An “HDMI hub” is often used casually to describe a few different devices that help you manage screens and connections. Depending on what you pick, it can:

• Add an HDMI port to a laptop/tablet: A USB-C multiport hub or docking station gives you HDMI plus extras like USB, SD, and Ethernet.
• Share one source to multiple screens: An HDMI splitter mirrors a single device to two or more displays.
• Share one TV/monitor between devices: An HDMI switch lets you select between multiple HDMI sources on one input.

When browsing, look for the ports you need, supported resolution/refresh rate (like 4K), and whether external power or features like pass-through charging matter for your setup.

They solve different problems and aren’t interchangeable:

• Hub (USB-C multiport/dock): Expands a laptop or tablet by adding HDMI and other ports (USB, SD, Ethernet). Many support power delivery, but your device needs video output over USB-C for HDMI to work.
• Splitter (1 in, 2+ out): Duplicates a single source to multiple displays. It typically mirrors the same image on all screens and follows the source’s resolution/HDCP.
• Switch (2–5 in, 1 out): Lets you plug in multiple devices and choose which one shows on your TV/monitor.

Choose a hub for adding ports to a laptop, a splitter for mirrored multi-screen viewing, and a switch for sharing a single HDMI input among devices.

It depends on whether you want the same image on both screens or separate desktops.

• Mirror the same image: Use an HDMI splitter rated for your resolution/refresh rate. This duplicates the signal to both monitors.
• Extend to two independent displays: A single HDMI port usually can’t output two separate desktops by itself. Consider a docking station or USB display adapter that supports dual displays, if your computer supports that functionality. Some solutions may require drivers and may limit resolution/refresh depending on hardware.

For best results, match cable quality to your target resolution, keep cable runs reasonable, and check your device’s specs for multi-monitor support before purchasing.

An HDMI switch is designed for this. It takes multiple HDMI inputs and feeds a single output to your TV or monitor, so you can toggle between devices.

1. Connect each device’s HDMI cable to the switch’s input ports.
2. Run one HDMI cable from the switch’s output to your display.
3. Select the active source using the switch’s button or remote. Some models auto-switch when a device wakes.

• Consider: Supported resolution/refresh (e.g., 4K), HDCP compatibility, and whether the switch uses external power for stability.
• Note: A splitter isn’t for combining devices; it’s for mirroring one device to multiple screens.

It can, but only if the entire chain supports it. Look for clear “4K@60Hz” support on the hub, switch, or splitter, and make sure your source device and display also support 4K60.

• Check specs: Some devices are limited to 4K@30Hz. Dual-display setups may reduce refresh rate.
• Use the right cables: High-quality, appropriately rated HDMI cables and reasonable cable lengths can help maintain signal integrity.
• Power matters: Externally powered hubs/switches may offer more stable performance than bus-powered options.

Results can vary based on hardware and content protection. You can filter by resolution/refresh features when browsing to find a match for your setup.