The best modern TVs come with a few HDMI 2.1 and 2.0 ports to help you connect all your devices together, but if that's not enough, or you want greater control without reaching behind the TV, an HDMI switcher is a great alternative. They let you connect all your HDMI devices — games consoles, Blu-ray players, AV receivers, cable boxes, streaming devices — to a single HDMI connection on your TV. That cuts down on cable clutter and can give you more ports to work with.
You'll need an HDMI cable for each device, and another to connect the switcher to a TV, but ultimately it gives you more control over how you use all your various devices.
Here are our favorite HDMI switches for 2025.
Best overall HDMI switcher
Kinivo 550BN 4K/60Hz HDMI Switch
- Compact, unobtrusive design
- Lithium battery powered
- HDR and Dolby Vision support
- Auto input switching
- Expensive
- Auto switching can be finicky
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 4 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Resolution support | 4K, 1080p |
| Supports | HDR10, 7.1 surround sound, DTS-HD |
Kinivo's line of HDMI switchers has some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. Measuring 4.6 inches long and 2.5 inches tall, it's a breeze to sneak the 550BN in with your existing AV components without creating wire clutter. Best of all, there's no need to factor in where to run a power cable, as the switcher itself runs off a lithium-ion battery (included). Part of Kinivo's Pro Series, the 550BN features five HDMI inputs, each rated for 4K/60Hz with a data throughput of 18Gbps. Optimized for premium UHD pass-through, the 550BN supports HDR and Dolby Vision picture codecs, as well as Dolby Atmos, making it ideal for top-tier 4K Blu-ray players, UHD-capable gaming systems, and just about any other HD component you can throw at it.
Input switching is either automatic or manual. For auto-switching, performance is based on the connected hardware. Say you want to fire up your Xbox Series X. Once you power the system, the 550BN will automatically switch to the HDMI input your system is connected to. If you prefer manual switching, you can disable auto-sensing and change inputs with the included remote. Some users have reported the switcher being a bit finicky with certain components, although the vast majority report no issues whatsoever. While it's one of the more expensive switchers on our list, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Kinivo's reliability and audio/video codec support.
Best affordable HDMI switcher
Kinivo 501BN 4K/30Hz HDMI Switch
- Well-priced, high-quality switcher
- Automatic input switching
- Remote included
- Slightly slower data throughput than its premium sibling
- No Dolby Vision or HDR support
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 4 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Resolution support | 4K@30Hz, 1080p |
| Supports | Surround sound, 3D |
If you want a 4K switcher that gets the job done, that's high-quality, and doesn't break the bank, the Kinivo 501BN is your guy.
Featuring the same number of HDMI inputs as its older brother, the aforementioned 550BN, the Kinivo 501BN is a little cheaper than the company's flagship switcher. In terms of specs and performance, the difference here is the 501BN only supports 4K/30Hz at a slower data throughput of 10Gbps. There's also no onboard support for Dolby Vision or HDR.
Like the 550BN, input switching is either automatic (based on connected hardware) or manual through the switcher's IR remote. For only $10 less than the 550BN, you'll net yourself improved codec support, faster throughput, and future-proofed HDMI inputs if you opt for the flagship tier. But for those shopping on a strict budget or home theater owners with older HD hardware, the Kinivo 501BN may be all you need.
Best for future-proofing
Mrocioa 5-in-1 HDMI Switcher
- Delivers 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz
- Works with Dolby Atmos
- Includes HDMI ARC
- Five HDMI inputs
- Not the best remote
- Handshake issues with certain components
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 4 x HDMI 2.1 |
| Resolution support | 8K @ 60Hz, 4K @120Hz, 1080p |
| Supports | HDR10, ARC, DST:X, Dolby Atmos, 3D, VRR, ALLM |
| Supports | HDR10, ARC, DST:X, Dolby Atmos, 3D, VRR, ALLM |
The Mrocioa 5-in-1 HDMI Switcher is ideal if you need an HDMI switcher that can handle your PS5’s best picture and sound settings, and you want to be future-proofed for the 8K TV you buy in two years.
Next-gen game consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, along with flagship 4K Blu-ray players, are the kind of AV peripherals you don’t want to mess around with in terms of ports and cables. In the event that your amazing entertainment system is short on HDMI inputs, you’ll want to set your sights on the Mrocioa 5-in-1 HDMI Switcher. For around $90, it’s one of the more expensive HDMI switchers on our list, but it has performance metrics that are pretty hard to beat.
Each of the five HDMI input is not only rated to deliver 4K at up to 120Hz, but you’ll also be able to push through 8K at 60Hz. The entire switch box is built to handle Dolby Atmos sound-processing, and the first input is ARC-ready, too. On top of NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync and VRR support, you’ll also be able to control the Mrocioa with the included remote or iOS app. While some users have reported occasional glitches with the device (when trying to integrate older gaming systems), in most cases, a quick reset seems to put things in order.
Best for audio compatibility
Roofull Premium HDMI Switch
- Dolby Vision, HDCP, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support
- Backward compatible
- Affordable
- Requires a power connection
- Remote design is clunky
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 5 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Resolution support | 4K @ 60Hz, 1080p @ 240Hz |
| Supports | Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, DTS:X |
| Supports | Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, DTS:X |
This five-port HDMI switcher by Roofull is HDMI 2.0 compliant with backward compatibility for all older HDMI protocols. While 2.0 is still one of the most common standards, there's a chance you may need to replace the switcher if you plan on re-outfitting your AV rack with HDMI 2.1 components. With that in mind, the Roofull's five inputs are each rated for 4K/60Hz with a throughput of 18Gbps. Component switching is handled by auto-sensing or manual operation (remote or Switch button on the unit).
Featuring onboard support for Dolby Vision, HDCP, as well as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and most other Dolby and DTS audio codecs, the Roofull's performance and compatibility more than match its $40 price tag. The only drawback we can think of is the unit does require a physical power connection, so consider that if your home theater room is running out of electrical outlets. If that's big trouble, you could also consider one of these surge protectors.
Best for gaming
UGreen 8K HDMI Switch
- Supports 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 240Hz
- Supports HDR10+
- Compatible with Xbox, Switch PS4/PS5
- 5 HDMI 2.1 ports
- Lacks support for automatic switching
- 8K support only over 1m input cable
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 5 x HDMI 2.1 |
| Resolution support | 8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 240Hz, 1080p |
| Supports | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, 3D Dynamic, VRR, DST surround sound |
| Supports | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, 3D Dynamic, VRR, DST surround sound |
One of the best uses for a high-end HDMI switcher is to plug in a range of games consoles and gaming systems, but not all switchers support high resolutions, refresh rates, and gaming features. The Ugreen 8K HDMI switcher is different. It supports a range of resolutions, including 4K at up to 240Hz, and with five HDMI 2.1 ports, you can connect all your devices to a single display. Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and gaming PCs are all compatible.
It also supports important features like variable refresh rates and HDR10+, for responsive and eye-catching gaming. It also supports Dolby Atmos if you want 3D sound, and it has a handy remote for easy switching between sources, too. That's good, because it doesn't have automatic switching, which is one feature we'd like to see in future versions.
If you want to use the 8K setting, too, you'll need to keep your HDMI 2.1 cables short or it will revert to lower resolutions.
Best budget HDMI switcher
Gana 3x1 HDMI Switch
- No-nonsense, well-built switcher
- HDMI cable built-in
- No power cable needed
- Date throughput is lacking
- Manual switching and no remote
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 3 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Resolution support | 4K @ 30Hz, 1080p |
| Supports | DTS Digital, Dolby Digital |
| Supports | DTS Digital, Dolby Digital |
You should buy the Gana 3x1 HDMI Switch if you're short on ports and don't want to drop the dough on a top-tier switcher. Maybe you only need to add one or two additional HDMI inputs to your home theater. For around $15, you can grab yourself this three-to-one switcher by Gana. The three inputs each support 4K/30Hz with a lesser data throughput of only 3Gbps. Unlike the other switchers in our roundup, the Gana features a built-in HDMI 1.8 output connection, meaning you won't need to supply your own HDMI cable to connect it to your TV or projection system. There's also no required power cable, as the switcher itself is powered by the components you have connected to it.
For the money, this is one of the best inexpensive switchers on the market, but there are a few drawbacks. For starters, there's no remote control. This means you'll need to manually press the Select button on the top of the unit every time you want to switch inputs. The switcher does feature auto-switching, but some users have reported infrequent reliability with this function. Also, if you're trying to keep your gear hidden, there's little chance of a clean look with the Gana, as the switcher's HDMI pigtail isn't very long. If you don't mind these minor inconveniences, there's no reason to stray from the Gana.
Best with picture-in-picture support
Zettaguard 4x1 HDMI Switch
- PIP feature lets you view multiple sources at once
- Compact design
- Includes remote
- Sound throughput is not great
- No 4K support
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 4 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Resolution support | 4K @30Hz, 1080p |
| Supports | 7.1 surround sound, Dolby Trued, DTS-HD |
| Supports | 7.1 surround sound, Dolby Trued, DTS-HD |
This Zettaguard switcher features four HDMI inputs, with each port capable of 4K/30Hz. One of the more minimalist switchers on our list, it's easy to tuck this guy away in a media cabinet or wherever you choose to house your AV components. While not capable of some of the stronger data throughputs and picture/audio codecs that the other switchers in this roundup can handle, the Zettaguard edges forward with one winning feature — picture-in-picture (PIP) displays.
The switcher is capable of displaying up to two sub-screens for your HD components, in addition to one main HD image that will take up most of the screen. Cycling between sub-screens and the main image is quick and easy with the included IR remote. While we may not suggest it for those looking to get the very best sound out of a picture outputted from an HDMI switcher, it's a great device for experiencing more than one HD source at once.
Best for more than six HDMI devices
MTVIKI 8 Port Rack Mount HDMI Switcher
- Eight HDMI inputs
- Tailor-made for A/V rack systems
- Multiple control methods
- No 120Hz or 8K support
- Some handshake issues
| Specification: | |
| Ports | 8 x HDMI 2.0 |
| Resolution support | 4K @ 60Hz, 1080p |
| Supports | Auto scanning |
| Supports | Auto scanning |
If you have an awesome home theater system and a ton of HDMI peripherals to go with it, you probably need a solid HDMI switcher for multiple components and inputs. Whether that’s for seven Wii U systems, six Blu-ray players, or eight cable boxes is your business; but whatever the reason for all these connections, look to the MT-VIKI 8 Port Rack Mount for all your switching needs. Designed to be seated inside an AV rack system, the MT-VIKI’s eight HDMI ports are all rated to deliver 4K at up to 60Hz. You also have the option of switching inputs using the included remote, or by pressing one of the eight buttons on the front of the unit.
There’s also an RS232 switch if you’re planning on incorporating the MT-VIKI into your automated home theater system. Depending on what components you’re using, you may have a handshaking hiccup or two (one user reported some trouble with a Fire TV Cube), but reviews for this device are generally positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
DigitalTrends has a long-history of testing TV accessories to a high standard. We've had hands-on time with some of the HDMI switchers on this list, putting them through a battery of objective and subjective testing. Where we can't test a switcher in person, we conduct robust research into third-party reviews, user ratings, specifications, features, and whether the TV comes from a respected and trusted brand.
We only include the best HDMI switchers on our lists, and don't take any kind of requests for consideration by anyone. You can rest assured that if an HDMI switcher is on our best-of list, it's one of the best. Period.
We looked at the top brands and their latest models, considered our own personal experience with them and past models, and discussed the available options with educated and experienced friends and colleagues. We also compared feature and specifications lists, looked at third-party and user reviews, and where necessary, spoke to experts to achieve greater insight into the products on offer.
When considering HDMI switchers, we particularly looked at their resolution and refresh rate support, features, and number and type of HDMI ports available.
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