Do you have a home theatre or entertainment setup with a lot of multimedia devices like projectors, gaming consoles and streaming boxes at your place?
If yes, we know that hooking up all of your devices to a single display can cause nuisance as you’ll need to plug in and out to switch between the devices. Also, if you own multiple devices, it isn’t necessary that you have a separate display for each one of them.
Even if you are a moderate multimedia user, you’ll need lots of TV connections for the devices. Displays have a less amount of HDMI inputs which can cause a trouble for you if you want to connect too many devices.
An HDMI switch is very convenient as it offers lots of HDMI input ports to connect to your display. If you’re looking for the best HDMI switch for gaming and home use, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of 8 best HDMI switches that you can choose from according to your needs.
Our top picks for the Best HDMI Switch for Gaming, 4K HDR at 60Hz:
Best quality HDMI switches allow you to quickly switch between your computers, consoles, and other multimedia devices. It is, however, imperative that you recognize your priorities before choosing an HDMI switch.
Finding the perfect fit will require a lot of research and efforts and that’s why we have put together the best product reviews in the first place. Following are our top picks:
1. Zettaguard 4K 4 x 1
Best Overall HDMI Switch
Specifications:
- Ports: 4 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K x 2K @ 60Hz, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: X
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 2 x 5 inches
Zettaguard 4×1 is a feature packed HDMI switch that’s easy to use and is well-designed. It is a perfect choice for your home entertainment setup and for gaming purposes.
The device is loaded with four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output (4×1 design). The number of input ports allow you to connect a number of consoles, PCs, or media players to your TV without exchanging ports and cables.
The HDMI switch is able to transmit 4K signal at a 60 Hz refresh rate. There ports are at the rear on the aluminum case; the area is neatly organized so that there is no mess of cables. The HDMI switch feels solid and has rubber legs so that the device doesn’t slip on the surface.
The HDMI switch comes with a remote which has a button allocated for each HDMI input and a dedicated button for picture-in-picture mode. There are LED lights that indicate the active inputs.
Switching between inputs takes barely 10 seconds and that’s impressive. The 18 Gbps transfer speed is also good and it works reliably with various consoles.
Editors’ Rating: 4.8 / 5
2. Kinivo 501BN HDMI Switch
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Kinivo 501BN 4K HDMI Switch with IR Wireless Remote (5 Port, 4K 30Hz, Auto-Switching) »
Specifications:
- Ports: 5 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K@30Hz, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: ✓
- Dimensions: 7 x 2.5 x 1 inches
The Kinivo 501BN is a reliable HDMI switch that features an IR remote, and can support resolutions up to 4k. It has a decent design that can go well with your home entertainment setup.
The HDMI switch comes with a plethora of input ports that can easily accommodate all of your HDMI inputs. There is automatic and manual switching both available for this device.
The Kinivo comes with an IR remote which allows you to switch between the inputs without moving your place. Each input has a dedicated LED that shows which input is active at the moment. The HDMI switcher can support resolutions of up to 4k at 30 Hz and 1080p at 60 Hz.
The HDMI switch has sufficient bandwidth for passing 36-bit color depth and 3D video signals. The device also supports an audio return channel which is quite helpful if you want to send audio signal from your TV to external speakers without using any cables.
Overall, Kinivo 501B is a premium switcher that works perfectly for most of the people.
Editors’ Rating: 4.6 / 5
3. Univivi 5-Port 5×1 Switch
Best 4K HDMI Switch
Specifications:
- Ports: 5 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K@60Hz, HDR, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: ✓
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches
The Univivi HDMI switch offers amazing functionality and compatibility at a reasonable price. It has five input ports and one output port and supports a wide range of resolutions that include 720p, 1080p, and 4K HDR at 60Hz. It even supports 3D picture for a more immersive viewing experience.
The HDMI switcher comes with both manual and auto-switching function which proves to be handy. There’s also an IR remote so you don’t have to get up to switch between inputs.
The Univivi switch device is built using the ultra HD gold-plated 24K HDMI connector that allows for fast signal transmission and increases service life. It is compatible with a variety of gaming consoles, streaming boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, and other devices.
The switch is compliant with HDCP 2.0 standard and is compatible with 36-bit Deep Colors. It also supports most popular audio formations like DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, and LPCM7.1.
Editors’ Rating: 4.5 / 5
4. Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch
Best High-Performance
Specifications:
- Ports: 5 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K@60Hz, HDR, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: ✓
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.5 x 1 inches
The Kinivo 550BN is packed with features. It displays up to 4K at 60Hz, and can offer output from up to 5 devices. The device also features auto-switching which is quite fast and reliable.
There are numerous ports located on the side of the device which keep the thick HDMI cables visible all the time. The switcher comes with an IR remote and an AC adapter too. The remote includes buttons and IR signaling, and there are arrows that cycle through the inputs.
Furthermore, this particular model has a hybrid aluminium body that provides efficient heat dissipation, thus preventing any overheating or lag caused by it while the device is on.
In the end, the HDMI switch is HDCP 2.2 compliant and supports all modern video formats. It’s easy to use and install, and offered with a two-year lifetime warranty.
Editors’ Rating: 4.4 / 5
5. Techole Bi-Directional
Best Budget HDMI Switch
Specifications:
- Ports: 2 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K@30Hz, 3D
- Control Method: Button
- Auto Switch: X
- Powered: X
- Dimensions: 1 x 0.5 x 2 inches
The Techole Bi-Directional is a capable yet highly affordable HDMI switch, with a price that typically ranges from $10-15. Although the device has only two ports, it provides more than enough functionality for most users. The switch is quality built and it provides support for 3D, 4K, and HD audio.
What’s unique about Techole’s model is that it can serve as both a splitter and a switch. You can not only connect two HDMI sources to one HDMI display, but can also connect one HDMI source to toggle between two displays.
With so much feasibility attached to it, this HDMI switch is still very easy to set up and operate. No power adapter is required to make the Techole connect and work; it’s just plug and play.
The transmission is supported with high bandwidth speeds of up to 10.2Gbps. You get a crisp 4K image; however, you will need an HDMI cable 2.0 to connect the 4K HDMI source device and HDMI switch and display.
Additionally, when you connect one HDMI source to two displays, you cannot operate both screens at the same time. You will have to toggle between them by pressing a button located on top of the HDMI switch. The toggle button is accompanied by an LED indicator that lets you know which device is currently active.
All in all, the Techole Bi-Directional may not come with loads of features, but it is a great option if you are looking for a cheap 4K-capable HDMI switcher.
Editors’ Rating: 4.2 / 5
6. Koopman 4K HDMI Switch
Editors’ Choice
Specifications:
- Ports: 5 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K@60Hz, HDR, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: ✓
- Dimensions: 5.83 x 5.04 x 1.5 inches
Another smartly-priced option, the Koopman 4K is best for those who don’t like complex setups and a lot of functions, but want a solid performance out of the HDMI switch.
The switch has five inputs and one output, and supports 3D, 60Hz 4K and 1080p resolution. Also, it is HDCP 2.2 compliant and compatible with a large base of devices that include PS3/PS4, Xbox, DVD and Blu-ray players, Roku, Nintendo Switch, Fire TV and many more.
The Koopman 5 x 1 comes equipped with auto-switching function so it can automatically detect and switch to the most recent signal. You can also use the IR remote if you want to switch manually though.
Furthermore, Koopman is a plug and play device and it is compatible with HDR10, HDCP2.2 and HDMI2.0 standards. The package includes a power adapter and a user manual too.
Editors’ Rating: 4.6 / 5
7. SMARTOOO 23051 HDMI Switch
Best for PS4 Pro
Specifications:
- Ports: 5 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 4K@60Hz, HDR, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: ✓
- Dimensions: 8.11 x 5.79 x 2.2 inches
Don’t go over the name of this device as it comes with some of the best high-end features you can get in an HDMI switch. The SMARTOOO 23051 has five input ports and one output port, and it offers a solid performance for a reasonable price. It also offers good compatibility and allows easy switching between consoles and other devices.
This HDMI switch comes with many advanced features but the most amazing feature is the support for 10bit HDR that cannot be found in other devices. You can easily plug in your 18 Gbps HDMI cables to it and enjoy 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rate.
SMARTOOO 23051 supports many high-quality audio formats including Dolby True HD, DOLBY Atmos, DTS and more. This feature allows the switch to be compatible with LG, Sony, Samsung, and many others.
You can trust SMARTOOO with their device as they offer the users a money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty. The design of this HDMI switch is also worth it with proper labeling and IR remote handling.
8. OREI 4×1 Multi-Viewer
Best for Home Theatre
Specifications:
- Ports: 4 HDMI Inputs
- Resolutions: 1080p, 3D
- Control Method: IR wireless remote
- Auto Switch: ✓
- Powered: X
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.25 x 0.6 inches
If you want a practical solution for setting up your home theatre, the Orei 4×1 multi-viewer is the way to go. As the name suggests, this HDMI switch has 4 inputs and one output port. It is equipped with auto signal source detection, and it supports multiple video resolutions including 1080p, 720p and 480p.
But, the highlight feature of this HDMI switcher is its advanced picture-in-picture (PIP) function. This feature allows you to choose between 5 display modes: 2 screen mode, average of 4 screen mode, 2 big 2 small screen mode, and more.
The OREI 4×1 supports almost all audio formats including Dolby digital, DTS Digital, PCM2, 5.1, 7.1 CH, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. The device also comes with an IR controller which lets you control sound and viewing modes.
It is plug and play; you just connect the HDMI switcher with the desired TVs and devices and start using it. The device comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty and lifetime tech support.
What to Look for in an HDMI Switch for Gaming
Not only for gaming but if you have streaming devices or HD TVs then you must be aware of the struggle when you run out of ports. In this era of high-definition devices, having an HDMI switcher gives you additional feasibility to plug in more HDMI devices in your input ports.
HDMI switches are one of the most basic devices so buying one should not be an issue. However, whenever you are out there looking for a new HDMI switcher then you must prioritize what you want in your product.
Below, we’ve listed some of the important things you can think about before purchasing.
4K Video Support
One of the key features to consider is the quality of the HDMI switcher’s signal. Most of the models manufactured today have a resolution of 1080p, which can be considered as the bare minimum too.
Having said that, if you have a 4K television and any 4K gaming device such as an Xbox One X, or PlayStation 4 Pro, then choose an HDMI switcher that supports 4K video signal.
Design
Some people prefer the design of the HDMI switch over anything. Buying a compact HDMI switch can save you a lot of space. Prioritize what you want in your HDMI switch and then look accordingly.
If you prefer sleek and compact design then you can find many HDMI switches in the market with these features.
Manual vs. Automatic Switching
When you plan on buying an HDMI switch for yourself then you must decide whether you want manual switching or automatic switching.
Manual switching is when you have to switch the input through button or remote. On the other hand, automatic switching does not require the user to switch inputs through the remote.
The best option is to go for a device that comes with both manual and automatic switching.
Port Availability
For an HDMI switch, having more input ports is always the number one consideration. First, check your need and then buy a device that comes with enough ports to match your requirements.
However, the best option is to buy an HDMI switch that has at least three ports so you can switch maximum devices in it.
HDCP Compliance
HDCP compliance is necessary when you are planning to switch media devices on your HDMI switch. High-bandwidth Digital Content Creation is considered a protective measure that protects the media from traveling between connections, from copying.
If your HDMI switch is not HDCP compliant then there’s no chance that media will play on your device. So make sure that you buy a device that is equipped with the latest HDCP version.
Other Features
HDMI switches come with many other features that you might want to pay attention to. For instance, many people look for picture-in-picture or IR remote functionality in their HDMI switches.
These features add convenience to the overall HDMI switch and therefore, people prefer them over other switches. If you consider these features important then you might want to buy an HDMI switch that is equipped with these features.
FAQs on HDMI Switches
An HDMI switcher is a device that simply “switches” the signal on the output/s. Since it doesn’t need to process the signal, there should be no lag added to your chain.
If you have a display that is 4K Ultra HD TV then you will need a 4K HDMI switch otherwise the compatibility issues will disturb you forever.
If you have only one source and want to send its signal to multiple displays then you should go for an HDMI splitter. On the other hand, if you have multiple sources and only one display then you need an HDMI switch.
HDMI switches are digital signals, therefore, they do not degrade the picture quality.
Final Words
HDMI switches are readily available in the market but getting just the right switch for yourself can be a little difficult. The price of the HDMI switches also varies depending on the features of it.
If you are going for maximum features then the price can go as high as $40, however, there is no limit to it.
The devices mentioned in this article are for all those power users who want to switch all their devices. Buying an HDMI switch can be a good investment so you can count on it.