Are expensive HDMI cables worth it?

Expensive HDMI cables do not improve picture or sound; they merely transport the digital signal, so a $10 cable works as long as it meets the required bandwidth. Choose a cable certified for the needed speed—Premium High Speed (18 Gbps), Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps), or Ultra96 (up to 96 Gbps)—and consider active cables for runs longer than a few meters.