The 6 Best HDMI Over Ethernet Extenders
Editor's Notes
July 29, 2021:
Although there has been some advancement to the HDMI protocol with version 2.1 recently hitting the mainstream, there aren't yet any HDMI extenders certified to worth with the new high-speed standard. As such, we haven't altered our rankings and still believe the eSynic 2 Outputs HDMI Extender is the best and most straightforward choice for most people. If you're connecting multiple screens over long distances, the Gofanco Prophecy 4-Way remains your best bet.
January 26, 2020:
While HDMI cables have undoubtedly expanded the scope of our home entertainment experience by providing a simple interface for multiple devices to connect to (much like the USB has), its limitation is that its signals lose a lot of quality over distances above and beyond a certain length. Ethernet cables can make up for this by carrying the signal further without signal loss (coaxial cables can also do this job, but are less commonly used).
The Cat5 (Category-5) distinction (which used to transfer at up to 100 Mbps) is now obsolete. Current adapters commonly use Cat5e (up to 1000Mbps), Cat6 and Cat7 protocols. They are all backwards-compatible (meaning they work with each other, as they are all ethernet cables, so a Cat5 cable can fit into a Cat6-labelled port, and vice versa).
I've taken out some of the older models, including one of the dual-port (DDC and Video) options, though the Portta Extender still offers a similar service if you want to forego power cables. I've also taken out the AV Access 165ft and updated the Sabrent 4K to a newer version with a few more 'bells and whistles', and I've included a multi-port adapter - the Gofanco Prophecy 4-Way, which is suitable for situations where you may want to use multiple screens.
Remember that these are only the adapters and they don't come with the Cat5e/Cat6 extension cables - I wish that models did nowadays, but it is what it is, so you will have to buy the ethernet cables separately. If you don't want the hassle of cables, then you always have wireless options, which are usually very reliable nowadays and have great range (but there is always the associated risk of weaker signals through thick walls, etc. that accompanies any type of wireless extender). IR remote extenders are commonly associated with HDMI extenders, since they give you control of remote devices, while the extenders provide visuals, so they're commonly bought together, and some HDMI adapters (like the eSynic 2 Outputs HDMI Extender) are even sold with IR receivers/emitters, and many have inbuilt IR ports.