The Best HDMI Switchers

Solve the problem of limited ports once and for all

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Lifewire / Emily Ramirez

The best HDMI switchers expand the number of ports on your TV and support the resolution and audio quality you need.

After hands-on testing and extensive research, these are our recommendations.

Note: Prices are subject to change.

TL;DR: Get up to five HDMI inputs for a single output and 4K quality with this pick.

If you use a lot of devices and never seem to have enough ports for all of them, the Kinivo 550BN could be the answer to your problems.

This HDMI switch adds up to five inputs for one output display, which means you can add gaming consoles, projectors, streaming devices, and more to your entertainment setup.

In our hands-on testing, our reviewer used this switch with a BenQ HT3550 4K projector for several weeks of top-notch performance.

Adds five inputs to one output

Supports 4K and Dolby Vision

3D compatible

Manual and remote switching

Lacks PiP

Auto switching unavailable for some devices

Some cable disorder inevitable

The Kinivo 550BN supports 4K 60Hz resolution as well as Dolby Vision and 3D content along with standard 1080p HD content.

And manual and automatic switching are possible, though some devices, like streaming boxes, might not allow it.

Another drawback is that the ports are all lined up on one side of the device, which means organizing cords is a bit of hassle.

Despite these drawbacks, if you're looking for a simple and straightforward HDMI switch, this one's well priced and easy to use.

This product has nearly 5,300 global Amazon reviews and earns and average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.

Input/Output Ports: 5/1 | HDMI Standard: 2.0 | Remote/Voice Operation: Remote

TL;DR: A premium option with 4K support and PiP, but it lacks audio splitting capability.

If you'd like to spend a bit less but still get 4K support, the Zettaguard 4K HDMI Switcher is another compelling option.

It offers up to four HDMI inputs to one output display and comes with a remote for convenient switching—and a dedicated button for each input.

PiP, but only a preview

Supports 4k picture quality

Great build

All ports in the rear

Cannot split audio

Only a PiP preview

One of our tech reviewers spent several weeks with this model, noting excellent 4K picture quality and color vibrancy on everything she streamed from her PC.

We also appreciate the picture-in-picture (PiP) preview mode capability of this unit, but it didn't earn our top spot because of its inability to split audio.

Over 5,100 Amazon buyers have weighed in on this product, and 63% of purchased give this product a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

Input/Output Ports: 4/1 | HDMI Standard: 2.0 | Remote/Voice Operation: Remote

Lifewire / Emily Ramirez

TL;DR: If three extra inputs are enough for you, this switch is a bargain—and even more so when it's on sale.

If you only need to extend your port selection by up to three extra inputs, the Newcare HDMI switch 3-in-1 is a nice option.

This compact, budget-friendly option also offers 4K support, wide device compatibility, and an included 2.6-foot HDMI cable.

Supports 4K video

Included HDMI cable

Input and output are on opposite sides

Only three inputs

No remote

Understandably, given the price point, this device is more limited than competitors. You won't get a remote and all the inputs and outputs are on opposite sides, which presents a bit of a cable organizing issue.

But if you don't have a lot of extra gadgets to connect or a lot of space, this switch could be a great starting point.

Of the nearly 2,900 purchaser reviews on Amazon, 65% of buyers give this product a 5-out-5 star rating.

Input/Output Ports: 3/1 | HDMI Standard: 2.0 | Remote/Voice Operation: None

Lifewire / Emily Ramirez

When shopping for an HDMI switcher, we consider output resolution and audio to be the most crucial factors.

Most consumer HDMI switchers are 1080p and Dolby Digital/DTS, but if you have a 4K Ultra HD television and 4K devices, ensure that you purchase a 4K-compatible switcher.

To that point, if you have 3D or HDR signal needs, look for supported models.

Along with resolution compatibility, the right HDMI switcher will work with the audio formats you use.

If you have a home theater receiver, you may need to search a switcher's specifications list to ensure it can handle advanced formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X.

Another key feature to pay attention to is HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection) or HDCP 2.2 support, which allows a smooth handshake between 4K source and output devices when switching sources.

If you need to send the same HDMI signal to two displays, an HDMI switcher can work, but so could a splitter if you don't need switching capabilities.

Most commonly, HDMI splitters that send two signals from one HDMI source should be enough for the average user.

You can find options with three or more signals from a single HDMI source, but these units are more for business or commercial use.

We recommend using splitters that require power (rather than passive varieties) to avoid handshake or signal problems.

Also, be mindful of correct output resolution support as well.

Lifewire / Emily Ramirez

If you have a home theater receiver, you could consider using it as an HDMI switcher or splitter.

Depending on the price range, you can usually find receivers with four and up to eight HDMI inputs and two or three outputs.

HDMI is the most common audio/video connection in use. However, TVs may have as few as one or two HDMI inputs. If you have a lot of HDMI-equipped source devices, such as an upscaling DVD/Blu-ray/Ultra HD Blu-ray player, cable/satellite box, media streamer, and game console that all need to be connected to your TV, there may not be enough HDMI inputs, but don't panic.

Instead of buying a new TV with more HDMI inputs, consider getting an external switcher to fill the gap.

HDMI is a digital signal and won't degrade in the same way as older analog signals, even with the addition of a switcher. If you are experiencing a notable loss in signal quality, it may be due to a faulty one from your switcher or a damaged cable.

An HDMI switch allows you to swap between inputs transmitted to a single screen, whereas an HDMI splitter takes a single signal and sends it to multiple screens.

Yes, as long as your HDMI cable and switcher support HDMI 2.0, you can transmit a 4K signal without any loss in quality.

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