HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.2: what does the extra bandwidth change?
By TechCompare · Updated · How we check
Pick HDMI 2.2 for uncompressed 4K 240 Hz on a full 96G link, where HDMI 2.1 needs DSC. Check the product's rate before you buy, since products with the Ultra96 name can top out at 64 or 80 Gbps.
Which cable carries which mode?
The chart tests each video mode against both links at 10-bit 4:4:4. At 4K 240 Hz, HDMI 2.1 needs DSC while HDMI 2.2 runs the mode uncompressed on a full 96G link.
| Video mode | HDMI 2.1 (48G)42.6 Gbps | HDMI 2.2 (96G)85.3 Gbps |
|---|---|---|
| 4K 60 Hz | Native | Native |
| 4K 144 Hz | Native | Native |
| 4K 240 Hz | DSC required | Native |
| 8K 60 Hz | DSC required | Native |
| 8K 120 Hz | DSC required | DSC required |
Assumes 10-bit HDR, 4:4:4 chroma, and CVT-RB v2 timing. “DSC” = visually lossless Display Stream Compression.
HDMI 2.2 carries 85.3 Gbps of data against 42.6 Gbps for HDMI 2.1, 100% more.
HDMI 2.2 (96G) carries 85.33 Gbps of effective data, against 42.6 Gbps for HDMI 2.1 (48G). That's 100% more, and that headroom decides which high-refresh 4K and 8K modes run without compression. At 4K 240 Hz with 10-bit 4:4:4, the mode needs 68.6 Gbps uncompressed. HDMI 2.1 needs DSC for it. A full 96G HDMI 2.2 link carries it uncompressed.
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Side-by-side specs
| Spec | HDMI 2.1 (48G) | HDMI 2.2 (96G) |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | ||
| Headline rateThe maximum rate the link is named for. | 48 Gbps | 96 Gbps (better on this spec) |
| Effective data rateThe speed the link can carry for video data. | 42.6 Gbps | 85.33 Gbps (better on this spec) |
| Rate by productThe HDMI Forum encourages the Ultra96 name for products with maximums of 64, 80 or 96 Gbps. | 48 Gbps | 64, 80 or 96 Gbps |
| Video modes | ||
| 4K 60 Hz, 10-bit 4:4:4The bracketed Gbps is the uncompressed rate the mode needs. DSC squeezes the signal when the link is too slow. | Native (15.7 Gbps) | Native (15.7 Gbps) |
| 4K 144 Hz, 10-bit 4:4:4 | Native (39.2 Gbps) | Native (39.2 Gbps) |
| 4K 240 Hz, 10-bit 4:4:4 | DSC required (68.6 Gbps) | Native (68.6 Gbps) (better on this spec) |
| 8K 60 Hz, 10-bit 4:4:4 | DSC required (62.1 Gbps) | Native (62.1 Gbps) (better on this spec) |
| 8K 120 Hz, 10-bit 4:4:4 | DSC required (127.8 Gbps) | DSC required (127.8 Gbps) |
| Cable and support | ||
| DSC supportedDSC (Display Stream Compression) compresses the video so it fits the link. VESA calls it visually lossless. | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra96 cableThe HDMI Forum's feature name for products rated 64, 80 or 96 Gbps. | Not applicable | Ultra96 HDMI Cable for the 96 Gbps case |
How they differ
Effective data is the speed a link can carry for video. A mode that needs more than that has to use DSC, or it doesn't fit at all. At 4K 60 Hz and 4K 144 Hz, both at 10-bit 4:4:4, the modes need 15.7 Gbps and 39.2 Gbps. HDMI 2.1 already carries both uncompressed, so HDMI 2.2 doesn't change how they run.
8K 60 Hz at 10-bit 4:4:4 needs 62.1 Gbps, and 8K 120 Hz needs 127.8 Gbps. HDMI 2.2 carries 8K 60 Hz uncompressed, where HDMI 2.1 needs DSC. Both links need DSC at 8K 120 Hz, so the extra bandwidth doesn't remove compression for that mode.
Color depth matters too. At 12-bit 4:4:4, 4K 144 Hz needs 47.0 Gbps. That's more than HDMI 2.1 carries uncompressed, so HDMI 2.1 needs DSC for it, while HDMI 2.2 runs it uncompressed.
The extra room shows up in high-refresh 4K, 8K, and 12-bit color. At 4K 120 Hz with 10-bit 4:4:4, the mode needs 32.3 Gbps, which HDMI 2.1 carries uncompressed, so the upgrade doesn't change that mode.
Both links support Display Stream Compression (DSC), which VESA describes as visually lossless and low latency. The HDMI Forum says HDMI 2.2 products that use the Ultra96 name can support 64, 80 or 96 Gbps, and they need the Ultra96 HDMI Cable. The calculator and this page use the full 96 Gbps case, so a specific HDMI 2.2 product can come in under that figure.
Verdict
The answer depends on the modes you plan to run. Pick HDMI 2.2 if 8K 60 Hz or 4K 240 Hz uncompressed matters to you, since HDMI 2.1 needs DSC for both.
At 8K 120 Hz both links need DSC, so HDMI 2.2 doesn't remove compression there.
HDMI 2.1 is the standard for TV and console connections. It already carries 4K 144 Hz at 10-bit 4:4:4 without compression.
Before you buy HDMI 2.2 gear, check its rate. A product that uses the Ultra96 name can top out at 64 or 80 Gbps, while this page uses the full 96 Gbps.
Which should you pick?
Choose HDMI 2.1 (48G)
Pick HDMI 2.1 if the modes you run are ones it can carry, with or without DSC. It carries 4K 144 Hz at 10-bit 4:4:4 without compression.
It's also a fine choice when DSC at 4K 240 Hz is acceptable, since VESA calls DSC visually lossless.
Choose HDMI 2.2 (96G)
Pick HDMI 2.2 for uncompressed 4K 240 Hz at 10-bit 4:4:4 on a full 96G link, where HDMI 2.1 needs DSC. It covers 8K 60 Hz at 10-bit 4:4:4, which HDMI 2.1 can only run with DSC. It also carries 4K 144 Hz at 12-bit 4:4:4 uncompressed, a mode HDMI 2.1 can only run with DSC.
Check each product's rate and Ultra96 cable needs before you buy.
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Frequently asked questions
Is HDMI 2.2 always 96 Gbps?
Do I need a new cable for HDMI 2.2?
Can HDMI 2.1 do 4K 240 Hz?
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