Top 8 Best HDMI Switches for Gaming for 2023

Are you tired of limited ports in your top-end ultrawide displays or fancy OLED TVs? Are you facing difficulties sharing your display with multiple other displays? Do you wish to hook up multiple peripherals to share and stream your gaming experience? 

Then you, my friend, are in dire need to get your hands on the best HDMI switches for gaming and streaming. While a premium 4k ULTRA-HD OLED TV will offer you a phenomenal, jaw-dropping gaming experience, it does have a limited number of ports to worth simultaneously with a PC or multiple other consoles and devices. Users can get around this problem by purchasing an HDMI switch which grants access to more ports by letting several devices share the same cable into your TV or your primary choice display monitor. These switches have proven favorable as a must-need electronic accessory for the modern tech-savvy people, gamers, and even for casuals who love to stream from time to time.

Nowadays, there are a plethora of HDMI switch brands to choose around. With an abundance of gadgets that are crucial to be connected to TVs, projectors, displays, or computer screens, the market for HDMI switches evolves to develop more & more. Just pinpointing the best gadgets may seem like a meticulous task without any pre-knowledge of the technicalities surrounding them. This is where we come in. For your convenience, we have compiled this comprehensive list of the best HDMI switches for gaming, streaming, and everyday use. Trust us when we say that HDMI switches (also known as HDMI splitters) perform wonders!

Are you in a hurry? Here is a quick glance at the best HDMI switches for gaming for 2023!

Best HDMI Switches for Gaming: The Rundown

Before we begin, note that you must purchase an HDMI switch that can support the highest output you need. That is either sending a 1080p output signal or a 4k. Depending on your display’s resolution, you will have to settle for one. Without further ado, let’s dive right into our best HDMI switch reviews you are going to find in 2023. 

1. OREI HD-602 HDMI Switch/Splitter: Best Overall

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 6 inputs, 2 outputs | Resolutions: 4K Ultra HD, 2k/1440p QHD, 1080p/HD, Deep Color up to 48 bit | Supported Formats: Audio EDID, Dolby True HD, and DTS HD Master Audio | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: Blu-ray player, DVD player, PC, Gaming Consoles, Media Servers | Other Features: 3D Support, HDCP Compliant

Product Details

According to our research, this is a superb and literally one of the best HDMI switches as well as splitters. If you desire a stress-free gaming experience without even an ounce of compromise in visual experience or audio quality, just pick our best overall OREI HD-602 6×2 HDMI and remain at ease. Boasting a sleek aesthetic, this HDMI switch graces you with 6 input and 2 output ports which ought to suffice for plugging in your console screens, movie, home-theater, computer screens, and media servers (refer to the picture for a better understanding). This indicates that you can easily switch between the 6 input sources. Moreover, you can simultaneously transmit up to 4K video resolutions (or other resolutions of your choice) into two displays/screens. It comes equipped with a built-in amplifier which prevents loss of signal and also aims to improve the signal before transmitting data to outputs. This is one of the most common issues in the vast majority of HDMI switches of today but it is of no concern here. What we like more about OREI HD-602 is the EDID audio feature. This feature allows you to force the audio output to Auto which is the same as that of the source, be it 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1 channels to the output display. Moreover, this HDMI further supports audio features such as Dolby-AC3, LPCM, DTS7.1, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD master audio options. And that is not all. You can also listen to MP3 streaming on Plex from Firestick while playing games on Xbox or PS4 simultaneously. This is why you can enjoy the highest sound quality on your speakers or surround system. It can not only deliver 1080p HD resolutions for smaller displays but also up to a true 4K UHD (Ultra High-Definition) quality resolution without deterioration in a signal.

Multiple peripherals connected to OREI HD-602 HDMI Switcher/Splitter

The OREI HD-602 6×2 switch is well constructed with a premium metal body. Its advanced engineering technology nsure you can operate the device for long hours without any degradation. As this an HDMI 2.0 device, therefore it is HDCP 2.2 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compliant as well as CEC  compatible. The frequency of the bandwidth is  2.25 Gbps (single link). There is also support for 3D video content. Audio can be extracted through ARC and output through SPDIF/Stereo. However, this switch doesn’t offer 4k at 120 Hz as this is relatively new. So you have to wait to hook up your Series X or PS5 to 4k 120 Hz HDMI 2.1. But the good thing is you can still connect your HDMI 2.0 cable here. Also, many games only operate at 4k/60fps. So you don’t actually need that extra boost. Another thing that needs to be mentioned is that the remote control is sub-par. The buttons are unresponsive due to their plastic build. Some users have reported that the switcher will miss an IR command that we observed in most HDMI switches every once in a while. With all that being said, this is an easy plug-and-play device i.e it requires no configuration or installation of any kind. Just connect the input and output device(s) and start having fun.

2. IOGEAR 8-Port HDMI Switch: Best for 1080p Gaming

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 8 inputs, 1 output | Resolutions: HDTV: 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution | Supported Formats: Supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: DVR/Set-top boxes, Blu-ray/DVD players, video game consoles, media servers, computers, and many more | Other Features: Full 3D Support, HDCP Compliant

Product Details

Looking for a solid 1080 HDMI splitter with more inputs and less processing delay? This IOGEAR 8-Port HDMI Switch is a great luxury HDMI switch that you can make use of with 8 inputs simultaneously. This offers a true, crisp 1080p experience where you can switch between 8 HDMI devices on one TV. As it is compact, you can easily manage to connect with multiple peripherals such as media servers, Blu-ray/DVD players, DVR/Set-top boxes, and gaming consoles just to name a few. 

8 inputs and 1 output aligned in the same position for your convenience

Gamers will be astounded with a stunning, visceral picture quality in their HDTVs ranging from  480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution. This high-end IOGEAR HDMI switch offers full 3D support. It can be operated through the infrared remote controller. Audio features such as DTS HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD are supported along with a 12-bit deep color mechanism. A built-in serial port with RS-232 bidirectional control capabilities is supported. Additionally, an intuitive front panel push button makes the job easier. High-speed data can be transmitted at the rate of up to 18 Gbps. Moreover, a no-slip locking power supply ensures that there would not be unwanted signal interruption. The best part about this HDMI is that it can optimize a monitor’s display resolution through reading and recalling the parameters. This feature is handy because it ensures there is no delay or any sort of changes in video resolution when switching or between computers. Last but not the least, you get 3 whole years of warranty as well as lifetime free tech support. Other extras and essentials are included like firmware upgrade cable, power adapter, rack mounting kit, etc. The only downsides here is lack of 4k resolution support and higher cost. However, if 4k is not of any concern for you and what you really need is to utilize maximum ports to connect your home devices, then you must settle for IOGEAR 8-Port HDMI which is the best HDMI switch for a splendid 1080p experience.

3. Koopman 4 x 1 HDMI 2.0 Switch: Best Budget Pick

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 5 HDMI Ports (4 in x 1 out) | Resolutions: Ultra HD 4K x [email protected] / [email protected] /Full HD 1080p/Full 3D 1080p/720p | Supported Formats: Supports DTS-HD, LPCM 7.1, PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital AC3 | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: PS3/PS4/PS4 Pro, Xbox One, DVD/Blu-ray DVD, PC/Notebook, MacBook, STB, Roku TV/Fire TV/Other Apple & Sony devices | Other Features: Full HDCP Compliant, User Manual, 2 years warranty

Product Details

This Koopman 4K HDMI switch is truly essential and must possess for those opting for an out-of-the-box 4K HDR HDMI Switcher for watching films in Ultra HD (4K) or gaming in higher resolutions. Do note that it is one of the best performing HDMI switchers out there that comes with some enchanting gaming features. To begin with, Koopman can transfer a data rate of 18 Gbps 4K RGB format 60Hz signals immaculately. Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, LLDV, DTS, PCM, LPCM 7.1, Dolby Digital AC3, DTS-HD, and many more signals can fully pass through which is a nifty feature for audio enthusiasts or audiophile persons who can just ooze to soothing ambient sounds. As you’d expect it fully supports any HDMI-integrated devices. These can be Nintendo WII U, Switch, Fire/Roku TV, Nvidia GPUs, AMD Radeon GPUs, PS3/4/4 Pro, Xbox One, DVD/Blu-ray DVD, PC/Notebook, MacBook, STB, and any other Sony devices with HDMI ports. The best aspect is that being a 4 x 1 HDMI device, you just hook up to 4 HDMI input devices such as an HDTV, OLED TV, GPU, or projector and connect to an output device. This is a huge relief for people having trouble with connecting with multiple peripherals. Moreover, gamers would be delighted as this would solve their multiple display streaming issues and other challenges to overcome. With the Koopman 4 x 1 HDMI splitter, you can effortlessly switch between multiple displays ranging from games to movies without any sort of interruption thanks to the remote control. Therefore, this one-time plug-and-play device ensures you won’t have to stand up from the comfort of your living room couch or gaming chair providing zero hassle. It is very easy to use, allowing you to select any input sources that you have connected to the HDMI switcher. Now you are likely to purchase this HDMI switcher/splitter because you have a 4K display, TV, or monitor in which case let us assure you that the resolution quality of the switcher is very high because of its 4k UHD as well as 2k./[email protected] signal. Moreover, this is one of the best-performing UHD 4k HDMI because it is also compatible with [email protected], Full HD 1080p, Full 3D 1080p, 720p, and below 720p as well. Moreover, this device is also compatible with HDR10 signals, HDCP 2.2 compliant which is also backward compatible with HDCP 1.4 and 1.3. Based on expert testing, there is no loss in visual quality or any other single disturbances. No signal dropouts were encountered either. The input switching is also very reliable and fast. However, this comes with a caveat. That is, Koopman has limited support for those particular devices such as Apple TV that cannot be completely shut down. However, do note that this issue is more in line with the vast majority of the auto-switch implementations. Another room for improvement is the build quality which we found pretty mediocre. It is a plastic material with a thin aluminum finish. But it does look quite nice cuz of the reflective ups and bottoms and prevents any scratch. And although the design is nice, Koopman could have placed the position of the HDMI output in alignment with the input ports. Another major caveat is this device will not operate without any external power supply. For this, you will require to attach a power port and the power cord is also too short about 3 feet. But look at the brighter picture. You are getting one of the best performing HDMI switches/switcher/splitter that can transfer 4k Ultra High Definition signals at the price of only $22 and often it goes well below that price. In addition, the two-year warranty with a money-back guarantee as well as lifetime customer support is a great addition. All in all, if you are looking for a cheap yet one of the most reliable and best HDMI switches that 4K 4:4:4/RGB @ 60hz without any issue, we strongly recommend the Koopman 4 x 1 HDMI 2.0 Switch.

4. Gana 3 x 1 HDMI Switch: Best Budget Alternative

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 3 in x 1 out | Resolutions: [email protected], Full HD 1080p, and 720p, Full 3D Support, Supports 12-bit Deep Color | Supported Formats: LPCM, DOLBY AC3, DTS7.1, Direct Stream Digital | Control Mechanism: No Remote, Manual Switching | Compatibility: Projector, Laptop, Gaming Console, Monitor, PC, Television, DVD Player, Camcorder, Camera, Blu-ray Player | Other Features: 3D Support, HDCP Compliant

Product Details

Perhaps you are short on ports but only require one or two additional HDMI inputs. You don’t want to drop the dough on a premium switcher. Then my dear friend, look no further than our budget alternative Gana 3 x 1 HDMI Switch. On Amazon, it goes as cheap as $13 so you can easily grab one. It consists of three inputs each supporting 4k at 30 Hz with lesser data throughput of 3 Gbps. It fully supports HDMI integrated devices such as Projector, Laptop, Gaming Console, Monitor, PC, Television, DVD Player, Camcorder, Camera, and Blu-ray Player. Since it supports Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One/One X, PS4, and PS4 Pro, it is quite ideal for gaming consoles. However, it won’t support next-generation consoles as the PS5 requires HDMI 2.1. For PS5 and PS4 Pro which can output to 4k, you need to use an HDMI 1.4b cable and also lower the resolution from 2160P-RGB to 2160P-YUV420 or to 1080p. In the case of Xbox One X, you have to lower the resolution to 3840×2160 at 25hz to achieve 4k. This is because the three inputs support up to 4k at 30Hz as mentioned earlier but what it implies is that it supports 3Gbps/30Hz per channel. Gana also recommends an HDMI cable of less than 3 meters if you require a 4k 30Hz connection otherwise it will not work. The drawbacks don’t halt there. There is no remote control to switch into one of the 3 inputs. The designated “Select” button needs to be pressed manually every time you need to switch in between one of the 3 inputs. Fortunately, there is a green LED indicator which glows up to show which HDMI source is currently in operation. This 3 x 1 switcher does provide an auto-switching feature however we leave it to your jurisdiction if it performs well because some users have expressed it isn’t that reliable. A fixed 1.8 feet HDMI cable is provided. Those opting for a cleaner look to keep the device hidden from public sight will find this convenient as the 1.8 feet HDMI pigtail is not really very long. Moreover, no power supply is needed to run this device. It is automatically powered up by the components that are attached to it. For audiophiles, it is compatible with LPCM, DOLBY AC3, DTS 7.1, and Direct Stream Digital signals. Based on expert testing, there isn’t any loss or degradation in audio quality. Furthermore, it is HDCP compliant along with a refund or replacement warranty from 30 days of receipt. Now we think the caveats here are minor inconveniences considering the price you are paying for is more in line with the service. So if these drawbacks aren’t trivial for you, there is no sense in not investing in Gana 3 x 1 HDMI switch.

5. AVFABUL 8K 60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch: Best for PS5 and Xbox Series X

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 4 inputs and 1 output | Resolutions: [email protected]/30Hz, [email protected]/60Hz, 5120×[email protected]/60Hz, [email protected]/60Hz/50Hz/30Hz/24Hz | Supported Formats: DTS-HD, Dolby-Atmos, DTS, Dolby-trueHD, DSD | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: PC, laptop, QLED TV, 8K Monitor, PS5, XBOX, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Roku, Blu-ray Player, Projector | Other Features: 3D Support, HDCP Compliant

Product Details

This AVFABUL 8K 60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch is solely for those console gamers who have the luxury of affording a PS5 in this scalper market or who own Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. We strongly wanted to recommend a potential device that can fully support the 4k resolution in 120Hz. For this, you will require an HDMI 2.1 cable and also ensure that your console is connected to a display which also supports HDMI 2.1 cable. There is absolutely zero video quality loss or scene interrupts. The total response time is also probably the lowest. The lengths it has gone to support a wide variety of both video and audio formats are hands down very commendable. The simple plug-and-play nature is adamant along with indicator lights to allow you better direction over connections. 

Now, this switcher has a 4:4:4 8-bit color support. It can support multiple resolutions up to [email protected] [email protected] 5120×[email protected] [email protected]. Moreover, it has Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. So if you are playing a 120 fps game on a console or more in a PC game and it is dropping frames or fluctuating, then you are never going to notice it. In many ways, AVFABUL 8K HDMI 2.1 switch does outdo other devices in this category. For $90, finding a reliable HDMI 2.1 with 4k 120Hz and 8k 60Hz is quite a rare find these days. Having tested it for both Series X and PS5, we are proud to state that this thing works remarkably. In addition, it is superior at handling 4k at 120Hz compared to other HDMI switches/splitters. There is an IR extender which is suitable if you wish to keep the AV away or behind your TV/monitor for a more nifty, cleaner aesthetic. This 4 port HDMI switcher is very efficient on every platform such as Windows, Linux, and Mac Os. Moreover, it is very well suited for PC, laptop, QLED TV, 8K Monitor, PS5, XBOX, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Roku, Blu-ray Player, Projector, Logitech Harmony, etc. AVFABUL strongly recommends using an HDMI 2.1 cable of less than 1 feet or 3 meters. No real caveats here. For gamers and especially PS5 and Series X, this is a must have because of the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Dolby Vision support. Lastly, the AVFABUL 8K 60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch is an unmatched powerhouse that is, once again, quite the rare find in this price range

6. TESmart 16 × 1 HDMI Switch: Best Premium/Feature Rich

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 16 HDMI Ports (16 in x 1 out) | Resolutions: 4K Ultra [email protected], Full HD 1080p, Full 3D 1080p/720p | Supported Formats: DTS-HD, LPCM 7.1, PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital AC3 | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: Laptop, PC, PS3/PS4/PS4 Pro, Xbox 360/Xbox One, DVD/NVR/Blu-ray, STB, Multimedia Player DVD, MacBook | Other Features: Full HDCP 2.2 Compliant, Quick Start Guide

Product Details

Are you looking for an array of features and customization options? Look no further than the TESmart 16×1 HDMI Switch which is offering a staggering 16 HDMI inputs and 1 output. The best part? The built-in EDID emulators on each input port which allow for PCs to always know the accurate display information. The TESmart 16×1 HDMI Switch can output up to 3840×[email protected] with HDCP 2.2 compliance. Obviously, resolutions lower than 4K Ultra HD are also supported such as 2k QHD, 1080p Full HD, etc. Moreover, it is compatible with a plethora of devices ranging from PC, laptops, Mac, PS3/PS4/PS4 Pro, Xbox 360/Xbox One, DVD/NVR/Blu-ray, STB, Multimedia Player DVD, and other HDMI integrated devices. Support for DVI-D single link sources and displays with the use of HDMI-to-DVI adapters. IR extension cable is included and the operating mechanism is of course through a remote controller. One of the great features we liked here is the smart auto switching feature that allows for monitoring computers in a specified time interval. It is accompanied by an auto-scan where videos are switched automatically after preset intervals in consecutive order. You can set this interval time and the device will do the rest. In addition, you can manually switch from either the panel button switch, remote control switch, or RS232/LAN control switch. Not only that! This device is capable of detecting a new connected device and can also switch to that particular source of input. You can conveniently mount this inside a cabinet or rack. Overall, there is no real drawback should you invest in purchasing this premium HDMI switcher.

7. Kinivo 550BN: Best for 4K UHD at 60Hz

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 5 HDMI inputs x 1 output | Resolutions: 4K Ultra [email protected], Full HD 1080p, Full 3D 1080p/720p | Supported Formats: DTS-HD, LPCM 7.1, PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital AC3 | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: Gaming Consoles, DVD player, Streaming devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, PS4, Roku, etc. | Other Features: Full HDCP 2.2 Compliant, 2 Years Warranty

Product Details

The Kinivo 550BN is an upgraded model having universal compatibility with Xbox One, PS4, Roku,  Apple TV, Blu-Ray Players, Laptops, Projectors, 4K TVs, etc to name a few. It comes equipped with an IR wireless remote to switch between different inputs and four 6.6 feet high-speed cables which can connect HDMI input devices like gaming consoles, DVD players, and other streaming devices, by means of 5 ports and project output to 1 display of choice. We should also mention that the output port is capable of transmitting resolutions from 1080p all the way to 4K Ultra HD. So it’s a great choice for console gamers, especially those owning a PS5 or Series X. The Kinivo 550BN offers both manual and automatic switching options. A useful feature this device has is an LED light indicator to display which input is on and if the device is turned on or off. The Kinivo 550 has a durable, sturdy build which makes for good ergonomics. The 24k golden metal jacket is nothing to sneeze at along with triple cable shielding. Other downsides include lack of 4k signal at 120hz, picture-in-picture mode, and somewhat on the expensive side. To be frank, these shouldn’t pose any trivial problems. However, some units have issues with the auto-switch mechanism according to some user reports. Thankfully, you can enjoy 2 years of warranty with the limitation of lifetime US-based customer support. All in all, what sets it apart is the ultra crispy and vivid 4k display at 60Hz making it the profound choice of console gamers and media players.

8. Univivi 4K HDMI Switch: Best Compatible HDMI switch

Specifications:

I/O Ports: 5 inputs x 1 output | Resolutions: [email protected], support Ultra HD, 3D, 1080p, Deep color up to 36 bit  | Supported Formats: HDMI 2.0, HDR, 3D, Dolby Vision | Control Mechanism: Remote Control | Compatibility: PCs, laptops, TV boxes, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray, PS3, PS4, Xbox, HD-DVD, PC, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Roku | Other Features: Full HDCP 2.2 Compliant, Gold Plated 24K connector

Product Details

Yet another 5 x 1 HDMI switch that is the most affordable 4K HDMI switcher/splitter we come across. The Univivi 4K HDMI Switch consists of some nifty gaming features for maximum user satisfaction. To begin with, it is engulfed in aluminum coating to aid in dissipating heat for longevity, safety, and power utilization. We believe the 5 primary inputs are more than sufficient for plugging both your gaming consoles or other HDMI-integrated devices. These could be PCs, laptops, TV boxes, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray, PS3, PS4, Xbox, HD-DVD, PC, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Roku, etc. What is more striking is that the connectors in each of the 5 input sources are actually plated with 24K gold. This is done for transmitting signals significantly faster, Not to mention it helps in corrosion and oxidation prevention. The automatic switching feature allows auto-switching to the active port. However, manual switching can only be done if there are multiple active ports. The push button and infrared Remote Controller also get the job done by selecting your preferred input from the comfort of your living room couch. The highest resolution of this HDMI switch is [email protected]. While [email protected] is the standard nowadays, it is still suitable for Ultra HD 4K movie or series viewing because images are sharp, vivid, and very crisp. The LED light indicates the currently selected input port. Finally, 24/7 online tech support is provided according to the manufacturer. The main reason we have chosen this switch in our review is because of how affordable it is, especially considering it is a 4K HDMI switch. It’s simply more bang for less buck!

Selection Criteria

After tapping into experts in the field and researching content, we moved on to researching consumer reports and reviews and also put the discrepancies into consideration. We strongly believed that user-written reviews are the best when we put together this article. Next, we have noticed that people seek certain traits when purchasing HDMI switchers/splitters. Below we list some variables that you must consider when purchasing one of the best HDMI switches for gaming.

Things You Should Consider When Buying The Best HDMI Switches

Consider the following tips. Keep in mind these factors are essential as you will better understand the terms and features these HDMI switchers are equipped with.

• HDMI Version

This goes without stating that each new version of HDMI has made technological advancements with enhanced functionalities. However, do note that a newer HDMI version like the HDMI 2.1 will have improved features such as outputting to 4K image while at a 120Hz signal. This is something not present in HDMI 2.0 which could go up to [email protected] only and definitely more restrictions in earlier versions. However, not all HDMI switches will make HDMI 2.1 available. But ask yourself first – do you really need [email protected]? If you are a gamer, chances are you are using a Display Port cable connection. Also, gaming at 120 frames per second in 4K isn’t child’s play. At the very least, you need to own an RTX 3080 capable of handling such a feat. If you just wanna a game at 4K at 60Hz on a TV screen while playing the PS5 or Series X, then the most recent HDMI switchers will be just fine for you. Therefore, it boils down to the particular specifications you actually require. If you have no such requirements in mind, just go with a newer version for future-proofing.

• Output Resolution

Almost all the best HDMI switches for gaming can output to the bare minimum of Full HD 1080p and with standard audio signals such as Dolby Digital, and DTS Digital Surround. However, if you have a 4K display or TV, then opt for an HDMI which can output to 4K native resolution. Moreover, if you need to send HDR-encoded or 3D signals, your HDMI switch must have those capabilities. 

• Transfer Rate

Why is this important? The transfer rate is the speed at which it takes to transport input data to the output port. The good aspect here is that since HDMI devices aren’t data processing tools, the rate at which data is transmitted is usually very fast. In most cases, the transfer rate starts at 3.2Gbps with the best HDMI switches having 18Gbps. Take note that  It is important higher data transfer speeds have very low input delays and vice versa.

• Audio Compatibility

As mentioned earlier, all HDMI switchers do pass standard Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround audio signals. However, if you are routing the switcher through a home theater receiver rather than a TV because it does provide advanced audio decoding formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS:X, then you need to ensure your HDMI switch is also compatible with those.

• HDCP Compliance

HDCP elaborates on High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. Originally invented by Intel engineers as a security compliance technology, it has since gradually been adopted by this tech enthusiastic world. What it does is avert unauthorized and unwanted third-party access to digital audio and video content traveling across connections.

• Port Selection

This should be your number one priority. Port availability is a great concern for tech geeks because more than one device requires an HDMI switch. If you frequently use PC, laptops, and own gaming consoles, it is most sensible to go with a 5 x 1 HDMI switch meaning 5 inputs and 1 output to display. But if you really need more ports, then the IOGEAR 8-Port HDMI Switch should be suitable for you.

• Price

Cost consideration is a great concern for folks with limited budgets and it is the reality for most people. The question is how much should you pay for an HDMI? With more port availability and robust technical features, the higher the cost of the HDMI switch becomes. If you are searching for something very basic and standard, there is absolutely no need to purchase costly HDMI switches. A good 5 x 1 port HDMI that can output to 4K Ultra HD as compatible with 4K media devices, laptops, gaming consoles, etc usually costs around $30 to $40.

• Cable Length

In many instances, HDMI cables of a few meters or thereabout should easily suffice. This is because even if they aren’t necessarily too long, these cables need to be coiled down to cable management. That being said, there are instances where long cables should come in handy. And by long we are referring to the cables that are 10 meters or beyond. In such instances, it is wise to get a cable with an amplifier since it will help enhance and equalize the signal whenever necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Listed below are very commonly asked questions. Here, we try our level best to provide a logical and valid explanation.

1. Why should you buy an HDMI switch?

The primary reason is when you simply don’t have enough inputs! Your TV, Laptop, AV receiver, Roku. Gaming Consoles or even your soundbar do not come with enough inputs for the number of sources you have. Consider this scenario. Suppose your fancy TV has 2 HDMI inputs. You have a cable box, Xbox, PS5, Roku, and a Bluray Player. Will the 2 HDMI ports in the TV cut it? Definitely not! Not to mention, many of you are aware that an Xbox and a PlayStation have to swap between HDMI cables to play a game on the other. This is where an HDMI switch comes into play. Fortunately for buyers, they are rather inexpensive.

2. What to look for when buying an HDMI switch?

Just keep a few things in mind when shopping for an HDMI switch. The primary priority should be your number of inputs. We strongly advise you to get more than you need (and they are rather cheap). Sure it is possible to just swap out input sources. However, this is a drag and you are more likely to make a new purchase in the future which may require an HDMI connection. Hence, it is wise to future-proof it. Afterward, ensure whatever switch you’re considering to purchase at the very least does match the resolution and HDMI version of your TV, display, or any other gear. Many inexpensive switches are HDMI 1.4 which is fine for a 1080p output but not for 4K. If you own a 4K TV or monitor, get the switch that supports HDMI 2.0 and can output to 4K at 60Hz. Even if none of your current displays are 4K, still HDMI 2.0 is definitely worth more. This is because HDMI 2.0 (as well as HDMI 2.1) is backward compatible, however, you can’t “upgrade” an HDMI 1.4 switch to 2.0. Your next priority should be remote. Not a big deal by any means having a remote control switching between is an added bonus.

3. Will using an HDMI switcher reduce image quality?

HDMI is a digital signal. It implies that it would not degrade in the same manner as very older analog signals even with the introduction of a new switcher. Should you experience a noticeable loss in image quality, it could be due to a damaged cable or faulty signal.  

4. What is the main difference between an HDMI switch and an HDMI splitter?

Often an asked question and people tend to think they are the same thing. However, nope! The HDMI switch allows you to swap between inputs that are transmitted into a single visual screen/display. The HDMI splitter takes a single signal and sends it to multiple screens. Our overall best pick and recommended OREI HD-602 HDMI Switcher/Splitter belongs to the best of both worlds.

5. Do HDMI switchers transmit a 4K signal?

Well duh! But both your HDMI cable and switcher must support HDMI 2.0 in order to transmit a 4K Ultra HD signal at 60Hz without any visual loss in image quality.

Our Best Pick

Honestly, you cannot go wrong with the OREI HD-602 HDMI Switch which is our best pick. Not only is it a switch but also a splitter because it can take in up to 6 different HDMI sources of inputs and simultaneously output to 2 different screens or display sources. It has everything that you could possibly want from a best-performing HDMI switch. For audiophiles, it is compatible with audio signals such as Dolby-AC3, LPCM, DTS7.1, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD master audio options. Moreover, it can output to 4K Ultra HD and is HDCP compliant. Overall, it is, in our opinion, one of the best-performing HDMI switchers/splitters.

Conclusion

HDMI switches are needed for everyday use. The aim of this article is to compile together the best HDMI switches for gaming. It is for gamers, casual electronics users as well as our wonderful readers to make the right choice of not only identifying some of the top HDMI switches today but also providing useful information on how to go about searching for your ideal HDMI switch. Just remember to buy one according to your personal requirements.

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