We eventually run out of TV ports to plug things into. When it comes to things like analog audio outputs or USBs, this isn’t such a bad thing, but when you run out of precious HDMI inputs, the implications are significantly more worrisome. Fortunately, you only need an HDMI switcher.
The greatest HDMI switchers have four or more HDMI connections, with ports powered by the latest HD chipsets to provide the best possible picture and sound quality. They plug right into one of your TV’s many HDMI ports and boast features like automated input switching, 4K and 3D support, and remote control operation.
So, if you’re looking for a good HDMI switcher, we’ve compiled a list of six of the best devices on the market right now. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Kinivo 550BN 4K/60Hz HDMI Switch
Kinivo’s HDMI switchers are among the most popular on the market, and with good reason. With dimensions of 4.6 inches long and 2.5 inches tall, the 550BN is easy to integrate with your existing components without producing cable clutter. Best of all, there’s no need to think about where to run a power wire because the switcher is powered by an included lithium-ion battery.
2. Roofull Premium HDMI Switch
Roofull’s five-port HDMI switcher is HDMI 2.0 compliant and backward compatible with all previous HDMI protocols. While HDMI 2.0 is still one of the most widely used protocols, you may need to replace the switcher if you intend to re-outfit your A/V rack with HDMI 2.1 components. Keeping this in mind, each of the Roofull’s five inputs is rated for 4K/60Hz with a throughput of 18Gbps.
3. Iogear GHSW8181 HDMI Switch
Some of us must just 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 transmissions, 12-bit Deep Color, Dolby True HD, and DTS HD Master Audio. There is no auto-switching for device selection on the GHSW8181, therefore you must cycle between inputs using the front buttons or the provided remote.
4. Gana 3×1 HDMI Switch
You can get this Gana three-to-one switcher for a reasonable price. Each of the three inputs supports 4K/30Hz with a data rate of only 3Gbps. This Gana device, unlike the other switchers on the list, has an HDMI 1.8 output connector 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.
5. Zettaguard 4×1 HDMI Switch
This Zettaguard switcher has four HDMI inputs, each with a 4K/30Hz resolution. One of the most understated switchers on our list, it’s simple to hide this big boy in a media cabinet or wherever you keep your A/V components. While it lacks some of the higher data throughputs and picture/audio codecs that the other switchers in our roundup have, the Zettaguard wins with one feature: picture-in-picture (PIP) displays.
In addition to one primary HD image that takes up the majority of the screen, the switcher can display up to two sub-screens for your HD components.
6. Kinivo 501BN 4K/30Hz HDMI Switch
The Kinivo 501BN has the same amount of HDMI inputs as its previous model, the aforementioned 550BN, but is slightly less expensive than the company’s flagship switcher. In terms of specifications and performance, the 501BN only supports 4K/30Hz at a reduced data rate of 10Gbps.
There is also no Dolby Vision or HDR support. Input switching, like the 550BN, is either automated (based on attached hardware) or manual using the switcher’s IR remote.