In a world where stress has become synonymous with life, one needs a daily dose of pleasure and delight. Commonly used Digital Multimedia Devices are Television, laptops, smartphones, Xbox, etc.
Thus, an HDMI switch can be quite handy for you to switch the video sources easily on your TV, one at a time, as well as for secure data transmission.
But finding the best HDMI switch can be troublesome with so many options available in the market.
Getting the right HDMI Switch depends on many factors, and comparing them might take a lot of your time. Hence we have analyzed each one of them in-depth and compiled a list of the best HDMI Switches for you.
Let’s start with getting a fair picture of what an HDMI switch is and what it can do.
[amazon table=”733″]
- What are HDMI Switch and HDMI Splitter?
- Factors to keep in mind before buying the Best HDMI Switch
- 11 Best HDMI Switches
- 1. Best Overall: KINIVO 550BN 4K HDMI Switch
- 2. Best For Multiple Inputs: Iogear 8-Port HDMI Switch with Rs-232 support
- 3. Best For Picture-In-Picture: Zettaguard 4×1 HDMI Switch
- 4. Best Mid-Range: Roofull RFH2S51 HDMI 2.0 Switch
- 5. Best For High-Speed: Orei 4×1 HDMI Switcher
- 6. Best Budget-friendly: SGEYR 5×1 HDMI Switcher
- 7. Best Value: Techole 4K HDMI Splitter
- 8. Best Reliable: Gana 3×1 HDMI Switch
- 9. Best For Peripherals: TOTU HDMI 2.0 Switch
- 10. Best For Gamers: Smartoo 23051 Hdmi Switch
- 11. Best Convenient: Univivi 5-Port Hdmi Switch
- FAQs – Best HDMI Switchers
- Conclusion
What are HDMI Switch and HDMI Splitter?
An HDMI switch is a device that takes multiple HDMI inputs and gives a single HDMI output. However, which HDMI input does the switch choose to provide as the output depends on your choice.
You can think of the HDMI Switch as a simple Traffic Controller wherein a certain line of traffic is allowed to move at a time.
You can connect multiple HDMI inputs to its input ports and choose one of those input streams to be displayed at the output through a single output port.
HDMI Splitter is the exact opposite of an HDMI Switch. It has multiple output ports but has a single input port. We are going to discuss products that can function as an HDMI Switch as well as HDMI Splitter.
Let’s explore the factors which are important to consider while buying the best HDMI switch.
Factors to keep in mind before buying the Best HDMI Switch
Well, one does require a calm mind while choosing the Best HDMI Switch considering the following factors:
Number of Inputs:
An HDMI Switch takes in multiple inputs while giving a single stream of output. How many devices do you have? If the answer lies north of 4, you can go for an 8 port switch. However, if you are not an avid multimedia user, a 4 port switch can easily satisfy your needs.
Compatibility:
We consume different types of data every day. You might like to watch a lot of Netflix, while your kid might spend hours playing on his PlayStation. The HDMI Switch that you chose must be compatible with different devices to satisfy your needs. Not only does better compatibility make the device more versatile, but you future-proof your devices as well.
Picture Quality Support:
The picture resolution an HDMI Switch supports can easily be the defining factor behind your purchase. Most videos available on the internet are of 4k resolution, while many games run 1440p as their highest display setting.
A good HDMI Switch must be able to support the picture resolution you desire to consume media with. A 4k, full HDR, HDMI Switch can easily support any type of data you throw at it.
Audio Format:
Not many people pay attention to the Audio Format supported by the various HDMI Switched available on the market. A Switch’s Audio Format determines the audio system you can connect and use with the HDMI Switch.
The industry-standard audio streaming format is the DTS Audio Format. Home theatres use the more advanced DTS-X Audio Format to stream audio. Many HDMI Switches also have a headphone jack for wired listening; however, the headphone jack is becoming rarer as each day passes.
Manual vs. Automatic Switching:
Manual switching is the process where the user clicks on a button to switch between the numerous input streams. Automatic switching, on the other hand, connects the output stream to the active port.
Many people might prefer automatic switching, while a few others may prefer the personal touch of Manual Switching. Several brands provide the option of having both types of switching on your device, which is arguably the best way to go!
HDCP compliance:
High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection is the full form of HDCP. It is rather difficult to understand the purpose of HDCP from the standard definition itself. HDCP acts as a security measure to protect the digital data that you stream.
The HDCP compliance protects unwanted users from gaining any sort of access to your private data. The most popular HDCP versions are the HDCP 1.4 compliance and HDCP 2.2 compliance. The higher the compliance number, the greater is the security provided.
Price:
The main hiccup while making a purchasing any product is its price. HDMI Switches range from as cheap as $10 to as costly as $100. However, the costliest HDMI Switch may have features that not everyone requires.
In that case, a cheaper model might suffice for your needs as well. If you are a novice in buying the best HDMI Switch, make a wise decision based on the price to performance ratio of the various models.
Data Transfer Rate:
Data Transfer Rate over here refers to the speed at which input data is transferred to the output port. An HDMI Switch does not have to process any data; as a result, it can transfer input data to the output at the rate of the knot.
Data Transfer Speeds range from 3.2Gbps to as high as 18Gbps. Higher the data speed, the lesser is the lag perceived by our eye.
HDMI Version:
A Switch is determined by the HDMI Version it supports. The HDMI version arguably determines the overall performance of your HDMI Switch. The higher the HDMI version, the better will be the perks attributed to it.
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11 Best HDMI Switches
1. Best Overall: KINIVO 550BN 4K HDMI Switch
[amazon box=”B07CRWBPN4″]
Pros
- 5 input HDMI ports
- 4K, 60Hz Video support
- Simple Interface
Cons
- No Picture-in-Picture capability
- Expensive
- Crowded Design
Our first choice for the Best HDMI Switch would go to the Kinivo 550BN 4K HDMI Switch. Kinivo makes the most popular HDMI Switches, which have a lot to offer to the user. The Kinivo 550BN is a thick device with dimensions of 4.6 x 2.5 x 1 inch.
It offers 5 HDMI input ports, with each port capable of supporting 4K, 60Hz data. The ports are also rated for a data throughput of 18Gbps. It even supports the industry-standard Dolby Vision and HDR video codecs. Furthermore, it is compatible with a wide range of streaming devices, gaming consoles, Blu-ray, DVD players, and even HDCP 2.2 Compliant.
Kinivo also provides a remote, making the Kinivo 550BN the best 4K HDR HDMI Switch with remote capabilities!
The Kinivo 550BN is the best overall switch due to its impressive versatility. With industry-leading features and a solid build design, this switch is very easy to recommend to users.
Specifications –
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.5 x 1 inch
- Ports: 5 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 60Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
2. Best For Multiple Inputs: Iogear 8-Port HDMI Switch with Rs-232 support
[amazon box=”B005S0YNNM”]
Pros
- 8 input HDMI ports
- RS-232 port with bidirectional capabilities
- Multiple resolution support
Cons
- Very Expensive
- No 4K support
Do you have more than 5 HDMI input streams, then the Iogear 8-Port HDMI Switch is the correct choice for you! Iogear has built a reputation for building products that offer good performance while also being very reliable. Iogear 8-Port HDMI Switch is a big device, courtesy of its many ports, with dimensions of 6.25 x 17 x 2 inches.
As the name suggests, the Iogear 8-Port HDMI Switch comes with 8 input ports. The high-end HDMI Switch is perfect for advanced steps that require a lot of inputs. The company also offers RS-232 bidirectional control, which you won’t get in other products. The switch also supports 3D video, resolutions ranging from 360p to 1080p along with Dolby True HD, DTS HD Master Audio, and 12-bit deep color.
If you are in the market looking for a switch to handle your many HDMI devices, the Iogear 8-Port HDMI switch will suit your needs. It is the best switch for 1080p and multiple HDMI inputs.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.25 x 17 x 2 inches
- Ports: 8 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 1080p
- HDMI Standard: HDMI Compatible
- HDCP Standard: HDCP Compliant
3. Best For Picture-In-Picture: Zettaguard 4×1 HDMI Switch
[amazon box=”B01BV1XBIY”]
Pros
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Premium quality build
- Rear ports
- Auto-Switching
Cons
- No integrated audio splitter
Zettaguard manufactures HDMI Switches that have 3 as well as 4 inputs. Zettaguard 4×1 HDMI Switch is quite popular, and one of the best HDMI Switch with PIP. Moreover, it is small, with dimensions of 6.5 x 2 x 5 inches. It is geared towards power users, who demand the absolute best when it comes to consuming multimedia.
This high-quality HDMI Switch is mainly meant for gamers as it can transfer input signals up to a resolution of 4K, 60Hz. The biggest advantage of the Zettaguard is its Picture-in-picture mode, which helps you switch from one device to the other at the click of a button. All 4 HDMI inputs support this feature.
The device also comes with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compatibility, ensuring that your data cannot be stolen as it travels from one connection to another. It is compatible with most HDMI source components, including gaming consoles, digital media players, Blu-ray, and DVD players.
If you are a power user whose workflow demands Picture-in-Picture functionality, the Zettaguard 4×1 switch might just be the perfect HDMI switch for you! Its broad connectivity also makes it the best 4K HDMI switch for gaming!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 2 x 5 inches
- Ports: 4 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 60Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
4. Best Mid-Range: Roofull RFH2S51 HDMI 2.0 Switch
[amazon box=”B07CF793HQ”]
Pros
- LED to identify port in use
- Wide compatibility
- Auto-Switching
Cons
- Cheap build
- Physical power connection required
The Roofull RFH2S51 HDMI Switch is also a great option if you are looking for a reliable, no-nonsense HDMI Switch. Equipped with 5 HDMI input ports, it is relatively thin compared to the other HDMI switches, with dimensions of 6.26 x 2.48 x 0.87 inches.
Like others, it is also HDMI 2, HDCP 2.2 compliant, and even has an automatic switching feature. The switch is also compatible with the most popular HDMI source components, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, DVD players, and digital media players.
Unlike the Kinivo 500BN, the auto-switching feature is compatible with Xbox, Playstations, Apple TV 4K, and Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. It even supports resolution up to 4K, 60Hz, and is equipped with a data throughput of 18Gbps, making it one of the best automatic HDMI Switch money can buy!
This feature-rich switch delivers solid performance and is very reliable as well. If you are looking for a switch that has great compatibility in the mid-range segment, the Roofull RFH2S51 will be perfect for you!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.26 x 2.48 x 0.87 inches
- Ports: 5 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 60Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
5. Best For High-Speed: Orei 4×1 HDMI Switcher
[amazon box=”B07XKBR79W”]
Pros
- Compact design
- 5 viewing modes
- 3D video
- EDID bypass
Cons
- Not the best IR remote
- Audio dropouts from time to time
Orei is another prevalent manufacture of HDMI Switches and HDMI Splitters. Orei’s 4×1 HDMI Switch is a top HDMI Switch that has 4 inputs, with dimensions of 6.5 x 3.25 x 0.6 inches.
You will get 4 HDMI input ports in this device. Each input can support the highest video resolution of 4K, 60Hz. Moreover, Orei’s switch is also HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 complaint. This high-speed HDMI Switch also supports 3D video. Unlike its competition, the switch comes with the EDID bypass, the industry standard for AV Source and Display. It also has extended support for PCM, Dolby True HD, and DTS-HD Master Audio codes. Thus, it’s one of the best HDMI Switch with 4K 60Hz HDR capabilities!
Durable, compact, and easy to use – If these are the features you are looking for in an affordable HDMI switch, we recommend the Orei 4×1 HDMI switch.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.25 x 0.6 inches
- Ports: 4 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4k, 60Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
6. Best Budget-friendly: SGEYR 5×1 HDMI Switcher
[amazon box=”B07MMRTS4S”]
Pros
- 5 input ports
- Lower price as compared to the competition
- 4K streaming with 3D support
Cons
- 30Hz Refresh Rate
- Data throughput of 10.2Gbps
- HDCP 1.4 Compliant
SGEYR is making products for the HDMI industry for more than 10 years. No HDMI review would be complete without including an SGEYR HDMI Switch review. It is highly functional, making it a good choice for novice users with 9.73 x 4.72 x 1.85 inches dimensions.
As the name suggests, the switch comes with 5 input ports. This top-rated HDMI Switch supports 3D streaming as well as resolution up to 4K. The device also supports the DTS Digital, DTS-HD Master Audio codecs and is compatible with most devices, including Xbox, Playstation, and Amazon’s Fire Tv Stick. Thus, it is one of the best 4K HDMI Switch with optical output.
Considering the SGEYR 5×1 switch’s features, you are getting excellent performance for a very affordable price. This makes it the best budget-friendly switch on our list!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 9.73 x 4.72 x 1.85 inches
- Ports: 5 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 30Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 1.4
7. Best Value: Techole 4K HDMI Splitter
[amazon box=”B079JQ9XXV”]
Pros
- Compact design
- Good build quality
- Cheaper price as compared to the competition
- Can be used as Splitter or Switch
Cons
- 2 inputs
- 30 Hz refresh rate
- Data throughput speed of 10.2 Gbps
- HDCP 1.4 Compliant
- No included remote
The Techole 4K HDMI Splitter is one of the best cheap HDMI Switch money can buy! This device can be used as a splitter and a switch, giving it better functionality. It is a compact device with dimensions of 3.94 x 3.15 x 0.67 inches. The Techole 4K HDMI switch review will surely help you in making the right purchasing decision.
The device targets the average user who does not require many ports as the highlighting feature. It also supports 4K resolution along with 3D capabilities. Furthermore, you can enjoy HD audio with this device as well. It is also made from aluminum, giving it a much better build quality than the other products on our list.
Not only is the Techole 4K HDMI switch very compact and affordable, but it also provides the user with lots of functionality. It is a great value-for-money device for novice users.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.15 x 0.67 inches
- Ports: 2 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 30Hz
- HDMI Standard: 1.4
- HDCP Standard: 1.4
8. Best Reliable: Gana 3×1 HDMI Switch
[amazon box=”B0739GSKV2″]
Pros
- Cheaper price as compared to the competition
- Can be used as a Splitter or Switch
- Reliable
Cons
- 3 inputs
- 30 Hz refresh rate
- Data throughput of 3.4 Gbps
- HDCP 1.4 Compliant
One of the best budget HDMI switch available on the market, the Gana 3×1 switch can be used as either a Splitter or a Switch depending on the user’s needs. The switch is a small device with dimensions of 10.75 x 6.3 x 0.83 inches.
As the name suggests, the device has 3 input ports. It can also double as a splitter to give 3 HDMI output ports. All the input HDMI ports support resolutions of up to 4K. This versatile device is also compatible with most devices on the market, including digital media players, DVD, and Blu-ray players.
In addition, you also get support for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital AC3, and DTS Audio codecs. These features make the Gana 3×1 Switch one of the best HDMI Switch boxes on our list!
All in all, the Gana 3×1 is a compact, affordable, and highly compatible device. Not only does it provide great value, but it should easily satisfy users who are in search of a reliable HDMI switch.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 6.3 x 0.83 inches
- Ports: 3 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 30Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
9. Best For Peripherals: TOTU HDMI 2.0 Switch
[amazon box=”B07SYHQ2PS”]
Pros
- Support for Home Theatre Audio
- 4K streaming with 3D support
- Auto-Switching
Cons
- May heat up from time to time
- Only 4 ports
The TOTU HDMI 2.0 Switch is one of the best-rated HDMI Switch for sale on the market. The company first introduced this switch in 2019. The dimensions of this device are 5.91 x 2.76 x 0.79 inches.
The TOTU Switch can only be used as a switch and not a splitter. It has 4 input ports and supports a maximum resolution of 4K, 60Hz. In addition, it also supports 3D capability. It is also compatible with gaming consoles, DVD, and Blu-ray players. You can also connect the switch with other peripherals, making it the best HDMI Switch for Apple TV 4K, Samsung TV, and Chromecast. It also supports data throughput speeds of 18Gbps.
Furthermore, the switch is also HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 compliant. It also features an aluminum build. Besides, the device also supports DTS-HD, Dolby Digital AC3, and Dolby True HD audio codecs to bring you the best available audio.
In other words, the TOTU HDMI switch provides most features that users look for in an HDMI switch. Besides having great compatibility, the switch can provide high speeds and also supports high resolutions. This makes it an impressive bang for the buck and the best HDMI switch for Peripheral connectivity.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 2.76 x 0.79 inches
- Ports: 4 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 60Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
10. Best For Gamers: Smartoo 23051 Hdmi Switch
[amazon box=”B01MDR9Y2I”]
Pros
- 4K, 60Hz video support
- Compact design
- Auto-Switching
Cons
- Slightly expensive as compared to the competition
- No picture-in-picture support
Our list of the best HDMI Switches would be incomplete without including the SMARTOO 23051 HDMI Switch. This switch is big and has 8.11 x 5.79 x 2.2 inches dimensions but is still one of the best 5 port HDMI Switch.
Like other switches on the list, the device is compatible with a wide range of devices out there. It supports resolutions of up to 4K, 60Hz. Also, it supports the industry-standard DTS-HD, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby True HD audio codecs. This makes it the best gaming HDMI auto Switch.
The company has developed an easy automatic switching feature that allows gamers to switch between their devices quickly. All this makes it one of the best 4K 60Hz HDMI Switch for PS4 Pro, PS5, and Nintendo Switch!
Altogether, if you are looking for an HDMI switch with great console connectivity, the SMARTOO 23051 switch might be perfect for you. With support for high resolution and industry-standard audio and video codecs, it is the best HDMI switch for Gamers!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8.11 x 5.79 x 2.2 inches
- Ports: 5 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 60Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
11. Best Convenient: Univivi 5-Port Hdmi Switch
[amazon box=”B08HYGG7RR”]
Pros
- 4K, 60Hz video support
- Auto-Switching
- Simple user interface
Cons
- Not the best IR Remote
Univivi has introduced a game-changer in the HDMI Switch industry with the Univivi 5-Port HDMI Switch. It is very competitive in its pricing and has dimensions of 6.2 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches.
As you might have guessed, the switch comes with 5 input ports. The device can support resolutions of up to 4K, 60Hz. Like the Kinivo 550 BN, it also comes with the option of manual and automatic switching. To add a touch of royalty, you also get a 24K gold plated HDMI connector. The gold connector ensures fast data transfer speeds. The device also supports 36-bit deep color across all of its 5 channels.
Moreover, it is compliant with the industry-standard HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 standards. Univivi has also ensured support for DTS-HD, Dolby True Hd, and Dolby Digital AC3 audio codecs.
With the Univivi 5-Port HDMI Switch, Univivi has come very close to perfection. The HDMI switch is perfect for a user searching for a simple UI. Moreover, the intuitive auto-switching feature makes it the most convenient-to-use switch on our list!
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches
- Ports: 5 input HDMI Ports
- Resolution: Upto 4K, 60 Hz
- HDMI Standard: 2.0
- HDCP Standard: 2.2
FAQs – Best HDMI Switchers
Who makes the best HDMI Switch?
Choosing the best HDMI Switch is no easy task. One does have to look at various factors before making an informed decision. The entire review was written keeping in mind the various features used by an average user.
If you are a novice who wants a simple, easy-to-use HDMI Switch, the Kinivo 550BN Switch is the way to go. Its 9-second auto switch capability is its stand-out feature. Kinivo also includes a manual remote if you do decide not to use the automatic switching option.
Many people may wonder if HDMI Switches support resolutions of 4K 120Hz. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that technology has not advanced this far yet.
Thus we cannot decide the best HDMI Switch with 4K 120Hz HDR capabilities. Similarly, we cannot declare the best HDMI 2.1 switch as the technology was introduced recently and has not caught up with the Switch industry.
However, not everyone is willing to spend a premium on HDMI Switches. The best budget HMDI Switch currently available on the market is the Techole 4K HDMI Switch. Perfect for small setups, this device is also very affordable.
Do HDMI Switches cause lag?
The short answer to the question is no. A lag in data transfer is caused when data has to be processed.
Usually, such lags are not noticeable to the human eye. However, heavy tasks such as converting analog data to digital data may cause some slowness to your input chain.
The main purpose of the HDMI Switch is to help you shift between your multiple HDMI devices. The HDMI Switch does not process any data. As a result, HDMI switches will not cause any noticeable lag in your workflow.
Most HDMI Switches have data transfer speeds that range between 3.2Gbps to 18Gbps. So even if your switch has a speed of 3.2Gbps, the speed is high enough for you not to notice any lag!
What is the difference between an HDMI Switch and an HDMI Splitter?
An HDMI Switch helps you switch between multiple HDMI signals.
The main purpose is to easily shift from one stream of data to the other with ease. The HDMI Switch has multiple streams of input while having only one stream of output. One of the best HDMI Switches currently available on the market is the Kinivo 550 BN.
An HDMI Splitter is the exact opposite of an HDMI Switch. The splitter takes in a single stream of input while providing multiple streams of output data. The output data can then be sent to multiple devices, in this case, multiple HDMI devices. An example of the HDMI Splitter is the Techole 4K HDMI Splitter.
Both the Switch and the Splitter are different from the HDMI Matrix switch, which combines the switch and the Splitter functionality. One of the best HDMI Matrix Switch is the BZBGEAR BG-UHD-44M18G.
Can you run 2 monitors off 1 HDMI port?
One can indeed connect 2 monitors to a single HDMI port. However, a switch cannot be used for this purpose. The HDMI Splitter is the device best suited for this job. The splitter takes in data from the single HDMI port and splits it into 2 streams of data, one for each display.
The only drawback of using the HDMI Splitter is that the two displays will show the same content. You will not be able to run two different things on the two displays. The crème de la crème of HDMI Splitters is the Techole 4K HDMI Splitter.
How do I connect 2 monitors to my laptop with 1 HDMI?
An HDMI port is essential when it comes to the multimedia industry. However, if your laptop has only a single HDMI port, don’t worry!
You can still connect 2 monitors to it. You can use an HDMI Splitter for this purpose. As discussed previously, the splitter takes the same signal from the HDMI port and sends it to the 2 displays.
Conclusion
In our opinion, Kinivo 550 BN is the best HDMI swtich in all terms, available at a very attractive price the switch has a lot of features. Not only can it support resolutions up to 4K, 60Hz, but it also supports a wide range of audio and video codecs.
For those looking for a budget-friendly HDMI Switch, the SGEYR 5×1 HDMI switch is the one. If you are looking to connect more than 5 devices, the Iogear 8-Port HDMI Switch is a great choice. Even the 2-port Techole 4K HDMI switch provides impressive value for its user.
Depending on your requirements and what the HDMI switch has to offer, you can choose the best one amongest these.
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