Best cheap HDMI switchers in 2022
Best cheap HDMI switchers in 2022
Finding the best inexpensive HDMI switcher can exist a somewhat daunting task. The reason is that in that location are, quite literally, thousands of different models — nigh of which are clones of existing products. Complicating matters is that in that location are few "name brand" HDMI switchers. Most are rebadges of generic devices sold at a premium.
To aid you lot make the about informed choice, we've cut through the chaff and tested some of the all-time HDMI switches currently available. You lot may not recognize some of the brands (we certainly didn't) but each of these devices gets the job done. Some of these switchers even offer back up for 4K @ 60Hz, which is the all-time you're going to go out of any switch on the market right now.
Ane thing to note is that y'all'll see the same switches below under hundreds of different listings online. These are typically white-label products that are purchased in majority past resellers who then slap a brand on them. So, the aforementioned switch might accept a listing proverb it's made by "SGEYR" and another by "SkycropHD," but they're the same thing.
What are the all-time cheap HDMI switchers?
Our favorite HDMI switcher is the TOTU HDMI 4-in-one Switch, a straightforward four-port HDMI switch that lets you switch between inputs with an included remote, or automatically switch to a device when it gets powered on. Between the affordable cost, the full-bandwidth support for 4K @ 60Hz and support for Dolby Vision and other HDR formats, it's the best accommodating option we tested – simply plan on using a universal remote to command it.
For a upkeep-friendly pick, we similar the Fosmon 5-port HDMI switcher (HD8205). Selling for under $30 and offering a compact five-port design, information technology's the best amidst the most affordable units we tested.
And if y'all demand ports for a huge collection of dwelling house theater equipment, it'south difficult to crush the 3. Univivi seven-port HDMI switch (QPThg-246), which has connections for up to seven different devices and a sleek depression-profile design. The only catch is that it lacks automated switching.
The best cheap HDMI switchers you tin buy today
Cutting through the switcher crust to discover an affordable product that accepts the latest devices is tough, only this 4x1 unit of measurement from TOTU fits the bill. It accepts up to 4K at 60Hz input with HDR or Dolby Vision. It supports an HDMI channel bandwidth of upwards to eighteen Gbps, so information technology'll work with any HDMI ii.0 or older feature.
The TOTU has automatic switching, with no choice to turn it off. Notwithstanding, this isn't as abrasive as it is on some models, equally this feature only activates when one input is active. This eliminates issues with some devices that switch inputs fifty-fifty though they didn't receive a legitimate HDMI-CEC power-on signal.
Unfortunately, though the unit itself is reasonably robust for the cost, the remote is horrible. It's a small-scale plastic rectangle that screams to be immediately cleaved or lost. And then, those who buy the TOTU are best off using a universal remote to control it.
The Fosmon 5x1 HDMI 2.0 switch is one of the more unique of its type available. Instead of a long, rectangular, metal body, it takes the grade of a small, plastic, black foursquare. While it all the same needs to be powered (via micro-USB), information technology retains the modest form-factor seen with about unpowered switches.
Since this is a smaller switch, especially for a 5x1 model, users must mountain an IR sensor via a wire. While this makes for a more circuitous install process, it too allows you to hide the switch backside your TV or entertainment heart, distinguishing it from its peers.
The plastic shell means this switch is a fleck less durable than some of the other 4K devices on our list, just its compact course factor makes up for it. The remote, of course, is substandard, but equally with other switches on this list, you can replace it with something a flake more robust.
This vii-input Switch from Univivi is ane of the more than expensive options on our listing. Still, it's worth the premium if you have a ton of devices y'all want to connect to your TV. Because of all the inputs, it'due south a long device, coming in at 9 inches broad. However, information technology's still relatively depression profile at less than an inch tall, so it'll easily constrict on top of another component without looking out of place.
HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K at 60Hz are all possible with this HDMI two.0 compatible device. The only mixed purse with the Univivi switch is that it lacks automatic switching. That's great for those who have devices that display issues with machine-switching. However, with vii available ports, information technology could be frustrating to some to take to change inputs each fourth dimension manually.
This 4x1 switcher from SkycropHD is fully HDMI two.0 compatible. Information technology accepts and outputs 4K at 60Hz signals with HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, and supports the full 18Gbps required by the HDMI ii.0 standard.
We're unsure what the "upgraded" in the product proper name means, merely information technology performed without issues and was one of the better switches on the listing. One of our favorite "subconscious" features is that automatic switching tin exist enabled or disabled past holding the switch button on the unit for five seconds. Turning off this role is not available on every switcher on this list, which can be a pregnant source of frustration.
Like many switches on the list, the remote is the weakest point. Its construction is a chip more robust than usual, but it'due south nevertheless best replaced by a universal remote.
The Ferrisa 4xw HDMI Matrix is a bit more complex than other products on this listing. It features four inputs and ii outputs, which requite users the option to apply the device as a switch, a splitter, or a combination of the two. It too includes optical and 3.5mm audio out, making it a more versatile device than a standard splitter.
These options exercise come with caveats. It'due south more expensive than a standard switch, and those that don't regularly need to output video to ii dissimilar displays won't find a need for the actress features. It'south also limited to the same resolution and framerate on both outputs, so yous can but use the splitter functionality on two screens with similar specifications. Lastly, if y'all want 4K at 60Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision, or Atmos support, you'll need to spend a bit more than money. This Ferisa HDMI Matrix is limited to HDMI 1.4b and maxes out at 4K at 30Hz.
This switch from Avedio Links is 1 of the few unpowered models that works with HDMI 2.0 4K at 60Hz signals. As such, information technology has a smaller footprint, which is its master advantage over the competition.
Nonetheless, this switch has some shortcomings of which potential buyers should be enlightened. It can merely exist switched manually, which requires users to physically walk to the device and press a button, negating almost of the convenience this type of device offers. Information technology likewise draws ability from HDMI, which is unsupported by the standard, so if all four HDMI sockets aren't occupied, it may not function every bit desired.
Unfortunately, without automatic switching or remote functionality, this device is more of a niche production. It's great for those who don't foresee the demand to alter inputs oft, but lacks compared to the powered 4K switches on the list.
This SGEYR HDMI 2.0 switch is surprisingly capable for the toll. It'due south in the lower range of 4K at 60Hz switches on the market, but it supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and Atmos and it's powered by micro USB. However, it is missing some features that tech aficionados may exist looking for, which might deter some potential buyers.
This switch offers automatic input selection, which tin can be hit or miss on these products. Unfortunately, there's no way to plough this feature off (per port or otherwise). This makes it practically unusable with some devices, like PCs and laptops, that constantly trigger the car-switch function. At that place are also no EDID toggles to aid troubleshoot incompatibilities between devices.
On the upside, the construction is fairly robust. The chassis is made out of some sort of pot metallic, if I had to gauge, but it's robust enough to stand up to the typical rigors of sitting in an entertainment middle. The remote is besides of decent quality, simply there are some reports that information technology's keyed to the same frequency as some TV remotes, which may cause issues for some.
Amazon Basics typically delivers a decent generic product for a fair price. However, the Amazon Basics 4K HDMI 3 Port Switch isn't a great value for what you get. Information technology just accepts 4K at 30Hz signals, which is too low for most modern consoles. Information technology also can't process HDR or Dolby Vision signals, limiting it to outputting SDR content only.
This switch is decent enough for a 1080p SDR screen, but for the cost, you might as well buy one that tin can handle 4K at 60Hz for future-proofing. Despite the decent construction (aside from the remote), this is an outdated product that volition hamstring many 4K TVs. The merely reason to grab this switch over others is if you notice it on auction. Otherwise, it's best to cull from ane of the more capable products on our list.
The GANA 3-port HDMI switcher is equally low as yous can go, both in cost and functionality. Information technology'southward an unpowered switcher, which will be a positive for some people, but information technology's not really reliable. There's no provision for ability transmission in the specifications for HDMI. However, HDMI devices do output +5V over pin 18 for EDID transmission, which is what these cheap, unpowered switchers use instead of an external adapter.
You lot get what you pay for with the GANA switcher. You can transmit up to 60fps at 1080p, but it can't output HDR. The manufacturer didn't actually list which version of HDMI this switcher uses, but I'd say information technology'due south probably 1.iii since information technology claims to support 3D Television.
Rounding out the GANA'south featureset is the manual input option, which must be done with a push button located on top of the device. I had no luck getting it to auto-find input, but it never claimed to have this function, so I wasn't disappointed.
The GANA 3-port unpowered HDMI switcher is really only fit for applications in which thrift is the overriding concern. It's an unattractive, limited device, and much better tin be had for a scattering of modify actress.
How to choose the best cheap HDMI switcher for you lot
The all-time inexpensive HDMI switcher is the one that gets the job washed. If you're trying to spend the least amount of coin possible, you'll need to identify your minimum requirements for an HDMI switcher. So, you lot'll want to figure out what the framerate and resolution are for each device yous want to connect to the switch. Those that merely demand a max of 1080p at 60Hz tin get a serviceable switcher for less than $10. For a 4K switcher, y'all'll need to spend a bit more than money, just these are speedily coming downwards in price.
Some other important gene when purchasing a switcher is what features it provides. The cheapest HDMI switches require yous to get up and printing a button on the device each time yous switch an input and only have a few ports available. For a bit more money, you tin can get a model with a remote control or auto-switching that makes changing between your inputs less strenuous. If you program to frequently change between active inputs on your switch, we highly recommend getting one with a remote. Later on all, if you take to get upward and press the push button often, having the switcher is only a modicum more than convenient than just swapping a cable out every fourth dimension.
If you're looking for a cheap HDMI switcher, the biggest consideration for you lot is likely how much the device costs. Withal, go along in mind you ofttimes get what y'all pay for, especially with tech products. Since these devices are so cheap, information technology's better to get ane that has more ports and features than yous need. That way, you have a more versatile switcher that you tin utilize for years to come.
In detail, we recommend getting a switcher with a remote, even if you don't program on using it. That manner, if you always arrive a situation where y'all need to command switching between inputs remotely, you won't have buyer remorse. It's besides best to become ane in a class cistron that allows information technology to be secured to a surface, either using gravity or ii-sided record. Unfortunately, many of the lighter ones can slide off an entertainment center and will just stop up dangling around the back of your Telly.
How we test the best cheap HDMI switchers
We tested each of these switches with an LG CX OLED TV, i of our favorite 4K models on our list of the all-time TVs. Nosotros ran them through the paces past using them every bit an input for several types of devices and an output for both the TV directly and a Marantz NR1711 A/V receiver. We tested them using a PC equipped with an RTX 3090, a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and an Nvidia Shield Television receiver.
Utilizing the devices above, we tested each switch'due south ability to handle gameplay and both HDCP protected and unprotected content. Fortunately, the days of switches with dodgy EDID back up and HDCP incompatibilities are gone. None of these switches are HDMI 2.i compatible, and so our devices didn't display at their max resolution and framerate. Even so, they did work well inside the limitations of each switcher, and we didn't get any duds.
For the most office, since the specs are (relatively) clearly marked for each switcher, nosotros tested for usability under normal operating weather condition. So, our tester used each of them in their entertainment centre for several hours each and made observations based on what they experienced during that time.
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-cheap-hdmi-switchers
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