Table of Contents
Finding the best HDMI switches can be a difficult task. This is due to the fact that there are literally thousands of different models, the majority of which are clones of existing products. The numerous “name brand” HDMI switchers, which are rebadged generic devices sold at a premium, complicate matters. We’ve sifted through the chaff and tested some of the best HDMI switches currently available to help you make the best decision.
Some of the brands may be unfamiliar to you, but each of these devices performs admirably. Some of these switchers even support 4K @ 60Hz, which is the highest resolution available from any switch on the market right now. One thing to keep in mind is that the switches listed below can be found in hundreds of different listings online. These are usually white-label products purchased in bulk by resellers who then brand them.
Here is the list of Best HDMI Switches
SGEYR 4K@60Hz 5×1 HDMI Switch
If you have a good 4k setup, whether it’s a monitor or a TV, this little box from the awkwardly named SGEYR should be your new best friend. It has five inputs, each of which supports 4K UHD playback and HDR. Unless you want to invest in a massive 8K TV, that about covers it for the foreseeable future. But we still have a few years before that becomes the norm. Each individual port is gold plated, but don’t be fooled by that selling point.
See our Things to Think About section later in this guide. The housing is also made of metal, so it should last a long time, though these aren’t typically hammered. They are usually placed in one location and left alone until needed. Finally, the remote control allows for simple line-of-sight switching between the five inputs. If you lose that, you can get up and simply push the buttons on the front of the box. Thus, this product is one of the best HDMI Switches available right now.
Gana 3×1 HDMI Switch
Perhaps your home theatre only requires one or two additional HDMI inputs. Gana’s three-to-one switcher is available for purchase. Each of the three inputs supports 4K/30Hz with a data throughput of only 3Gbps.
Unlike the other switchers in our roundup, the Gana has an HDMI 1.8 output connection built in, so you won’t need to supply your own HDMI cable to connect it to your TV or projection system. There is also no need for a power cable because the switcher is powered by the components you connect to it. This is one of the best inexpensive switchers on the market for the money, but there are a few drawbacks.
To begin with, there is no remote control. This means you’ll have to manually press the Select button on the top of the unit to switch inputs. Although the switcher has auto-switching, some users have reported inconsistent reliability with this function. Also, if you’re trying to hide your gear, the Gana’s HDMI pigtail isn’t very long, so there’s little chance of a clean look.
FERRISA 4×2 HDMI Matrix Switch
Easily one of the best HDMI Switches available on the market, The FERRISA 4×2 HDMI Matrix Switch has four input and two output ports and works in two modes to provide a variety of display options. In Matrix mode, input from various ports is displayed on each connected monitor or screen. In Splitter mode, both monitors display the same input.
However, when in matrix mode, the audio/visual formats of the devices must be the same, or there may be display issues. The FERRISA also includes a headphone jack for use with any of the devices connected to the input ports. This model also received points for its ease of installation and intuitive remote control design.
Fosmon 5-port HDMI switcher
The Fosmon 5×1 HDMI 2.0 switch is one of the more unusual models on the market. Instead of a long, rectangular metal body, it is shaped like a small, black plastic square. While it still requires power (via micro-USB), it retains the small form factor typical of unpowered switches. Because this is a smaller switch, especially for a 5×1 model, users must wire in an IR sensor.
While this makes installation more difficult, it also allows you to hide the switch behind your TV or entertainment center, distinguishing it from its competitors. Because of its plastic shell, this switch is less durable than some of the other 4K devices on our list, but its small size compensates. The remote is, of course, subpar, but as with the other switches on this list, it can be replaced with something a little more robust.
Zettaguard 4K HDMI Switcher
If you want a well-designed HDMI switcher with a premium look and feel, the Zettaguard 4K is worth considering. After weeks of testing, our reviewer thought the 4K content she streamed on her PC looked great, with the HDR colouring really bringing the videos to life.
Our top choice could have been the Zettaguard 4K. The picture-in-picture preview mode almost sold us, but the switcher is limited to four inputs and lacks an HDMI audio splitter. The included remote includes a dedicated picture-in-picture button that allows you to view all active inputs at the same time, as well as a button for each HDMI input. Currently, this is one of the best HDMI Switches that you can buy right now.
Kinivo 501BN 4K HDMI Switch
As we mentioned in the introduction, there are many HDMI switchers on the market that simply do not perform well. There are also numerous variants of the same box, each with slightly different internals. When you find a model and brand you can trust in technology, you tend to stick with them. That is exactly the case with Kinivo’s fantastic little 4K switch. This dependable little box will solve the majority of your connection issues with its five inputs.
So you can focus on what to watch or play rather than how to relieve your frustration. This model was the first to offer 4K resolution, so make sure you have the correct one in your basket before clicking the buy button. It has 30fps and 60fps options, making it an excellent choice for gaming on your TV or PC monitor. Furthermore, if you have a collection of Blu-Rays, it has you covered.
ROOFULL 5 Port 4K HDMI Switch
The ROOFULL 5 Port 4K HDMI Switch is intended for gamers and moviegoers who value both audio and visual quality in their games and movies. This HDMI switcher supports a wide range of audio formats, including DTS-HD, LPCM7.1, Dolby TrueHD, and others. It also has 4K technology with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and the ability to connect up to five 4K devices.
The ROOFULL has three control options, one of which is auto switching. It also returns to the last powered device for a quicker start. The only thing we would change is a slightly longer adapter cord. Still, it is one of the best HDMI Switches that you can consider.
Iogear GHSW8181 HDMI Switch
Some of us must simply connect every HD component we own to our television. That is why we included the Iogear GHSW8181 in our comparison. This HDMI switcher supports full 1080p HD signals, 12-bit Deep Color, Dolby True HD, and DTS HD Master Audio. There is no auto-switching for device selection on the GHSW8181, so you must cycle between inputs using the front buttons or the included remote.
We haven’t even mentioned 4K. Regrettably, this switcher only accepts standard HD signals. You’ll also need to make room for another power cable, as this massive switcher requires one. To be honest, for the money you’ll spend on this switcher, an A/V receiver — if your media room doesn’t already have one — might be a better investment.
Final Words
Best HDMI switches are the best way to eliminate the wire clutter that occurs when connecting your HDMI devices to your TV. To eliminate any confusion about features, we have presented you with the best brands available, as well as a buying guide. If you’re looking for a good HDMI switcher, we’ve compiled a list of the best models on the market right now.