Best HDMI 2.1 Switches for 2025 (4K120, VRR, eARC)

Modern TVs typically include only one or two HDMI 2.1 ports, creating a bottleneck when you own a PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, and streaming devices. An HDMI 2.1 switch solves this by letting you connect multiple sources while preserving 4K at 120 Hz or higher, VRR for tear-free gaming, and premium HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

This guide covers switches ranging from budget four-input models for 4K@60Hz to premium options supporting 8K@60Hz and 4K@240Hz gaming. I'll explain which features matter for your specific setup, whether you need basic input expansion, high-refresh gaming, peripheral sharing with KVM functionality, or multi-display matrix routing. You'll also find practical wiring advice, troubleshooting tips, and compatibility notes for your devices.

For understanding related terms, see HDMI 2.1 Features and Technical Terms at the end of this guide.

The right switch depends on your input count, refresh rate needs, and special features like KVM functionality. Budget options work well for basic 4K@60Hz home theaters with multiple streaming devices. High-refresh gamers need full 48 Gbps bandwidth for 4K@120Hz or higher. Dual-PC users benefit from KVM switches that share peripherals. Commercial or multi-room setups require matrix routing for independent display control.

Remember to pair your switch with certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables to ensure full bandwidth and feature support.

Four inputs at an affordable price make this the best value for basic 4K@60Hz setups. Compatible with all major devices and supports common audio formats including Dolby AC3/5.1/7.1 and DTS. HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.3 support provides reliable compatibility with modern streaming devices and gaming consoles at 4K@60Hz. This is the go-to choice when you need four HDMI inputs for streaming devices, Blu-ray players, and older consoles without high-refresh gaming requirements.

Who should buy this:

• Home theater setups with multiple 4K sources at 60Hz
• Users with four basic sources like streaming devices, Blu-ray players, and older consoles
• Anyone prioritizing input count over high refresh rates

Pros: Four inputs, universal compatibility, IR remote included, lightweight design, HDCP 2.3 support.

Cons: Limited to 4K@60Hz, not ideal for high-refresh gaming, 5m cable length limit.

Full HDMI 2.1 support with 48 Gbps bandwidth handles 8K@60Hz and 4K at up to 144Hz. Native VRR, AMD FreeSync, and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility deliver smooth gaming. Support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos keeps picture and sound quality at the highest level. This is the best choice for high-refresh gaming when you need two inputs with maximum bandwidth and premium HDR formats.

Who should buy this:

• High-refresh gamers with PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC
• Two consoles or sources needing true 4K@120Hz or 4K@144Hz with VRR and ALLM
• Users who prioritize maximum bandwidth, premium HDR formats, and gaming features

Pros: True HDMI 2.1 specs, high refresh rates up to 144Hz, VRR and gaming features, premium HDR and audio, IR remote and manual switching.

Cons: Only two inputs, requires USB-C power.

Share keyboard, mouse, and USB devices between two computers while switching displays. Four USB 3.0 ports (three USB-A plus one USB-C) transfer data at 5Gbps. Handles 8K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz, and variable refresh rates. Includes desktop controller and all necessary cables. This is the ideal solution for dual-PC setups where you want to share peripherals between computers while maintaining high-quality video.

Who should buy this:

• PC plus console setups needing shared keyboard, mouse, and USB devices
• Dual-PC configurations for work and gaming on the same desk
• Content creators switching between multiple computers with shared peripherals

Pros: Built-in KVM for peripheral sharing, 8K and high refresh support, USB 3.0 hub, aluminum housing, desktop controller included.

Cons: Requires dual USB cable connections, only two HDMI inputs.

Commercial-grade 4x4 matrix routes any of four inputs to any of four outputs independently. Each output can display a different source simultaneously. Automatic downscaling to 1080p on two outputs allows mixed-resolution displays. RS-232 control enables integration with automation systems. This is the professional solution for multi-room setups and commercial installations where you need independent routing to multiple displays.

Who should buy this:

• Multiple displays or commercial installations needing independent routing
• Multi-room setups with different sources on different displays simultaneously
• Home theaters with multiple displays, projectors, and automation systems

Pros: True 4x4 independent routing, downscaling support, commercial reliability, multiple control options (remote, buttons, RS-232).

Cons: HDMI 2.0 only (4K@60Hz max), higher cost, overkill for single-display setups.

HDMI 2.1 Switch Comparison

Feature	UGREEN 2-in-1 Switch	Anker 4-in-1 Switch	UGREEN KVM Switch	OREI 4x4 Matrix
Inputs / Outputs	2x1	4x1	2x1 with KVM	4x4 matrix
Bandwidth claim	48 Gbps	18 Gbps	48 Gbps	18 Gbps
Resolution support	8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 4K@120Hz, 1080p@240Hz	4K@60Hz	8K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz, 4K@120Hz, 1080p@240Hz	4K@60Hz
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1	HDMI 2.0	HDMI 2.1	HDMI 2.0
VRR / Gaming	VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync, ALLM	3D, CEC support	VRR-compatible, low latency	HDR10 support
HDR support	HDR10+, Dolby Vision	Standard formats	Standard formats	HDR10
Audio	Dolby Atmos, DTS 7.1	Dolby AC3/5.1/7.1, DTS, DSD	Standard audio passthrough	Standard audio passthrough
Power	USB-C powered	DC 5V USB-C	Dual USB-C required	Wall powered
Control	IR remote, manual button	IR remote, button	Button, desktop controller	Remote, buttons, RS-232
Special features	RGB 8/10/12 bit, QMS, QFT	Lightweight (3.52 oz)	4x USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps), KVM	Auto downscale, commercial grade

Proper setup and understanding of key specifications ensures full benefits from HDMI 2.1 features. This section covers physical connections, cable requirements, and specifications that impact real-world performance.

Cable requirements: Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables (with the official certification label on packaging and cable jacket) for all connections to prevent signal dropouts, flickering, and bandwidth limitations.

Basic connection:

1. Connect each source (console, PC, streaming device) to the switch inputs
2. Connect the switch output to your TV's HDMI 2.1 port (consult TV manual for ports supporting 4K@120Hz, as not all ports may support full bandwidth)
3. For audio systems with eARC, connect the TV's eARC port directly to your soundbar or AVR's eARC port for uncompressed audio formats

For KVM switches: Connect both USB cables from each PC to the KVM switch for simultaneous power delivery and data transfer.

For capture cards: Use a certified 1 in 2 out HDMI 2.1 splitter to send signals simultaneously to both the TV and capture card, or use a matrix switch (such as 4x4 models) for independent routing to multiple displays.

Tips for reliable operation:

• Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables end to end on all connections
• If a device defaults to 60 Hz, switch inputs away and back to force EDID renegotiation, then re-enable 120 Hz in device settings
• Keep TV, GPU, console, and switch firmware current to maintain compatibility with new features and resolve known bugs
• Disable auto-switching features on always-on devices (like streaming sticks) to prevent unwanted input changes and resynchronization
• For USB-powered switches, use quality short cables (under 6 feet); for longer cable runs, choose wall-powered switches and consider active or optical HDMI cables

HDMI Switch Specifications

Specification	Why It Matters	Recommended Minimum
Bandwidth	Enables 4K@120Hz with HDR and high color depth without compression	40 Gbps (FRL5) for current needs; 48 Gbps for future-proofing
VRR & ALLM	Eliminates screen tearing and automatically activates low-latency gaming mode	Full support for both features
eARC	Transmits lossless Dolby TrueHD/Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio to sound systems	Reliable eARC passthrough or extraction
CEC Control	Enables one-remote operation across all connected devices	Must support disabling or offer granular configuration
Firmware Updates	Maintains compatibility with new TVs, consoles, and GPUs	Active vendor support with available update tools

Common setup challenges and device-specific quirks can prevent you from getting full HDMI 2.1 performance. This section provides quick fixes for frequent issues and compatibility notes for major gaming platforms.

No 4K120 or VRR: Confirm the source is set to 4K120 with VRR, make sure every device and cable is rated for 40 Gbps or better, and swap any cable that fails certification.

eARC dropouts: Connect soundbar directly to TV's eARC port instead of through the switch. Set the TV audio mode to eARC Pass-Through and disable auto switching on always-on streamers.

Black screen after sleep: Toggle inputs to refresh the connection. On PC, temporarily drop to 10-bit 4:2:2, then switch back to 4:4:4 after the link stabilizes.

PS5: Supports HDR10, 120 Hz, and VRR. Now includes Dolby Atmos for games over HDMI to compatible sound systems. Does not output Dolby Vision.

Xbox Series X: Supports Dolby Vision gaming on compatible TVs at up to 120 Hz, although some TVs display an advisory about increased input lag. Most users stick with HDR10 at 120 Hz.

PC GPUs: HDMI 2.1 outputs with VRR work through these switches. Keep GPU drivers current for the smoothest handshakes and compatibility.

HDMI 2.2 raises peak link bandwidth to 96 Gbps and introduces the Ultra96 cable tier, plus a new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) that helps devices keep audio and video in sync. Ultra96 cables are expected in late 2025, with first devices arriving in 2026 and broader adoption through 2027. Backward compatibility means current HDMI 2.1 switches remain the right buy for today's 4K120 setups.

Do switches add input lag? Quality HDMI 2.1 switches operate near zero processing time, typically under 1 ms, which is below human perception. Your TV's processing settings and game mode affect latency far more than the switch itself.

Can I combine 4K120 and Dolby Vision? Yes, the UGREEN 2-in-1 supports Dolby Vision at high refresh rates. Xbox Series X outputs Dolby Vision gaming on compatible TVs. PS5 does not output Dolby Vision but works perfectly with HDR10+.

Which switch is best for 4K120 gaming? The UGREEN 2-in-1 delivers true 48 Gbps bandwidth with native support for 4K@120Hz and 4K@144Hz, plus VRR, FreeSync, and G-Sync.

What if I need to switch between two PCs? Get the UGREEN KVM to share keyboard, mouse, and USB devices while switching displays. It handles 8K@60Hz and 4K@240Hz with a desktop controller for quick switching.

Can I use these switches with older 4K@60Hz equipment? Yes, all switches are backward compatible. The Anker 4-in-1 is optimized for 4K@60Hz and works great with older consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players.

• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Synchronizes the display's refresh rate with the source device's frame rate in real-time, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for smoother motion in games and dynamic content.
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Automatically switches the display to its low-latency (game) mode when gaming content is detected, then reverts to high picture quality mode for movies and other content without manual intervention.
• eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel): Transmits uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats (up to 37 Mbps) from the TV back to a soundbar or AVR, supporting Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X.
• 40 Gbps (FRL5): Sufficient bandwidth for 4K@120Hz with HDR10 and most high-quality signals without compromises
• 48 Gbps (FRL6): Full HDMI 2.1 specification bandwidth providing additional headroom for 4K@120Hz with 4:4:4 chroma and 10-bit color
• 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2 vs 4:2:0: Chroma subsampling formats where 4:4:4 preserves full color data (no compression), 4:2:2 retains half the color information, and 4:2:0 retains one quarter (lower numbers reduce bandwidth requirements)
• DSC (Display Stream Compression): VESA-developed visually lossless compression algorithm that reduces bandwidth by up to 3:1 with imperceptible quality loss, enabling higher resolutions and refresh rates over existing cables
• EDID (Extended Display Identification Data): Structured data the display sends to the source during the initial handshake, communicating supported resolutions, refresh rates, HDR capabilities, and audio formats
• CEC (Consumer Electronics Control): Protocol allowing one remote to control multiple HDMI-connected devices, though implementation varies by manufacturer and can cause conflicts
• HDMI Handshake: Automatic negotiation process that occurs when connecting devices or changing video modes, during which EDID data is exchanged to establish the optimal signal format