The aluminium housing of the splitter features large heat dissipation holes at the bottom that enable full venting of retained heat even when all interfaces are up and running. On top of that, the electric circuits feature additional overheating protection on a hardware level.
Takes a while to switch between sources.
The SGEYR SG501A is an ideal pick for owners of huge home TVs and cinemas. The owners of the latter will be pleasantly surprised to find out that this switch/splitter combo model features 7.1 surround sound support. And to top all that, the appliance can support streaming in 60 FPS.
Switch
5 x Inputs
1 x Output
2.0
Up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160@60Hz)
DTS-HD, Dolby-TrueHD, LPCM7.1, DTS, Dolby-AC3, DSD
LED indicators, Switch button, IR remote control
1 year
The HDMI connectors of this model can boast high-quality, 24k gold plating, which negates any chance of connection loss or input lag once the display device is connected to the splitter.
The LED indicators are a tad bit too bright.
If you own more than just two multimedia devices, this model will be the right pick for you. Compatible with modern DVD/Blu-ray players as well as game consoles (PS4, Xbox One or Switch), it is one of the few products that can handle several devices connected to it at the same time without any losses in display quality.
Switch
5 x Inputs
1 x Output
1.4
Up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160@30Hz)
DTS-HD, Dolby-TrueHD, LPCM7.1, DTS, Dolby-AC3, DSD
LED indicators, Switch button, IR remote control
1 year
All the ports are located on the backplate of the appliance, which makes it easier to wire all your HDMI cables. Likewise, the LED indicators are placed on the top side of the housing for added convenience.
Tends to get hot after a few hours of use.
The Techole (HS301) 3-Port HDMI Switch is one of the easiest to use switches on the market. Thanks to the automatic HDMI selection it makes the setup process a breeze. To quickly switch between the connected channels the package is also equipped with a handy IR remote control.
Switch
3 x Inputs
1 x Output
1.4
Up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160@30Hz)
DTS-HD, Dolby-TrueHD, LPCM7.1, DTS, Dolby-AC3, DSD
LED indicators, Switch button, IR remote control
2 years
A built-in High Intelligent Chip (Smart) makes switching between various HDMI sources quick and almost seamless. What is more, the device features a USB port that can be used to power it directly from the TV it is connected to.
HDMI ports are rather tight.
This practical, multi-functional switch will come in handy for people who are looking for a simple, yet reliable HDMI cable splitter that still can deliver video output in 4K resolution. The quick and stable operation truly makes it one of the best options in the 30 Hz range.
Switch
3 x Inputs
1 x Output
1.4
Up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160@30Hz)
DTS-HD, Dolby-TrueHD, LPCM7.1, DTS, Dolby-AC3, DSD
LED indicators, Switch button, IR remote control
2 years
Owing to its small size, this switch-and-splitter combo is easily hidden behind your TV, which is especially convenient for wall-mounted TV sets with no shelves nearby.
Doesn't come equipped with a remote control.
The best HDMI splitter for a home with several multimedia devices since it can work by transmitting both sides, from 2 devices to 1 TV or from 1 device to one of the 2 TVs with effortless switching.
Switch and Splitter
2 x Inputs
1 x Output or 1 x Input
2 x Outputs
1.4
Up to 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160@30Hz)
LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DSD
LED indicators, Switch button
2 years
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SGEYR SG501A
60 FPS, No Matter What
The SGEYR SG501A is one of the few models that act as both a switch and a splitter for HDMI interfaces at the same time.
First things first, let’s talk about the specifications of the splitter. The SG501, as its name suggests, supports 5 HDMI cables connected simultaneously, and, can stream data in 4K (3840 x 2160, 60Hz) to a single monitor or TV screen. Audio, on the other hand, doesn’t lack in the quality department either, boasting support of DTS-HD, Dolby-TrueHD, Dolby-AC3 (for older HDMI cables), DSD, DTS, as well as the LPCM 7.1 for fully immersive surround sound. The latter will come in handy if you have multiple speakers or want to upgrade your existing home cinema.
For your convenience, the package includes a remote control that enables switching between the inputs on a whim. That being said, it actually takes the splitter a good few seconds to switch from one HDMI source to another.
To sum things up, despite some latency issues, the SGEYR 5-in-1 is, perhaps, one of the best options in the medium price range that you can find on the market today. Owing to its high-compatibility with both older and newer HDMI interfaces and reliable operation, you can stream video to multiple sources like laptops, monitors and fully-fledged TVs in stunning 4K resolution.
Last updated price | £31.19 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07PDVQD12 |
mrocioa (CYHI514)
Ideal for 4K TVs
The CYHI514 from mrocioa is a simple and affordable HDMI splitter that features a few aces up its sleeve, making it an attractive option for owners of several digital monitors or TVs.
To start off, thanks to 5 ports included in this little appliance, the switcher is capable of transmitting the digital signal to multiple devices at the same time without any lag or losses in display quality. Next comes its excellent performance, automatically switching the unit to the last boot, reducing LED brightness, improving viewing effect, and making sure the power consumption remains low. Finally, it's very safe and reliable, coming in a durable aluminium alloy shell that effectively dissipates heat.
The list of features provided in the CYHI514 is quite impressive indeed, yet, we were quite surprised to find out that this model's only capable of transmitting the digital signal at 30Hz frequency, which is a bit underwhelming. That being said, considering the modest price tag for the full package, it’s not that huge of an issue.
Compatibility-wise, this HDMI switch supports pretty much any modern HDMI-capable device, including game consoles, Blu-ray players, as well as new iterations of Apple TVs and Smart TVs. For added convenience, the package includes a handy remote control that you can use to switch between the input and output channels from any comfy spot in your home.
All in all, the mrocioa CYHI51 will prove to be a great choice if you look for a high-quality HDMI switch without any bells and whistles that'd be able to deliver a stunning 4K signal directly to your monitor or TV. A real steal for the money.
Last updated price | £24.99 |
Stock | In stock |
ASIN | B07CJ5TDZG |
Techole (HS301)
Top Bargain
When it comes to picking a smaller HDMI switch that just works, your options are fairly limited. Fortunately, this splitter from Techole proves that an affordable device can be as effective as some premium model out there.
So, what really makes this particular HDMI switch so good? Firstly, it’s the Plug and Play system that allows enjoying your favourite TV shows, movies, and games as soon as you connect both ends to the splitter. Since no external drivers are required to operate the switch it acts as a simple, yet effective gateway for all HDMI signals. The only limitation to this system is that you will need to use an HDMI 2.0 cable or newer, otherwise, you may encounter some picture input lag.
Secondly, it’s a fast and stable transmission of data - even with all three ports occupied, this little aluminium box will deliver up to 10.2 Gbps bandwidth, which is simply amazing. What's not as amazing though is that if all three ports are used simultaneously, the appliance might get noticeably hot. Regardless, it doesn't affect its performance.
Finally, if you were searching for a good, affordable HDMI splitter that works from day one, then the HS301 from Techole will fit that bill just fine. With native 4K (30Hz) support, this 3-way splitter is one of the best options for those who own several HDMI devices.
Last updated price | £14.99 |
Stock | May be out of stock |
ASIN | B07KSYS2L4 |
UGREEN (80125)
Cinematic Experience Redefined
The UGREEN 80124 is yet another switch that can connect multiple HDMI-capable devices in order to display video and audio to one monitor, screen, or TV.
Right off the bat, the device can handle 3 version 1.4 HDMI connections at the same time, thanks to 3 input ports. Conversely, the appliance features only 1 HDMI output, which enables connecting it to a big screen, TV, or monitor. Similarly to other products on our list, the switch kit comes with a remote control that you can use to switch between different sources that are connected via the splitter to your screen of choice. All that is available in 4K Ultra HD format (3840 x 2160, 30Hz) enabling a true, cinematic experience on your TV. As we covered the video, it is important not to miss the audio. The available sound interfaces will surely leave you satisfied, since the switch support Dolby-TrueHD, DTS, Dolby-AC3, DSD, and an LPCM 7.1 for full surround sound, among others.
At the end of the day, this is an excellent, budget-friendly option for users that need a replacement for their HDMI switch, or in case you want to connect multiple sources like a PC, laptop or a gaming console to one TV system. Fairly quick and easy to operate, the UGREEN 80125 can be the next big thing for your TV when it comes to 4K movies, gaming, and live streams.
Techole (HS305)
It Goes Both Ways
The Techole model is both a switch and a splitter. And the best thing about it is that all three of its ports can be used as both input and outputs. Well, not like three outputs or three inputs, obviously. We mean that gadget works in two directions. It has two ports on one side and one on the other and you can use them to either connect two TV sets to a single multimedia source or set the system with two sources (a laptop and a PS4, for example) transmitting to a single TV. It is a highly convenient option.
That being said, the model doesn't support the 2-way transmission from two TVs simultaneously, that's not what it is made for. What it is made for is easy switching between the devices (either TV sets or sources) without you having to untangle the wires and reconnect. You will only have to push the button on the splitter, and it will switch to another of the two connected devices. The currently operational port is indicated by a tiny LED light that will turn itself off in case any issues with the connection occur.
The switch/splitter is the HDMI 1.4 version and can transmit video in 4K Ultra HD quality; the selection of supported audio formats is also fairly good, it includes Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and LPCM, among others.
This is one of the smallest models on the market, which makes it a good choice for wall-mounted TVs since it is easy to hide behind the set.
Last updated price | £12.99 |
Stock | May be out of stock |
ASIN | B079FLNWJY |
What Is an HDMI Splitter?
Probably, every one of us has a lot of digital devices at our home or office. They connect our lives together and provide the means to work and relax. And yet, it's easy to get puzzled with the sheer number of cables they come with. So if you've ever struggled with switching HDMI cables from an STB, game console or PC to one TV screen, then these HDMI transmitters are the best solution.
For starters, splitter-type transmitters grab a signal and duplicate it. After that, the twin signals from the splitter go to several displaying devices simultaneously. HDMI switches, on the contrary, can transfer the signal from one or more devices to only one screen.
Obviously, there are many types of such devices with their unique features on the market nowadays. That's why we came up with the idea to find out the best HDMI switches and splitters for all the typical situations that you may encounter while connecting all your HDMI-wired devices at your home or office. So check out this review and choose the best suitable one for your needs.
Likewise, if you need an additional image quality boost, we also recommend giving HDMI cables a quick glance. And if you are looking for other PC hardware, take a look at our USB hubs and memory card readers reviews.
What Features to Compare
With so many modern digital formats and HDMI splitter models available on the market today you may have some troubles picking the right one for your TV, game console, or another HDMI-powered device. Here, we will break down the core features of HDMI switches and splitters so you could pick the one that suits your needs.
Functionality
First of all, make sure you know exactly the kind of HDMI transmitter's functionality you require. Once again, splitters are designed to take an incoming signal, duplicate it and send out to 2 or more displays. Switches are used for connecting many devices to one monitor or TV screen in order not to plug them in and out each time. And if you want the qualities of both, then get an HDMI matrix – it can transfer the signal from many devices to one or more screens. Most of the modern HDMI switches can support several HDMI cables simultaneously as well as 2-way signal transmission. Judging by the number of the output ports (as well as the maximum bandwidth that a single splitter can handle), you can expect to connect 2-5 HDMI-capable devices, depending on the switch model.
Port Specs
And sometimes it's easy to forget how many things we have in our houses. So count up devices with HDMI cables that you have, check out HDMI versions that they work with (you can find this info in the manuals), and then choose the transmitter with port specs that will satisfy your needs. Keep in mind that HDMI is backwards compatible and every HDMI version supports the characteristics of a previous one. That said, newer versions of HDMI cables can handle higher bandwidth, which enables watching your favourite content in bigger resolution with higher refresh rates. Combined with a decent bandwidth powered by the splitter itself, it is possible to achieve a true lossless output signal, given that you have set up the HDMI switch, properly.
Supported Formats
The forward compatibility is another story, though, so there is still a couple of pitfalls you’d want to avoid here. Some devices may not be compatible due to the HDMI version differences. Helpfully, that info can also be found in the manuals. So don't forget to compare the supported formats. Most HDMI switches support basic audio signals like LPCM, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DVD and Blu-ray Audio, DTS-HD, Dolby Atmos, among others. As for the maximum resolution, it is only limited by the bandwidth that a given model supports. This can range from FullHD all the way up to 2K, 4K, and 8K formats. As of HDMI 2.1-powered splitters, the maximum bitrate is capped at 48 Gbit/s, which allows utilising a single splitter to successfully stream the digital signal on multiple devices with little to no loss of output quality. The older, 2.0 version of the HDMI (UHD) can handle up to 18.0 Gbit/s, which should be more than enough to handle 2 to 3 4K (60Hz) monitors or TVs at the same time.
Controls
Controls are the last but not the least important thing to check out. The switches and splitters may come with a wireless IR remote that can come in handy if you are going to put the device far from your hand’s reach, while others may only have a control button right on the body.
Sources:
1. HDMI, Wikipedia.
2. How to Connect HDMI to TV: 12 Steps, wikiHow.
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