The Best Video Switchers (2021)

Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD

The most inputs, outputs, and professional features available in its price range - an absolute steal of a deal.

If you want an entry level switcher capable of up to 1080p60 that will give you versatility and room to grow, scroll no further.

Inputs: 4x 3G-SDI and 4x HDMI

Audio Inputs: 2x XLR

Program Outputs: 5x 3G-SDI

Aux Outputs: 1x 3G-SDI

Multiview Outputs: 1x 3G-SDI or 1x HDMI (same multiviewer output on both)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Basic control from front panel makes it a great budget-friendly option with tons of ins and outs

Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme

As you may know, I am not big on all-in-one solutions. That is one reason why the ATEM Television Studio HD still remains my top pick above.

However, Blackmagic has done such a great job with the ATEM Mini line and it's hard to deny this model answers a huge need in the market today.

So, if you need a budget-friendly solution for switching between multiple inputs, live streaming, and recording, look no further!

Here are just a few of the awesome features:

• 8 total inputs is more than enough for most users and situations
• 2 routable outputs that can be used for program, preview, multiview, clean feed, and/or direct routing of individual sources
• Record straight to one or two USB-C hard drives - no need for external recording hardware
• Live stream directly from the ATEM Mini Extreme through an Ethernet connection - no need to connect to a computer except to handle switcher settings
• Re-sync, frame rate conversion, and format conversion on all inputs - mix and match cameras and computers with no need for external scalers
• Expansive button layout brings most controls to your fingertips without the need for software control
• Configurable multiviewer can show up to 16 windows on one display
• 4 keyers, 6 picture-in-picture DVEs, and 2 media players gives you a ton of graphic options

Inputs: 8x HDMI

Audio Inputs: 2x 3.5mm Stereo Mini

Program Outputs: 2x USB-C (to computer and/or hard drive), up to 2x HDMI, and 1x Ethernet (live stream)

Aux Outputs: 2x HDMI (can be used for program, multiview, or aux outputs)

Multiview Outputs: 1x (can be routed to either HDMI output)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Performance per dollar is impossible to beat

Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K

12G-SDI inputs and outputs, a full control surface, and standards conversion on every input - an amazing bang for the buck.

4K60 is only one of the many strong features this unit has to offer. This is an excellent option for many systems.

Be aware that this switcher is SDI only. There are no HDMI inputs or outputs except for the multiview output.

Inputs: 8x 12G-SDI

Audio Inputs: 2x XLR

Program Outputs: 9x 12G-SDI

Aux Outputs: 1x 12G-SDI

Multiview Outputs: 1x 12G-SDI or 1x HDMI (same multiviewer output on both)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Standards converters on every input give this a ton of flexibility

Lumantek ez-PRO VS10

This is a killer deal considering you get a solid control surface, plenty of ins and outs, and internal scalers on every input.

Inputs: 8x 3G-SDI and 2x HDMI

Audio Inputs: 2x XLR

Program Outputs: 2x 3G-SDI and 1x HDMI

Aux Outputs: 4x 3G-SDI

Audio Outputs: 2x XLR

Multiview Outputs: 1x HDMI

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: 4 aux outputs offer a lot of versatility

Ross Carbonite Black Solo

This may be Ross' entry-level switcher, but it is no slouch.

Essentially everything is assignable and customizable - inputs, outputs, buttons, format converters, M/Es, Mini M/Es, and more.

For those looking for broadcast grade reliability and customizability on a lower budget, this switcher is your answer.

Inputs: 6x 3G-SDI and 3x HDMI

Assignable Outputs: 5x 3G-SDI and 1x HDMI

Multiview Outputs: 1x (assignable to any of the 6 outputs)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: 2 Mini M/Es give this about as much flexibility as a 2 or 3 M/E switcher in most situations

Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K

An absolute beast with tons of features, but a price so low it makes you do a double-take (or maybe a spit-take).

If you only look at this as an 8K switcher then I believe you're missing the real value. For an 8K switcher this looks kinda meh. But, for a 4K or HD switcher then it really starts to dazzle.

40x 12G-SDI capable inputs, 24x outputs, 4x multiview outputs, frame rate and format conversion on every input, 16x upstream keyers, 156 channel Fairlight audio mixer, MADI audio output - convinced yet?

Listen, I get it...

There's a love/hate out there for Blackmagic products in general. But no matter where you stand on that issue, almost everyone can agree this is an absolute powerhouse for the price point.

Inputs: 40x 12G-SDI (10x in 8K mode)

Assignable Outputs: 24x 12G-SDI (6x in 8K mode)

Multiview Outputs: 4x 12G-SDI (1x in 8K mode)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 7680 x 4320 at 59.94 fps

My Favorite Feature: All. The. Things.