HDMI Splitter vs. HDMI Switch: Which Should You Buy?

If you find yourself running out of HDMI inputs, or want to send the signal from one source to multiple TVs, you'll need either a switch or a splitter. Also called switchers or distribution amplifiers, these devices act as a sort of traffic cop directing the signals from sources such as game consoles and cable/satellite boxes to TVs and projectors. Manually swapping HDMI cables can lead to wear and tear not just on the cables, but on the devices themselves -- not to mention it's wholly inconvenient.

The words "switch" and "splitter" are often used interchangeably, but the devices themselves actually serve opposite purposes. We'll get into more detail, but the short version is that an HDMI switch takes multiple sources and lets you choose (switch) between them, with one cable connected to your TV. A splitter takes one source and splits its signal to multiple displays at the same time.

Read more: 7 tips for a better home theater: Mount your TV, hide wires and more

Main difference between an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch

• An HDMI switch takes multiple sources (Xbox, Roku, cable box, etc.) and sends one cable to your TV or other device.
  
• An HDMI splitter takes one source and sends it across multiple cables to multiple TVs.
  

For most of you reading, you'll probably want a switch. While there are many situations that require a splitter, they're not as common for typical use.

HDMI switches: When you don't have enough inputs

The prime reason to get an HDMI switch is if your TV, AV receiver or soundbar has too few inputs for the number of sources you have. For instance, your TV has two HDMI inputs and you have a cable box, a Roku and an Xbox, so not all can be connected at the same time, forcing you to swap HDMI cables between sources. I'm sure many of you have both an Xbox and a PlayStation, and constantly have to switch HDMI cables just to play a game on the other. A switch would help there, too. Fortunately, they aren't that expensive.

A few things to keep in mind when you're shopping for switches. First, get more inputs than you need. While it's possible you'll swap out a streaming device or game console for a new model, it's equally likely you'll get something new and need yet another HDMI input. Also, consider getting a switch that lets you change sources with a remote control. They're not essential by any means, but they definitely make things more convenient.

It's crucial to make sure whatever switch you're considering at least matches the resolution and HDMI version of your latest gear. Some inexpensive switches are the much older HDMI 1.4. This is fine for 1080p resolution, but not for modern 4K. It's worth making sure (and potentially paying a little extra) for a switch that's at least HDMI 2.0. You can't "upgrade" an HDMI 1.4 switch to 2.0. Some newer switches are HDMI 2.1. HDMI 2.0 can do HDR, but 2.1 adds a few features that you might use.  

If you're on the fence about needing a switch, consider this: HDMI ports on TVs and other gear were not built for repeated connection and disconnection. Yanking that HDMI cable out every time you want to switch sources is putting wear and tear on your cables and gear. A switch will decrease that wear and tear, extending the life of your gear as well as easing the hassle of using your AV system.

For more info about HDMI switches as well as a few recommendations and alternatives, check out: Not Enough HDMI Inputs on Your TV? Here's What To Do.

HDMI splitters: One source, multiple TVs

If you have one source and want to send that source's signal to multiple TVs, you need an HDMI splitter. These are sometimes called distribution amplifiers. Perhaps the TV is in a different room, or maybe you use a TV for daytime viewing and a projector at night, all in the same space. A splitter will duplicate a signal and send it out through multiple HDMI cables. Some splitters are also switches, with multiple "ins" and multiple "outs." We'll talk about those in the next section.

If you want to use two displays at the same time, keep in mind that the maximum resolution will be limited to the lowest-resolution display. So, if you have a 4K source connected to both a 4K TV and a 1080p TV, the source will output at 1080p. Most splitters won't downscale the signal to 1080p just for the lower-resolution TV. However, some models do offer this feature and are usually labeled as something like "HDMI Down-Scaling Splitter."

In theory, you shouldn't run into copy protection issues... in theory. You should be able to send any content you want through a splitter to multiple TVs. But that doesn't guarantee everything will work smoothly. HDCP "handshakes" can feel like black magic -- sometimes the only fix seems to be dancing around an HDMI logo painted on your floor in unicorn tears. This is especially true with older displays and sources. Before you buy a splitter, make sure it supports HDCP. That's usually mentioned in the product description.

Though there are some unpowered splitters on the market, you're probably better off getting a powered one. They're only slightly more money, and there's a better chance your setup will work without dropouts or connectivity issues.

We don't currently have recommendations for specific HDMI splitters, but you can find plenty of options for $10 or less at Amazon. I've used a Monoprice splitter in my testing lab for years.

Important note: Some products at Amazon (and elsewhere) are mislabeled. In the link for splitters below, for example, a few switches showed up, and one is a switch, not a splitter, even though the words "HDMI splitter" appear in its description. But now that you've read this far, you know the difference and can shop with confidence, right? 

What does 1x3 mean? Is it the same as 3x1?

Splitters and many switches are labeled with the number of inputs and outputs, typically separated by an "x" -- read as "by" or, more accurately, "to." For example, a "3x1" switch has three inputs (for sources) going to one output (the display). A "1x3" splitter, on the other hand, takes one input and sends it to three outputs.

Meanwhile, unlike the mislabeled devices mentioned above, there are devices that combine a switch and a splitter in the same box. A "4x2" switch, for example, is also a splitter, with four inputs and two outputs. It can send any of four sources to two TVs. These are also called matrix splitters, matrix switches and sometimes everything at once: a matrix splitter switcher. A similar device might be able to change modes -- functioning as either a 2x1 switch or a 1x2 splitter -- but these are fairly rare.

The number of inputs and outputs scales up considerably on the commercial side, where you could have 16x16 splitters/switches or more. CNET's TV lab uses an 8x8 matrix switch for sending multiple 4K HDR signals to multiple TVs for side-by-side comparison testing.

Here's a quick summary:

• Unlike with multiplication, 1x3 is not the same as 3x1
  
• The first number is inputs
• The second number is outputs
• An HDMI switch would be labeled, for example, 3x1 (three source inputs to one output)
  
• An HDMI splitter would be labeled, for example, 1x3 (one source input to three outputs)

This is how it's supposed to work, of course. But some companies play fast and loose with their descriptions. It's best to check images of the actual device to see how the HDMI connections are labeled and count for yourself.

Tips for buying and setting up an HDMI switch or HDMI splitter

Remember that when setting up your new switch or splitter, you'll likely need to buy HDMI cables, too. Most people keep their switches, sources and TV near one another, so shorter lengths are both less expensive and more convenient (less slack to deal with). As mentioned above, make sure your switch and cables can handle the resolution from your gear.

Read more: Best HDMI cables for 2025

One final thing to keep in mind: Adding any device to the HDMI chain has the potential to cause issues. HDMI is a cranky beast, and it's possible you'll stumble upon some combination of source, switch/splitter, cables and display that just don't work. Or even more frustrating, they don't work reliably, randomly cutting out like the world's lamest electrical demon. There's no way to prevent this from happening, and it's not common -- it's just something to keep in mind. You might need to do some troubleshooting. You might be able to resolve the issue by turning the gear on in a specific order, but that might not work either. There's no simple workaround for this, just trial and error.

In the majority of situations, a switch will make your life a little easier, and a splitter can allow certain gear setups that wouldn't be possible otherwise. Handy little devices, no? 

 
Note: This guide was first published in 2019 but has been updated with new links and info.

In addition to covering audio and display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000-mile road trips and more.

Also, check out Budget Travel for Dummies and his bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines. You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube.