Best HDMI matrix switches for consoles: 6 picks compared

The best HDMI matrix switches for consoles are not necessarily the ones advertising the most impressive resolution. For PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X owners with a 4K 120Hz TV, the first question is whether the matrix preserves 4K120, VRR, HDR, and a stable HDMI handshake along the particular output you will use. For a console collection running at 4K60, a less expensive HDMI 2.0 matrix can be entirely sensible. Our overall high-refresh choice is the BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA; for a two-screen 4K60 setup, the AV Access 4KMX42-H2A is the value-first pick.

We compared six identifiable matrices and matrix-style processors, including four models shown as available to order by US sellers at our October 30, 2026 check. We distinguish in-stock listings from a selectable configuration and a sold-out manufacturer listing. The results are an editorial comparison of manufacturer specifications, manuals, and seller information, not a claim that we bench-tested every signal path. Prices and availability are snapshots, not guaranteed future checkout terms. If you stream or record gameplay, pay special attention to output resolution, HDCP restrictions, and whether your capture device can accept the signal you intend to send it.

Quick verdict: Which HDMI matrix should console owners buy?

• Best overall 4K120 console routing — BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA. Four HDMI 2.1 inputs, two outputs, manufacturer-specified 4K120, VRR/ALLM and output scaling; B&H listed $599.00 and In Stock on October 30, 2026. Its professional price is difficult to justify for a 60Hz TV.
• Best value for two 4K60 displays — AV Access 4KMX42-H2A. Four inputs, two independently routed outputs, 4K60, downscaling and output-2 ARC. AV Access listed $95.99 with Add to cart; it is not a 4K120/VRR solution.
• Best 4K60 alternative with physical EDID controls — BZBGEAR BG-UHD-42M. Four inputs, two outputs, scaling and optical/analog extraction; B&H listed it In Stock for $199.00. Consider it when you want the manufacturer’s straightforward AUTO/COPY/STD EDID approach.
• Best expansion beyond two displays — AV Access 4KMX44-H2. A genuine 4-input/4-output HDMI 2.0 matrix with IP, RS-232, IR and front-panel control. AV Access listed $175.99 and Add to cart, but it cannot preserve 4K120.
• Best advanced HDMI troubleshooting and audio system integration — HDFury 8K VRROOM 40Gbps. Four inputs, two asymmetrical video outputs, extensive EDID/audio functions and 4K120 pass-through; official list price $549.00. It is more complex than a conventional matrix; checkout stock was not explicitly verified.
• Worth monitoring, not a buy-now recommendation — OREI BK-402A. Four-input/two-output 40Gbps matrix with 4K120 and VRR; OREI listed $179.99 but the product page displayed Sold out. Do not confuse its low list price with current availability.

Bottom line: If your main television is 120Hz-capable and you are buying specifically to retain HDMI 2.1 gaming modes, start with the BG-8K-42MA, and verify its output-specific behavior with your exact second display. If both displays are limited to 4K60, the 4KMX42-H2A covers the everyday routing problem without paying for HDMI 2.1 hardware. Do not purchase a 4K60 matrix merely because its listing mentions PS5 or Xbox.

Comparison table: Actual ports, signal limits, price, and stock

These listings should not be interpreted as a head-to-head latency test. The 4K120 and VRR columns summarize stated capabilities, which depend on the console, receiving display, HDMI cabling, EDID settings, and output mode. “Add to cart” means the US product listing accepted an order action at the time of inspection, not that a retailer has promised delivery to every ZIP code. For mixed 120Hz and 60Hz displays, a matrix may negotiate a common signal or require an intentional scaler mode; check the manual before assuming independent outputs can use every HDMI 2.1 feature simultaneously.

How we selected these HDMI matrix switches

We filtered for real multi-input, multi-output routing, rather than ordinary 4-in/1-out switches, 1-in/2-out splitters, or HDMI capture cards. A matrix lets Display A show Input 1 while Display B shows Input 3, or lets both outputs select the same source. That distinction matters when a PS5 goes to the living-room TV while an Xbox or Nintendo console goes to a monitor. A splitter generally duplicates one input; a KVM changes computer input devices as well as video; a capture card records an incoming feed. None is automatically a substitute for the other.

Next we checked each manufacturer model against documented HDMI input/output counts, a concrete maximum signal format, HDR and gaming-feature claims, scaler behavior, and ARC/eARC paths. The detail that a device is called “HDMI 2.1” is insufficient evidence for 4K120 with VRR. For 4K60 devices, we treated 18Gbps as the practical ceiling and withheld 120Hz recommendations. For HDMI 2.1 products, 40Gbps or 48Gbps denotes a claimed link capability, not a measured game-frame delay or a guarantee that every output can perform every format at once.

Finally we checked US-facing purchase pages for exact product identifiers, asking price, and the seller-visible availability label on October 30, 2026. We rank four listed-to-order choices as present purchase candidates; a specialized fifth product has a visible selection workflow but unconfirmed inventory, and the OREI unit is a waitlist candidate. We did not perform hands-on hot-plug, capture compatibility, latency, or firmware regression tests, so the advice is a purchase and configuration assessment rather than original benchmarking.

The six HDMI matrix choices in detail

BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA — Best overall for 4K120 console setups

The BG-8K-42MA earns the main recommendation because it solves the important mismatch between traditional 4K60 AV matrices and high-refresh console televisions. Its manufacturer documentation describes four HDMI 2.1 inputs, two HDMI outputs, a 4K120 4:4:4 10-bit mode, VRR and ALLM support, and the ability to route a single source to two displays or choose different inputs. The official manual gives a 40Gbps bandwidth figure, while another manufacturer product-page section uses 48Gbps language. To avoid mixing these, the safer planning assumption is the manual’s 40Gbps and its exact video-mode table, rather than treating 48Gbps promotional wording as a measured link result.

For a PS5 or Xbox Series X owner, this means it is a plausible central router between a modern 120Hz OLED and a second gaming display. The 8K60 headline is less relevant than preservation of 4K120 with the correct chroma and bit-depth conditions. VRR and ALLM are advertised, but still require compatible end devices and a configuration that does not force the console to negotiate with an older sink. The unit also specifies 8K-to-4K and 8K/4K-to-lower-resolution scaling, useful when the second screen is less capable. The exact behavior at 4K120 when mixing displays is something to verify against both manuals rather than infer from “downscaling supported.”

For audio, the named ARC/eARC path is Input 1 and Output 1, not an arbitrary port pair. Optical and analog extraction provide other routes, but optical or stereo analog cannot simply carry every HDMI bitstream unmodified. If your soundbar needs multichannel uncompressed audio or advanced object-based formats, favor a confirmed HDMI audio/eARC connection and read the installation diagram before ordering. B&H Photo identified the exact BG-8K-42MA and displayed $599.00, In Stock at the research check. That makes it a viable immediate candidate rather than a speculative future purchase.

What we like: directly documented HDMI 2.1 console-friendly modes, 4×2 matrix routing, output-scaling options and US stock confirmation. What to watch: the pricing premium, output 1-specific eARC, device-to-device VRR handshake behavior and potentially inconsistent bandwidth figures across marketing and manuals. Buy it when 4K120 is a core requirement; do not spend this much only to switch two 1080p sources onto a 60Hz TV.

AV Access 4KMX42-H2A — Best value for a two-display 4K60 console room

The 4KMX42-H2A targets the more common problem of connecting several consoles and streaming devices to a living-room television and a secondary screen. Its four inputs and two independently selected HDMI outputs can serve a PS5, Xbox, Switch-family HDMI source, and media player without manually moving cables. The maker explicitly rates the matrix for 4K60 4:4:4 8-bit with an 18Gbps maximum rate. That is a meaningful 4K60 specification but it is not equivalent to 4K120, and no high-refresh VRR pass-through claim has been established for this model.

The practical advantage is cost and useful routing flexibility. AV Access listed it at $95.99 with an Add to cart control. Its 4K-to-1080p scaling helps when the second display is an older monitor, and it provides an IR remote, front-panel buttons, and RS-232 control for fixed setups. However, ARC is associated with HDMI Output 2; analog audio extraction is associated with Output 1, and optical can use Output 2 source audio or supported ARC return audio depending on its DIP setting. This asymmetry can decide where to plug a soundbar and which display should be the main viewing target.

For example, a 4K60 TV in the living room and a 1080p projector in the spare room are an appropriate use case. The matrix can route different consoles to each screen, with downscaling where needed. A 120Hz OLED plus a 60Hz projector is more complicated: routing through this model will forfeit the 4K120 path to the OLED even if the display and console otherwise support it. In that case, buy an HDMI 2.1 matrix or keep the 120Hz console directly connected to the television instead of treating the 4KMX42-H2A as a universal hub.

What we like: transparent 4K60 ceiling, useful 4-in/2-out routing, scaling, audio extraction and a relatively accessible verified US price. What to watch: 120Hz/VRR limitations, fixed ARC location, and the possibility of renegotiation when changing source. Choose this when all screens are 60Hz, or when you deliberately prioritize straightforward switching over high-refresh performance.

BZBGEAR BG-UHD-42M — Best 4K60 model for hands-on EDID control

The BG-UHD-42M is another true four-input, two-output 4K60 matrix, but its manual makes the available EDID strategy unusually easy to understand. The rear switch offers AUTO, COPY, and STD modes. AUTO compares connected sinks, COPY uses the EDID from Output A, and STD favors a defined lower-resolution operating mode. This is valuable when a console sends an image to one television but refuses a stable picture on a second monitor: you can deliberately test the negotiation behavior instead of assuming the unit will intelligently solve every mismatch.

The hardware supports 18Gbps 4K60 4:4:4, 4K-to-1080p downscaling on either output, ARC, optical audio, and analog stereo extraction. Front-panel input buttons are useful for family use because you can route each output without opening a phone or laptop. The maker’s product specifications place analog audio at PCM stereo, while optical has a different compressed-audio capability; setting a console to an unsupported audio mode can therefore produce silent speakers even when video is fine. Changing the audio output format is a compatibility step, not evidence of defective HDMI hardware.

At the October 30 check, B&H listed BG-UHD-42M for $199.00 and In Stock; BZBGEAR-related DigiKey stock information also identified this exact model. It costs notably more than AV Access’s 4KMX42-H2A despite sharing the broad 4K60 output ceiling. A buyer who wants basic switching on a small desk should favor the cheaper option. The BZB unit becomes easier to defend when its EDID controls, metal housing, documented switching layout, manufacturer support, or installation environment matter.

What we like: unambiguous four-by-two layout, physical EDID options, optical/analog audio, scaling and traceable US seller inventory. What to watch: no documented 4K120/VRR support, higher cost for the same video ceiling, and audio settings that must match the receiver. It is for 4K60 versatility, not a shortcut to HDMI 2.1 gaming.

AV Access 4KMX44-H2 — Best for four displays or a growing console collection

A surprising value option is to step beyond the usual two outputs. The 4KMX44-H2 is a real 4×4 matrix: four source devices can be routed independently to four display outputs. For a gaming room that also has a living-room TV, a desk monitor, and a projector, the ability to assign the same or different consoles to multiple destinations can be more useful than squeezing into a two-output unit. It is not a multiviewer or a capture card; it routes HDMI feeds, not windows from several sources combined onto one screen.

The device supports HDMI 2.0 video up to 4K60 4:4:4 and offers automatic 4K-to-1080p scaling per output, four S/PDIF audio breakout ports, smart EDID options, and front-panel, IR, RS-232 and IP/web-UI control. The network interface is for control; it does not turn the system into Ethernet video streaming. Its specifications also say Dolby Vision is not supported in downscaler mode, an important detail for a household that mixes a high-end HDR television with an SDR projector. If all destinations are 4K60, the normal pass-through path is the simpler arrangement.

AV Access listed the exact 4KMX44-H2 at $175.99 with Add to cart, making the extra two outputs less expensive than several other professional two-output matrices. The trade-off is physical size, additional cabling and a fixed 18Gbps ceiling. It can be excellent for a 4K60 multi-room installation, yet a poor purchase if the only two endpoints are a PS5 and 4K120 OLED. More outputs do not compensate for missing 4K120 support.

What we like: four independently assigned destinations, web-based configuration, EDID/scaling controls and sensible per-output audio extraction. What to watch: it is a 4K60 product, not a 4K120 model, and automated HDR behavior differs when scaling. Plan each output run and audio destination before installation; do not assume the four optical ports solve every surround-sound requirement.

HDFury 8K VRROOM 40Gbps — Best for complex HDMI 2.1 and audio chains

The 8K VRROOM 40Gbps is an HDMI routing and signal-management specialist rather than the easiest living-room switch. HDFury documents four HDMI 2.1 inputs, two video outputs with different processing roles, and dedicated audio output paths. Its 40Gbps FRL5 feature set includes supported 4K120 modes, VRR, HDR formats, EDID management, eARC routing, and selective video scaling/conversion. The official price was $549.00, with configuration options visible on the manufacturer shop; the page did not explicitly confirm stock for a particular shipping destination when checked.

The point of paying extra is not simply to obtain four inputs. Suppose a console works at 4K120 on an OLED but its sound system cannot accept the same video signal. VRROOM can separate audio from the main high-bandwidth video path and route it through dedicated HDMI/eARC capabilities, helping keep an older AV receiver or soundbar involved. The toolset also permits granular EDID and color-format handling, which is useful for demanding setups and potentially overwhelming for a buyer who just wants to press Input 2 on a remote.

An essential caveat is that the video outputs are not symmetrical general-purpose 40Gbps matrix ports. HDFury describes a pass/upscale TX0 path and a pass/downscale TX1 path, with operating-mode restrictions including an 18Gbps matrix role. Avoid reading “4 in, 2 out” as proof that two unrelated 4K120 HDR signals can be sent to two unrelated displays with every processing feature enabled. Before purchase, map your desired signal route to the manufacturer’s exact mode diagrams and verify the output roles. This warning matters more than whether the sticker says 8K.

What we like: broad format-management controls, HDMI audio routing, 4K120/VRR support in documented modes and unusually detailed technical documentation. What to watch: complexity, asymmetrical paths, $549 list price, and a seller page that did not establish ready-to-ship inventory. Choose it to solve a specific sophisticated HDMI/audio problem, not as the default console matrix for a family TV.

OREI BK-402A — Attractive 4K120 specification, but sold out at the checked seller

The BK-402A deserves a place in the comparison because its specifications directly address the 4K120 gap at a lower list price than the professional models. OREI describes four HDMI inputs, two independently routed outputs, 40Gbps bandwidth, support up to 4K120 4:4:4 10-bit and 8K60 4:2:0 10-bit, plus VRR, ALLM and audio extraction. Its instruction material provides dedicated CONFIG switch settings for matrix versus splitter operation and scaling on Output 2. These are meaningful details that differentiate it from generic devices advertising “8K” without listing a useful 4K120 mode.

At the check, however, OREI’s US product page displayed $179.99 and Sold out. That means it is not our best current budget HDMI 2.1 purchase, regardless of how appealing the listed price looks. If the exact SKU is offered by another merchant, confirm that seller’s inventory, return policy, and model details separately. It would be irresponsible to present the manufacturer’s old list price as an obtainable live deal.

For future availability, note the unusual audio wiring. The manufacturer specifies its eARC interaction between Input 1 and Output 1, with separate optical and 3.5mm extraction options; eARC and extraction modes are not interchangeable. Output 2 can operate with selected downscaling modes while Output 1 serves a higher-resolution display. OREI also states clearly that this is a video matrix, not a dual-monitor computer dock: it will not create an extended desktop from one HDMI feed.

What we like: explicit 4K120/VRR specification, real 4×2 routing, useful scaler modes and an accessible published list price. What to watch: confirmed manufacturer stock shortage, fixed eARC ports, 40Gbps limits and mixed-output negotiation. Treat it as a model to compare when genuinely restocked, not a reason to delay a working setup indefinitely.

Buying guide: The signal questions that matter for PS5 and Xbox

Decide whether you actually need a matrix instead of a switch or splitter

Count sources and destinations separately. A gaming household with PS5, Xbox, and a media box but only one television needs a 3-in/1-out or 4-in/1-out HDMI switch, not necessarily a matrix. A gaming console feeding two identical TVs at the same time might only need a splitter, although dual-display EDID handling still matters. Buy a matrix when you require independent destination selection: for example, Xbox to Monitor A while PS5 goes to TV B, with the option to swap these routes later. A 4×2 device does not make four screens and it does not turn the PC into a two-monitor desktop extension.

For shared family setups, independent output buttons and a readable remote are often more valuable than an app. For permanent racks, RS-232 or IP control can help. Before choosing an 8K model, sketch the port map on paper and decide whether one HDMI input will be reserved for an eARC soundbar, potentially reducing the ordinary source count in that operating mode. This avoids buying the right video format with the wrong number of usable inputs.

Check the full 4K120 chain, not only the words HDMI 2.1

The path must work end to end: console HDMI output, first cable, matrix input, selected matrix output, second cable, and television HDMI input. HDMI 2.1 is a collection of capabilities; it does not automatically mean 48Gbps FRL6, VRR, ALLM, 4K120 with every chroma choice, or independent high-bandwidth outputs. A 40Gbps matrix may support the console formats you care about, but exact color-depth and output combinations still matter. A nominally “8K” matrix can be a worse match than a well-documented 4K120 model if the 8K figure hides chroma subsampling limits.

On a PS5, use the console’s video-output information and 120Hz/VRR settings as a practical checkpoint after installation. On Xbox Series X, inspect the console’s 4K TV details screen to see which modes the current connection advertises. Those screens show negotiated capabilities, not independent laboratory proof of throughput. If a display no longer offers 120Hz through the matrix, first connect that console directly to the same TV with the same known-good cable. If the direct connection works, inspect matrix mode, firmware guidance and second-display EDID before assuming the console itself failed.

Treat VRR and ALLM as separately verifiable features

VRR adjusts display refresh timing to the game’s changing frame delivery and is especially valuable when performance fluctuates below a locked 120 frames per second. ALLM asks a compatible TV to use its lower-latency gaming mode. Both depend on the entire negotiated HDMI path, not merely on the source having a VRR menu. Some 4K60 matrices may still work with a 120Hz TV at 60Hz, but that is not the same as preserving the TV’s gaming features. Our 4K60 recommendations are therefore intentionally excluded from 4K120-first setups.

For two screens with different capabilities, check whether the matrix can preserve a high-refresh path while delivering a reduced signal on the other output. The presence of a “4K-to-1080p downscaler” often says nothing about converting 4K120 VRR to a capture-card-compatible 1080p60. Scaling resolution, changing frame rate, and supporting VRR are three different jobs. Do not promise a capture-card 1080p60 feed until the maker explicitly documents that conversion or the intended devices successfully negotiate it.

Know what a 4K60 limit means in games

Most consoles can run many titles acceptably through a 4K60 matrix, especially on a 60Hz television. The important loss is access to high-refresh output modes, not necessarily picture quality in every 60fps game. A 120Hz-capable display cannot show 4K120 from a console through a matrix specified to top out at 4K60. Some games also lower rendering resolution or make other compromises in 120fps modes; a matrix cannot create frames that the game engine does not render, and it cannot make an unsupported frame-rate setting available.

It can still make sense to spend $95.99 on a 4K60 unit instead of $599 on an HDMI 2.1 unit if both televisions are 60Hz and you primarily need physical routing. A console owner prioritizing 120Hz shooter play should instead pay for a supported end-to-end path, even if that means plugging the primary console directly into the television and using an inexpensive switch only for less demanding sources.

Understand EDID before blaming a black screen

EDID is the capability information that a screen presents to the source through HDMI. When two displays differ in resolution, refresh rate, HDR behavior and audio decoding, the source must receive a usable capability set. Matrices vary: some copy an output’s EDID; some merge or use a standard profile; others allow configurable banks. A common failure is the high-end TV working alone but the source dropping to 1080p or losing HDR after an older monitor joins the route. That can be expected negotiation behavior rather than an intermittent defect.

Start by testing each destination individually. If both work, connect both, note which feature disappears, and set the EDID mode recommended by the matrix manufacturer for mixed-output displays. On BG-UHD-42M, the documented AUTO/COPY/STD options provide a concrete way to isolate the issue. On advanced units such as HDFury VRROOM, custom profiles are possible but may lead the source to transmit a mode one sink cannot decode if used carelessly. When uncertain, choose a safe common display mode before chasing the maximum advertised resolution.

Plan ARC, eARC, optical, and stereo as separate routes

ARC and eARC return audio from a display to a receiver or soundbar through compatible HDMI ports. Optical SPDIF can handle stereo PCM and selected compressed surround formats, while a 3.5mm analog output is typically stereo. These are not redundant connectors with identical capability. The manufacturer’s support table for the exact matrix matters because ARC often works only on a named output and sometimes consumes a source-facing HDMI port for the soundbar. Do not assume you can connect an eARC soundbar to any HDMI input and enable all advanced formats.

The AV Access 4KMX42-H2A specifies ARC on Output 2; BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA identifies Input 1/Output 1; OREI BK-402A also specifies Input 1/Output 1. Different models use different physical arrangements and modes. Draw the audio path as carefully as the video path. When optical audio is silent, test the console in PCM stereo first and then verify supported surround settings. When a soundbar has eARC, do not infer that the matrix’s ARC label necessarily equals full eARC support or that it can preserve every Atmos format.

Remember that a matrix is not a capture card

A creator might want gameplay on a 4K120 television and an HDMI feed for a streaming computer. A 4×2 matrix can often route the same source to both displays, but it does not turn the capture-card input into a compatible format. Many capture devices accept particular HDMI resolutions, frame rates, HDR settings, and HDCP conditions. If the output is 4K120 VRR, a capture card rated only for 1080p60 may fail to lock or force the console into a different mode. Some products have scalers, but you must verify the scaler’s actual output format rather than assuming automatic resolution conversion is enough.

HDCP also matters. Copyright-protected video from streaming apps may be deliberately blocked from capture devices, even if normal gameplay recording is available in the console’s supported modes. Follow platform and content-rights rules; do not seek a matrix to bypass HDCP. For an uncomplicated broadcast chain, a capture card or capture-focused HDMI splitter with explicitly supported passthrough and recording formats may fit better than a general-purpose AV matrix.

Budget for certified cables and a clean power setup

High-bandwidth HDMI routing is sensitive to signal quality, total cable distance, and connector condition. For 4K120 and 8K modes, use appropriately certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables and stay within the device maker’s suggested lengths, especially through a matrix with both an input run and an output run. Avoid long cable runs, couplers, wall plates and passive extensions until the simplest direct cable test succeeds. More ports and more adapters create more potential points for signal integrity trouble.

Do not forget powered operation: these are active routing devices, not passive cable selectors. Use the manufacturer-supplied power adapter and the stated voltage/current; verify adequate ventilation for a compact metal enclosure. A short black screen during source switching may be a normal HDMI renegotiation rather than an input-lag defect. No independent switching-time or frame-latency benchmark was established here, so we will not assign invented millisecond figures to any of these models.

Compare real checkout prices against the cost of the problem

The researched US price spectrum is wide: $95.99 for AV Access 4KMX42-H2A, $175.99 for 4KMX44-H2, $199.00 for BZBGEAR BG-UHD-42M, $599.00 for BG-8K-42MA, and a $549.00 official listing for HDFury VRROOM. OREI’s BK-402A was advertised at $179.99 but marked sold out, which is not a purchasable comparison price at that storefront. Prices are seller-and-date specific and may change with taxes, promotions, availability or destination.

Choose by avoided compromises, not by price alone. If the home theater already has a good AV receiver that switches every console at the modes you use, adding another matrix introduces complexity without necessarily solving a problem. If two family members require independent access to different consoles from two screens, the matrix solves a real routing need. If your only complaint is the lack of HDMI inputs on one television, an appropriate 4-in/1-out switch can save substantial money and wiring.

Real-world wiring plans for common console rooms

PS5 and Xbox with one 4K120 TV and one 60Hz monitor

Connect both consoles to separate inputs of a genuinely 4K120-capable matrix. Run the preferred high-refresh output directly to the television’s supported 4K120 HDMI port, and use the second output for the monitor. Choose a manufacturer-documented configuration for a mixed 120Hz/60Hz pair. Start by validating PS5-to-TV 4K120, HDR and VRR with the second monitor disconnected; then enable the second output and see whether the main path preserves those modes. If it does not, check the EDID and scaling instructions or use a direct console-to-TV connection for competitive games. Do not assume that 1080p downscaling automatically converts a 4K120 VRR feed into 1080p60.

Three consoles shared between a 4K60 television and a projector

A 4K60-capable 4×2 unit is a natural fit here. Connect each console to a separate matrix input, television to Output A, projector to Output B, and select which source each destination sees. If the projector only accepts 1080p, enable its output-specific downscaling per the manual. When the television uses ARC to send audio to a soundbar, place it on the correct manufacturer-designated ARC output and avoid assuming all matrix inputs can double as audio return ports. Configure the projector for its true accepted resolution instead of forcing a 4K handshake and hoping it will adapt.

Gaming desk, living-room TV, and two additional displays

A 4×4 matrix such as AV Access 4KMX44-H2 can be easier to manage than stacking several splitters onto a 4×2 model. Map the four outputs as desk, living room, projector and spare monitor, and create an input-to-output worksheet for family members. The device’s IP/web-UI control can help make route assignment consistent, but each output still has a 4K60 ceiling. This is a strong configuration for mixed 4K60/1080p installations rather than a way of distributing four independent 4K120 feeds.

Troubleshooting checklist before returning your matrix

Work from reversible checks to more involved ones. Write down the present route and DIP positions before changing them. Resetting a source to an ordinary 1080p60 or 4K60 format is a useful diagnostic but not a satisfactory endpoint for a buyer who specifically purchased an HDMI 2.1 unit to preserve 4K120. If the simple connection passes and the exact matrix cannot support your needed combination, return it within the seller’s policy rather than attempting random firmware files. Use firmware only from the manufacturer for the exact model and hardware revision, with stable power during any update.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 4×2 HDMI matrix play PS5 on one TV and Xbox on another?

Yes, if it is a true four-input/two-output matrix with independent input routing. Assign the PS5 input to Output A and the Xbox input to Output B. Both outputs can usually choose the same input too. It is not equivalent to a splitter that always duplicates a single source, and it does not control which game is running on either console.

Do all HDMI 2.1 matrix switches support 4K at 120Hz with VRR?

No. Check the exact product model, HDMI link mode, claimed bandwidth, supported 4K120 color format, and VRR functionality. HDMI 2.1 wording alone is inadequate. The BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA and OREI BK-402A document 4K120 and VRR, while the AV Access and BZBGEAR 4K60 units in this roundup do not promise those features.

Will a matrix add noticeable input lag?

A matrix can potentially affect signal processing and switching behavior, but a broad millisecond estimate is not justified without a controlled measurement of the exact device and mode. Simple passthrough and a scaling path may behave differently; switching blackouts are not the same measurement as steady-state input latency. We did not bench-test these units, so do not mistake a marketing “zero lag” line for independent gaming evidence.

Can I output 4K120 to my television and 1080p60 to my capture card?

Only if the product and configuration specifically support the relevant independent output processing, including any required frame-rate conversion, and your capture card accepts the final feed. Resolution-only downscaling does not guarantee 120-to-60Hz conversion or VRR support. For recording, confirm the capture device’s input and passthrough specs and use an authorized capture-compatible console output.

Is a 4K60 matrix still worthwhile with PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Yes, when all connected displays operate at 60Hz and routing convenience matters more than 120Hz modes. The matrix can still carry supported 4K60 HDR formats, depending on the specific unit. It is a poor choice when you bought a 4K120/VRR television specifically for high-refresh gaming and intend to route that console through the matrix.

Is ARC the same as eARC on these models?

No. ARC and eARC differ in supported audio transport, and implementation varies by model and port. An ARC label on a lower-priced matrix does not guarantee the full capability of eARC. Check the exact input/output combination designated for audio return, verify your soundbar’s accepted format, and use optical/analog extraction only within its documented format limits.

Does an HDMI matrix create an extended desktop on two monitors?

No. A normal matrix routes or duplicates pre-existing HDMI source signals. It does not produce two independent computer display feeds from one HDMI output. To extend a PC desktop, you need a graphics interface or dock that genuinely provides separate display streams; a conventional 4×2 HDMI matrix does not supply that function.

Which is the cheapest HDMI 2.1 4×2 matrix in this comparison?

OREI listed the BK-402A for $179.99 on the date checked, but its manufacturer storefront marked it sold out. It should not be treated as an immediate purchasable bargain. The in-stock 4K120-capable four-by-two choice with confirmed US retailer inventory in this comparison is BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA at $599.00 from B&H; always recheck exact seller stock and shipping before purchase.

Final thoughts: Match the matrix to your real gaming signal

There are two sensible shopping paths. If you need four consoles or streaming devices shared between two ordinary 4K60 screens, AV Access 4KMX42-H2A is our best value choice, while BZBGEAR BG-UHD-42M offers an alternative EDID-control approach. If you need routing to four screens, AV Access 4KMX44-H2 makes more sense than cascading multiple basic splitters. These are 4K60 solutions: do not expect them to preserve 4K120 and VRR.

If your main aim is to keep a PS5 or Xbox Series X playing at 4K120 with compatible HDMI 2.1 features through a true matrix, choose the BZBGEAR BG-8K-42MA after checking your specific display, sound system, and output-routing requirements. HDFury VRROOM serves more advanced AV signal and eARC problems but requires additional setup diligence. The OREI BK-402A remains a potentially economical model to revisit when truly available, not a current stock-confirmed top pick. The best purchase is the one that preserves the precise modes you need across the exact cables, outputs, and screens you own.