With cable boxes, video game consoles, streaming media boxes, soundbars and more all connecting via HDMI, there’s a good chance that your TV or monitor won’t have the necessary HDMI inputs to connect all your gadgets. Fortunately, HDMI selector switches can solve your problem. These affordable little boxes allow you to connect multiple devices with HDMI output to a single HDMI input on your TV/monitor. Furthermore, they’re easy to set up and use, and they’re significantly cheaper than having to shell out for a new TV.
If you are looking for an HDMI switch, here are some of the best options.
Also read: HDMI 2.1: Everything You Need to Know
1. Goronya HDMI Switch
The Goronya Bi-Directional HDMI Switch is one of the most affordable and versatile selectors available. Furthermore, at only 2.0 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches and 2.6 ounces, it is also one of the smallest. The Goronya supports 4K, 3D, 1080p video, and HDCP passthrough, making it an ideal switch for virtually any and all entertainment system setups.
The only downside to the Goronya Switch is the fact that it only supports two devices. This means you’ll only be able to connect two HDMI sources to a single HDMI input. However, the switch also works the other way around, meaning you can use one HDMI source outputted to two separate HDMI displays. To top it all off, the Goronya doesn’t utilize a separate power source – instead it draws its power from the devices connected to it.
2. Kinivo 301BN
The Kinivo 301BN HDMI switch is more than double the cost of the Goronya; however, it supports up to three inputs to a single display instead of just two. Like the Goronya, the Kinivo 301BN is compatible with 1080p, 4K Ultra HD and 3D video. Where it separates itself from the budget-minded Goronya is the fact that the Kinivo can switch between HDMI inputs automatically. The device can detect which input is active, and switch to that input without user input. Additionally, the Kinivo 301BN comes with a remote control which allows the user to switch HDMI inputs on the fly.
3. iArkPower 3 Port HDMI Switch
Like the other HDMI switches on this list, the iArkPower switch supports 1080p, 4K and 3D video. What sets this particular switch apart from the others is in its audio capabilities. The iArkPower delivers the audio signal from the HDMI source device and can extract it via Optical SPDIF Output (supports up to 5.1CH Dolby Digital and DTS) and Analog RCA output (supports 2CH PCM). This is the perfect switch for people who are trying to marry older TVs with more modern audio peripherals like soundbars or more modern TVs with older audio receivers.
4. Vention 5-port HDMI Splitter
If you’re looking for something tiny that supports more than three HDMI input devices, consider the Vention 5-port splitter. As you might have guessed, this little box allows you to connect up to five different HDMI sources to a single HDMI input. Like the others, it can handle 1080p, 4K and 3D video. The Vention is a fairly basic splitter; however, it does offer a few unique features. The most notable is that it automatically switches to the most recently powered-on device. Furthermore, it is able to identify active HDMI feeds and automatically disables the channels where no feed is detected.
5. Zettaguard 4×1 HDMI Switch
The Zettaguard HDMI switch supports up to four different HDMI sources. Like the other switches we’ve covered so far, the Zettaguard is compatible with 1080p, 4K Ultra HD and 3D video. However, the Zettaguard has an incredibly useful trick up its sleeve not found on any of the other HDMI switches featured on this list: picture-in-picture. This allows users to enjoy multiple displays of your devices on one TV screen simultaneously.
For example, users can watch TV and, at the same time, check emails from their laptop on the same TV screen at the same time. The Zettaguard can output HDMI sources to three sub-screens and one main-screen display. Additionally, the device is capable of switching the source of the main display and sub-screens at will with the infrared remote.
Do you use an HDMI switch to manage all of your HDMI devices? Which switch is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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