Best HDMI Splitter for 4K TV & Gaming Consoles (2025)

You have a PlayStation, an Xbox, a cable box, and a surround sound receiver all sitting behind your TV, and your TV has two HDMI inputs. You know what happens next. You are on your hands and knees reaching behind the entertainment center, swapping cables, fumbling in the dark, every time you want to change what you are watching. An HDMI splitter (more precisely, an HDMI matrix switch) is the piece of equipment that ends that cycle for good.

In this video, the reviewer walks through exactly how an HDMI matrix splitter works, explains his personal four-device gaming setup, and points to the specific 4K model he considers the upgrade worth making. If you run multiple consoles or have two screens in the same room and you are tired of unplugging things, this post covers everything you need to understand before you buy.

What You’ll Walk Out With

A clear explanation of what an HDMI splitter (matrix switch) actually does
The exact use case from the video: four devices, two TVs, one remote
Why upgrading to a 4K-capable splitter matters if you own a modern TV
What to look for in an HDMI matrix switch (ethernet port, power supply, resolution support)
Practical use cases beyond gaming: kids, projectors, monitors, home offices
Honest drawbacks so you buy the right thing the first time
The one quiz that tells you which skill or setup matches your income goals: finder.platformproof.com

What an HDMI Splitter Actually Does

The reviewer describes an HDMI splitter as similar to an Ethernet cable splitter in concept. You plug multiple source devices into the inputs, and the unit outputs the selected source to one or more displays. In the case of a 4×2 matrix switch (the specific configuration shown in the video), you can connect up to four input devices and route any of them to two separate output displays.

The word “matrix” is the key distinction here. A pure HDMI splitter in the strictest sense takes one input and sends it to multiple displays at the same time. What the video is actually showing is an HDMI matrix switch, which is more flexible: it lets you independently control which source goes to which screen. So TV 1 can show the Xbox while TV 2 shows the PlayStation, or you can send the same source to both screens at once.

The reviewer notes that the input numbers on the front of the unit correspond to labeled indicator lights, so you always know at a glance what is connected where. You change the active input either by pressing a button on the unit itself or by using the included remote. That remote is described as small but functional, and it is what makes the whole setup feel clean rather than inconvenient.

One thing worth knowing: the unit shown in the video requires a dedicated power source. It does not draw power through the HDMI cable itself. That means you are adding one more plug to your power strip, but in exchange you get stable signal processing that passive (unpowered) adapters cannot reliably provide, especially at 4K resolution.

The core value is convenience. The reviewer puts it plainly: without a splitter, if you want to switch from the Xbox to the PlayStation, you have to remember which device is connected to which input and possibly get up to manually swap cables. With the splitter, you press a button on a remote from the couch and the switch happens in under a second. That is a quality-of-life improvement that is hard to go back from once you have experienced it.

The Real Gaming Setup This Solves

The reviewer describes his own setup as the clearest illustration of why this device exists. He had four devices he used regularly: a PlayStation, an Xbox, a cable box, and a surround sound receiver. That is four HDMI sources competing for however many inputs his TV provided.

Without a matrix switch, the options are limited. You either leave some devices permanently unplugged, juggle cables manually, or buy a TV with enough inputs to handle everything (which is not always possible, and older TVs often come with only two inputs). A 4×2 matrix switch removes the limitation entirely. Every device stays plugged in, powered, and ready. You switch between them with a button press instead of crawling behind furniture.

The reviewer also points out a household use case that resonates with anyone who has kids: when two people in the same room want to watch or play different things, you can send different sources to different TVs at the same time. One TV gets the kids’ show, the other gets the game you were watching. No compromise, no negotiation, no unplugging anything.

This is also a common setup for gamers who run a gaming monitor and a TV in the same space. The monitor gets the console for competitive play (lower input lag at close range), while the TV gets the streaming box for background watching. The matrix switch routes each source to the right display automatically, and you can reassign at any time with the remote.

The 4K Blue Sky HDMI Splitter: What the Video Recommends

The specific product the reviewer calls out as his planned upgrade is the 4K Blue Sky HDMI splitter. At the time of filming, it held Amazon’s Choice status in its category. He describes it as the model he will purchase when his current Monoprice 4×2 unit needs replacing.

The main reason he prefers it over his current unit is 4K capability. His Monoprice 4×2 is not rated for 4K output. As TVs have moved almost entirely to 4K resolution, a splitter that cannot pass through a 4K signal becomes a weak point in the chain. The Blue Sky unit handles 4K, which means it will not limit picture quality on a modern television.

He also notes that the unit shown does not include an ethernet input, while some newer models do. The ethernet port on certain HDMI matrix switches allows for network-based control or integration with smart home systems. Whether you need that depends on your setup. For most gaming and home theater applications, the standard model without ethernet is fine.

The physical design includes multiple HDMI input ports on one side and output ports on the other, with clear labeling. The reviewer points to the back of the unit on camera to show the layout. It is a compact box, not a rack-mounted unit, which means it sits comfortably in an entertainment center without requiring special mounting hardware.

The included remote is small and simple. The reviewer does not describe it as a premium remote with backlighting or a full button layout, but it does the job: pressing the corresponding input number button tells the switch which source to display. For most users, a simple remote that works reliably is all you need.

Non-4K Splitters vs. 4K-Ready Units: Why the Difference Matters

The reviewer’s current Monoprice 4×2 unit works, but it is not rated for 4K. For content at 1080p or lower, that is fine. The signal passes through cleanly and the switching functionality works exactly as it should. The problem shows up when you upgrade your TV or your source devices.

Modern gaming consoles output at 4K. Streaming boxes output at 4K. Blu-ray players output at 4K. If you are running those signals through a matrix switch that maxes out at 1080p, you are either downscaling your picture quality or the switch may not pass the signal at all. The HDMI specification is strict about compatibility, and older units are not always forward-compatible with newer resolution standards.

Upgrading to a 4K-rated unit removes that constraint. You will not notice the difference on a 1080p TV, but the moment you upgrade to a 4K display (or if you already own one), the 4K-capable splitter becomes the right tool. The reviewer’s logic is sound: buy the 4K version now so you are not replacing the splitter again in two years when the TV gets upgraded.

What to Look for When Shopping for an HDMI Matrix Switch

Based on the video and the technology involved, here are the factors that matter most when choosing an HDMI matrix switch or splitter for your setup.

Input and Output Count

The reviewer shows a 4×2 unit: four inputs, two outputs. This is the most common configuration for a gaming and media room setup. If you only have one TV and need to connect multiple sources, a 4×1 or 2×1 is simpler and often less expensive. If you have more than two displays, look for a 4×4 matrix. Count your devices and your screens before buying so you do not end up with a unit that is either too limited or more than you need.

4K Resolution Support

The video makes this point directly: the reviewer’s older unit is not 4K rated, and the Blue Sky model he is upgrading to is. If you own or plan to own a 4K TV, make sure the splitter you buy explicitly lists 4K support. Check whether it supports HDR passthrough as well, since high dynamic range content travels through HDMI alongside the resolution signal and some older matrix switches strip it out.

Remote vs. Manual Switching

The unit in the video includes a small remote. The reviewer notes it as a convenience feature rather than a requirement, but in practice it matters quite a bit. If your entertainment center is across the room and you are switching inputs from the couch, having a remote is the difference between a smooth experience and a frustrating one. Most mid-range matrix switches include one.

Power Requirements

The reviewer specifically mentions that this unit requires a power source. Powered HDMI matrix switches are more reliable with higher-bandwidth signals (especially 4K and HDR) than passive ones. Budget for one extra outlet or power strip slot. This is not a drawback at all; it is a sign the unit is doing active signal processing rather than just passing cables through with no amplification or error correction.

Ethernet Port Availability

Some newer models include an ethernet port, which the video mentions briefly. This allows for IP-based control, meaning you can switch inputs through a network command from a computer, phone app, or home automation system instead of using the physical remote. If you are running a home automation setup, this feature is worth looking for. For a straightforward gaming setup, you can skip it without any loss in functionality.

Use Cases Beyond Gaming Consoles

The reviewer frames the HDMI matrix switch primarily as a gaming and home theater tool, which it is. But the same device fits several other common situations equally well.

Home offices use HDMI matrix switches to connect multiple computers to a shared display without unplugging anything. If you work from a desk with a laptop and a desktop, and you want both connected to the same monitor, a 2×1 or 4×1 switch handles that cleanly. Press a button, switch the source, keep both machines plugged in permanently. No KVM switch required if you only need to control the display rather than keyboard and mouse.

Projector setups benefit as well. If you have a home theater projector and a gaming TV in the same room, a 4×2 matrix lets you feed both displays from the same set of source devices. The gaming console goes to the TV for regular play, but you can route it to the projector for a movie night or a group gaming session without rewiring anything.

Retail and presentation setups also use these units. A store running multiple screens from one media player, or a presenter routing slides to two monitors at once, gets the same benefit as the home gamer. The technology is the same regardless of the scale of the application. The reviewer’s framing of it as a “luxury item” is accurate for home use, but in commercial contexts it is more of a basic infrastructure tool.

Content creators who record in a dedicated studio often use matrix switches to route a camera feed, a gaming console, and a streaming PC to both a recording monitor and a reference TV at the same time. One device shows the color-accurate view for editing decisions; the other shows how the output looks on a typical consumer screen. The matrix switch makes both views available without any additional hardware or cable swapping during a recording session.

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Honest Drawbacks Before You Buy

The reviewer describes the HDMI matrix switch as a “luxury item,” and that framing is accurate. It is not something you need if you have enough inputs on your TV and only one or two devices to connect. Before you buy, be clear about whether you are solving a real problem or just adding hardware to an already functional setup.

Price is a consideration. A quality 4K-rated matrix switch with remote control costs more than a basic passive splitter. Units with unclear specifications often fail at 4K or introduce signal instability. The reviewer’s implied advice is to buy a unit that has clear 4K support and a track record, such as an Amazon’s Choice designation, rather than going for the cheapest option on the page.

HDMI compatibility between devices can also cause headaches. Certain source devices and displays negotiate their HDMI handshake in ways that do not always work cleanly through a third-party matrix switch. If you buy a unit and one of your devices shows no signal, try a direct connection first to rule out a faulty cable, then test different input ports on the switch before concluding there is a compatibility issue with the unit itself.

The power cord adds one more cable to your setup. If you are already managing a crowded entertainment center, adding a powered device means planning for where that power cable routes. It is a minor logistical consideration, but worth thinking through so you are not surprised when the unit arrives and you have nowhere convenient to plug it in.

Finally, not all HDMI matrix switches support all HDMI audio formats. If you are running Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio from a gaming console or Blu-ray player, verify that the specific unit you are buying lists support for those formats. Some units pass audio signals through without issue; others strip advanced audio encoding. Check the spec sheet before purchasing if high-quality audio is part of your setup.

How to Set Up Your HDMI Matrix Switch in Six Steps

Once you have your unit, setup is straightforward. Here is the sequence the reviewer implies through the video, walking through a four-device, two-display install:

Place the matrix switch in your entertainment center where the power cord can reach an outlet and the HDMI cables can reach both your source devices and your displays without excessive strain on the connectors.
Plug each source device (console, streaming box, cable box, etc.) into a numbered input port on the switch. Write down or label which input number corresponds to which device, since the front panel indicator lights will show you active inputs but not device names.
Run HDMI cables from the output ports on the switch to each of your TVs, monitors, or projectors. Most 4×2 units have two clearly labeled output ports.
Connect the power adapter for the switch and power it on. The front panel indicator lights will illuminate to show the currently active input for each output.
Use the remote or the front-panel buttons to select the input number for the source you want to watch on each output. The input numbers light up on the unit to confirm the selection, which the reviewer specifically points out as a useful visual reference.
Test each source device on each display to confirm signals are passing cleanly. If a device is not showing, check that the source device is powered on and that the HDMI cable is fully seated at both ends before troubleshooting the switch itself.

Find Your X

An HDMI matrix switch is a setup tool. It removes friction from a multi-device environment so you spend less time managing cables and more time doing what you actually want to do, whether that is gaming, streaming, or creating content. The right tool for the right setup makes a real difference in how consistently you show up and how much you enjoy the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and an HDMI matrix switch?

A pure HDMI splitter takes one input source and mirrors it to multiple displays at the same time. An HDMI matrix switch takes multiple input sources and lets you route any of them to any connected display independently. The unit reviewed in the video is a matrix switch (4 inputs, 2 outputs), even though people commonly call these devices splitters in everyday conversation.

Does an HDMI matrix switch reduce picture quality?

A quality powered unit does not reduce picture quality. The signal passes through at the rated resolution (4K for units like the one in the video). Cheap passive splitters can degrade signal quality over longer cable runs. The reviewer specifically notes that the unit requires a power source, which is a sign it is doing active signal processing rather than just splitting the cable passively without any amplification.

Will a 4K HDMI splitter work with my older 1080p TV?

Yes. A 4K-rated unit is backward compatible with 1080p and lower-resolution displays. Your TV will receive the signal at the highest resolution it supports. You lose nothing by buying a 4K unit for a 1080p display today, and you future-proof your setup for when you eventually upgrade the TV.

Do HDMI matrix switches add input lag for gaming?

Most powered HDMI matrix switches do not add measurable input lag for gaming. The active electronics process the signal quickly enough that the delay is not noticeable in practice. Passive splitters are more variable in this regard. If input lag is a priority concern for competitive gaming, look for a unit that explicitly lists low-latency or zero-latency signal processing in its product specifications.

How many devices can I connect to an HDMI matrix switch?

It depends on the unit’s input count. The configuration shown in the video is 4×2 (four inputs, two outputs). Other common configurations include 2×1, 4×1, and 4×4. The reviewer also mentions that 1×2 and 1×4 units exist for situations where you just need to send one source to multiple displays. Count your source devices and your displays before buying so you get the right configuration on the first purchase.

Does the HDMI matrix switch need to stay powered on all the time?

The reviewer notes that the unit requires a power source, and most users leave powered HDMI switches on continuously since they draw minimal standby power. You can power cycle it if you ever experience a signal issue (this resolves most handshake problems), but in normal use there is no reason to unplug it when you are done watching or playing.

What does the ethernet port on some HDMI matrix switches do?

The reviewer mentions that some newer units include an ethernet port. This allows for IP-based control of the switch, meaning you can change inputs through a network command from a computer, phone app, or home automation controller rather than using the physical remote. For a standard gaming setup, it is an optional convenience. For smart home or commercial installations, it is worth having from the start.

Can an HDMI matrix switch handle audio as well as video?

HDMI carries both audio and video through the same cable, and an HDMI matrix switch passes both simultaneously. When you switch the input source, both the picture and the sound switch together. The reviewer’s own setup included a surround sound receiver as one of his four connected devices, which confirms the switch handles audio equipment as a source input rather than just a display output. For advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, verify the specific unit supports passthrough before buying.

Sources

YouTube video: “Best HDMI Splitter for 4K TV & Gaming Consoles (2025)” by Platform Proof channel
Product shown as current unit: Monoprice 4×2 HDMI Matrix Switch (non-4K model)
Product recommended for upgrade: 4K Blue Sky HDMI Matrix Switch (Amazon’s Choice at time of filming)
HDMI matrix switch configurations referenced: 1×2, 1×4, 4×1, 4×2, 4×4