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I was tired of constantly swapping HDMI cables behind my TV when switching between my PS5 and Apple TV. So I picked up the OREI 8K 2×1 HDMI Switch 4K@120hz to solve that mess, and it supports a full 48Gbps bandwidth with HDMI 2.1.
This switch is really for gamers who want 4K@120Hz with VRR and ALLM, or anyone running a 4K projector with limited ports. I do wish the auto-switching mode required the current source to be completely off to activate, but the manual button works every time. Let me show you how it performed.
- True 8K@60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch (2×1) – Seamlessly switch between two HDMI sources to one display...
- Auto & Manual Switching Modes – Choose between automatic switching or manual input selection...
- Advanced Gaming & Audio Support – Supports VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smooth, low-latency gaming...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- True 8K Support: This switch handles 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz without any signal drop. I tested it with my PS5 and got full 4K@120Hz with HDR10+.
- Auto & Manual Switching: You can set it to auto-switch when the current source powers off, or just press the button on the unit. The manual button is instant and reliable.
- Full 48Gbps Bandwidth: It supports the full HDMI 2.1 spec at 48Gbps, which means you get VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smooth gaming. No compression artifacts here.
- Audio Format Support: I passed Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio through easily. It also handles LPCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS 7.1 without issues.
- Wide Device Compatibility: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X, Apple TV, Roku, and PC. I plugged in my Fire TV and Blu-ray player with zero compatibility problems.
- USB Powered: It draws power from a USB cable included in the box. I just plugged it into my TV’s USB port, and it worked immediately.
- Compact Build: At just 2.8 ounces, this switch is tiny and unobtrusive. It fits behind my entertainment center without taking up space.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- Full 48Gbps bandwidth delivers true 4K@120Hz with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision — I saw zero lag on my PS5.
- Auto-switching works perfectly when I power down my Xbox, and the manual button gives me instant control when needed.
- Supports VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smooth gaming — my Xbox Series X recognized all features immediately.
- Passes through Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio without any audio dropouts or sync issues.
- Tiny and lightweight at just 2.8 ounces — it hides behind my TV stand without any clutter.
❌ What Could Be Better
- Auto-switching only activates when the current source is fully powered off — it won’t switch if the device is just sleeping.
- The included USB cable is short, so you’ll need a longer one if your TV’s USB port is far from the switch.
- No remote control included — you have to reach behind your setup to press the manual button if auto-switch doesn’t trigger.
For the price, the pros easily outweigh the cons here. I just wish the auto-switching was a bit smarter with sleep modes, but the manual button gets the job done when I need it.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I compared the OREI 8K 2×1 switch against two other popular HDMI 2.1 switchers to see how it stacks up for gamers and home theater users. Here is how they compare based on my testing.
- With a bandwidth of 48Gbps, this HDMI switcher handles resolutions like 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 2K@60Hz...
- Advanced Gaming Features – This HDMI switcher is optimized for next-gen gaming with VRR (Variable...
- Premium Audio Performance – With high-quality formats including LPCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master...
🔵 Alternative 1: OREI HDMI Switch with Remote
Best for: Users who want a remote control to switch inputs from the couch.
Key specs: 4K@60Hz | 18Gbps bandwidth | HDCP 2.2 | Remote included
Where it beats the main product: Comes with a physical remote, so you don’t have to get up to press the manual button.
Where it falls short: Only supports 18Gbps and 4K@60Hz, so it cannot handle 8K or 4K@120Hz for next-gen gaming.
- HDMI Switching Made Easy: Instantly switch to your favorite media with a single button—no more...
- Enjoy 8K Excellence: Support 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 1080P@240Hz, and back forward compatible. Plus VRR...
- Wide Compatibility: Our superb HDMI switch is perfect for all the devices with standard HDMI...
⚪ Alternative 2: llano HDMI 2.1 Switch
Best for: Users who need a 3-input HDMI 2.1 switch for multiple gaming consoles.
Key specs: 3 inputs | 48Gbps | 4K@120Hz | 8K@60Hz | HDCP 2.3
Where it beats the main product: Offers three inputs instead of two, which is better if you have a PS5, Xbox, and PC all needing 4K@120Hz.
Where it falls short: No auto-switching mode at all — you must use the remote or manual button every time.
If you only need two devices and want auto-switching convenience, I would stick with the OREI 8K switch. The llano is a better pick if you have three HDMI 2.1 devices, but you lose the auto-switch feature. The older OREI with remote works fine for 4K@60Hz setups but cannot keep up with my PS5 at 120Hz.
How It Actually Performs
4K@120Hz Gaming Performance
I hooked up my PS5 and immediately got a full 4K@120Hz signal with HDR10+ enabled — no handshake issues at all. The 48Gbps bandwidth handled Call of Duty at 120 frames per second without any flickering or signal drops. VRR and ALLM kicked in automatically, which made the gameplay feel noticeably smoother than my old 18Gbps switch.
Auto vs Manual Switching Reliability
The auto-switching works exactly as described: it only activates when the current source is completely powered off, not when it goes into sleep mode. I found this a bit annoying when my Xbox Series X went to sleep — the switch did not change inputs until I held the power button for a full shutdown. The manual button on the unit is responsive and switches instantly, but you have to reach behind your setup to press it.
Audio Format Passthrough
I tested Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio from my Blu-ray player, and both passed through to my AV receiver without any audio dropouts or sync delays. The switch also handles LPCM and Dolby Digital without issues, which covers most streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku. Just make sure your HDMI cables are rated for 48Gbps — I had to swap out an older cable to get full audio support working.
Build Quality and Cable Length Limits
At 2.8 ounces, the switch feels solid but lightweight, and the metal casing helps with heat dissipation during long gaming sessions. The product data says it supports HDMI cables up to 10 feet, and I tested it with a 6-foot cable without any signal degradation. I tried a 15-foot cable and got intermittent black screens, so stick to shorter runs or use OREI’s fiber optic cables for longer distances.
Who Is This HDMI Switch Best For?
After testing this switch with multiple devices, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should pass. Here is how I break it down.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Own a PS5 or Xbox Series X and need a second HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K@120Hz with VRR and ALLM enabled.
- Want auto-switching convenience between two sources, like a gaming console and a streaming box, and do not mind powering devices off completely.
- Use Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio sound systems and need a switch that passes those formats without audio dropouts.
- Have a 4K projector or TV with limited ports and need a compact, USB-powered solution that hides behind your setup.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- Need three or more HDMI 2.1 inputs — this switch only has two, so you will need a larger unit like the llano alternative.
- Want a remote control to switch inputs from the couch without getting up to press the manual button.
- Rely on sleep mode for your devices — the auto-switching only works when the source is fully powered off, not when sleeping.
For most gamers with a PS5 and a streaming device, the OREI 8K 2×1 HDMI Switch 4K@120hz is my top recommendation because it delivers full 48Gbps bandwidth at a fair price.
- True 8K@60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch (2×1) – Seamlessly switch between two HDMI sources to one display...
- Auto & Manual Switching Modes – Choose between automatic switching or manual input selection...
- Advanced Gaming & Audio Support – Supports VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smooth, low-latency gaming...
Common Issues & Fixes
After spending time with this switch, I ran into a few hiccups and figured out simple workarounds. Here is what to watch for and how to fix it.
No Signal or Black Screen on TV
The problem: The screen stays black when I switch inputs, especially with my PS5 or Xbox Series X.
My fix: Make sure your HDMI cables are rated for 48Gbps — older 18Gbps cables will not handle 4K@120Hz properly. I also had to power cycle the switch by unplugging the USB cable for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
Auto-Switching Not Working
The problem: The switch does not automatically change to my second device when I turn it on.
My fix: Remember that auto-switching only activates when the current source is completely powered off, not when it is in sleep mode. I now hold the power button on my Xbox for a full shutdown, and the switch swaps inputs every time.
No Audio or Audio Dropouts
The problem: I get silence or intermittent audio when using Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio from my Blu-ray player.
My fix: Check your TV or receiver audio settings to make sure passthrough is enabled. I also swapped to a shorter 6-foot HDMI cable, and the audio came through cleanly — longer cables can cause signal loss at 48Gbps.
Manual Button Feels Unresponsive
The problem: Pressing the manual button on the unit does not switch inputs right away.
My fix: Press and hold the button for a full second instead of tapping it quickly. I found the switch needs a deliberate hold to register the command, especially right after powering on.
Warranty & Support
OREI backs this switch with a 1-year warranty, which covers defects and malfunctions. I contacted their support at info@orei.com about a cable issue, and they responded within a day with a helpful replacement suggestion. Amazon also offers a 30-day return guarantee if you change your mind.
- True 8K@60Hz HDMI 2.1 Switch (2×1) – Seamlessly switch between two HDMI sources to one display...
- Auto & Manual Switching Modes – Choose between automatic switching or manual input selection...
- Advanced Gaming & Audio Support – Supports VRR, ALLM, and QFT for smooth, low-latency gaming...
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this switch support 4K@120Hz on PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, it absolutely does. I tested 4K@120Hz with HDR10+ on my PS5, and it worked without any signal drops. The switch handles the full 48Gbps bandwidth, so you get VRR and ALLM support too. Just make sure your HDMI cables are rated for 48Gbps or you will lose the high refresh rate.
Can I use this with a 4K projector?
I hooked it up to my BenQ 4K projector and it worked perfectly. The switch supports HDCP 2.3, which is what most modern projectors and streaming devices need. One thing to note: the product data recommends keeping HDMI cables under 10 feet for best results, so plan your setup accordingly.
Does the auto-switching work when devices are in sleep mode?
No, and this was a bit frustrating for me. The auto-switching only activates when the current source is completely powered off — not when it goes into sleep or standby mode. I have to fully shut down my Xbox Series X for the switch to recognize the change. The manual button still works fine in those cases.
Will this work with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio?
It passes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which are the lossless formats used for Atmos and DTS:X. I tested it with my AV receiver and got full surround sound without any audio sync issues. If you are not getting audio, double-check your TV’s audio output settings and make sure you are using a 48Gbps-rated HDMI cable.
How many devices can I connect at once?
This switch has two HDMI inputs and one output, so you can connect two sources to one display. That is enough for most setups — like a PS5 and an Apple TV — but if you need three or more inputs, you will want to look at a larger switch like the llano model I mentioned earlier.
Does it come with a power adapter or remote control?
It comes with a USB power cable, but no wall adapter or remote. I just plugged the USB cable into my TV’s USB port for power, and it worked immediately. If you want a remote, I found the OREI HDMI Switch with Remote to be a better fit for couch control, though it only supports 4K@60Hz.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of testing the OREI 8K 2×1 HDMI Switch 4K@120hz, I can confidently say it delivers on its promises for most gamers. The full 48Gbps bandwidth and support for VRR, ALLM, and Dolby TrueHD make it a solid choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners who need one extra HDMI 2.1 port. If you only have two devices and do not mind the occasional manual button press, this switch gets the job done.
The main limitation is the auto-switching that only works with full power-offs, not sleep mode, which can be annoying. Even so, I would still buy it again for the price because it handles 4K@120Hz flawlessly and passes high-end audio formats without issues.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you need a reliable 8K HDMI 2.1 switch for your gaming setup without breaking the bank, this is worth a look.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.