proof certification. Avoid if you’re satisfied with the bundled PS5 cable and run only standard 4K/60Hz gaming. Pro tip from community: Order directly from HORI or Amazon to avoid regional price inflation.
