Best HDMI Cable for Xbox Series X in Australia - 4K 120Hz Gaming Guide

Xbox Series X is Microsoft's most powerful console to date, built to run games at 4K 120Hz, with support for Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Dolby Vision HDR. It's an impressive spec sheet. But all of it depends on one thing: whether the HDMI cable connecting your console to your TV is actually capable of carrying those signals.

This guide cuts straight to the answer: which HDMI cable does Xbox Series X need, what difference does it make in practice, and how do you set it up correctly for the best gaming experience in Australia.

Does Xbox Series X Need HDMI 2.1?

Yes. Xbox Series X has an HDMI 2.1 output port, and Microsoft designed the console to use HDMI 2.1 as the required connection standard for full performance. The key capabilities that depend on HDMI 2.1 are:

Xbox Series X will work with an HDMI 2.0 cable, you'll get a picture. But you'll be capped at 4K 60Hz, VRR won't function, ALLM won't auto-switch your TV to game mode, and Dolby Vision Gaming won't be available. The console simply cannot deliver these features through a cable that doesn't have the bandwidth to carry them.

What Does 4K 120Hz Actually Mean for Xbox Gaming?

4K 120Hz means the console is outputting 3840x2160 resolution at 120 frames per second. To understand why this matters, consider that most console gaming before the current generation ran at 30fps or 60fps at best.

120fps at 4K is a combination that delivers:

• Noticeably smoother motion, especially apparent in fast-moving games like racing sims, shooters, and sports titles
• Reduced input lag, the display refreshes twice as often, meaning your controller inputs appear on screen faster
• Better compatibility with VRR, at 120Hz, VRR has more headroom to smooth out frame rate fluctuations

Not all Xbox Series X games support 4K 120Hz, it depends on how demanding the game is visually. Many titles offer a choice between Quality mode (4K 60Hz, better graphics) and Performance mode (higher frame rate, sometimes 4K 120Hz). For games that do support it, the difference is immediately visible.

VRR and ALLM on Xbox Series X: What They Do

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

VRR synchronises the display's refresh rate to the console's output frame rate in real time. Without VRR, if a game drops from 60fps to 50fps, you may see screen tearing or stuttering. With VRR enabled, the TV adjusts dynamically, the result is a smoother, tear-free image even when frame rates fluctuate.

Xbox Series X supports FreeSync Premium (AMD's VRR standard) as well as HDMI Forum VRR. Both require an HDMI 2.1 cable and a VRR-compatible TV or monitor. Most 4K 120Hz TVs from 2021 onwards support VRR.

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

ALLM sends a signal from the Xbox to your TV telling it to automatically switch to Game Mode when the console is active. Game Mode reduces your TV's processing pipeline, cutting input lag significantly, typically from 80-120ms down to 10-20ms.

Without ALLM, you have to manually enable Game Mode in your TV's settings every time you want to game. With ALLM over HDMI 2.1, it happens automatically. It's a small convenience that adds up over time.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S, Any HDMI Difference?

Yes, an important one. Xbox Series X has an HDMI 2.1 port and supports 4K 120Hz. Xbox Series S has an HDMI 2.1 port but is a less powerful console, it targets 1440p rather than 4K, and while it can output 4K via upscaling, native 4K 120Hz is an Xbox Series X feature.

For Xbox Series S, an HDMI 2.1 cable is still recommended, VRR and ALLM both work on Series S and both require HDMI 2.1. But the 4K 120Hz spec is primarily an Xbox Series X story.

How to Set Up Xbox Series X for 4K 120Hz

1. Connect your HDMI 2.1 cable from the Xbox Series X HDMI port to an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV. Check your TV manual, many 4K TVs have a mix of HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 ports, and only the HDMI 2.1 port will unlock 4K 120Hz.
2. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide, then go to Profile & System > Settings.
3. Navigate to General > TV & display options.
4. Under Resolution, select 4K UHD.
5. Under Refresh rate, select 120Hz.
6. Enable HDR, go to Video modes and turn on Allow HDR10 and Allow Dolby Vision (if your TV supports it).
7. Enable Variable Refresh Rate, in Video modes, toggle on Allow Variable Refresh Rate.
8. To confirm 4K 120Hz is active, go back to TV & display options, you'll see the current output resolution and refresh rate displayed.

If 120Hz is greyed out, either your TV's HDMI port doesn't support HDMI 2.1, or you're using an HDMI 2.0 cable. Check both.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: HDMI Requirements Compared

Both consoles have identical HDMI requirements, HDMI 2.1 for full performance. If you own both, one cable spec covers everything.

Our HDMI 2.1 cable 2m 8K for Xbox works equally for PS5 and Xbox Series X, full 48Gbps, 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and eARC.

What If My TV Doesn't Support 4K 120Hz?

If your TV only has HDMI 2.0 ports, you'll be limited to 4K 60Hz even with an HDMI 2.1 cable, the TV's port is the bottleneck, not the cable. Xbox Series X will still look great at 4K 60Hz, but you'll miss VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming.

Options:

• Use the console at 4K 60Hz until you upgrade your TV
• Upgrade to a TV with HDMI 2.1, most mid-range and above TVs from 2021 onwards have at least one HDMI 2.1 port
• Use a gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 for a dedicated gaming display

Either way, buy the HDMI 2.1 cable now. When you upgrade your TV, you're ready immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Xbox Series X come with an HDMI 2.1 cable?

Yes, Microsoft includes a 1.5m HDMI 2.1 cable in the Xbox Series X box. If you need a longer cable or a replacement, make sure you buy one explicitly rated for HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps / Ultra High Speed) to maintain full performance.

Can I use HDMI 2.2 with Xbox Series X?

Yes, HDMI 2.2 is fully backwards compatible with Xbox Series X. It will operate at full HDMI 2.1 performance. If you're planning ahead for next-gen hardware or a 4K 240Hz monitor, HDMI 2.2 is a smart buy that works perfectly with your current Xbox.

Why is my Xbox Series X stuck at 1080p?

This usually means either the TV isn't detecting a 4K-capable signal or the Xbox output settings defaulted to a lower resolution. Go to Settings > General > TV & display options and manually select 4K UHD. If 4K isn't available, check your HDMI cable and which port on your TV you're using.

Does Xbox Series X support 8K?

Xbox Series X has an HDMI 2.1 port which technically supports 8K at 60Hz. Microsoft has listed 8K as a supported output resolution in the console's settings. However, no current Xbox games render at native 8K, and 8K TVs remain rare in Australia. For practical purposes, 4K 120Hz is the relevant high-performance target for Xbox Series X gaming today.

What's the best TV for Xbox Series X in Australia?

Look for a 4K TV with at least one HDMI 2.1 port, VRR support (FreeSync Premium or HDMI Forum VRR), and ALLM. LG OLED, Samsung QD-OLED, and Sony Bravia XR series all offer excellent options for Xbox Series X gaming in Australia. Confirm HDMI 2.1 port availability before purchasing, not all models in a range have it on every port.

The Bottom Line

Xbox Series X needs HDMI 2.1 for full performance, 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming, and eARC all require it. The included cable is HDMI 2.1 and works well, but at 1.5m it may not reach in all setups. A 2m HDMI 2.1 cable gives you the extra reach without any compromise.

Shop our HDMI 2.1 cable 2m 8K for Xbox rated for 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and eARC. Free shipping across Australia.

Also read: best HDMI cable for PS5 | best HDMI cable for gaming Australia | browse shop HDMI cables.