Juggling a lot of different devices and a limited number of ports on your TV or monitor? The best HDMI switchers make that balancing act a lot less challenging by adding multiple inputs in one gadget.
After researching and testing several models, here are our picks for most home entertainment setups.
Note: Prices are subject to change.
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TL;DR: Get up to five HDMI inputs for a single output and 4K quality with this pick.
Why We Recommend It
If you use a lot of devices and never seem to have enough ports for all of them, the Kinivo 550BN adds five inputs for one output display.
In our hands-on testing, our reviewer used this switch with a BenQ HT3550 4K projector for several weeks of top-notch performance.
Pros
Adds five inputs to one output
Supports 4K and Dolby Vision
3D-compatible
Manual and remote switching
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.
Lifewire / Emily Ramirez
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 over 5,400 Amazon reviews, and 67 percent of shoppers give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Input/Output Ports: 5/1 | HDMI Standard: 2.0 | Remote/Voice Operation: Remote
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TL;DR: A premium option with 4K support and PiP, but it lacks audio splitting capability.
Why We Recommend It
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.
Cons
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.
Lifewire / Emily Ramirez
We also appreciate the picture-in-picture (PiP) preview mode capability, but it didn’t earn our top spot because of its inability to split audio.
The Zettaguard 4K has nearly 5,200 Amazon shopper reviews and an average 4.1-star rating.
Input/Output Ports: 4/1 | HDMI Standard: 2.0 | Remote/Voice Operation: Remote
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TL;DR: If three extra inputs are enough for you, this switch is a bargain—and even more so when it’s on sale.
Why We Recommend It
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 comes with a 2.6-foot HDMI cable.
Pros
Supports 4K video
Included HDMI cable
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 over 3,500 Amazon purchaser reviews, 69 percent of buyers give this product a perfect 5-star rating.
Input/Output Ports: 3/1 | HDMI Standard: 2.0 | Remote/Voice Operation: None
Lifewire / Emily Ramirez
What to Look For
When shopping for an HDMI switcher, we consider output resolution and audio to be the most crucial factors.
Output Resolution
Most consumer HDMI switchers are 1080p and Dolby Digital or 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 compatible models.
Other Key Features
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.
HDMI Splitters vs. HDMI Switchers
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
Using a Home Theater Receiver as an HDMI Switcher or Splitter
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.
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