The very best HDMI splitters in 2023
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Up to date Apr 19, 2023 10:30 PM
Unifying video and audio connections in a single HDMI cable might have simplified residence theater setups for almost all of individuals, however a few of us residence theater masters and PC energy customers nonetheless discover methods to complicate issues. For instance, if you wish to ship a single video supply to a number of TVs or screens, you’ll want to make use of an HDMI splitter, which duplicates or “mirrors” from a single HDMI “in” connection, and supplies a number of HDMI “out” ports so you may plug in lots of shows. In fact, HDMI splitters can value as little as a number of {dollars} or run into the lots of. They’ll supply a variety of various capabilities relying in your wants. A fast search in your favourite procuring website will even reveal that there are loads of them to select from, which might make it difficult and irritating to discover a good one. We’ve collected a few of the finest HDMI splitters for twin screens, and extra, at the moment obtainable proper so that you don’t have to guess which one will work nicely.
How we chosen the perfect HDMI splitters for twin screens
Not like 4K TVs or gaming screens, there isn’t a library of in-depth skilled evaluations on HDMI splitters for twin screens which you could shortly flip to for trusted suggestions. Fortunately, I’ve coated A/V gear for publications like Engadget, Well-liked Mechanics, and Reviewed, so I can step in and make some suggestions based mostly on private expertise and hands-on time utilizing them. Along with my very own testing, I turned to consumer impressions from remark sections and suggestions in fanatic boards so I might study extra in regards to the quirks of every particular person product.
The very best HDMI splitters for twin screens: Critiques & Suggestions
Our suggestions for the perfect HDMI splitters vary from fundamental and cheap choices to pricier, extra succesful units for superior residence theaters or industrial setups. Whether or not you’re seeking to feed video to 2 shows or eight, you’re certain to discover a resolution right here to satisfy your wants and ensure the tools mounted in your sturdy workstation works its finest.
Finest general: OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter
Purchase it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the lower: OREI’s UHD-PRO102 does nearly every thing we would like in an HDMI splitter, supporting excessive resolutions and scaling mechanically in a compact, reasonably priced package deal.
Specs
- Variety of outputs: 2
- Max decision/refresh fee: 4K at 60Hz
- Energy: Micro USB (wall adapter included)
Professionals
- Help for 4K at 60Hz
- Constructed-in scaler will match the TV’s decision
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Could trigger points with Dolby Atmos
It prices just a little greater than a fundamental HDMI splitter, however the OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter remains to be pretty cheap and provides nearly the entire capabilities you’ll want in case you’re merely in search of a splitter with two HDMI outs. It helps resolutions as much as 4K at 60Hz and mechanically scales your video supply to match the decision of every display. It requires unbiased energy by way of Micro USB, and OREI does embody a wall adapter, which isn’t a given with a few of the most cost-effective splitters.
One small caveat: Some buyer evaluations report that video high quality takes successful while you attempt to cross Dolby Atmos by the splitter. It doesn’t formally help Atmos, although, in order that’s to be anticipated. On the intense aspect, it does supply full help for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.
Finest 4-out: OREI UHDPRO-104 4K 1×4 HDMI Splitter
Why it made the lower: An upgraded model of our high general choose, the OREI UHDPRO-104 matches does all the identical issues proper, whereas including help for 2 extra shows.
Specs
- Variety of outputs: 4
- Max decision/refresh fee: 4K at 60Hz
- Energy: Micro USB (wall adapter included)
Professionals
- Help for 4K at 60Hz
- Automated video scaling
- Compact design
Cons
- Doesn’t absolutely help Atmos
If it’s essential mirror greater than two shows, OREI additionally makes an equally efficient 4-output model of our high general choose. The OREI UHDPRO-104 provides the entire identical key specs as the twin HDMI-out model, together with help for 4K at 60Hz together with automated scaling to match your TV’s decision and, similar to the OREI UHD-PRO102, it’s powered by way of Micro USB with a wall adapter included within the package deal. As you’d count on, this one is bigger than the two-out mannequin, however it’s about as compact as a 4-output splitter could be and also you shouldn’t have any bother tucking it away out of sight. It’s additionally considerably costlier however, once more, you’ll have the ability to mirror twice as many shows.
Finest 8-out: Tripp Lite 8-Port HDMI Splitter
Why it made the lower: Tripp Lite’s 8-port HDMI Splitter could also be dear, however it’s going to simply deal with essentially the most demanding multi-display setups thrown at it.
Specs
- Variety of outputs: 8
- Max decision/refresh fee: 4K at 60Hz
- Energy: AC energy provide
Professionals
- Help for 4K at 60Hz
- Stable, all-metal building
- Three-year guarantee
Cons
If it’s essential break up your picture amongst eight shows, Tripp Lite makes the splitter for the job. It’s significantly costlier than the others however it’s additionally able to outputting a video supply to eight screens in 4K at as much as 60Hz. It’s a suitably heavy-duty unit with all-metal building, and it even comes with mounting {hardware} if you wish to connect it to a wall or a desktop.
One small situation, contemplating the expense: Tripp Lite recommends you retain the HDMI cables to now not than 15 ft to make sure the perfect efficiency. Even with that situation, although, it’s a small compromise to make if you wish to get your picture on eight screens directly.
Finest USB-C-to-HDMI splitter: Targus USB-C Twin HDMI 4K Docking Station
Why it made the lower: Whereas there are many easy USB-C-to-HDMI adapters on the market, Targus’ USB-C delivers the absolute best HDMI splitter efficiency and throws in loads of ports to match.
Specs
- Variety of outputs: 2
- Max decision/refresh fee: 4K at 60Hz
- Energy: USB-C powered
Professionals
- Helps 4K at 60Hz
- Mac and Home windows suitable
- Capabilities as a full-fledged docking station
Cons
- Solely one of many USB ports helps quick charging
Whereas it might really feel like overkill, Targus’ USB-C Twin 4K HDMI adapter is a stellar, comparatively reasonably priced USB hub that may each mirror your laptop computer show or “lengthen” it throughout a number of screens. There are many devoted USB-C-to-HDMI adapters on the market, however lots of them include caveats: Some both restrict 4K playback to 30Hz. Others solely help Home windows. In the meantime, Targus’ transportable hub turns a single video-enabled USB-C port into two HDMI ports that help 4K at 60Hz, plus two commonplace USB 3.1 ports, an Ethernet port, and each SD and Micro SD card readers. Solely one of many USB ports helps fast-charging, which is annoying since you’ll want to recollect which one, however you’re including a ton of performance to your laptop computer, and it solely prices just a little bit greater than a easy USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.
Finest Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI splitter: C2G Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Monitor Splitter
Why it made the lower: Whereas it has a number of drawbacks, this adapter from C2G is a greater possibility than commonplace USB adapters for Mini DisplayPort-enabled units.
Specs
- Variety of outputs: 2
- Max decision/refresh fee: 4K at 30Hz
- Energy: Micro USB (required in some situations)
Professionals
- Transportable resolution for Mini DisplayPort-enabled units
- Mirrors or extends shows with Home windows
- Three-year guarantee
Cons
- Will solely mirror, not lengthen show on Mac
- Could require energy from USB port in some situations
Have a laptop computer with a Mini DisplayPort however no video-capable USB-C port? This adapter from C2G will allow you to simply mirror or lengthen your show and will provide you with higher efficiency than an adapter that merely depends on commonplace USB. Sadly, whereas it helps mirroring throughout all laptops, it may well solely output prolonged shows on Home windows techniques. The corporate additionally notes that the adapter might require exterior energy by plugging it right into a spare USB port in your laptop “in some situations.”
Finest funds: Avedio Hyperlinks HDMI Splitter
Why it made the lower: The Avedio Hyperlinks HDMI Splitter will get excessive marks from prospects and will likely be greater than sufficient for many setups, particularly in case you’re solely involved with 1080p video.
Specs
- Variety of outputs: 2
- Max decision/refresh fee: 4K at 30Hz
- Energy: Micro USB (wall adapter not included)
Professionals
- Very reasonably priced
- Compact
- USB-powered
Cons
- 4K restricted to 30Hz
- USB wall adapter not included
The Avedio Hyperlinks HDMI Splitter may be cheap, however it’s going to simply get the job achieved for anybody that doesn’t have particularly demanding wants. It’s sufficiently small to simply be tucked away, and it’s USB-powered, which implies you should use both a wall adapter (which isn’t included) or a spare USB port when you’ve got one. The 2 HDMI outs will deal with video as much as 4K, though the splitter solely helps 30Hz at that decision—you’ll have to drop right down to 1080p for 60Hz.
What to think about earlier than shopping for the finest HDMI splitters for twin screens
Before you purchase an HDMI splitter for twin screens, it’s best to have a plan. It is a particular little accent that does a really particular factor. For those who don’t have a tool, like a recreation console, cable field, or PC, that you just need to present on a number of screens concurrently, it’s best to maintain off on shopping for this till such a necessity arises.
If you’re in search of a tool that lets you plug a number of units right into a single HDMI port, you’re really in search of an HDMI switcher, fairly than a splitter. There’s additionally a variety of HDMI adapters that convert indicators to totally different sorts of ports. We completely perceive in case you obtained combined up: Phrases like splitter, swap, or adapter are typically used interchangeably, however they discuss with fully various things. It definitely doesn’t assist that HDMI switchers usually come up in search outcomes for HDMI splitters, and vice versa.
Contemplating how difficult it will get simply speaking about whether or not or not you want an HDMI splitter, we’re going to stroll by some fundamental info we predict everybody ought to know earlier than shopping for one.
HDMI adapters and HDMI splitters
Like we mentioned, lots of people, together with producers and retailers, play it quick and unfastened with A/V phrases like “HDMI splitters.” Technically, HDMI splitters flip one HDMI sign into many equivalent HDMI indicators. It’s HDMI end-to-end, and all they’ll do is mirror the display.
That mentioned, there’s additionally a class of HDMI adapters that may plug right into a laptop computer by way of USB Sort-A, USB-C, or Mini DisplayPort, and output to 2 screens. These adapters will provide you with a extra strong set of show choices, together with an prolonged desktop throughout a number of shows. (They’ll additionally mirror your laptop computer throughout a number of shows.) Often, these equipment will likely be referred to as adapters, as a result of they take one connection sort and convert it into one other. In some instances, they will even be referred to as HDMI splitters, both as a result of that’s what individuals count on them to be referred to as, or as a result of they need to make our lives more durable.
We understand that there’s a very actual chance that you just’re really in search of an HDMI adapter that may function a splitter so you may plug your laptop computer right into a dual-monitor setup. Relaxation assured: We’ve suggestions for each standard HDMI splitters and varied adapters that output video to 2 HDMI ports.
Choosing the right splitter
HDMI splitters are pretty easy units however they don’t all have the identical capabilities. Initially, determine what number of video-out ports you want. Personally, I’d recommend mapping out your actual setup, together with the positions of every monitor or TV and the video supply, in addition to a cable administration plan on your HDMI cables.
You’ll additionally need to take note of the utmost decision and refresh charges that the HDMI splitter helps. Many splitters, notably reasonably priced ones, will solely help 1080p at 60Hz. For those who’re utilizing 4K screens with excessive refresh charges, be sure that their specs are supported. Growing a splitter’s bandwidth could be simply as costly as shopping for a bigger splitter with additional ports.
Lastly, you’ll discover that some HDMI splitters require an unbiased energy supply, whereas others characteristic inside energy. The latter could be extra handy and could also be enough in some instances, however we advocate utilizing a splitter with a devoted energy supply, as they typically work extra reliably.
All of this additionally applies to HDMI adapters that may output dual-HDMI indicators. Most adapters won’t be able to deal with the identical bandwidth as a direct HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 connection. Refresh charges, particularly, will probably take a reasonably severe hit going by an adapter. On the plus aspect, most HDMI adapters we’re conscious of will take energy out of your laptop computer, so there’s no have to plug them in independently.
FAQs
Q: What HDMI splitter do I want for twin screens?
Any HDMI splitter will allow you to use two screens, however it’s going to solely mirror the picture on each shows. To “lengthen” your show, or broaden your desktop to span two screens, you will have to make use of an adapter or USB-C hub that converts video out from a suitable port, equivalent to a Thunderbolt or DP Alt Mode-enabled USB-C port, or Mini DisplayPort, to a dual-HDMI connection.
Relying in your laptop, you might also merely have the ability to join two screens utilizing two separate ports. Most desktops, notably gaming PCs, help a number of DisplayPort and HDMI connections. Some laptops might characteristic a single HDMI and a video-capable USB-C port.
Q: Does an HDMI splitter cut back high quality?
At this level, most HDMI splitters (or adapters) can output your PC to a number of screens at as much as 4K decision, so that you shouldn’t lose any visible constancy. That mentioned, most splitters and adapters will cap and cut back your PC’s refresh fee to 30 or 60Hz, which can be nicely under your PC and screens’ capabilities.
Splitters and adapters may introduce lag, which might be extra noticeable in gaming than in different makes use of, and it’s possible you’ll run into issues with longer lengths of HDMI cables, particularly when utilizing a non-powered splitter.
Q: What’s the distinction between an HDMI splitter and a swap?
Although the phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, HDMI splitters and switches are literal opposites.
An HDMI splitter takes the sign from a single supply (like a streaming system, recreation console, or 4K Blu-ray participant) and sends it to TVs or screens, so you may watch the identical picture on many screens directly.
An HDMI switcher permits you to plug a number of video sources right into a single HDMI port in your TV or monitor, then swap between them, which could be helpful when you’ve got extra recreation consoles, streaming units, and computer systems than HDMI ports. For those who’re having this downside, you may also contemplate shopping for an AV receiver, which might present extra HDMI ports and might enhance audio constancy when you’ve got a encompass sound system.
Last ideas on the perfect HDMI splitters for twin screens
Clearly, HDMI splitters could be a very complicated matter, however typically you simply want one. Whether or not you’re really in search of a correct HDMI splitter or an adapter to create a dual-monitor setup with a suitable laptop computer, be sure to determine precisely what you need before you purchase something. It’s particularly straightforward to purchase the flawed factor and get discouraged or annoyed, so we hope our information to HDMI splitters for twin screens has helped clear the confusion.
