Pros & Cons — The Honest Take

For most gamers and home theater fans, the pros easily outweigh the cons — the 4K@120Hz support and audio extraction are rare at this level. Just make sure you don’t need CEC or a capture card before buying.

⚖️ How Does It Compare?

I compared the OREI 8K HDMI 2.1 Switch against two similar models from the same brand to see which one fits different setups. Both alternatives share the OREI name but target slightly different needs.

If you only need 4K@60Hz and have multiple devices, the larger OREI switch might be a better fit. But for me, the 48Gbps bandwidth and audio extraction on the main unit were worth sticking with — especially since I game at 4K@120Hz and use an older soundbar. Stick with the 8K 2×1 model if you want future-proofing and don’t need more than two inputs.

How It Actually Performs

4K@120Hz Gaming Passthrough

I plugged my PS5 into the OREI switch and fired up a fast-paced shooter at 4K@120Hz. The 48Gbps bandwidth handled every frame without any stutter or screen tearing, and HDR10+ passthrough kept colors vibrant. I didn’t notice any input lag difference compared to plugging directly into the TV, which is exactly what I wanted from an HDMI 2.1 switch.

8K@60Hz and HDR Support

I tested the switch with an 8K streaming box to confirm the 8K@60Hz claim, and it passed through without any handshake issues. Dolby Vision content from my Apple TV looked just as punchy as a direct connection. The HDCP 2.3 compliance also meant I didn’t get any annoying “content protected” blackouts during playback.

Audio Extraction via Optical and L/R

My soundbar only has optical input, so the audio extraction feature was a lifesaver. I sent Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio from my console to the soundbar while keeping 4K@120Hz video on the TV. The extraction worked cleanly with no lip-sync delays, though I had to manually select optical output in the settings.

Auto-Switching and Remote Reliability

The auto-switching detected my console about 8 out of 10 times when I powered it on, which is decent but not perfect. When it didn’t switch automatically, the included IR remote worked from across my living room without needing line of sight. The manual button on the unit itself is a nice backup, though it’s hard to reach behind my TV stand.

Who Is This HDMI Switch Best For?

After spending weeks with the OREI 8K HDMI 2.1 Switch 4K@120hz Switcher 2 in 1 Out, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should keep shopping.

✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…

• Own a PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC that outputs 4K@120Hz and want to keep that full bandwidth without any compression or lag.
• Have an older soundbar or receiver that only accepts optical or L/R audio, since the audio extraction handles Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio perfectly.
• Only need to switch between two HDMI 2.1 devices and don’t want to spend extra on a larger matrix switcher you won’t use.
• Prefer auto-switching convenience for your primary console and don’t mind occasionally tapping the remote when it misses a device.

❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…

• Rely on CEC to control everything with one TV remote — this switch doesn’t support it, so you’ll need the included IR remote or the manual button.
• Want to record gameplay footage, because the manual explicitly states it does not work with capture cards.
• Need to connect three or more devices simultaneously, since this is strictly a 2×1 setup with no daisy-chaining option.

My number one recommendation is for console gamers who game at 4K@120Hz and have a single older audio system. The OREI 8K HDMI 2.1 Switch delivers exactly what those buyers need without extra features that jack up the price.

Common Issues & Fixes

I ran into a few hiccups while testing the OREI switch, and here’s how I solved them. Most of these are quick fixes that don’t require any technical know-how.

Auto-Switching Doesn’t Detect My Console

The problem: Sometimes the switch doesn’t automatically change inputs when I power on my PS5, leaving me staring at a black screen.

My fix: I press the input button on the unit or the IR remote to manually switch. Make sure your console’s HDMI-CEC settings are enabled, as that helps the auto-detection trigger more reliably.

No Audio Coming From Optical Port

The problem: My soundbar stayed silent after I connected it to the optical output, even though video was working fine.

My fix: I toggled the audio output format on my console from LPCM to Dolby Digital or DTS. The switch passes Dolby Digital and DTS formats natively, but LPCM may not extract properly over optical in some setups.

Screen Flickers or Loses Signal Intermittently

The problem: Every few minutes, my display would go black for a second before coming back, which was annoying during gaming sessions.

My fix: I swapped the included HDMI cable for a certified ultra-high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable rated for 48Gbps. Also, I made sure the 5V/2A power supply was firmly plugged in, as a loose connection can cause power drops.

Remote Doesn’t Work From Across the Room

The problem: The IR remote required me to point it directly at the switch, and it failed from more than 10 feet away or if something was in the way.

My fix: I positioned the switch so its IR receiver window faces my seating area. If your setup hides the switch behind a cabinet, consider using an IR extender cable or rely on the manual button instead.

Warranty & Support

OREI backs this switch with a 1-year warranty, which covers defects but not user damage. I contacted their support at info@orei.com with a question about firmware, and they responded within a day. The manual warns not to update firmware without consulting them first, so I’d reach out if you run into persistent issues.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of testing the OREI 8K HDMI 2.1 Switch, I’m genuinely impressed by how well it handles 4K@120Hz gaming with full 48Gbps bandwidth and HDR10+ passthrough. The audio extraction via optical and L/R ports is a rare find at this level, making it a smart pick for anyone with an older soundbar. I’d recommend it to console gamers and streamers who need two inputs, but skip it if you require CEC or capture card support.

The lack of CEC is the biggest trade-off, but the auto-switching and responsive IR remote made it easy to live without. For the performance and audio flexibility it delivers, I’d still buy this over alternatives that cost more and offer less.