Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Daniel Osakwe
The Kinivo 550BN HDMI switch features five inputs, a 4K resolution, and a 60Hz refresh rate. When you need to connect several devices to your 4K TV or display, then the 550BN is an excellent choice. This switch performed reliably in our tests, including an automatic switch that switched in 9 seconds.
Despite this, several ports are conveniently placed on either side of the switcher to accommodate so many inputs in such a small area, thereby forcing thick HDMI cables to remain in the console or on the desk. Considering the Kinivo is one of the higher-end sub-$50 HDMI switches, this was a bit disappointing.
Table of Contents
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch: Design
The Kinivo switch has five HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, an AC adapter, and remote control. There are only four inputs on the back, one on the right, and one on the left, to keep the box as small as possible.
As a result, it is difficult to arrange cables in a pleasing manner. Despite the box’s sturdy construction, the sides are coated with a metallic coating. On the bottom, there are rubber feet for traction, and on the top, there is a huge Kinivo logo.
Due to the fact that an HDMI cable and an AC adapter cable protruded from the sides, cable management was harder.
The HDMI switcher isn’t the prettiest HDMI switcher on the market, but it runs at 4K 60Hz, is HDCP 2.2 compliant, has a large number of inputs, and is only 6.9 x 2.5 x 1.0 inches. There is an extensive user guide that lists popular devices that do not support auto-switching (and what the reason is for this). With the remote, you can select from five inputs and cycle through them using arrows. It uses IR signaling.
Specs
- Product Name: 550BN HDMI Switch
- Product Brand: Kinivo MP NSW-550BN
- Release Date: April 2018
- Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 2.5 x 1 in.
- Warranty: Two-year
- Screen Resolution: 4k @ 60Hz
- Ports: 5 HDMI In, 1 HDMI Out
- Formats Supported: HDR, Dolby Vision, 3D
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch: Setup Process
With the included AC adapter and three HDMI inputs and outputs, we set up the Kinivo HDMI Switch. The switch automatically selects the HDMI input that is currently active. Even though we tried to set up the switch in an eye-pleasing manner, the HDMI cable and AC adapter cables poking out of the sides made cable management tough.
The switcher should have had more ports in the rear and should have been longer and wider. In terms of size, the switch itself would be bigger, but unsightly cables would be much easier to hide, a compromise we would have happily settled for.
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch: Features
Despite its small size, this switcher is jam-packed with features. With this display, you can watch 4K content at 60Hz, it displays content from up to five devices, and it switches automatically.
However, the only downside is that this switch does not include an HDMI splitter, so if your sound system is separate from your viewing device, you will have to reroute audio using a 3rd party solution. For this test, we connected the Kinivo Switch with our BenQ HT3550 sound system, which has an RCA output on the back.
Upon setting up your A/V system, the Kinivo switch supports Dolby digital encoding, HDCP, HDR, 3D video, and an 18Gbps connection. In the event that you need any additional support, you’re covered by a two-year warranty.
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch: Streaming Performance
On average, the Kinivo switch switches inputs in about nine seconds, which makes it slower than other sub-$50 HDMI switches. It delivered 60Hz as promised when we tested its refresh rate at 4K. Despite its many impressive features, including its sheer number of inputs, it was generally a simple and pleasant switch to use.
Although it can take up to five inputs, we only tested it with three: a PC, a Nintendo Switch, and a Playstation 4. HDCP support and clear audio accompanied the video flawlessly. Using the controller input to control the display was equally seamless.
Kinivo 550BN HDMI Switch vs. Smartooo 23031 HDMI Switcher
With three inputs, the Smartooo 3-input 4K/60Hz Switch offers a real challenge to the Kinivo. It costs only $30 and has just as many inputs as the Smartooo. Compared to a host of four or more devices to connect to your display, the Smartooo provides a similar resolution and refresh rate output.
To get the Smartooo 23031 HDMI Switcher, Click here Now.
| Pros | Cons |
| 4k at 60 Hz support | No PIP Mode |
| Two-year warranty | Expensive |
| 5 inputs |
The verdict
Kinivo’s five-input 4K/60Hz switch is a good buy at $45. In many cases, with only three or four inputs, the competition is cheaper and more feature-rich than the competition. In terms of performance, the Kinivo switch is clean and reliable, but cable management may pose a problem for those who prefer five inputs.
