With technology getting more advanced with every year, it is not surprising that many people do not know what an HDMI splitter is or why they would use one. Here is a simple guide to what they are, how to find the best ones, and a review of 10 HDMI splitters on the market now.
Things to know about HDMI splitters
What is an HDMI splitter?
An HDMI splitter is a device that allows you to send audio and video through multiple screens simultaneously. They look very similar to cable boxes being only a few inches wide and long, usually, making them easy to set up in homes, offices, small businesses, and more.
Simple ones are generally very small, have 2 to 4 ports, and are relatively basic. The more complicated ones can have up to 16 ports, are rather large, and even have small display hub that lights up to help with connection management.
Resolutions
Each HDMI splitter has a different video and audio resolution capacity, though it is always important to make sure that the splitter and monitor that it will be connected to will have the same resolution capacity. 4K is becoming one of the most common resolutions now because of how popular and favored 4K TVs are now.
Device compatibility
Some of the most common devices that can be connected through an HDMI splitter are gaming consoles like the Xbox One, PS3, and PS4, high definition TVs, and other similar devices. The most important thing with device compatibility is making sure that the splitter can and will support high data transfers that have a high MHz or GHz rating and be HDCP compliant.
Switch
Some splitters are able to use a switch that displays more than one screen using different data inputs. This allows the user to control each screen’s display, but they are usually more expensive.
Warranty
Many HDMI splitters do not come with a warranty. The ones that do are generally higher quality and higher in price. It is recommended that people looking for the best of the best do get a warranty as a precaution and security.
Best HDMI Splitter & Switch Reviews
OREI HD-102 1×2 1 Port HDMI Powered Splitter Ver 1.3
Specs
Dimensions: 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches by 1 inch
Input: 1
Outputs: 2
Resolutions: 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080P, 1440i, 1440p
Supported audio: LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, DSD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD master audio
Warranty: 3 or 4-year protection plan
A pretty small and standard HDMI splitter, the HD-102 is also available with 4 or 8 outputs, unlike this 2 output model. They share identical or similar specs as well. This splitter has lights right beside the ports to indicate if there is a proper connection or not, unlike other models that usually have a small hub elsewhere, as well as a light beside the power port to indicate if there is a power connection.
PROS
Easy to follow instructions
Affordable
Keeps high video quality
CONS
Short lifespan
Does not work well with some plasma TVs
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Techole Aluminum Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher
Specs
Dimensions: 1 inch by 0.5 inches by 2 inches
Inputs: 1 or 2
Outputs: 2 or 1
Resolutions: 3D, 1080P, 4K x 2K at 30hz resolution
Supported audio: HD audio
Warranty: 2 years
One of the more popular models, this splitter by Teachole has an extremely simple design as it has only 3 ports, 2 light connection indicators on the top, and 1 switch button between both of the lights. What sets this splitter apart from other models is that its input and output ports are bi-directional, making it so that it either has 1 input and 2 outputs or 2 outputs and 1 input.
PROS
Very compact
Works well with Roku stick
Simple to install
CONS
Connection is weak occasionally
HDMI output cables must be thin to not bump each other
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GANA 3 Port 4K HDMI Switch 3×1 Switch Splitter
Specs
Dimensions: 7.6 inches by 6 inches by 1.6 inches
Inputs: 3
Outputs: 1
Resolutions: up to HDTV 4K (3840x2160P) / 30Hz resolution
Supported audio: HD
Warranty: n/a
Instead of having a square or rectangle shape like most other HDMI splitters, this model by GANA is flat with a half circle shape. The flat side is where the input HDMI cables go, an attached output wire coming out of the opposite side. On the top are 3 separate light indicators for the input connections, and above them is the switch button control. This is also one of the cheapest models both on the market and on this list.
PROS
High picture and audio quality
Works well with Firesticks
Long lifespan
CONS
Tends to lag while switching
Tends to switch by itself
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HDMI Splitter Keliiyo 1X4 Ports Powered V1.4b Video Converter
Specs
Dimensions: 3.77 inches by 2.44 inches by 0.86 inches
Inputs: 1
Outputs: 4
Resolutions: 408i, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080P, 3840×2160 30Hz
Supported audio: HD
Warranty: lifetime gaurantee
With a design very common and similar to the others, this splitter is square shaped with the output ports at one end, the input port at the opposite end, and all of the input and output green connection indicator lights as well as the red power indicator light beside the input port. This model is a little less popular than the others mainly because of the operating issues that it often and occasionally has with the video feed.
PROS
Easy screen sharing
Improved compared to the last model
Affordable
CONS
Occasionally distorts the image
Short lifespan
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Techole 4K Aluminum Ver1.4 HDCP, Powered HDMI Splitter
Specs
Dimensions: 3.9 inches by 3.1 inches by 1.2 inches
Inputs: 1
Outputs: 2
Resolutions: 3D, 4K x 2K at 30hz, 1080P at 30hz, 1080P at 60hz
Supported audio: LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, DSD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD master audio
Warranty: 3 or 4-year protection plan
Another popular choice, this HDMI splitter possibly has one of the simplest designs when compared to all of the other models out there, only having the output ports and the green output light indicator on one side while the input port, power cable port, and green power light indicator are all on the other side. What sets it apart is that it is specifically targetted toward those who would use it for connecting consoles, Firesticks, Roku, and/or Blu-Ray players to an Apple TV.
PROS
Works well with multiple consoles and devices
Compact
Sturdy and durable
CONS
Tends to distort or remove audio
Power flickers
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DotStone HDMI Switch Bi-Direction
Specs
Dimensions: 3.5 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.5 inches
Inputs: 1 or 2
Outputs: 2 or 1
Resolutions: 3D, 1080P, 4Kx2K at 30hz
Supported audio: HD
Warranty: 18 months
While this design looks very similar to some of the other models, this HDMI splitter can support video quality up to 4K as well as 3D, a trial not commonly found in cheap splitters. What makes it favored is the fact that it is compatible with many different inputs and outputs including projectors, monitors, TVs, desktop computers, VCD and DVD players, gaming consoles, notebooks and more.
PROS
Affordable
Works well with Firesticks
Compact and easy use
CONS
Tends to cut out audio
Tends to lower video quality
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avedio links 4K HDMI Splitter 1×2 with High-Speed HDMI Cable
Specs
Dimensions: 2.4 inches 2.2 inches by 0.8 inches
Inputs: 1
Outputs: 2
Resolutions: 4K, 3480x2160p, 3D, 480i at 60Hz, 480p at 60Hz, 576i at 50Hz, 576p at 50Hz, 720p at 50/60Hz, 1080i at 50/60Hz, 1080p at 50/60Hz, 1080P 24Hz 3D, 720 60Hz, 4K at 30HZ
Supported audio: DTS-HD, Dolby-true HD, LPCM7.1, DTS, Dolby-AC3, DSD, HD(HBR)
Warranty: n/a
A little more costly, though not by much, this model comes with an HDMI cable, unlike many others, and also supports the higher video resolutions including 4K and 3D. The one thing it does not come with is a power adapter, though it does come with the USB cord needed, just not the adapter.
PROS
Maintains video and audio quality
Works well with Roku and Slingbox
Detailed installation instructions
CONS
Audio tends to stop working
Does not work well with a soundbar
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Univivi HDMI Switch 4K 5 Port 5×1 HDMI Switcher Splitter Box
Specs
Dimensions: 2.36 inches by 4.33 inches by 0.86 inches
Inputs: 5
Outputs: 1
Resolutions: 4K at 30Hz
Supported audio: DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM7.1, PCM, DTS, Dolby Digital AC3, DSD
Warranty: 3 or 4-year protection plan
Possibly the one with the most modern or futuristic look, this splitter by Univivi is the only one on this list that is shaped like a rectangle instead of a square. It has a sleek finish on the top and is silver around the sides where the input, output, and power ports are along with the light indicator hub.
Despite being compatible with a large variety of gaming consoles, streaming sticks, TVs, and disk-running devices and having more ports than most of the other models, this is still one of the more affordable models on the market.
PROS
Affordable
Easy to set up
Reliable
CONS
Does not work well Android TV box
Acts up when connected with gaming consoles
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SOWTECH 1X2 HDMI Splitter Version 1.4
Specs
Dimensions: 2.6 inches by 2.5 inches by 0.9 inches
Inputs: 1
Outputs: 2
Resolutions: 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080P, 3D
Supported audio: LPCM, Dolby-AC3, DTS7.1, DSD, Dolby and True HD, DTS-HD master audio
Warranty: 1 year manufacture
The main difference between this HDMI splitter and other models, excluding the specs and size, is the fact that the light indicators, which are normally always green, are red. Also, unlike other models that have a resolution capacity of 4K and 3D, this model can support 3D but not 4K, only going as high up as 1080P.
However, its higher quality input and output ports are very favored for their gold plating which keeps the splitter’s temperature lower than most of the other models. It also helps to keep the splitter alive longer than the average model.
PROS
Fast response time
Works well Xfinity’s X1 and Slingbox 500
Sturdy
CONS
Tends to act up when connected with 4K TV
Input and Output ports occasionally stop working
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gofanco Prophecy 1×2 HDMI 2.0 Splitter
Specs
Dimenisions: 3.2 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.7 inch
Inputs: 1
Outputs: 2
Resolutions: 4K at 60Hz (4:4:4 8-bit), HDR 4K at 60Hz (4:2:0 10-bit), 3D, xvYCC, x.v.Color & Deep Color
Supported audio: 7.1, 5.1, 2.1 Ch., Dolby Digital, DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD audio
Warranty: 1-year limited / 3 – 4-year protection plan
With its small design and built-in brackets, this HDMI splitter can be mounted practically anywhere a few screws would allow, although it does not have to be mounted. When compared with the first splitter, the one by OREI, these look almost identical but have different specs. They are often easily confused for each other by consumers because they look so similar.
PROS
Consistently maintains audio and video quality
Works well with consoles
Long lifespan
CONS
Tends to lag after being shut down
Does not work well with Slingbox
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