Let's face it, there's nothing quite as annoying as running out of ports, be it for our streaming devices, gaming consoles or our entertainment system.
An HDMI switch is incredibly handy as it allows you to connect more than just one HDMI device to your TV, although plenty of smart TVs now boast more than one HDMI port, an HDMI switch allows you to expand these options significantly.
Essentially, an HDMI switch expands your HDMI port capabilities, even though TVs can come with more than one HDMI port, this is still quite limiting.
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While this may not be the most exciting purchase you'll ever make, it is a very handy one. It's an excellent way of keeping your entertainment centre organised and giving you up to an extra five HDMI ports.
When it comes to what you should consider when purchasing an HDMI switch, you'll just to think about how many HDMI ports you'll need (most products usually have three) and you'll also have to ensure it can play the resolution you want, whether that's 1080p or 4K.
The best HDMI Switch
Editor's pick
With this product, Ugreen has delivered a versatile and feature-packed HDMI switch at a very affordable price. You can control the switch remotely, via the remote, meaning that plugging and unplugging HDMI cables are a thing of the past. It also supports up to 4K resolution so you won't have to compromise on the resolution, and you'll still be able to enjoy your series, game or movie as it was intended.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 3 |
| Resolution | 4K |
Best HDMI switch for most ports
If you need to connect multiple devices to the HDMI switch, consider the Kinivo 550BN. It gives you the option to connect five different inputs and it can also switch between inputs automatically. It's also quite compact and small so it won't disrupt the aesthetic of your entertainment centre. Similarly to the previous product, it can also be controlled remotely.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 5 |
| Resolution | 4K |
Best value for price
NEWCARE has delivered a basic and easy-to-use HDMI switch. It doesn't have any extras or added features such as remote control for it, but this does mean that it also doesn't have a premium price tag. As far as HDMI switches go, this one is fairly inexpensive.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 3 |
| Resolution | 4K |
Best budget HDMI switch
We understand that not everyone has the same budget, so if you need an HDMI switch but you want to save as much as possible, then the Fosmon 3-Port HDMI Switcher is an excellent option. Aside from having a pretty small price tag, it's very intuitive to use and it does not require external power. It does, however, only offer up to 1080p in resolution, so if you require better image and video quality, consider a different switch, one that support 4K.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 3 |
| Resolution | 1080p |
Best for high-end TVs
If the entertainment centre is truly important to you and you have some state-of-the-art devices such as a QLED or an OLED TV, then this Befen HDMI switch will fit in seamlessly with your high-end TV system. It supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision as well as 4K resolutions.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of ports | 3 |
| Resolution | 4K |
What's the difference between 4K and 1080p?
A 4K resolution, is a much higher and better resolution than 1080p. A 4K resolution has 3840 x 2160 pixels, whereas 1080p has 1920 x 1080 pixels. Higher resolutions mean that there are more pixels per inch, and the higher the resolution the better the images and videos displayed on the screen will be.
Do I need an HDMI switch?
You'll only need one if you wish to combine inputs from several different devices to one screen. However, if you need to display a device over multiple screens instead, then you will need an HDMI splitter.
What to read next?
Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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