After going through thousands of HDMI cable reviews, we found out that this is what experts and users look for as pre-requisites before buying HDMI cables.

• Buy from a licensed manufacturer: When you buy an HDMI cable, ensure that it is not a counterfeit, but a product from a licensed manufacturer. It should be properly tested for good performance.

• Generic brands also work well: One good thing about HDMI cables is that you need not worry about the brand name and the cost. Generic, inexpensive HDMI cables will offer premium-quality images and good quality audio like their high-priced cousins. For analog media, the quality of the cable will matter, but in the digital world, even the inexpensive cables can work fine.

• Always buy the HDMI cable last: If you have a television, buy the accessories and products like the Blu-ray player first, and only then the HDMI, so that you know exactly what you require to be compatible with your hardware.

• Check for the features you want: Look for features in the HDMI cable which will be compatible with all the HDMI devices you use. If both your television and Blu-ray device have 3D viewing capabilities, your HDMI cable should be able to support this feature.

• Look for the latest version: HDMI cables are still evolving, and it is best to look for the latest version which supports 3D viewing and high speed. Take a look at the product and find out whether it has a “high-speed” blue label. Even if you are getting an old cable at a runaway price, it is best to avoid it, as it may not be compatible with your television.

• Take the measurements: The price of the HDMI cable depends on its total length; buying extra cable not only means extra cost, but the quality of the image will be hampered. For a normal entertainment unit, you may need a 6- to 12-foot long cable; for a complex wiring system, you need even longer cables. 

• Monoprice: A brand known for its fine range of products at a competitive price, Monoprice can handle all technical specifications like 1080p, 3D, and 4K video signals. If you have a home theater, Monoprice Select is the best companion it can have.

• AudioQuest: AudioQuest is best known for long HDMI cables. If you want a 15-foot long cable, AudioQuest Pearl is your best choice. It is a little more expensive than its peers, but the sheer brilliance of engineering which goes into making an AudioQuest cable helps provide greater bandwidth even over long distances.

• AmazonBasics: If you are looking for neither flashy nor expensive products, AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI cable is the ideal choice. It does not have a braided version but can handle almost every type of video signal.