Have you used up every HDMI port on your TV and now have no room left for another gaming console, PC, or streaming box? No biggie. You don’t need to hunt for a new TV with extra HDMI ports; any of the devices listed below will do the trick.
An HDMI switch
Credit: UGREEN
Buying an HDMI switch is the most affordable and most straightforward way to get your hands on extra HDMI ports. All you’ve got to do is plug multiple HDMI ports into it and then plug the switches’ HDMI port to your TV. Then you can switch between different HDMI inputs with a flick of a button.
A decent HDMI switch featuring two HDMI inputs and one output runs for about $15. The main downside of affordable HDMI switches is that they usually don’t pack a remote; you have to press the button on the switch to cycle through different HDMI inputs, which can be less than ideal if you tuck the switch behind the TV.
There are pricier options that pack more HDMI ports and include a remote. The good news is that even a mid-range HDMI switch won’t blow a large hole in your wallet.
Before pulling the trigger, make sure the switch you’re eyeing comes with features you need. Most support 4k@60Hz signals, but not every switch supports HDR or surround sound.
I also recommend getting a switch with more HDMI ports than you need at the moment. Chances are you’ll get more HDMI devices in the future, so it’s better to overprovide now than to have to spend cash again on a new switch tomorrow.
If you only need a simple switch with two HDMI inputs, get the GANA 4K@60Hz HDMI switch. It only costs $15, but it doesn’t come with a remote. For $11 more, you can get an Ilano HDMI 2.1 switch that supports HDR and VRR.
The Anker 4K@60Hz switch, which comes with four HDMI inputs, a remote, and HDR support, is a great mid-range choice. Another excellent mid-range option is the UGREEN 4K@60Hz 5-in1 HDMI Switch. Finally, if you want HDMI 2.1 support, check out the UGREEN 8K@60Hz switch that packs five HDMI inputs, supports up to 4K@240Hz signals with all bells and whistles, and includes a remote.
An AV receiver
Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek
If a simple HDMI switch won’t cut it, you can get an audio-video receiver. While their primary function is to amplify and route sound signals, AV receivers can also play the role of an HDMI switch. A fancy and expensive one, but an HDMI switch nonetheless.
The best way to use an AV receiver as an HDMI switch, without speakers connected to it, is to get one that supports standby passthrough. This feature allows the receiver to pass both audio and video signals to the TV while in standby, without processing the audio.
When powered on, most AV receivers automatically process audio signals, but you can find models that support audio and video passthrough even while they’re on.
That said, I absolutely don’t recommend buying an AV receiver solely for the extra HDMI ports. Even budget models that pack multiple HDMI ports cost 10x as much as a mid-range HDMI switch, with high-end options commanding four-digit prices. If you’re considering getting one, at least pick up an affordable pair of used bookshelf speakers to use with the receiver.
The good news is that the majority of AV receivers, aside from the most affordable ones, come with multiple HDMI inputs. The usual setup includes four HDMI inputs and one output. Good news doesn’t stop there—most AV receivers featuring multiple HDMI inputs also support HDMI 2.1 and HDR. Just make sure the receiver supports the HDR formats you need if you plan to plug an HDR-capable device into it.
A soundbar with HDMI eARC support
Credit: Bose
The third option includes buying a soundbar with eARC support and multiple HDMI inputs. The catch is that most budget models, even many pricier options, have only one HDMI input at best.
Another issue is that soundbars usually can’t pass through 4K@120Hz signals along with HDR and/or VRR. If you need that, do your diligence and make sure the model you plan on getting supports all the HDMI features you need.
Lastly, soundbars packing more than one HDMI input are usually quite expensive. You’d be better off getting a decent AV receiver and a pair of speakers, which would not only give you more HDMI ports but also HDMI 2.1 support and (likely) a better audio experience.
If you really want a soundbar, the JBL Bar 1000MK2 is a highly regarded option that offers excellent sound quality, eARC support, and three HDMI inputs.
The most affordable and most straightforward way to add more HDMI ports to your TV is to get an HDMI switch. They’re cheap, and you don’t have to pay a fortune for a model with HDMI 2.1 and HDR support that packs four or more HDMI inputs. The second-best option is an AV receiver, but I only recommend getting one if you plan to use speakers with it.
While there are soundbars with multiple HDMI inputs, you’ll have to hunt for one since most soundbars only have one HDMI input. Personally, I’d recommend a soundbar only if you have a specific use case that rules out using an HDMI switch or an AV receiver.
