Does it matter which HDMI port you use on your TV? Short answer: yes

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ZDNET Key Takeaways

• Not all HDMI ports support the same features.
• PS5/Series
• Plugging into the wrong port works, but may result in reduced performance.

Most new TVs come with three or four HDMI ports, and on the surface, they all look the same.

They’re all the same size and work with the same HDMI cable, but not every port supports the same features. Selecting the wrong one may cause your PS5 to get stuck at 60Hz, your soundbar to become quieter, or your PC to be unable to output at a higher refresh rate.

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The good news is that it’s easy to learn what each HDMI port does and how to match your device to the correct port.

HDMI port types explained

All HDMI ports can carry video and audio, but they support different bandwidth levels, which determine which devices you should use with them. If you plug in the wrong HDMI port, nothing will break, but you won’t get full performance or sound.

For example, the HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K, HDR, and ARC audio at 60Hz, making it great for streaming media players and cable boxes. Meanwhile, the HDMI 2.1 port supports 4K at 120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz), VRR, ALLM, and eARC, which is great for next-generation consoles like the PS5. HDMI 2.1 can sometimes reach 4K at 240Hz with Display Stream Compression (DSC).

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Then there is usually an ARC/eARC port, or audio return channel. It looks like an HDMI port, but it can send audio back to a soundbar or AV receiver. ARC supports standard Dolby Digital 5.1, while eARC supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

How to Isolate Your HDMI Port?

Your TV will probably have a labeled HDMI port, so look at the back to see for yourself.

Typically, they’re called HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and HDMI 3, and then you’ll see ARC or eARC. Some manufacturers print details on the bottom of the label. You may see an HDMI 2.1 port described as 4K120, VRR, Game, or Enhanced, or it may even say that exact resolution and frame rate it supports. If there is no description for an HDMI port, assume it is standard HDMI 2.0 – except for the port showing ARC.

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My advice is to see if there are further descriptions of the ports. You can also refer to the user manual of your TV for more information. Nearly all TVs released in the last two decades have an HDMI port and ARC support, while HDMI 2.1 and eARC have become more common since 2017.

Which HDMI port should I use?

OK, so let’s say you have a device that you need to plug into your TV, whether it’s a soundbar, PC, Blu-ray player, or something else. Look behind your TV to locate its HDMI ports, and then determine whether they are HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1, and which one supports ARC or eARC. Again, see if there are descriptions next to the port or refer to your TV’s user manual.

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Once you know what your TV supports, it’s time to connect each device to the correct port. Use the guide below.

Is there a specific port layout I can follow?

Yes. Most TVs have three or four HDMI ports, with a specific layout you can follow, but it’s still a good idea to check your ports to ensure compatibility.

For example, older Samsung models usually only have one HDMI 2.1 port (often labeled as HDMI 3 or 4), while newer models include more.

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On LG TVs, especially newer OLED models, you’ll usually find multiple HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony usually reserves HDMI 3 and 4 for HDMI 2.1. TCL limits HDMI 2.1 to mid- to high-end models, as do Panasonic and Hisense (the U7 and U8 have two HDMI 2.1 ports). Vizio also limits HDMI 2.1 ports to high-end models like the P-series and OLED sets.

Philips gives its new OLEDs two to four HDMI 2.1 ports. As for Sharp, most of its ports are standard HDMI.

• HDMI 1: Streaming Stick or Blu-ray
• HDMI 2 (usually HDMI 2.1): Gaming consoles
• HDMI 3 (usually HDMI 2.1 or ARC/eARC): Soundbar
• HDMI 4 (usually HDMI 2.1): Secondary device or PC

If your TV only has one HDMI 2.1 port, make that your primary gaming device.