You need a switch or splitter, but the type depends on which direction your signal travels
You cannot plug two HDMI cables into a single HDMI port on your TV or monitor — the port physically accepts only one connector. To use two devices on one input, you need either an HDMI switch (which lets you choose which device to watch) or an HDMI splitter (which sends one signal to multiple displays). The difference matters because they work in opposite directions, and using the wrong one will not work at all.
An HDMI switch takes input from multiple devices and sends one chosen signal to your TV. A splitter takes one device's signal and sends it to multiple TVs or monitors. Most people looking to connect two devices to one TV need a switch. Splitters are less common in home setups and cost more.
Key Takeaways
- An HDMI switch connects multiple devices (like a streaming box and a game console) to one TV input, and you press a button to choose which device to watch.
- An HDMI splitter sends one device's signal to multiple TVs, which is the opposite of what most people need.
- HDMI switches cost between $15 and $50 depending on how many devices they support and whether they have a remote control.
- Some newer TVs have multiple HDMI inputs, which is simpler than using a switch if your TV has a spare port.
- Switches work with any HDMI device — streaming boxes, game consoles, Blu-ray players, laptops — without needing to change settings on the devices themselves.
How an HDMI switch works
An HDMI switch is a small box with multiple HDMI input ports on one side and a single HDMI output port on the other. You plug your devices (a Roku, PlayStation, cable box, or laptop) into the input ports. You plug the output port into your TV's HDMI input. When you want to watch a different device, you press a button on the switch or its remote to change which input signal goes to your TV.
The switch does not change any settings on your devices. Your streaming box, game console, or laptop does not know or care that a switch is in the middle. From their perspective, they are plugged directly into a TV. You control everything from the switch itself — no menus to navigate on your TV or device.
Most switches have between 3 and 5 input ports. A 3-port switch costs around $15 to $25. A 5-port switch with a wireless remote costs $30 to $50. Some switches include USB power, which means you can plug them into a wall outlet or your TV's USB port to power them. Others are unpowered and work without electricity, though powered switches are more reliable.
When to use a splitter instead
An HDMI splitter is the opposite setup: one device sends its signal to multiple TVs or monitors. You would use a splitter if you have a single source (like a cable box in your living room) and want to watch the same thing on a TV in another room. The splitter takes the cable box's HDMI output and sends it to two or more TVs at once.
Splitters are less common in home setups because they require running HDMI cables to multiple rooms, and long HDMI cables (over 25 feet) can lose signal quality. They also cost more than switches — typically $40 to $100 — and some require external power. If you are trying to connect two devices to one TV, a splitter is not what you need.
HDMI switches versus using multiple TV inputs
Many modern TVs have 3 to 4 HDMI inputs built in. If your TV has a spare port, plugging devices directly into different inputs is simpler and cheaper than buying a switch. You just press the Input or Source button on your TV remote to switch between devices. This works perfectly well and requires no extra equipment.
A switch makes sense if your TV has only one HDMI input (older models sometimes have this), if all your inputs are already in use, or if you want to avoid reaching behind your TV to unplug and replug cables. Switches also let you keep devices in a cabinet or entertainment center without having to access the TV's ports directly.
What to look for when buying a switch
Check how many devices you need to connect. A 3-port switch handles a streaming box, game console, and Blu-ray player. If you have more devices, look for a 5-port model. Some switches support 4K video, which matters if you have a 4K TV and 4K devices like a PlayStation 5 or newer streaming box. Cheaper switches may only support 1080p or older HDMI standards.
Decide whether you want a remote control or a button on the switch itself. A remote is convenient if the switch is hidden behind your TV or in a cabinet. A button is fine if the switch sits on your entertainment center where you can reach it. Some switches have both. Check whether the switch needs external power — powered switches are more stable, but unpowered switches are simpler to set up.
Buy from a retailer with a return policy in case the switch does not work with your specific devices. Most switches work with any HDMI device, but occasionally a device and switch have compatibility issues that only show up when you plug them together.
Setting up your HDMI switch
Unpack the switch and identify the input and output ports. Input ports are where your devices plug in. The output port goes to your TV. Plug your devices into the input ports in any order — the switch does not care which device goes into which port. Plug the output port into an available HDMI input on your TV.
If the switch has a power cable, plug it into a wall outlet or your TV's USB port. Turn on your TV and press the Input or Source button to select the HDMI input where the switch is connected. Press the button or use the remote on the switch to choose which device you want to watch. The signal from that device should appear on your TV. If nothing appears, try a different input port on the switch, or check that the device itself is powered on.
Troubleshooting a switch that is not working
If you plug in a switch and see no picture, first check that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to cycle through the inputs until you see a signal. If you see a signal but it is from the wrong device, press the switch button or remote to change which input is active.
If the switch shows no signal at all, try unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Check that the HDMI cables are fully inserted into both the switch and the TV — a loose cable is the most common cause of no picture. If you have a powered switch, make sure it is plugged into power. Try swapping the HDMI cables between two devices to see if the problem follows the cable or stays with the device. If one device works and another does not, the problem is likely with that device's HDMI port, not the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a switch with a 4K TV?
Yes, but only if the switch supports 4K. Cheaper switches support only 1080p or older standards and will downgrade a 4K signal to 1080p. Check the product description for "4K support" or "HDMI 2.0" before buying. A 4K-capable switch costs $30 to $60.
Do I need a powered switch or can I use an unpowered one?
Unpowered switches work fine for most setups and are cheaper. Powered switches are more reliable, especially if you have many devices plugged in or use long HDMI cables. If you have the option, powered is better, but unpowered will work in most cases.
What if my TV only has one HDMI input and it is already in use?
You need a switch. Unplug the device currently in that input, plug the switch's output into that input, then plug your devices into the switch's input ports. You will now be able to switch between devices using the switch's button or remote instead of unplugging cables.
Can I daisy-chain switches to connect even more devices?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Plugging a switch into another switch adds complexity and can cause signal loss. If you need more than 5 inputs, buy a larger switch instead, or use your TV's built-in inputs for some devices and a switch for others.
Will a switch work with my laptop?
Yes. Any device with an HDMI output port works with a switch — laptops, tablets with HDMI adapters, streaming boxes, game consoles, and Blu-ray players. The switch does not care what the device is.