When the HDMI port first came out, around 20 years ago, TVs that had one were an advanced novelty. But now, with so many streaming devices, set-top boxes, gaming consoles and more – we keep running out of ports. That’s where an HDMI switcher comes in handy.
A small box that sits next to your telly, an HDMI switcher connects to an available port on your TV. Then, you connect all your other HDMI-based devices to the switcher itself, and by pressing a button (or using a remote, on some switchers), you can switch between the devices without connecting and disconnecting their cables over and over again.
But even though these devices are simple, finding the best HDMI switcher isn’t always easy. In this review, I take a look at the better ones out there (starting with our Editor’s Choice, the UGREEN 3 Port HDMI Switch) as well as explain what you need to consider before you buy.
Best HDMI Switchers 2023
An excellent HDMI switcher with a remote and 4K support, at a good price.
Great HDMI switcher with 4K/HDR support, and 5 input ports
Very good HDMI switcher at a decent price, but doesn’t have a remote.
A cheap 3-port HDMI switcher that works well but has no 4K support and no remote.
A simple bi-directional 2-port HDMI switch that can also be used as an HDMI splitter.
Table of Contents
What Is An HDMI Switcher?
In the olden days, our video and set-top boxes had a variety of connectors – RCA (Red/Yellow/White), SCART, S-VHS, etc. These days, however, almost all digital video devices (such as DVD players, Blu-ray, streaming devices and others) have an HDMI plug.
And while, in the past, we only had one or two devices connected to our tellies (such as a VCR and a gaming console), these days each living room might have a whole tower of devices – a streaming device (like the Amazon Fire TV or Roku Stick), a PS4 or XBOX, a soundbar / an amplifier, a Freeview recorder, and the list goes on and on.
And yet, some TVs come with a minimal number of HDMI ports. Some of the older ones even have just… one. So, how would you connect several HDMI-based devices with just one or two ports available on your telly? An HDMI switch is the answer.
An HDMI switcher is a small box with several HDMI input ports, and one HDMI output port. So if the switcher has 3 “in” ports, you can connect three devices to it – let’s say a streamer, a gaming console and a Freeview recorder. Then, with one cable, you connect the “out” side of the switcher to your TV’s available HDMI port – and voila – you have three devices connected to the same port on your TV.
But how will you switch between these three devices? There are three options, depending on the HDMI switcher you buy:
- Automatic switching: The switcher senses which device is active at the moment (your Fire TV is sending a video signal, for example), so it automatically switches the output on your TV screen to that active device. While it sounds convenient, this automatic switching is far from perfect, and the switcher will often get confused with devices that “snatch” the port even when they’re seemingly idle.
- Manual Switching: You switch between the HDMI input ports by pressing a button on the switcher itself.
- Manual Switching with a Remote: You still have to switch between the connected input ports manually, but at least you don’t have to get up from the sofa, as you have an IR remote that controls the switcher.
Remember, however, that you can’t use the devices connected to the HDMI switcher simultaneously. So connecting a streaming device and a soundbar via the switcher, for example, is not a good idea – as you’ll always have to choose BETWEEN either the soundbar or the streaming device working at the same time.
What’s The Difference Between An HDMI Switcher And HDMI Splitter?
When you search to buy the best HDMI switcher, you’ll see devices called “HDMI Switch”, devices called “HDMI Splitter”, and those that mix it up and say they’re a Switcher AND a Splitter.
But be careful, as these are two very different devices, that serve an opposite function:
An HDMI Switcher is meant to connect two or more devices to ONE TV.
An HDMI Splitter is meant to connect ONE DEVICE to two or more TVs (or other screens / video projectors).
So a switcher lets you switch between different HDMI signals, while a splitter lets you split one HDMI signal out to several screens.
There are, however, a few products that can serve as BOTH an HDMI Switcher and Splitter, meaning their HDMI ports can serve as either Input or Output. But to keep things simple, it’s usually best to buy a product that fits your specific need. In this article – we’re looking at HDMI Switchers (and one that does both).
If you do need a splitter, check our guide on the Best HDMI Splitters in the UK.
Buying The Best HDMI Switch: Things To Consider
Getting the perfect HDMI switcher for your needs is not just a question of quality or even price – it also depends on which features you want and what exactly you’re planning to connect to your TV – now and in the future.
So use these points as your buying guide:
How Many HDMI Ports Do I Need?
The main reason for buying an HDMI switcher is that you no longer have enough ports on your TV. Therefore, it would be annoying to run into the same problem two months after you buy the switcher…
So the first step is to look at the number of HDMI devices you want to connect to your TV now. But then, I would recommend you add at least one (or even two) free HDMI ports, to future-proof your switcher.
Most HDMI switchers have three ports, which should be enough for most (as the TV itself – if it’s a modern one – will have two or three ports as well). But if you already have several HDMI devices, AND your TV has only one or two ports – think about getting a switcher with five available input ports.
HDMI Switchers With 4K/HDR Support
4K (and HDR) are becoming more and more popular, so TVs and streaming devices with 4K support are becoming very common.
But if you want to connect 4K devices to your 4K TV – your HDMI switcher has to support 4K, otherwise you’ll only get Full HD (1080p).
This also comes down to the HDMI version on the switcher. All switchers will support HDMI 1.4, but if you want 4K, you need the switcher to support HDMI 2.0a, or preferably HDMI 2.1.
If you don’t have a 4K TV and you’re not planning to get one anytime soon, there’s no need for a 4K HDMI Switch – but otherwise, you should get one that does.
Should I Get An Automatic HDMI Switcher?
As mentioned above, some HDMI switchers can automatically switch between your HDMI devices by detecting which “feed” is active.
Manual ones will have a manual button that switches between the connected devices – or a remote control that is used for the same purpose.
While switching automatically sounds good on paper – in my experience, it often doesn’t work very well. Some video devices tend to “steal” the feed by sending signals even when they’re supposed to be idle. (The Google Chromecast is notorious for that!)
So even though that can still happen with a manual switcher, at least you have the power to decide on the fly which device should be in the front – while an automatic switcher might drive you crazy by constantly jumping between the wrong devices.
The best workaround is to get an HDMI switcher with a remote control – you still have manual control, but you don’t have to get up and reach the button which is near your TV…
How Is The HDMI Switcher Powered?
Some HDMI switchers come without a separate power supply – instead, they get their power from the HDMI devices you connect (which are usually connected to either the wall outlet or your TV’s USB port).
This is actually enough for most devices. However, some of the more sophisticated switchers (especially those that come with a remote) need additional power – so they have a 5V port that you need to connect to a power outlet.
HDMI Switching And HDCP Support
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (or HDCP) is a copyright protection mechanism built into all modern HDMI-based video devices.
It’s a technology that encrypts the signal that comes out of your video device (Blu-ray, streaming stick, etc.’), with your telly decrypting it on the other side.
HDCP is there to protect video feeds from illegal copying, and you need to make sure the HDMI switcher you’re buying supports this standard. Otherwise, most devices you connect to it won’t broadcast anything to your TV.
Most reputable HDMI switchers will already support the HDCP standard – but it’s something to consider.
HDMI Switching And The PS4 Pro / PS5 / XBOX
Connecting a gaming console to your TV is one of the main reasons people buy an HDMI Switch. However, while there should be no issues with the original PS4, the older XBOX, and most other gaming consoles – the PS4 PRO, PS5 and XBOX Series X do raise some concerns.
First, you need to make sure your HDMI Switcher supports 4K and HDR (as do the PS4 Pro, PS5 and XBOX Series X).
But other than that, the modern Playstations are very fussy about the switchers (and even HDMI cables) they “agree” to work with. I believe this is mainly due to issues with the HDCP copy-protection standard and power issues.
If possible, you should connect the PS4 Pro or PS5 directly to your TV’s HDMI port, and then use a switcher for the other devices you want to connect, on a different TV port.
If that’s not possible, it’s a matter of trial and error. In my personal testing, the Belfen 4K HDMI Switcher worked flawlessly with both the PS4 Pro and the PS5, and I’m assuming the two top ones will manage it as well – but you won’t know for sure until you try, unfortunately.
Then there’s the refresh rate issue. PS5 and XBOX Series X support 120Hz 4K gaming, while most HDMI switchers only support 60Hz at 4K. So if your TV also supports 120Hz, you would need a switcher that supports 120Hz. I haven’t included them in the main list, as they’re more expensive and are pretty niche – but a recommended example is this Befen HDMI 2.1 4@120Hz Switch.
Cord Busters Best HDMI Switchers 2023
| Rank | HDMI Switcher | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UGREEN 3 Port HDMI Switcher | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 2 | Kinivo 550BN 5 Port Switcher | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 3 | Befen 3 Ports 4K HDMI Switch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 4 | GANA Gold HDMI Switcher | ⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
| 5 | Benfei HDMI Switch / Splitter | ⭐⭐⭐ | CHECK PRICES |
Best Overall
Pros
- Supports 4K
- IR Remote control
- Powered by HDMI, with optional external power
- Great price
Cons
- The IR receiver is not built in
- Automatic switching doesn't always work
- Device switching is a bit slow
Features and Specs
- 4K Support: Yes
- Remote Control: Yes
- Manual Button: Yes
- Automatic Switching: Yes (in theory)
- Power: Via HDMI or Mini-USB Cable
UGREEN 3 Port HDMI Switcher 4K Review
In finding a balance between a good price and a high-quality device with most of the important features – this UGREEN switcher fits the bill perfectly.
It comes with a remote control for easy switching, though the remote has a separate IR receiver which you connect to the switcher with a cable – that’s a plus for people who want to stick the switcher itself behind the TV, and a minus for those who don’t want yet another cable dangling around their TV cabinet.
The device is very easy to use, though switching is a bit slow (you have to wait a few seconds when you switch between the ports), and build quality is good (as the many favourable reviews from buyers attest).
All in all, if three HDMI ports are enough for you, this is an excellent piece of kit at a very decent price.
Pros
- 5 Input Ports for extra flexibility
- Supports 4K, HDR / Dolby Vision
- IR Remote control
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Not cheap
- One of the ports is on the side
Features and Specs
- 4K Support: Yes (60Hz)
- Remote Control: Yes
- Manual Button: Yes
- Automatic Switching: Yes (in theory)
- Power: Power adapter (Supplied)
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switcher Review
While switching between three devices is enough for some – these days, needing to switch between 5 different HDMI devices isn’t that far-fetched. So the Kinivo is a high-quality solution for those who need more port.
Because of the extra ports, and the top quality, this Kinivo switcher is a bit more expensive than the rest, but it offers 4K 60Hz, HDR and DolbyVision support – so that might be worth the extra cost.
The Kinivo comes with a remote control, with the receiver built into the device itself. There’s also auto-switching, that would only work well with some configurations.
Performance-wise, the Kinivo delivers great streaming, and you can’t really go wrong with this switcher – especially if you need 5 ports (now – or for future-proofing).
Pros
- Supports 4K and HDR
- Power is supplied via the HDMI (no external power supply needed)
- Gold plated ports and HDMI cable
- Great price
Cons
- No remote control
- Automatic switching doesn't always work
Features and Specs
- 4K Support: Yes
- Remote Control: No
- Manual Button: Yes
- Automatic Switching: Sometimes
- Power: Via HDMI
Befen 3 Ports 4K HDMI Switcher Review
If you don’t need a remote control, this is an excellent – and rather cheap – HDMI switcher, which is why we picked it as the “Best Value” winner.
It doesn’t require an external power supply and works well with power from the HDMI devices, and it even comes with a gold-plated HDMI cable.
Auto-switching doesn’t always work (as is the case with almost all the HDMI switchers), but other than that, manual switching is very swift, although some devices – the Google Chromecast in particular – sometimes “snatch” the focus when they’re supposed to be idle.
For PS4 Pro users, this HDMI switch worked perfectly for me, which isn’t always the case – so that’s a plus, if you need it.
All in all, for the price, you get a great device that does most of what you’ll need – but without a remote.
Pros
- Supprts Full HD
- Excellent price
- Power is supplied via the HDMI (no external power supply needed)
- Gold plated ports
- HDMI Output cable already built-in
Cons
- No 4K Support
- No remote control
- Too weak for a PS4 Pro
Features and Specs
- 4K Support: No
- Remote Control: No
- Manual Button: Yes
- Automatic Switching: No
- Power: Via HDMI
GANA Gold HDMI Switcher Review
If you don’t have a 4K TV, and have no plans to buy one in the near future, then there’s no need to pay extra for a 4K HDMI switcher.
The GANA HDMI Switcher only supports video up to Full HD (1080p), and doesn’t come with a remote control – but it compensates with an excellent price point.
And even though build quality might not be top-notch, it still receives a lot of excellent reviews from buyers, because it just works and does what it sets out to do.
Pros
- Can work both as a Switcher and a Splitter
- Supports 4K
- Excellent price
- Power is supplied via the HDMI (no external power supply needed)
Cons
- No Remote
- As a Splitter, can't use both screens at the same time
- Only 2 ports
- No HDR Support
Features and Specs
- 4K Support: Yes (No HDR)
- Remote Control: No
- Manual Button: Yes
- Automatic Switching: No
- Power: Via HDMI
Benfei HDMI Switcher / Splitter Review
As mentioned above, HDMI Switchers and Splitters serve two different purposes. But sometimes you have a setup in your house where you might need to occasionally use both – and the Benfei device lets you do just that, because it’s bi-directional.
This means the two HDMI ports on one side can serve as either Input or Output, and the same goes for the single HDMI port on the other side. So you can connect two devices to one television, OR connect one device to TWO televisions/projectors.
However, with the switch button, you’ll have to choose which output port to use when you’re splitting – so you can’t use both televisions at the same time, unlike with most HDMI splitters.
With only two ports and no remote control, it’s a bit limited as an HDMI switcher – but if you need that flexibility, this is a good choice at a good price.
I am in the UK and the devices are 25hz. All the devices say 30/60hz. Is this a problem?