When it comes to connecting your Xbox to your TV, the HDMI version you need depends on the specific model of Xbox you have and the resolution and refresh rate you want to achieve.
For the regular Xbox One and the Xbox One S, which support a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60Hz with HDR, a high-speed HDMI cable or HDMI 1.4 is more than sufficient. These cables are widely available and should provide you with a reliable connection for your gaming needs.
On the other hand, if you have the Xbox One X or the newer Xbox Series X, which can output in 4K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz with HDR, it is recommended to use a premium HDMI cable or HDMI 2.0. These cables are designed to handle the higher bandwidth required for 4K content and will provide you with a more optimal viewing experience.
In my personal experience, I have used both HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 cables with my Xbox One X, and I have noticed a noticeable difference in the picture quality when using the HDMI 2.0 cable. The colors appeared more vibrant, and the overall image was sharper and more detailed.
It’s important to note that while HDMI 2.0 is recommended for the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X, it is backwards compatible with HDMI 1.4, so you can still use a high-speed HDMI cable if that’s what you have available. However, if you want to fully take advantage of the capabilities of your Xbox One X or Xbox Series X, investing in a premium HDMI cable or HDMI 2.0 would be a worthwhile upgrade.
To summarize, for the regular Xbox One and Xbox One S, HDMI 1.4 or a high-speed HDMI cable will suffice for 1080p gaming. For the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X, it’s recommended to use a premium HDMI cable or HDMI 2.0 for 4K or 1080p with HDR gaming. Ultimately, the choice of HDMI cable depends on the specific Xbox model and the resolution and refresh rate you want to achieve.