HDMI is one of the best and easiest ways to transmit both audio and video via the same cable. As a result, most computer monitors, TVs and consoles use it.
But if you want to take your gaming room or home theater to the next level, you need a HDMI switch! This simple device allows you to switch between devices for one single TV, making everything seamless and hassle free.
The best such switches feature at least four HDMI connections but there are a number of variations so you need to be careful and well informed before purchasing one so that you can choose something that fits all of your specific media needs.
First of all, when shopping for a HDMI switcher, one of the most important features you need to look out for is output resolution.
More precisely, depending on your needs, pick 4K or 1080p so you can enjoy your content in High Definition.
Second of all, you might want the switch to support a number of different video and audio formats – the more the better!
Thirdly, it’s definitely a great advantage if it includes a remote as well so you can just sit on the couch and easily control your devices from afar with no need to get up again.
Finally, picking some good, durable HDMI cables should be a top concern as well!
The main point is that, HDMI switchers can totally expand your media system’s capabilities so you can enjoy the best modern entertainment has to offer right in the comfort of your own home!
With that being said, if you are determined to learn more about some of the best HDMI switches on the market and pick the right one for you, here are some great options!
SGEYR 5-Port HDMI Switch
This device allows you to connect to five devices at the same time. Furthermore, it features indicator lights that will let you know, at a single glance, whether the connected devices are working properly or not.
The most useful feature, however, is probably the fact that it allows you to quickly switch between devices by pressing the numbers on the remote control.
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch
The second option features five inputs as well and has a resolution of 4K so the picture quality as well as the frame rates are really good!
Not only that but it is also rather small so it doesn’t take a lot of space and is budget-friendly.
Roofull Premium HDMI Switch
Another switch with five ports, the Roofull Premium HDMI Switch has backward compatibility with older HDMI protocols as well. All inputs are rated at 4K/60Hz with a throughput of 18Gbps.
This is one of the best picks if you really care about sound quality and given its small price, it does more than what you would expect.
Zettaguard 4K X 2K 4 Port 4 X 1 HDMI Switch
Another affordable switch, the Zettaguard features four ports but has no HDR.
It is one of the smallest of its kind as well and includes a Picture in Picture mode that lets you see another HDMI source in a tiny corner window which is really handy, much more so than you would think.
MROCIOA 3D 4K HDMI Switch
A budget friendly option but one that does not compromise on the quality at all!
It is designed to connect to a maximum of five devices simultaneously and is made from aluminum alloy, a material that allows solid heat dispensation.
Not only that but, it is even plated using 24-carat gold which helps with enhancing signal transfer.
Newcare HDMI Switch 3-in-1
The Newcare HDMI Switch 3-in-1 includes the HDMI cable and it supports 4K at 60 or 24Hz.
Something that you must take into consideration before purchasing it, however, is that it only features 3 inputs so if you know you need more, make sure to avoid it.
But if you are on a budget and have a relatively small setup, this is a wonderful choice!
Basically, it can do everything else all the other devices on this list can, the only major downside being the number of inputs.
Furthermore, it does not include a remote so you might want to keep the box accessible for easy use.
It is not such a big issue, however, since the button on top of the unit is made to switch the feed and then, when it detects another active signal, it switches automatically.
Just make sure you don’t forget to switch before plopping on the couch otherwise you’ll have no choice but to get up again in the absence of a remote.
Gana 3×1 HDMI Switch
If you only need one or two additional HDMI connections, this is the product for you, especially since it is super affordable!
Each of the three inputs supports 4K/30Hz but with a lesser data throughput of just 3Gbps.
Furthermore, you won’t need to supply an HDMI cable to connect it to your projector or TV since it features a built-in HDMI 1.8 output connection.
A power cable is also not required since the switcher gets power from the components you connect it to.
Definitely one of the best cheap switches out there although it is nowhere near perfect.
First of all, there is no remote control included so you need to do everything manually but thankfully, it includes auto-switching which makes things a little easier.
Aside from these minor inconveniences, that you might not even mind, depending on your setup and budget, this is a great choice!
Cable Matters 4K 60 Hz Matrix Switch
In case you use multiple monitors you don’t have many choices when it comes to HDMI switchers.
However, the HDMI Matrix switch from Cable Matters has two outputs and four inputs which can open up a lot of possibilities.
It also supports up to 4K/60Hz and includes a 3.5mm and optical output for audio switching, something that is not that common at all!
A remote is included as well but it is unfortunately a little lacking.
Since not everyone uses dual monitors, this is more of a niche product but if you are one of those people, you can rest assured that this switch will fit all of your needs.
SMARTOOO 23051 4K 60Hz HDR HDMI
The Smartoo has great audio support covering some of the more modern formats as well so if you are passionate about clear music and audio in general, this is the perfect switch for you.
While it has been around for a few years, an update is expected even though it’s not really needed since it can already handle most of the newest technology and formats today.
If you need more than three HDMI inputs, however, you should go for something else since this one only has three.
GANA Aluminum Bidirectional HDMI Switcher
Finally, last but not least, the GANA Aluminum Bidirectional HDMI Switcher has 4K support and a great, budget friendly price.
The model is also solid and of a great quality in general, as well as reversible meaning that you can have 2 inputs for one output, or 2 outputs for one single input
Unfortunately, however, this is one of the most limited models in terms of connectivity, only featuring two input ports!
But if you have fewer components and don’t need the extra ports, there is no reason why you should pay extra for something you’re not even going to use so this might just be the perfect device for you!
In case you have devices that run at 4K/60Hz such as the PS4 Pro, however, this will not work for you since it only supports 30Hz.
