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The best HDMI splitters of 2024: Expert recommended
An HDMI splitter may seem like a simple device, but it's a game-changer for anyone looking to share a single HDMI signal across multiple displays! Imagine connecting an HDMI cable from your media center PC to the splitter's input, then effortlessly linking HDMI cables from the splitter's output ports to your TVs and monitors. This setup is not just for home entertainment systems, it's also a staple in offices, conference centers, and venues that require seamless output distribution to multiple screens or TVs.However, not all HDMI splitters are created equal. Some models come with power capabilities, acting as repeaters that boost the HDMI digital signal. This feature is particularly beneficial when you need to transmit the signal over long distances, ensuring that your video and audio quality remain top-notch.So whether you're setting up a multi-screen gaming experience, enhancing your home theater, or facilitating presentations in a professional setting, an HDMI splitter is your key to a clutter-free and efficient display setup!Also:The best power banks: Expert testedWhat is the best HDMI splitter right now?I've spent years testing tech products and accessories ranging from HDMI splitters to electric screwdrivers to portable power stations. Before we go for the deep dive on HDMI splitters, let me cut to the chase and tell you that for the majority of people who are looking for an HDMI splitter, the Amazon Basics HDMI Splitter is all you'll need. It takes an input and can push that out to two displays. It's simple to use and super reliable.Stay tuned to find out what else makes this the best overall HDMI splitter, and for a bunch of alternatives that can cater to those who need something different. Sort by All The best HDMI splitters of 2024 Show less View now at Amazon If you need to send one source signal to two displays simultaneously -- for example, sending the output from a computer to two monitors, or to a TV and a projector -- this is the splitter for you.It might seem basic, but for a good 90% of those who need a splitter, this is all you'll need. There's no point overspending on an all-singing, all-dancing HDMI splitter if you just need to split a signal into two displays.This splitter also supports up to 4K@60Hz -- again, more than enough for most people's needs. It's a solid, reliable unit, and the reviews on Amazon support this conclusion.Amazon Basics HDMI Splitter tech specs:2-in:1-out | Up to 4K@60Hz | Power: USB-A to microUSB power cable (USB adapter not included) Pros Inexpensive Everything most people need No controls or buttons Cons Only mirrors output, no switching Power adapter not included If you need to send one source signal to two displays simultaneously -- for example, sending the output from a computer to two monitors, or to a TV and a projector -- this is the splitter for you.It might seem basic, but for a good 90% of those who need a splitter, this is all you'll need. There's no point overspending on an all-singing, all-dancing HDMI splitter if you just need to split a signal into two displays.This splitter also supports up to 4K@60Hz -- again, more than enough for most people's needs. It's a solid, reliable unit, and the reviews on Amazon support this conclusion.Amazon Basics HDMI Splitter tech specs:2-in:1-out | Up to 4K@60Hz | Power: USB-A to microUSB power cable (USB adapter not included) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon We've gone from basic to high-tech. This HDMI splitter takes a single HDMI input and splits it up to four times, but rather than sending the signal along HDMI cables, it sends it over an ethernet cable.If you have a big home, this could very well be the solution you are looking for, but this model has been designed for bigger workloads, such as classrooms, digital signage, churches, meeting rooms, and conference centers.For such a specialist unit, there aren't a huge number of reviews, but what is out there shows this to be a strong product.Vpfet HDMI Extender Splitter tech specs:1-in:4-out | up to 1920x1200@60Hz and 1080p@60Hz | Up to 165 ft range | Power: 12V power adapter Pros High-tech Perfect for long cable hauls Supports Power Over Channel (POC) tech, so receiver units don't need separate power Cons Overkill for most users Pricey We've gone from basic to high-tech. This HDMI splitter takes a single HDMI input and splits it up to four times, but rather than sending the signal along HDMI cables, it sends it over an ethernet cable.If you have a big home, this could very well be the solution you are looking for, but this model has been designed for bigger workloads, such as classrooms, digital signage, churches, meeting rooms, and conference centers.For such a specialist unit, there aren't a huge number of reviews, but what is out there shows this to be a strong product.Vpfet HDMI Extender Splitter tech specs:1-in:4-out | up to 1920x1200@60Hz and 1080p@60Hz | Up to 165 ft range | Power: 12V power adapter Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Not many people will want an HDMI splitter with 8 outputs, but if you are one of those people wanting to drive a lot of displays, this is a perfect solution.This unit looks industrial and much like a network switch. It has LED lights on the front to show which ports are active, and it takes a 5V DC power input.This splitter has decent input and output ranges (33.5 and 66.5 feet, respectively). It supports both copy mode, where the input is protected to all eight outputs, and extended mode, where, when connected to a computer, the output can be a second display. The reviews are very positive, with owners citing excellent quality and reliability, with no lag.Icuixian HDMI splitter tech specs:1-in/8-out | 4Kx2k@30Hz | Power: 5V DC Pros Lots of outputs Good input and output range Supports copy and extended modes Cons Bulky unit LEDs on the front might be annoying in some situations Not many people will want an HDMI splitter with 8 outputs, but if you are one of those people wanting to drive a lot of displays, this is a perfect solution.This unit looks industrial and much like a network switch. It has LED lights on the front to show which ports are active, and it takes a 5V DC power input.This splitter has decent input and output ranges (33.5 and 66.5 feet, respectively). It supports both copy mode, where the input is protected to all eight outputs, and extended mode, where, when connected to a computer, the output can be a second display. The reviews are very positive, with owners citing excellent quality and reliability, with no lag.Icuixian HDMI splitter tech specs:1-in/8-out | 4Kx2k@30Hz | Power: 5V DC Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This is the perfect splitter for modern gaming consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as high-end gaming PCs and capture cards. Its support for high resolutions and frame rates puts it at a caliber above the rest. It also understands HDCP2.3 copy protection, so there are fewer hassles when it comes to outputting the video stream.EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) switches allow the switch to work with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and there's also a built-in downscale that allows the splitter to handle resolution changes.This is more than most people need, but it is a worthwhile choice for those wanting to stream games to the web or move high-resolution media to multiple displays.EzcooTech HDMI Splitter tech specs:1-in:2-out | Up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz | Power: USB-C input Pros Handles high resolutions and frame rates Perfect for capture cards for streaming gaming to the web Built-in Dolby support Cons High resolutions and frame rates demand quality cables Does not work with Sonos This is the perfect splitter for modern gaming consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as high-end gaming PCs and capture cards. Its support for high resolutions and frame rates puts it at a caliber above the rest. It also understands HDCP2.3 copy protection, so there are fewer hassles when it comes to outputting the video stream.EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) switches allow the switch to work with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and there's also a built-in downscale that allows the splitter to handle resolution changes.This is more than most people need, but it is a worthwhile choice for those wanting to stream games to the web or move high-resolution media to multiple displays.EzcooTech HDMI Splitter tech specs:1-in:2-out | Up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz | Power: USB-C input Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This is a simple 1-in/1-out repeater with one simple job -- extending the span of HDMI cabling you can use. The manufacturer claims it can take an input cable of up to 15m/49ft and an output 10m/33ft.It supports a broad range of audio formats, including DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, Dolby-AC3, and DSD.Not many people will need a repeater because their HDMI inputs and outputs will be close together, but if you do, this is a great choice, and it's a product with strong reviews.Bytecc HDMI Repeater tech specs:1-in:1-out | 8K@60Hz | USB-C input 5V/2A Pros Sleek and simple USB-C powered Support for long cable input and output Cons Repeater only, not a splitter This is a simple 1-in/1-out repeater with one simple job -- extending the span of HDMI cabling you can use. The manufacturer claims it can take an input cable of up to 15m/49ft and an output 10m/33ft.It supports a broad range of audio formats, including DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, Dolby-AC3, and DSD.Not many people will need a repeater because their HDMI inputs and outputs will be close together, but if you do, this is a great choice, and it's a product with strong reviews.Bytecc HDMI Repeater tech specs:1-in:1-out | 8K@60Hz | USB-C input 5V/2A Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best HDMI splitter? HDMI splitters are one of those things that most people will never need, and most of those who do need one will only need something simple, which is why my top pick is the Amazon Basics HDMI Splitter 1-in/2-out splitter. It's cheap and cheerful, and does what more than 90% of those who will want an HDMI splitter will ever need.HDMI SplitterPriceInputsOutputsMax ResolutionAmazon Basics HDMI Splitter $141 2 4K@60Hz Vpfet HDMI Extender Splitter$130 1 4 1920x1200@60Hz Icuixian HDMI Splitter $321 8 4K@30Hz EzcooTech HDMI Splitter $30 1 2 8K@60Hz Bytecc HDMI Repeater $24 1 1 8K@60Hz Show more Which is the right HDMI splitter for you? Choose thisHDMI splitterIf you wantAmazon Basics HDMI SplitterA simple, inexpensive HDMI splitter. Most people will want to split one input into two outputs, and this does that.Vpfet HDMI Extender SplitterA professional splitter that pushes the signal to receiver units over network cable. This is great for more complicated home setups.Icuixian HDMI SplitterTo push and output to a lot of displays. This is less of the home and more for classrooms, conference rooms, and such.EzcooTech HDMI SplitterSupport for high resolutions and framerates. This is perfect for those who want to use capture cards and run high-end PCs and game consoles.Bytecc HDMI RepeaterA simple HDMI repeater. Perfect for pushing audio and video across long cable lengths. Show more Factors to consider when choosing the best HDMI splitter When choosing an HDMI splitter, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right one for your needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:Number of outputs: How many displays do you want to connect to the splitter? HDMI splitters are available with different numbers of outputs, ranging from two to eight or more.Resolution and refresh rate: You will need to make sure that the HDMI splitter you choose supports the resolution and refresh rate of your source device and displays.Audio format: Are you using audio formats such as Dolby Digital or DTS? If so, you need to make sure that the HDMI splitter supports the audio format you want to use.Signal boosting: If you need to transmit the HDMI signal over long distances, consider a powered HDMI splitter. These act as repeaters and boost the digital HDMI signal, allowing you to surpass the normal length limitations of the format.Budget: Consider your budget when choosing an HDMI splitter. Prices can vary depending on the brand, number of ports, and additional features. The more features you want, the more it will cost you. Show more How did we choose these HDMI splitters? Most people never need an HDMI splitter. They hook up their media output to a single TV or monitor and they're done. But there are those who want to make things more complicated, taking a single output and pushing that to multiple displays. Throw in audio formats such as those from Dolby and things can get more complicated.Fortunately, there is an HDMI splitter to suit your needs, from simple to complicated.I have year of reviewing a variety of tech products and accessories ranging from large power stations to tiny thermal cameras for phones. To filter down the whole of the HDMI splitter market to a handful of choices, I've relied heavily on user reviews. There are so many different input and output devices and setups that the crowdsourcing nature of user reviews was the best approach to selecting the best HDMI splitters. Show more What is an HDMI splitter? As the name suggests, an HDMI splitter takes an HDMI input signal from a source device (such as a games console or media box) and splits it into multiple output signals, allowing you to connect multiple displays to a single source device. Show more How long can an HDMI cable be before you need a powered splitter? While there is no maximum length for an HDMI cable specified in the specs, signal attenuation (think leakage) and cable quality normally limits it (with the best quality cables and components, the limit is about 15 meters/49 feet). Show more Can an HDMI splitter be used to connect multiple source devices to a single display? No, a splitter splits the input into multiple outputs. If you want to connect multiple sources to a single display, you need an HDMI switch such as the Anker HDMI Switch that allows two inputs to be switched between on a single display.If you want to get even more fancy and take multiple inputs and mix them, adding things like transitions and even picture-in-picture, you need an HDMI mixer, such as the RGBlink Mini Video Mixer Switcher, which can take four HDMI inputs, along with an audio input, and mix those into one output. Show more Are there alternative HDMI splitters worth considering? Here are a few alternative HDMI splitters for your consideration. While these didn't make it onto the main listing, don't let that put you off because they are very capable units. Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends
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