Best HDMI Switch

In recent years, technology has given us brand new devices that we can use to entertain ourselves for hours on end. As a result, we have more systems connected to our televisions in 2019 than ever before. The thing is, TV’s, as opposed to gaming monitors, tend to come with only one or two HDMI ports, preventing you from connecting all of your devices at once.

While some may not see this as an issue, hard-core gamers and tech lovers may find the limited number of HDMI ports very frustrating. But what if there was a way to connect all of your gaming and entertainment systems to one display? Well, with an HDMI switcher, you can do just that.

HDMI switchers are a fantastic way to connect multiple devices to your monitor at one time. By using one, you’ll be able to quickly switch between your Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Chromecast without the need to unplug/plugin cables. With that being said, since there are so many HDMI switchers available to purchase, finding the right one for you can be a daunting task. This is why we have decided to hunt down and list some of the best HDMI switchers currently on the market.

Top 4 Best HDMI Switchers

Regardless of whether you own a 1080p gaming monitor, a 2K or even a 4K display, you can rest assured that our list contains the right HDMI switcher for you. We’ve even included a value-for-money switcher so that you can save some extra money aside for that premium quality ultrawide gaming monitor that you’ve been eyeing up. With that being said, it’s time to begin the list with our best choice option.

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Pros & Cons

• HDCP and HD audio compliant
• Supports 4K video, HDTV deep color, and 3D video
• Features 3 input ports

• Doesn’t include a remote

Specifications:

• Ports: 3 x in, 1 x out
• Max Supported Resolution: 4k at 30Hz

GANA 3 Port 4K Review

First up on our list is a 4K-compatible HDMI switcher that comes in at a budget-friendly $9. While this may look like a very simple product, it’s one of the most convenient switchers we’ve seen on the market. This is due to the fact that it features a convenient fixed cable so that you can quickly plug it in and play within minutes.

Spin this thing around and you’ll notice 3 HDMI ports that you can use for your PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. In order to switch between your devices, all you have to do is press the Select button on the top of the switcher. When turned on, a green light will shine to indicate which cable is in use. It truly doesn’t get any easier than that.

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Pros & Cons

• Comes with remote control for easy switching
• Compact and practical design
• Automatic switching

• HDMI out port is on the front

Specifications:

• Ports: 3 x in, 1 x out
• Max Supported Resolution: 4K @ 60Hz

Techole 3 in 1 Out Review

While our premium pick option is a fairly expensive buy, we say that it’s worth it for the convenience alone. Unlike our best choice option, this Techole 3-in 1-out 4K-compatible switcher comes with an IR remote control and manual switch. The best part about it? The remote works up to 15ft so that you can use it from the comfort of your couch or a warm bed.

Much like the previous switcher on our list, this one also features indicator lights so that you know exactly which device is in use. With all of that being said, this switcher requires an external power source which some may find inconvenient. Nevertheless, this premium pick HDMI switcher gives you fantastic performance for the price.

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Pros & Cons

• Switching between devices is simple
• Supports 4K and 2K at 30Hz
• Compatible with a wide range of devices

• Doesn’t allow you to watch 2 displays simultaneously (splitter)

Specifications:

• Ports: 2 x in, 1 x out (switch) or 1 x in, 2 x out (splitter)
• Max Supported Resolution: 4K @ 30Hz

DotStone Bi-Direction Switch

The DotStone Bi-Direction HDMI switch is an extremely inexpensive and minimalistic option for those of you on a budget. Despite the fact that this switcher only costs $7, it can support 4K and 2K televisions at 30Hz. Additionally, the cables will maintain a high bandwidth of 3.4Gbps.

Unlike our premium pick option, this one doesn’t require external power and so you can plug in your cables and watch your favorite shows in no time. Contrasting the previous two options on our list, this value-for-money switcher only allows you to connect two devices at one time. While some may not see this as an issue, others with three or four devices certainly will.

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Pros & Cons

• Simply plug-and-play design
• Supports 4K @ 30Hz
• Allows for quick data transmissions (10.2Gbps)

• Doesn’t support two displays at the same time (splitter)

Specifications:

• Ports: 2 x in, 1 x out (switch) or 1 x in, 2 x out (splitter)
• Max Supported Resolution: 4K @ 30Hz

Techole HS305 Review

If you really don’t require more than two in ports, then the Techole HS305 is the way to go. This budget-friendly HDMI switcher is a simple option for those of you who don’t own every new gaming and entertainment system on the market.

With that said, it’s also a great option for those of you who require a high-quality HDMI switcher with high bandwidth (10.2Gbps) data transmissions that can also support 4K. In addition to a switcher, you can also use this as a splitter to connect one video source to two displays.

Albeit, if you want to use this as an HDMI splitter, note that it does not support two displays simultaneously.

HDMI Switch: Buying Guide

Below, we have listed some of the most important things to look out for when on the hunt for an HDMI switcher.

HDMI Switch vs HDMI Splitter: What’s the Difference?

Even though HDMI switchers and HDMI splitters may seem very similar, they are actually used for different purposes. While an HDMI switch enables you to use multiple devices on one TV, a splitter allows you to use one device on multiple displays. So, which should you use? HDMI switchers are great for those of you who own the latest and greatest gaming and entertainment systems but only a single TV.

On the contrary, HDMI splitters are useful for those of you who want to connect a single device to multiple televisions. The good thing about both devices is that they are inexpensive and can often be used as both a splitter and a switcher.

Compatibility: Can I Use It?

Before you go out and purchase an HDMI switcher, it is important that you make sure it’s compatible with your devices. If it isn’t, you’ll be throwing money down the drain. For this exact reason, you should make sure that everything is compatible by making sure the switcher and your systems support the same HDMI version. This can often be found under the specifications of the HDMI switcher and your device.

Resolution: Do I Need a 4K Switch?

When in the market for an HDMI switcher, it is important that you know the max resolution of your display and devices. While most of the switchers on our list support ultra HD monitors, you won’t necessarily require a 4K switcher unless you own a 4K display.

With that being said, if you find an HDMI switcher you like, don’t be put off by the maximum supported resolution. Unless, of course, it’s lower than the resolution of the TV you own. After all, you may end up eventually purchasing a high-end 4K monitor for gaming.

HDMI Switch: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding HDMI switchers. 

What Is an HDMI Switch?

As we have previously touched on, an HDMI switch essentially enables you to connect more than one device to a single display. This is especially handy if you own more than one gaming system but only a single television or monitor.

Now, you could just go out and purchase a brand new gaming monitor with multiple HDMI ports so that you can quickly switch between all of your devices. Albeit, it wouldn’t be very cost-effective to go out and purchase a new TV when all you want to do is switch between systems. Which is exactly why we recommend investing in an HDMI switch.

How Do You Use an HDMI Switch?

Despite what you may think, using an HDMI switcher is actually very simple. First of all, you’re going to want to place the HDMI switcher where it can reach your TV and other devices. If you have a TV stand, then you could place the HDMI switcher in the middle of it for easy access.

Next, connect an HDMI cable from one of your devices to an input on the HDMI switcher. Now, take another HDMI cable and run it from the HDMI switcher to your TV. Finally, you’ll need to switch on your input device and scroll through the input options in order to connect to the HDMI switcher.

Are All HDMI Switchers the Same?

Absolutely not! Every HDMI switcher supports a different number of devices and a different maximum resolution. This is exactly why it’s important to look for the right HDMI switcher for you and your own requirements.

If you own a 1080p display, then there’s no point in purchasing a 4K HDMI switcher that won’t support it and vice versa. Additionally, if you only own two devices, then you won’t need to spend the money on a 4 x in, 1 x out switcher.

Do I Need an HDMI Splitter or Switch?

As we have touched on, HDMI splitters and switchers are actually fairly similar, though the one you will need totally depends on your personal requirements. If you own more than one HDMI device that you wish to connect to your TV at one time, then you will require an HDMI switcher.

On the other hand, if you wish to connect one HDMI device to multiple displays, then you will need to pick up an HDMI splitter. With that being said, most HDMI splitters can also be used as switchers and therefore you won’t require two separate devices.

Conclusion

If you own a television that can only support one of your devices at once, then we can’t recommend investing in an HDMI switch enough. As there are so many different switchers to choose from, we here at Game Gavel went on a hunt to find some of the best HDMI switchers on the market.

What’s more, we made sure to include some budget-friendly options so that you can save aside some extra cash for some new and upcoming gaming consoles. Or, for a monitor with more than one HDMI ports.

Fancy learning more about the different types of video connectors? Then you may be interested in reading our DVI-I VS. DVI-D comparison guide. In this article, we have discussed what each connector is as well as what it’s used for.