If you have features on your TV or computer monitor that you want to utilize, make sure the HDMI splitter you choose also supports those features. A few popular features to look out for are HDR compatibility and surround sound support like Dolby Atmos. If that’s not possible, it’s a matter of trial and error. In my personal testing, the Belfen 4K HDMI Switcher worked flawlessly with both the PS4 Pro and the PS5, and I’m assuming the two top ones will manage it as well – but you won’t know for sure until you try, unfortunately. Sarah has an Associate of Arts from Collin College and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing concentration from Nicholls State University.

An HDMI switcher lets you plug multiple video sources into a single HDMI port on your TV or monitor, then switch between them, which can be handy if you have more game consoles, streaming devices, and computers than HDMI ports. If you’re having this problem, you might also consider buying an AV receiver, which can provide more HDMI ports and can improve audio fidelity if you have a surround sound system. Final thoughts on the best HDMI splitters for dual monitors Why it made the cut: While there are plenty of simple USB-C-to-HDMI adapters out there, Targus’ USB-C delivers the best possible HDMI splitter performance and throws in plenty of ports to match.There are, however, a few products that can serve as BOTH an HDMI Switcher and Splitter, meaning their HDMI ports can serve as either Input or Output. But to keep things simple, it’s usually best to buy a product that fits your specific need. In this article – we’re looking at HDMI Switchers (and one that does both). The device supports an 8K resolution at 60Hz. Additionally, you also get support for 4K@120Hz. Further, there is support for technologies like HDR, HDCP 2.2/2.3, Dolby Vision, and major audio formats. You can connect two HDMI 2.1 inputs to one HDMI 2.1 output. Like the BolAAzul switch before this, this switch from JupptElectronics also is a uni-directional switch. Further, it does not support auto-switching, and it does not come with a remote either. Instead, you have to use the button on the device to switch between the inputs. I'd rather not upgrade to a new AVR just for eARC and given the cost and teething issues with HDMI 2.1, so the solution seems to be a simple HDMI 2.1 splitter for the PS5 to allow the HDMI 2.1 video signal (4K/120Hz/VRR/ALLM etc) to go the TV, and the Hi-res audio (DTS-MA, DD-Tru HD, Atmos) to go to the AVR. First, you need to make sure your HDMI Switcher supports 4K and HDR (as do the PS4 Pro, PS5 and XBOX Series X).

That said, there is also a category of HDMI adapters that can plug into a laptop via USB Type-A, USB-C, or Mini DisplayPort, and output to two monitors. These adapters will give you a more robust set of display options, including an extended desktop across multiple displays. (They can also mirror your laptop across multiple displays.) Usually, these accessories will be called adapters, because they take one connection type and convert it into another. In some cases, they will also be called HDMI splitters, either because that’s what people expect them to be called, or because they want to make our lives harder. Considering how complicated it gets just talking about whether or not you need an HDMI splitter, we’re going to walk through some basic information we think everyone should know before buying one. HDMI adapters and HDMI splitters Finally, the device can be used as a splitter as well. However, due to its limitations, you can only use one display output at a time. Key Features HDMI splitters are fairly simple devices, but they don’t all have the same capabilities. First and foremost, figure out how many video-out ports you need. Personally, I’d suggest mapping out your exact setup, including the positions of each monitor or TV and the video source, as well as a cable management plan for your HDMI cables.Why it made the cut: The Avedio Links HDMI Splitter gets high marks from customers and will be more than adequate for most setups, especially if you’re only concerned with 1080p video. Alternatively, this OREI HDMI splitter is also capable of sending an 8K@60Hz signal, but it doesn’t support downscaling. This means all of your output displays need to support 8K@60Hz if you want to utilize this high resolution and refresh rate combo. If one of your output displays (or your input device) only supports 4K@60Hz, the signal sent to both displays will be the lower 4K@60Hz option.

Connecting a gaming console to your TV is one of the main reasons people buy an HDMI Switch. However, while there should be no issues with the original PS4, the older XBOX, and most other gaming consoles – the PS4 PRO, PS5 and XBOX Series X do raise some concerns. 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. Consider this switch from Avedio Link if you are looking for a basic device that gets the job done. 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. Most devices in the market offer you two inputs that connect to one output. The inputs refer to the video source, and output refers to the display unit. Using an HDMI switch, most users would connect a gaming console and a set-top box to one TV screen.

Pros

Trouble is, with this setup, my PS5 can spin blu ray and 4k UHD discs, but I'm limited to Dolby Digital sound via the ARC or optical.

This device supports the standard format of two inputs that connects to one output. There is no bi-directional support. Also, you do not get an auto-switching option to automatically select the activated input. If you need to split your image among eight displays, Tripp Lite makes the splitter for the job. It’s considerably more expensive than the others but it’s also capable of outputting a video source to eight screens in 4K at up to 60Hz. It’s a suitably heavy-duty unit with all-metal construction, and it even comes with mounting hardware if you want to attach it to a wall or a desktop.

Best HDMI Splitters in 2023

Unfortunately, the device does not support bi-directional operation. Hence, you cannot use it to display one input to two outputs as a splitter. Manual Switching: You switch between the HDMI input ports by pressing a button on the switcher itself. There are several switches available in the market. Most devices come with a 5V DC power inlet. However, some switches do not require additional power. If you plan to connect both input sources perpetually, such devices draw their power from the connected HDMI ports. Do HDMI 2.1 Switches work with PlayStation 5 and Xbox series X? But how will you switch between these three devices? There are three options, depending on the HDMI switcher you buy: