Amazon Basics HDMI review

It's good value for money, but this cable from net merchants Amazon has little else going for it Tested at £4.50

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It's supremely cheap, but not at all cheerful

Pros

  • +

    The price

  • +

    some detail

  • +

    punchy pictures

Cons

  • -

    Everything else

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

At just under a fiver, this budget cable from net merchants Amazon is as cheap as chips. It feels it too, with a thin cord and own-brand plugs.

Initially, we found the Basics to be a bright, punchy and detailed performer. However, further watching showed contrast up, and tones as vivid and day-glo, plus there were issues with motion handling and noise.

The sound, too, was hard and thin with a lack of dynamics, punch or subtlety.

What saves this cable is its price – but aside from that, little else appeals.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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