It can be difficult to find the best cheap HDMI switcher. This is due to the fact that there are literally thousands of different models, the majority of which are clones of existing products. To further complicate matters, “name brand” HDMI switchers are rebadged of generic devices sold at a premium.
To assist you in making the best decision possible, we have sifted through the chaff and tested some of the best HDMI switches currently available. Some of the brands may be unfamiliar to you (we certainly aren’t), but each of these devices does the job. Some of these switchers even support 4K @ 60Hz, which is the highest resolution available from any switch on the market right now.
One thing to keep in mind is that the switches listed below can be found in hundreds of different listings online. These are usually white-label products purchased in bulk by resellers who then brand them. So, the same switch may have a listing that says “SGEYR” and another that says “SkycropHD,” but they are the same thing.
The TOTU HDMI 4-in-1 Switch is our favorite HDMI switcher. It is a simple 4-port HDMI switch that lets you switch between inputs using the included remote or automatically switch to a device when it is powered on. It is the best all-around option we tested, thanks to the low price, full-bandwidth support for 4K @ 60Hz, and support for Dolby Vision and other HDR formats.
We recommend the Fosmon 5-port HDMI switcher as a low-cost option (HD8205). It is the best among the most affordable units we tested, selling for under $30 and featuring a compact 5-port design.
And if you need ports for a large collection of home theater equipment, the 3. Univivi 7-port HDMI switch (QPThg-246) with up to seven different device connections and a sleek low-profile design. The only drawback is that it does not have automatic switching.
- Number of Ports: 4 input, 1 output
- Max Resolution: 4K@60Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision
- External Power Required: Yes
- Automatic Switching: Yes
It is difficult to sift through the switcher chaff to find an affordable product that accepts the most recent devices, but this 4×1 unit from TOTU fits the bill. It accepts inputs of up to 4K at 60Hz with HDR or Dolby Vision. It supports up to 18 Gbps of HDMI channel bandwidth, so it will work with any HDMI 2.0 or older feature.
The TOTU has automatic switching and there is no way to turn it off. However, because this feature only activates when one input is active, it is not as annoying as it is on some models. This resolves issues with some devices that switch inputs despite not receiving a valid HDMI-CEC power-on signal.
Unfortunately, while the unit is reasonably sturdy for the price, the remote is terrible. It is a small plastic rectangle that screams to be broken or misplaced. Those who purchase the TOTU should use a universal remote to control it. This product has currently received 2,157 reviews and 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Number of Ports: 5 input, 1 output
- Max Resolution: 4K@60Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision
- External Power Required: Yes
- Automatic Switching: Yes
The Fosmon 5×1 HDMI 2.0 switch is one of the more unusual models on the market. Instead of a long, rectangular metal body, it is shaped like a small, black plastic square. While it still requires power (via micro-USB), it retains the small form-factor typical of unpowered switches.
Because this is a smaller switch, especially for a 5×1 model, users must wire in an IR sensor. While this makes installation more difficult, it also allows you to hide the switch behind your TV or entertainment center, distinguishing it from its competitors.
Because of its plastic shell, this switch is less durable than some of the other 4K devices on our list, but its small size compensates. The remote is, of course, subpar, but as with the other switches on this list, it can be replaced with something a little more robust.
- Number of Ports: 7 input, 1 output
- Max Resolution: 4K@60Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision
- External Power Required: Yes
- Automatic Switching: No
This Univivi seven-input Switch is one of the more expensive options on our list. Still, if you want to connect a lot of devices to your TV, it is worth the extra money. Because of all of the inputs, it is a long device that measures 9 inches wide. However, at less than an inch tall, it maintains a low profile and will easily tuck on top of another component without looking out of place.
This HDMI 2.0 compatible device supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K at 60Hz. The Univivi switch’s only flaw is that it lacks automatic switching. That is great news for those who have devices that have auto-switching issues. However, with seven available ports, it may be feasible. Based on 741 reviews, this HDMI switcher currently has a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Amazon.
- Number of Ports: 5 input, 1 output
- Max Resolution: 4K@60Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision
- External Power Required: Yes
- Automatic Switching: Yes
SkycropHD’s 4×1 switcher is fully HDMI 2.0 compatible. It supports the full 18Gbps required by the HDMI 2.0 standard and accepts and outputs 4K at 60Hz signals with HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
We are not sure what “upgraded” means in the product name, but it worked well and was one of the better switches on the list. One of our favorite “hidden” features is the ability to enable or disable automatic switching by holding the switch button on the unit for five seconds. This function is not available on all switchers on this list, which can be a major source of frustration.
- Number of Ports: 4 input, 2 output
- Max Resolution: 4K@30Hz
- External Power Required: Yes
- Automatic Switching: No
