Expand Your Home Theater With The Best HDMI Switchers

If you're tired of plugging and unplugging your HDMI cables every time you want to hook up different media sources, it's time to upgrade to an HDMI switcher. These nifty devices come equipped with multiple ports that allow you to connect all your devices at once and switch between them with a simple push of a button.

From streaming 4K ultra HD videos to playing video games and watching movies on your big-screen TV, an HDMI switcher can make all your entertainment dreams come true. But with so many options available, it's hard to find the right one for your needs. That's where we come in! We've done all the legwork for you by putting together this list of some of the top-rated HDMI switchers of 2023. Let's take a look!

Comparing The Top-Rated HDMI Switchers Of 2023

Newcare HDMI Switcher — Best Overall

We chose the Newcare HDMI Switcher as best on our list because of its plug-and-play functionality and reliable performance. This HDMI switcher consists of three input ports and one output port that allows you to connect a host of HDMI devices with ease. It also features a key-press switching function that allows you to easily switch between your devices from the comfort of your couch.

The Newcare HDMI switcher supports 4K ultra HD resolution, 12-bit deep color, and High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 2.2, which allows you to enjoy your favorite movies in the best quality possible.

SGEYR HDMI Switcher — Most Compatible

The SGEYR HDMI Switcher is named most compatible because it has five ports, so you can use them to connect your projector, TV, laptop, DVD player, and more. This model supports Ultra HD 4K at 30 hertz, 3D, and Full-HD 1080 pixel resolution, so you don't have to deal with flickering screens or distorted images.

With support for HDCP 1.4, Dolby Vision, and Chrome, this HDMI switcher offers premium-quality video and audio output. This model boasts a premium metal enclosure and rust-resistant connectors, so you don't have to worry aKinivo HDMI Switcherbout your device wearing down any time soon. Even better, it comes with an upgraded infrared remote control that lets you switch between five inputs from up to 15 feet away.

Kinivo HDMI Switcher — Most Durable

The Kinivo HDMI Switcher has a hybrid aluminum body that ensures effective heat dissipation. This means that you don't need to worry about overheating issues affecting performance over time. It also boasts five input ports, so you can connect multiple gaming consoles, DVD players, and other streaming devices without cluttering up your entertainment center. With 4K 60 hertz resolution, Dolby Vision, and 3D content compatibility, this HDMI switcher offers a truly immersive viewing experience with no stuttering or performance lag.

For added convenience, this HDMI switcher comes with an infrared remote control, allowing you to control all of your connected devices from one place.

Gana HDMI Switcher — Best Connectivity

The Gana HDMI Switcher is the perfect choice for your home theater, conference room, or any other application that requires more than one HDMI source. Featuring three ports, this bidirectional HDMI switcher allows you to connect two HDMI sources to one HDMI display or connect one HDMI source to toggle between two displays.

It supports 4K at 60Hz for vivid display and has a bandwidth of 3.4 gigabits per second, making it ideal for high-resolution gaming devices. On top of all these features, this HDMI switcher is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, game consoles, and most other products that use HDCP 1.4 protocol.

BENFEI HDMI Switcher — Most Versatile

The BENFEI HDMI Switcher is the most versatile because it supports resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 hertz, meaning it will work with just about any modern TV or monitor. Additionally, it allows you to connect up to two HDMI sources and switch between them seamlessly, so you can choose which source you want to watch.

It also has built-in advanced integrated circuit chip technology that converts your audio signal into digital form, improving audio quality and providing clearer sound. This HDMI switcher features a high bandwidth of 10.2 gigabits per second for improved performance and fast data transmission, so you don't have to deal with lag or audio drop-outs.

Buying Guide: HDMI Switcher

With a solid range of HDMI switchers available on the market, choosing the right type of product for your needs can be overwhelming. We've put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right type of HDMI switcher for your needs.

What To Consider When Purchasing An HDMI Switcher

Input Ports

The number of input ports in an HDMI switcher indicates how many devices you can connect to it at once. You can find switchers with two to eight input ports to accommodate all your devices. If you're a gamer and plan to add a device like the latest game console, consider getting a switcher that comes with additional input ports or buy two separate switchers.

Audio Formats

The HDMI switcher's audio specifications should be compatible with your setup. Audio formats like Dolby Digital are supported by almost all modern HDMI switchers. But you'll need an HDMI switcher that's compatible with your home theater setup if you use high-end audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio.

Output Resolution

The output resolution of the HDMI switcher should be compatible with the device you intend to link it to. If you don't want to compromise on the quality, choose a switcher that can support 1080p to use with most modern televisions and laptops, and it's also compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS audio streams. It's important that your HDMI switcher supports 4K resolution if you're using a 4K display.

You should also verify the refresh rate on 4K-ready switchers because a refresh rate of 60 hertz is needed to achieve full high definition. If you're concerned about HD image quality, you may find that your viewing experience is compromised because many HDMI switchers only support 4K at 30 Hz. For optimal viewing experience, your connected device should also support supplementary technologies like 3D video or High Dynamic Range (HDR) encoding.

Price

The cost of an HDMI switcher varies depending on the compatible technologies and the number of input ports. A quality HDMI switcher can cost anywhere between $15 to $125. You can easily find a two-port model that's compatible with Dolby Digital at $20, but the one that comes equipped with 4K technology at 60 gigahertz and has eight input ports can cost you more.

People Also Asked

When I use an HDMI switcher, can it affect the image quality?

Because HDMI is a digital transmission, adding a switcher won't impair its quality like it would with analog signals. A loss in signal quality might result from a defective signal coming from your switcher or a broken cable.

Should I get an HDMI switcher or an HDMI splitter?

It depends on your needs. An HDMI splitter distributes a single signal to multiple displays, and an HDMI switch lets you toggle between multiple sources being sent to a single display.

Can I use a home theater receiver as an HDMI switch?

Yes, a home theater receiver is a viable choice because it can provide additional HDMI connections for TV viewing sources. Most budget-friendly home theater receivers have four HDMI inputs, while higher-end models may have eight inputs and two or three outputs for connecting to multiple TVs or a TV plus video projector.

Should I get a powered or passive HDMI splitter?

If you want to free yourself up from the hassles of handling cables and arranging a separate power source, a passive splitter is the right choice because it doesn't need any external power source. You need to power up the plug separately for a powered splitter to divide HDMI into individual streams. You should keep in mind that you can experience latency when using a passive splitter.