Best HDMI switch for 4K 120Hz gaming - what actually works

If your TV only has one or two HDMI 2.1 ports and you own a PS5, Xbox Series X, and a gaming PC, you need an HDMI switch. The problem is that most HDMI switches on the market do not actually support full 4K 120Hz with HDR, VRR, and ALLM. Here is what to look for and what to avoid.

Quick answer

• You need an HDMI 2.1 switch — HDMI 2.0 switches cap out at 4K 60Hz and will block 120Hz signals
• Look for 48Gbps bandwidth — This is the only way to guarantee full 4K 120Hz HDR passthrough
• VRR and ALLM support matter — Without these, your PS5 and Xbox lose key gaming features through the switch
• Use certified HDMI 2.1 cables — The switch is only as good as the cables connecting it

Why you need an HDMI 2.1 switch

Most TVs — even premium models — only have one or two HDMI 2.1 ports. The rest are HDMI 2.0, which caps at 4K 60Hz. If you plug a PS5 into an HDMI 2.0 port, you lose 120Hz gaming, VRR, and ALLM. An HDMI switch lets you share one 2.1 port between multiple devices.

What to look for

• 48Gbps bandwidth — This is the full HDMI 2.1 spec. Switches advertising "4K 120Hz" but listing 40Gbps or lower may not support HDR at the same time
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) — Essential for PS5 and Xbox Series X to reduce screen tearing
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) — Automatically switches your TV to game mode when a console is detected
• HDR passthrough — Confirm the switch supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG passthrough
• No signal degradation — Cheap switches add latency or reduce color depth. Stick with switches from brands that list full specs

What to avoid

• HDMI 2.0 switches marketed as "4K" — They support 4K at 60Hz only, not 120Hz
• Switches without listed bandwidth — If the listing does not state 48Gbps, assume it cannot handle full 2.1 signals
• Powered vs. unpowered — For 4K 120Hz, always use a powered switch. Unpowered switches do not have enough signal strength for 48Gbps
• Switches with only 2 ports — If you need a switch, you probably need at least 3 inputs. Buy for your current setup plus one spare

How to set it up

1. Connect the switch output to your TV's HDMI 2.1 port Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable from the switch's output to the TV's HDMI 2.1 port (check the label on the back).

2. Connect your devices to the switch inputs Plug your PS5, Xbox, and other devices into the switch's input ports using certified HDMI 2.1 cables for each connection.

3. Power the switch Connect the switch's USB power cable. Some switches draw power from HDMI but this is unreliable for 48Gbps bandwidth.

4. Enable HDMI 2.1 features on your TV Go to your TV's HDMI settings and enable "Enhanced" or "4K 120Hz" mode for the port the switch is connected to. Samsung calls this "Input Signal Plus," LG calls it "HDMI Deep Color."

5. Test each device Switch between inputs and verify that each device gets 4K 120Hz. On PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output Information. On Xbox: Settings → General → TV & Display Options.

6. Check for VRR On PS5: Settings → Screen and Video → VRR → On. On Xbox: Settings → General → TV & Display Options → 4K TV Details → should show VRR as supported.

Troubleshooting

Device shows 4K 60Hz instead of 120Hz — Make sure you are using certified 48Gbps HDMI cables for every connection (switch to TV AND device to switch). One bad cable limits the entire chain.

HDR drops out or flickers — The switch may not support HDR at 4K 120Hz simultaneously. Check the switch specifications for "4K 120Hz + HDR" not just "4K 120Hz" and "HDR" listed separately.

VRR not detected — Some switches pass video but strip VRR metadata. If your console does not see VRR through the switch, the switch likely does not support HDMI 2.1 Forum VRR.

Latency feels higher — Quality HDMI 2.1 switches add less than 1ms of latency. If you notice input lag, the switch may be doing signal processing. Look for a "bypass" or "game mode" option on the switch.

FAQ

Can I use an HDMI splitter instead of a switch? No. A splitter sends one signal to multiple displays. A switch sends multiple sources to one display. You need a switch if you have multiple devices and one TV.

Will an HDMI 2.1 switch work with HDMI 2.0 devices? Yes, HDMI 2.1 is backwards compatible. Your HDMI 2.0 devices will work at their native resolution and refresh rate.

Do I need separate cables for each device? Yes. Each connection (device to switch, switch to TV) needs its own cable. For 4K 120Hz, every cable in the chain must be certified for 48Gbps.

Does the switch affect eARC? Most HDMI switches do not pass eARC. If you use eARC for a soundbar, connect the soundbar directly to the TV's eARC port and use the switch only for video sources.