When it comes to transmitting video signals to your TV, an HDMI cable is often seen as a ubiquitous solution. These cables are (often) inexpensive and do the job without any issues as long as it’s compatible. However, it comes at the expense of cable clutter and somehow limits the portability of the streaming device. If you want to remove these limitations, say hello to wireless HDMI streaming devices.
These devices help you transmit video and audio signals from your laptop, cable box, or console to your TV or projector wirelessly. And unlike other wireless solutions like Chromecast or Miracast, HDMI wireless devices are not dependent on Wi-Fi. Instead, they make things possible using IR or the 5 GHz microwave frequency band.
So if you are looking to reduce cable clutter on your entertainment unit (and adding oomph to your TV setup), here are our recommendations for the best wireless HDMI streaming devices.
Let’s get started. But first,
- Get rid of all cable clutter with these effective tools and devices
- Give a new edge to your favorite movies with the best Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
1. Iogear GWHDMS52 Wireless 5×2
The Iogear GWHDMS52 is the right pick for you if you are looking to connect several devices at once. This HDMI streaming device comes with five inputs (4 x HDMI + 1 component analog input) and allows you to easily switch between the connected devices. This transmitter and receiver package comes to the picture of having plenty of HDMI sources and looking to connect them to your TV with minimum cable clutter. It has one HDMI output port.
The Iogear GWHDMS52 can transmit both 1080p and 3D video signals through all the input HDMI ports. Like most wireless HDMI streaming devices, this one also struggles to transmit through physical barriers and walls.
But the good news is that if you are planning to install it in an open area, it should get the work done.
However, it’s expensive. And when it comes to the user experience, note that switching between the different sources is not seamless. The Iogear GWHDMS52 takes a little time to pick up the right chord. Nevertheless, if you are looking to pay a premium price simply for the number of inputs, this is the right pick.
2. OREI Wireless HDMI Extender
The OREI wireless HDMI extender is another transmitter that uses IR. Unlike the one above, here you have just a single HDMI input. But the good news is that these two devices are touted to have a longer range of up to 300 feet. They can transmit 1080P videos up to 60Hz. However, they need a continuous power supply which limits the placement of the devices.
Again, it would be wrong to call them latency-free. However, the latency will be insignificant if the devices are kept closer to each other or there is no physical barrier between them.
For those unaware, the latency in most situations arises from the fact that the signal has to travel a considerable distance. And a higher distance will translate into a high latency. Here, the latency is bearable for watching videos and movies. But it can prove to be a huge hurdle for gaming.
3. Iogear Wireless HDMI GW3DHDKIT
We have another Iogear product on this list. For almost the same price, this Iogear product brings several advantages to the table. For one, the devices are small and compact. Secondly, it comes with two HDMI inputs. The best part is that the receiver doesn’t need dedicated AC power and can be powered using the TV’s USB port. Cool, right?
The Iogear wireless HDMI device transmits video signals reliably. And as per the folks at The Wirecutter, it can send signals as far as 100 feet away to its receiver. The duo of transmitter and receiver worked in tandem without any lags or drop in video signal even when placed on two separate floors. Now, that’s something.
At the same time, it bundles two HDMI sources, thereby letting you connect two sources.
4. ScreenBeam MyWirelessTV2 Wireless HD Transmitter
ScreenBeam’s MyWirelessTV2 brings the best of both worlds. Not only is it priced lower than its counterparts above, but it also advertises a long-range. These compact devices work up to 150 feet and come with support for Full HD video, 2D/3D signal, and also 5.1 sound. The best part is that the small size means they won’t occupy much space on your entertainment console. And the receiver can be mounted behind the TV with the aid of a velcro strip or some double-sided tape.
Compared to the one above, there’s only a single HDMI input. However, if you do not have plans to use it on more than two HDMI sources, then this combination should work well for you.
ScreenBeam’s MyWirelessTV2 has seen several positive reviews from its user base, with people praising its working and easy installation process.
5. Diamond Multimedia VS50
Last but not least, we have the Diamond Multimedia VS50. The highlight of this device is its small and compact nature. The receiver is small enough to fit behind most TVs, while the transmitter has the form factor of a big flash drive. And it doesn’t end there. The transmitter has a USB-C port meaning you can easily connect it directly to your USB-C laptop without an adapter.
The small and compact form factor also makes the VS50 travel-friendly. This small device is capable of transmitting a 1080p signal at 60Hz. However, you’ll have to sacrifice the number of inputs for portability.
The same set of rules apply to this as well, when it comes to lag-free transmission. Both the transmitter and the receiver need to stay in clear sight of each other if you are looking for the best audio-video delivery.
Farewell, Wires
Quite naturally, wired HDMI interfaces make more sense if you are looking for a more robust network. You simply need to look around for a braided and strong HDMI cable, throw in a couple of cable management ideas and you should be good to go.
But if you are looking for a modern and wireless network to connect your TV, console, or projector to their sources minus any wires, these devices are what you are looking for. Most of these wireless HDMI streaming devices are easy to install and are simple plug-and-play devices. And as long as you have a clear line of sight between the receiver and the transmitter, the odds are that the transmission will occur without any significant lags and drop in video quality.
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
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