Best HDMI Switches

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 13, 2024
Do you need to connect several HDMI-using devices to your TV set or PC but there's just one input port? The best and most convenient ...Read more
PROS

The optical and 2 RCA audio outputs make it possible to route the sound from the inputs directly to your sound system or a receiver.

CONS

The LED indicators are a bit too bright and the light may be irritating in the evenings.

OUR VERDICT

The FosPower box is one of the few that supports HDMI 2.0, perfect for Hi-Fi tech lovers. You can use this to watch films and shows in 4k Ultra HD at 60 frames per second (FPS).

detailed parameters
Ports

5 x Input, 1 x Output, 1 x Optical output, 2 x RCA (L/R)

HDMI version

2.0a

Supported video resolution

Up to 4k Ultra HD

Supported audio formats

DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, Dolby Digital AC3, DSD, LPCM 7.1, Audio Return Channel (ARC)

HDCP support

HDCP 1.4

Control

IR Remote control, buttons on the device

Warranty

Limited Lifetime

PROS

One input port is placed on the side of the gadget for faster and simpler connection.

CONS

The power cord has comparatively modest length.

OUR VERDICT

Are you tired of swapping out devices as your TV only has one input port? This little box will solve the issue, uniting 5 digital gadgets into one.

detailed parameters
Ports

5 x Input, 1 x Output

HDMI version

1.4

Supported video resolution

Up to Full HD

Supported audio formats

LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, DSD/Dolby, TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio

HDCP support

HDCP 1.2

Control

IR Remote control, one button on the device

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The switcher has a 1.75 ft output cable, more than enough to place it close to a TV and save money on buying a cord.

CONS

The HDMI version is a bit outdated.

OUR VERDICT

This affordable model will be a godsend for owners of small LED-monitors with a single input port. It transfers Full HD images without loss of quality and can link a console, a PC, and anything else you might want.

detailed parameters
Ports

3 x Input, 1 x Output

HDMI version

1.3b

Supported video resolution

Up to Full HD

Supported audio formats

LPCM, DTS Digital, Dolby Digital, DTS-HS and Dolby TrueHD

HDCP support

HDCP 1.1

Control

One button on the device

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The picture-in-picture function lets you see the images from all 4 signal sources at once. One will be displayed fullscreen while the rest will be placed in small windows.

CONS

You have to point the remote directly at the switcher for it to accept the signal.

OUR VERDICT

Zettaguard presents a functional model that will help you streamline the media devices in your room to one convenient gadget. The image and audio quality will not be compressed at all.

detailed parameters
Ports

4 x Input, 1 x Output

HDMI version

1.4

Supported video resolution

Up to 4k Ultra HD

Supported audio formats

DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM 7.1, Dolby AC-3, DSD

HDCP support

HDCP 1.4

Control

IR Remote control, one button on the device

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The device is so compact at 1.88 x 2 inches that you can hide it behind the TV. This is particularly handy if yours is hanging on the wall with no extra shelf for the gadget.

CONS

Not recommended for use with cables that are over 16 ft long.

OUR VERDICT

The bi-directional switcher can operate in two modes: sending a signal from 1 device to 2 television sets at once or, conversely, from 2 gadgets to 1 TV. A must-have for any audio/video tech aficionado. 

detailed parameters
Ports

2 x Input, 1 x Output or 1 x Input, 2 x Output

HDMI version

1.4

Supported video resolution

Up to 4k Ultra HD

Supported audio formats

DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM 7.1, Dolby AC-3, DSD

HDCP support

HDCP 1.2

Control

One button on the device

Warranty

1.5 years

Creates a Movie Theater Experience Just for You

Do you enjoy watching movies and shows in ultra high definition? Or maybe you’re tired of the messy tangles of wires all around the house and often imagine your home entertainment system less messy? Then you need the FosPower FOSAV-2179, a compact gadget that will do all of that and more.

If you want to truly feel immersed in a movie, you need an HDMI switcher with both optical and audio out ports. With this model you get both 4K Ultra HD visuals, offering pristine quality and a bright picture, and uncompressed sound that will fill the room and transport you to the world of the film.

Using the up-to-date 2.0a protocols, the gadget transfers video and audio cleanly with no glitches, supporting sound formats such as DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital AC3, LPCM 7.1, and more. These are all the golden standards for home entertainment and ensure that you will always have stellar sound quality.

The RCA audio output makes it possible to route the input directly to your sound system or a receiver so you can connect high-end equipment to your TV for true surround sound.

The FosPower FOSAV-2179 is the best HDMI switch not just because of quality, though, it’s also incredibly convenient. Equipped with 5 HDMI input ports and 2 RCA ones, this little box can unite all of your tech into one amazing viewing experience. Plus, you won’t have to fiddle with the device to set things up, it comes with a handy remote that lets you control the whole system.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B017MUWYLS

Video in Full HD with No Excess Cords

These days, every bit of technology in your house can be connected and a lot of the time that means running bundles of wires all over the place, hiding them behind the baseboard and fretting about pets accidentally chewing them up. A simple solution to that problem is to minimize the number of cords you have and for that you can’t imagine a better solution than the Kinivo 501BN.

With 4 input ports on its front, the gadget can easily establish a link between your TV set and, for example, your Blu-ray player or your DVR or even a laptop if you want to show some photos to your family. But that’s not all as there is a fifth port hidden off to the side for convenience, making connection simpler. This was an intentional design choice to make the device smaller and easier to hide. That’s also why the power cord is not too long, no need to drag it all around the room to spread it out from an unsightly ball into something less noticeable.

Using the widespread 1.4 version, the Kinivo HDMI switch will transfer video and audio in LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, DSD/Dolby, TrueHD/DTS-HD formats, providing immersive and clear sound.

All of these features make the Kinivo 501BN great for a homeowner looking to clean up the excess cords in the house and get a powerful entertainment system instead. This is a true bargain in terms of efficiency, quality, and style. And, if you want a longer cord to spread out your audio receivers, take a look at some HDMI cables.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0049SCB2Y

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(3.9)

Small size lets you mount it out of sight or keep it accessible without taking up too much space.

Key Specs(4)

Using the Kinivo 501BN HDMI switch, you only need one HDMI Output, which allows the user to watch or play games on just one, using the Remote which comes with the unit can use just that one input for all 5 outputs on the Kinivo.

Features(4.3)

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) Support.

Impressive Audio/Video Quality, Pleasant Price

Enjoy spending your money in a smart way and finding the best deals? Well, then you’re going to love the Fosmon HD 1831, a compact and affordable switcher box that even comes with its own output cable, saving you a substantial sum.

The 1.75-ft cord is long enough to position the device close to your TV in a convenient and non-restrictive way. Plus, it’s very durable and won’t snap or get damaged even if you have to route it through some tight spots.

On the input side, the gadget has 3 ports that support HDMI 1.3b, not the latest version but still serviceable and safe. This protocol offers Full HD video with HDCP 1.1 protection to keep your data private and undamaged. Thus, you can even operate the device to view sensitive information, good if you plan on using it in a corporate environment.

The Fosmon switch is no slouch in the audio department either, giving you clear, loud, and layered sound. The system handles LPCM, DTS Digital, Dolby Digital, DTS-HS, and Dolby TrueHD formats with ease, all of them the flagship standards of audio quality.

The Fosmon HD 1831 is a great choice for you not only if you’re working on a budget but also if you value convenience. The cords are easy to connect to the box, the device can be operated with just a single button, and the quality of both audio and video is absolutely stunning. What more could you want?

Last updated price $10.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B008GVOVK0

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.3)

Received it today, & it seemed to work just fine! Just plug an HDMI cable into one of the three outputs on the back of the device, given that it's supported. Should have no problems with that, however.

Size & Weight(4.8)

The small size is great, I hate clutter.

Features(4.7)

The simple button on the unit itself is perfect, and there are LEDs to show which input is currently being utilized.

Switch Between Devices on the Fly

Do you ever find yourself waiting to catch your favorite show yet still wanting to finish a game you’ve started on your console? Well, with the Zettaguard ZW410 you can see them both on one screen without having to jump through any hoops. It’s a perfectly convenient way to diversify your entertainment without springing for an extra TV.

The handy picture-in-picture function lets you see the image from all 4 input sources at once. That way you can watch a movie while tuning into the news in the corner of your screen or put on a YouTube video while the sports game you’re watching is interrupted for another commercial break.

For extra convenience, the device is operated via a remote, no need to get up to shift between input sources or turn the switcher off. You do have to point the remote straight at the switcher so it can’t be tucked away behind the TV but it has a cool design and will look good on your shelves anyway.

While it’s not the absolute best HDMI switch for Full 1080p, the Zettaguard ZW410 supports 4k Ultra HD and uses the 1.4 protocol version to transfer the signal. You get high-quality audio in DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM 7.1, and Dolby AC-3 formats with no compression or noises, all thanks to one little box.

If you want convenience, high quality, and an ability to have fun playing games while also watching a movie, show, or the news, the Zettaguard ZW410 is a must-have. Combining all of these features into a small affordable package, it’s the next step in home entertainment.

Last updated price $26.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MG7L0NN

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4.8)

The size is nice and fits in my entertainment center/electric fireplace cabinet right on top of my DVD/BR player

Features(3.9)

The remote seems responsive and the switching between sources is faster than my processor and my Onkyo reciever! This baby is just what I wanted!

Key Specs(4.7)

Due to older tv, needed a multi-port hdmi router to stream our input devices to the screen. This nifty little device works great!

Amazing Deal on an HDMI Switch

Do you want to keep your wallet happy and get an interconnected home entertainment system with wonderful quality of sound and image? Well, that’s surely a hefty task and yet you have a good option in the DotStone HDSW1201, a switch box that will help you connect your TV to both your sound system and your DVD or Blu-ray player.

The device is absolutely tiny and can be hidden behind your TV, especially good for people with wall-mounted models. The DotStone switcher works best with shorter cables as they offer faster signal transfer and won’t end up hanging all over the room. A small cord will do just fine and keep your entertainment system neat and cool looking.

This is also a bi-directional switcher so it can either send a signal from one device to 2 TVs at once or route the audio or video from 2 gadgets to a single TV set. This is a handy feature that no competitors are offering for some reason.

The switch box, while downright cheap, can rival the high-end competitors in terms of quality. Supporting 4k Ultra HD, the DotStone HDSW1201 uses the 1.4 protocol to give you a bright and crisp image and create immersive audio with DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM 7.1, Dolby AC-3, and DSD formats for your listening pleasure.

So, if you want to save money and still get a decent product, the DotStone HDSW1201 is the device for you.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01L8LLP2G

What Is an HDMI Switch?

Practically any modern home is filled with all sorts of devices that are interconnected and the problem of tangled cables and insufficient ports is relevant to the majority of people. An HDMI switcher can help you kill two birds with one stone, though. The gadget lets you run several devices through it and then connect them all at once to your TV. As most models of modern televisions still haven’t caught up in terms of ports, your set likely has just one input port. So the best way to connect your blue screen to a DVR, a DVD player, some speakers, and any other audio sources is to use an automatic HDMI switch.

This kind of device usually has a cool smart design that makes it easy to hide it amid your other gadgets so it won’t stick out like a sore thumb. If, however, you take pride in a high-tech collection, luxury colorful models are available as well. You can even get one with a cute print for your kids so they can watch their favorite funny cartoon on DVD, Blu-ray, or even the DVR.

Try to find a switch box that is durable with a strong metallic frame as these devices are often hidden away behind wall-mounted TVs and, if they happen to fall, could sustain serious damage.

Hopefully, our HDMI switch review will be helpful and you could likely use a brand new flat screen LED TV to take full advantage of your new tech. And, of course, consider getting a DVD player so you can always enjoy your favorite movies.

Sources:

1. HDMI, Wikipedia.

2. The HDMI Advantage, HDMI.org.

3. Geoffrey Morrison HDMI 2.0: What you need to know, CNET. September 16, 2013.

4. Kate Evelyn How to Use an HDMI Switcher, Techwalla.com.

5. How HDMI Works, HowStuffWorks.

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