An HDMI switcher is beneficial if you no longer have HDMI ports on your TV or monitor. The HDMI switch has many input ports to enable you to connect things like a streaming box, game console, DVD players, etc., to a single HDMI port.
The best HDMI switch preserves the audio and video quality and prevents lag or increased latency. However, you must ensure that the one you’re using is compatible with the connecting device. For instance, 1080p is relatively standard on many HDMI switchers.
Nevertheless, you must use an HDMI switch with 4K technology if your television is 4K. If it’s a full HD television, the HDMI switcher should be 4K alongside a 60Hz refresh rate. Otherwise, you won’t have that HD experience.
So, our list contains the best quality HDMI switchers that are adequately manufactured with many specifications. Follow me, and let’s take the ride together!
Table of Contents
What Is an HDMI Switcher?
An HDMI switcher is a device that lets you connect many source devices to the same HDMI input. For instance, a DVR, DVD player, and cable box might all have HDMI outputs, but the display (television or computer) might have a single HDMI input.
In such a situation, you can use a three-port HDMI switcher. It should have an HDMI output for the display and three HDMI inputs for the source components.
And if you’re using many displays (TVs or computers), you could use HDMI switchers with two or more outputs. You can operate this HDMI switch with remote control, automatically based on priority, or manually. Thus, when you turn on an HDMI source with a greater priority, the signals are directed to the display (television or computer).
Things To Consider Before Buying an HDMI Switcher
Before buying an HDMI switcher, pay attention to the following factors:
Audio formats
One thing you must consider when purchasing an HDMI switcher is that the switcher’s audio requirements must align with your system. The present-day HDMI switchers can operate all Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround audio signals.
But if you want to buy an HDMI switcher for a home theater system that uses Dolby TrueHD, DTS: X, DTS-HD Master Audio, or other advanced audio formats, then the one you’re buying must be compatible with the home theater system.
Cost
Cost is often a significant factor in determining whether or not an individual will purchase a product. HDMI switches come at different prices. So, you might want to settle for the one you can afford. However, these prices depend on durability, features, and brand value.
Number of inputs
The number of inputs tells you how many devices you can connect to the HDMI switch simultaneously. HDMI switchers typically have between two to eight ports. So, depending on the device you intend to add (e.g., the latest game console), you can settle for an HDMI switcher with an additional input port or more
Durability
Nobody wants to keep replacing a product they just bought without enjoying the value it ought to deliver. And this is where durability comes to play. A high-priced product doesn’t always amount to high quality. The same thing applies to an HDMI switcher.
Therefore, take your time to read reviews about the various HDMI switcher brands to learn about their components and performance before settling for one.
Output resolution
The HDMI switcher’s output resolution must be compatible with the connecting device. If your device is a 4K device, the HDMI switch must have 4K as well (to show that it’s compatible). So, this is one of the things you should keep in mind when purchasing an HDMI switcher.
See Also: The 10 Best Aux Cord/Cables
Best HDMI Switchers of 2024
Follow me closely as I take you through the best HDMI switchers for console flexibility.
1. Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch 4K HDR
The first best HDMI switch you should know is the Kinivo 550BN switcher. Its technology, ease of use, and five input ports earned it this top spot.
The Kinivo brand is notable for producing top-quality HDMI switchers. Hence, this model is not left out. It features a 4K technology alongside a 60Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, it supports the latest 3D content and Dolby Vision.
Kinivo works by switching devices automatically depending on the active one. You can also use the button on the switch to control it manually.
Even though all devices do not support the auto-switching feature, you can still use them. But you will require the remote control to switch between the HDMI input ports.
| Specifications Input/output ports: 5/1 Supported resolution: 4K @ 60Hz Control options: Automatic, manual, remote |
| Pros | Cons |
| 4K resolution | It doesn’t support auto-switching with all devices |
| Five input ports | |
| It supports 3D content and Dolby vision |
2. Zettaguard 4K HDMI Switch
The Zettaguard switch has a thick build and a firm feel and features many qualities you’d like. One of them is picture-in-picture support. You can use the remote control to preview all the media playing on the connected devices.
Sadly, you cannot view two pictures simultaneously with the preview. It has a 30Hz refresh rate and supports 4K. The Zettaguard HDMI switch also switches automatically to active devices and allows remote control.
Also, you would love its rear port location because it makes the cords easier to hide. But the downside is that transition between ports can cost you a few seconds.
| Specifications Input/output ports: 4/1 Supported resolution: 4K @ 30Hz Control options: Automatic, manual, remote |
| Pros | Cons |
| Rear port location | It doesn’t support full HD |
| PiP (preview only) | It takes a few seconds to transition between ports |
| Durable build |
3. IOGear 8 Port HDMI Switch
Do you have a trove of HD components that requires connecting? If your answer is affirmative, then you should get the IOGear switcher. It has eight inputs and one output.
This HDMI switcher is compatible with full 1080p HD signals, Dolby TrueHD, 12-bit Deep Color, and DTS HD Master Audio. Meanwhile, the IOGear switcher doesn’t support auto-switching. But you can use the remote or manual buttons to transition between inputs.
IOGear does not support 4K; it only supports standard HD signals. This switcher is very expensive, so it would be a better investment if you settle for an A/V receiver (if your media room doesn’t have one already).
| Specifications Input/output ports: 8/1 HDMI standard: 1.4 Control options: manual, remote |
| Pros | Cons |
| Lacks 4K support | Costly |
| It has 8 HDMI ports for many devices | Lacks auto-switching feature |
| No Dolby Atmos support |
Read Also: What is External SATA (eSATA)?
4. Newcare 4K HDMI Switch
It is a simple switcher that requires no external power supply. The devices you plug into the input ports power it. While it has a refresh rate of 60Hz (for full HD) and a 4K resolution, you can plug up to three devices in this switcher.
The Newcare switcher works manually; it doesn’t support remote control and automatic switching. In addition, it is easy to install and does not use up electrical outlets.
Unfortunately, this switcher will not have enough power to function if you don’t connect and power on more than one device. Therefore, you must connect at least two devices to keep it powered.
| Specifications Input/output ports: 3/1 Supported resolution: 4K @ 60Hz Control options: manual only |
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports 4K @ 60Hz | You may need to connect more than one device to the input ports to power it |
| Easy to install and operate | |
| Requires no external power |
5. Roofull 5 Port 4K HDMI Switch
The Roofull HDMI switcher is built for individuals that enjoy both the audio and visual quality of their movies and games. This switcher has impressive and broad audio compatibility, including Dolby TrueHD, LPCM 7.1, DTS-HD, etc.
It also offers 4K technology with a refresh rate of 60Hz and can connect up to five 4K devices. The Roofull HDMI switch supports auto-switching alongside manual and remote control.
| Specifications Input/output ports: 5/1 Supported resolution: 4K @ 60Hz Control options: Remote, manual, automatic |
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive audio compatibility | It may require a more extended adapter cord |
| Five input ports | |
| Automatically connects to last used powered device |
Summary
The best HDMI switch enables you to connect all your devices and operate them effortlessly either automatically, manually, or by using the remote control. Meanwhile, before you buy an HDMI switcher, do well to consider the compatibility with your device/system alongside other factors mentioned In this article.
FAQs on The Best HDMI Switchers
Not all HDMI switchers require power.
You can use an HDMI splitter to split an HDMI signal to show on up to sixteen TVs or screens.
ARC means Audio Return Channel. It connects your television and audio system with a High-Speed HDMI® cable. Hence, there’s no need for an extra optical cable or composite audio.
An HDMI splitter splits the signal from one source device to facilitate connection to many displays simultaneously.
A lot of HDMI splitter supports 4K technology. But older splitters will likely not support 4K.
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