The best HDMI splitters of 2026
How to send one cable box, streamer or console to two or more screens: the splitters to buy, and the HDCP limits that cause black screens.
To send one source to two screens at 4K 60Hz, buy a powered 1x2 splitter with HDCP 2.2, such as the OREI UltraHD 1x2. If one screen is 1080p, get one with a downscaler like the avedio links 1x2. Every screen shows the same picture, and each must support HDCP 2.2 for 4K streaming apps.
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The picks
OREI UltraHD 1x2 4K Splitter
A compact two-output splitter with thousands of reviews. It passes 4K 60Hz with HDR and surround audio formats to both screens.
Needs its power adapter. Both screens get the same resolution unless both are 4K.
avedio links 4K 1x2 Splitter
Sends 4K to the 4K TV and 1080p to the older one, instead of dropping both to 1080p. LaptopBee names it its top pick.
Mirror only, like every splitter.
OREI UHDS-104 1x4 Splitter
For waiting rooms, classrooms or a home with several TVs on one cable box. EDID switches help when the screens are different models.
Longer runs to far rooms may need fiber HDMI cables or an HDMI-over-Ethernet extender.
J-Tech Digital 1x4 Splitter
Each output scales to the resolution of the screen it feeds, which avoids black screens on mixed 4K and 1080p setups.
Costs more than OREI's four-port model.
OREI 8K 1x2 HDMI 2.1 Splitter
For sending a console or PC at 4K 120Hz to two screens, such as a TV and a monitor.
For console streaming or recording, a capture card with passthrough is usually simpler.
Do you need a splitter?
Splitters solve one specific problem. Make sure it is yours before you buy.
- Yes, to show one cable box, streamer or computer on two or more screens at the same time.
- No, if you want several devices on one TV. That is a switch; see the best HDMI switches.
- No, to extend a laptop across two monitors. Use a second video port or a dock.
HDCP and other limits
Streaming apps protect 4K video with HDCP 2.2. A splitter passes that protection to every screen, so each screen must support it, or the picture goes black. Splitters do not remove HDCP. Older 1080p TVs and some projectors only support HDCP 1.4, which is where most splitter problems start.
Every output shows the same picture at the same time. Without a downscaler or EDID controls, the splitter sends the resolution that the weakest screen supports to all of them.
Turn on the screens first, then the source. Splitters read each screen's capabilities when the source starts, and powering things on in the wrong order is a common cause of a blank screen.
Cables for long runs
Copper HDMI cables are reliable up to about 15 feet at 4K. For a TV in another room, use an active fiber HDMI cable; our best HDMI cables guide has picks.
Questions
What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and a switch?
A splitter sends one source to two or more screens at the same time. A switch connects several sources to one screen.
Can an HDMI splitter show different things on each TV?
No. Every screen shows the same picture. To send different sources to different screens, you need an HDMI matrix.
Why is my splitter showing a black screen?
Usually HDCP copy protection. Every screen and the splitter must support the same HDCP version, HDCP 2.2 for 4K streaming apps. A splitter with EDID controls can also fix black screens when the two screens support different resolutions.
Can I split 4K to a 4K TV and a 1080p TV?
Yes, with a splitter that has a downscaler. Without one, both screens drop to the lower resolution.
Do I need a splitter for dual monitors?
Only to mirror one picture. To extend your desktop across two monitors, use a second video output or a USB-C dock instead.
- HDMISplitters.com, "Top 10 Best HDMI Splitters 2026" and "Best 4K HDMI Splitter 2026"
- LaptopBee, "10 Best HDMI Splitters (October 2026)"; GearProven, "10 Best HDMI Splitters of 2026"
- AndroidExperto, "The best HDMI splitters of 2026"
- HDMI Licensing Administrator, HDCP and cable specifications
Prices and offers change often; confirm at your address before you order. How we research
Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.