A feature-packed HDMI 2.1 switch, but only if you need 3-in-1 flexibility

UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Switch is worth buying if you need a 3-in-1 HDMI hub for a PS5, Xbox, TV box or Blu-ray player and want 4K@120Hz support at the current £45.99 all-time low. With a 4.2/5 rating from 1,677 reviews and 200+ bought last month, it clearly has real traction, but the need for external 5V/1A power and the lack of an included power adapter are important caveats.

What first impressions tell you

At £45.99, this sits in the premium end of HDMI switches rather than the bargain bin. The headline specs are strong: 3 HDMI inputs to 1 HDMI output, support for 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 1080P@240Hz, HDCP 2.3, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, plus a 48Gbps bandwidth claim. That combination makes it much more ambitious than basic TV accessory switches, and it is clearly aimed at people with newer consoles and displays rather than older streaming boxes.

What does it actually do well?

The main appeal is convenience without giving up modern HDMI 2.1 features. If you have three sources but only one display input free, this switch lets you move between them instead of constantly swapping cables. The 4K@120Hz support is the big selling point for PS5 and Xbox users, while VRR and ALLM matter for gaming because they are designed to reduce tearing and minimise stutter. QMS and QFT are also included, which helps position it as a more future-facing option than a plain 4K switch.

The universal compatibility list is broad: PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, Switch, PC, TV boxes, Blu-ray/DVD players and more. Backward compatibility with HDMI 2.1/2.0/1.4 sources means you do not need a full all-new setup to use it. If you are trying to build a tidy entertainment centre around one TV or monitor, this is the kind of box that can remove a lot of cable clutter.

How does it perform for gaming and home cinema?

For gamers, the advertised support for 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, QMS and QFT is the key reason to buy. Those are the features that matter most when you want fast motion and low latency rather than just basic picture switching. The 48Gbps bandwidth claim also suggests it is designed to handle the demands of modern HDMI 2.1 sources, not just older 4K devices.

For film and TV use, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support are a useful bonus if your source and display chain already support them. That makes it more suitable for a premium streaming or disc setup than a cheap switch that only handles standard HDR. The 8K@60Hz support is there for future-proofing, but for most UK viewers the real-world benefit today will be 4K@120Hz and clean switching between devices.

What should you watch out for?

The biggest warning is power. UGREEN says the DC5.5mm power cable must be connected to a 5V/1A or above power source, and the power adapter is not included. That means this is not quite as simple as a passive plug-and-forget accessory, and poor power delivery could affect stability. If you are buying this for a setup that already has limited spare USB power, factor that in.

The other issue is price. £45.99 is not outrageous for an HDMI 2.1 switch, but it is still a meaningful spend compared with simpler TV accessories. For context, the competing indoor Freeview aerial listed here is £35.00 with a 4.7★ rating, while TV wall brackets are much cheaper at £19.93 and £18.99. That does not make those products substitutes, but it does show how much more specialized this switch is.

Is it good value for money?

At £45.99, it is value for money only if you genuinely need HDMI 2.1 switching. If you are just connecting older devices or do not care about 4K@120Hz, VRR or ALLM, you are paying for features you may never use. If you do have a PS5, Xbox or a high-refresh display, the current price is attractive because it is at the all-time low and matches the list price and average price exactly.

How does it compare to cheaper alternatives?

Cheaper HDMI switches can handle basic source swapping, but they often lack 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM and 48Gbps bandwidth support. That makes them less suitable for current-gen consoles and premium displays. This UGREEN unit is more of a specialist tool: pricier than basic switches, but more capable for a modern gaming or cinema setup.

Final take

If you want one HDMI switch that can handle three modern devices and preserve the features that matter most on PS5 and Xbox, this is a strong option. If your setup is older, simpler, or you do not need HDMI 2.1 features, there are cheaper ways to switch inputs.