If you wish to connect a gaming device to your television but have only one HDMI port, you’ll want to get an HDMI splitter. Splitters allow you to switch back and forth between devices without having to constantly swap cables. We chose the products in our buying guide because they are plug and play. These are great for both home and professional use and are an extremely affordable piece of equipment that does a lot of heavy lifting. If you’re in the market for a new HDMI splitter we’ve got you covered. Our experts have found the best products that are available for online purchase. Check out our buying guide below.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch?
An HDMI splitter is used to split the signal from a single source device to facilitate simultaneous connection to multiple displays. Think “paying one subscription fee but enjoying the content on several displays.” A spitter accepts an HDMI input and then duplicates it before sending it to multiple outputs. An HDMI switch accepts multiple HDMI inputs and allows you to select which signal is sent to a single output. An HDMI splitter can be active or passive. Active splitters are great for when you have long cables or are outputting the signal to multiple devices. Passive splitters take a signal and divide it into multiple copies of itself before sending it through multiple outputs. An HDMI switch is a device that allows multiple devices to receive the signal from the tv’s one input and then send those signals out to different channels. The most popular varieties are those that switch between three devices.
When do I use a splitter or a switch?
Use an HDMI splitter if you only want to connect a couple of devices or you need to use longer cables (which can result in interference). When you have connected everything, you can easily switch the HDMI source that matches the device. Splitters work well for sending a signal to several tvs. Use an HDMI switch if you want to connect multiple devices to one TV. This might include a gaming console, a soundbar, a DVD player or CD player. Switches can keep up with changing technology, help everything to work seamlessly and are better at blocking interference.
Buying Guide
Choosing an HDMI splitter can be confusing, but we’ve got some tips for you to keep in mind while you are shopping for one:
- Quality: If you want to stream a 4K video source to your tv, your tv must have a 4K panel and the HDMI cable must be able to accommodate this.
- Lag and Latency: HDMI splitters can add significant lag, and the way to reduce the chances of this is to get a splitter that connects to a power source. This means that it will be able to duplicate the signal without any extra processing that might cause it to slow down.
- Price: Fortunately, all of the options in our buying guide are very affordable. If you happen to choose one that isn’t completely meeting your needs, you won’t have made a very large investment.
OREI 1×4 HDMI Extender Splitter
Best Overall
Amazing Picture Quality
Distribute 1080p 1 HDMI source to 4 HDMI displays over network cable simultaneously with this splitter. No switcher is needed. This plug and play setup requires zero software installation. It is compatible with Cat6/6a/7 network cables and supports high resolution. This product is ideal for video conferencing, meeting rooms and restaurants or bars. Reimagine the way you share your entertainment with this device. Power is supplied over LAN, which means that no adaptor is required.
Pros:
- Lossless transmission
- Supports hdr, hdr 10, hdr 10+, Dolby Vision
Cons:
- Instructions may be confusing for some
This product has low latency and will extend the HDMI signal for up to 165 feet. It was designed to make it very easy for you to share all of your HDMI media content with 4 remote locations simultaneously with a full 1080p resolution over a single LAN cable.
GANA HDMI Switch
Best Resolution
Connect 1 Source to 2 Video Displays
This is a bi-directional switch, which means that you have two outgoing ports as well as one incoming port. A button on the device allows you to go back and forth with ease. Made of high grade aluminum, this is lightweight and easy to take with you to other locations. This comes in lots of cool colors like gray, rose gold and midnight blue.
Pros:
- No external power is needed
- Plug and play
Cons:
- Only services two devices
This product supports 4K@60Hz and is backward compatible with 2K/1080p. Offering fast and stable transmission, this supports high bandwidth and transmission efficiency. Broad compatibility means it will work with anything that has a standard HDMI port, including gaming consoles, Blu-Ray players, DVD players and more.
Ugreen HDMI Switch 3 in 1
Most Versatile
Two Ways to Switch
This switch box makes it easy to stream video and audio from 3 HDMI divides to 1 HDMI display. Featuring 3 ports, it has two switching methods. Use the manual switch by pressing the button or use the remote control switch that is included in the box. This handy product will free you from manually plugging and unplugging HDMI cables so you can streamline work, tv/movie viewing and gaming processes.
Pros:
- Remote works up to 15 feet
- Broad compatibility
Cons:
- LED indicator might be hard to see from far away
- May need additional power supply for devices that require a lot of power
This contains a powerful intelligent chip to ensure great performance and easy switching without delay or distortion. This is compatible with lots of devices including Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, monitors and projectors.
Meofia HDMI Switch and Splitter
Coolest Design
Three Video Sources, One Display
This HDMI switch has 3 ingoing ports and 1 outgoing port. You can easily switch from one to the other without having to manually plug and unplug other devices. This product supports 4K@60 Hz and offers excellent resolution. The multi HDMI switch has gold plated corrosion resistant connectors to ensure superior signal transfer with no delay or loss of video or audio. Wide compatibility means that it is suitable for use with most divides that have standard HDMI interface.
Pros:
- Plug and Play
- LED indicator light
Cons:
- Manual switch
No external power is needed when you use this. It’s portable and compact, requiring a very small amount of room. You can carry it with you as necessary from your home to your office, during travel and more.
VWRHar HDMI 3 in 1 Switch/Splitter
Most Compatible
Swap Video Sources Instantly
Connect up to 3 input devices to 1 output device with this handy device. This comes with a remote control, making it easy for you to switch between devices without having to get up. Broad compatibility allows it to work with laptops, personal computers, gaming consoles, tv boxes, tv sticks, Blu-Ray players, DVD players and more. Outputs include monitors, HD tvs and projectors. The high quality switch is made from aluminum alloy which dissipates heat well. USB external power ensures stable video transmission and a gold plated HDMI connector enhances signal transfer.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight
- Great price point
Cons:
- Does not support CEC
Experience immersive viewing and gameplay experiences with this top of the line splitter. Switch using auto switch, manual switch or remote control. An LED indicator displays which connected device is in use. This is plug and play and comes with 1 3-port HDMI switch, 1 remote control, 1 micro USB power cable and 1 user manual.
