Amazon Basics Video Converter vs BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2
These two converters sit in different lanes of the home theater accessories market. The Amazon Basics Video Converter is a general-purpose unit aimed at anyone who needs to bridge a video signal between devices, while the BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 is a dedicated optical audio splitter that sends one Toslink source to two receivers simultaneously. Both cost under $22, so price alone will not settle this for most shoppers. The Amazon Basics model carries far more purchase volume, with around 4,000 buyers per month, suggesting it has built a broad install base. BlueRigger's 5,100 reviews and 4.4 rating tell a different story: a narrower audience that buys it for a specific job and comes away satisfied.
Quick winner
BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 wins on rating (4.4 vs 4.2) and is $1.07 cheaper at $19.99; Amazon Basics wins on sheer purchase volume and is the better pick if you need a video signal converter rather than an optical audio split.
Key differences, measured
- The BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 is 5% cheaper ($19.99 vs $21.06).
- Amazon buyers rate the BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 0.2 stars higher across 10,853 combined reviews.
The two contenders
Amazon Basics Video Converter
The Amazon Basics Video Converter is priced at $21.06 and holds a 4.2 rating across 5,753 reviews. Roughly 4,000 units sell per month on Amazon, which is a strong signal of real-world demand. It is designed for shoppers who need a straightforward video conversion solution without hunting for a specialty brand. The tradeoff is a below-average rating for this category, meaning a meaningful portion of buyers ran into compatibility or build-quality issues. It is best treated as a budget convenience pick rather than a long-term installation component.
Buy this if: Buy the Amazon Basics Video Converter if you need to route or convert a video signal between devices and do not require optical audio splitting. It also makes sense for shoppers who want the convenience and return policy of an Amazon house brand at a modest price.
Check price on AmazonBlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 Video Converter
The BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 is a passive optical audio splitter priced at $19.99, rated 4.4 out of 5 across 5,100 reviews. It takes one Toslink digital audio output, such as from a TV's optical port, and splits it to two devices, like a soundbar and a headphone amp, at the same time. That is a very specific capability, and the high rating confirms it performs that job reliably for most buyers. BlueRigger is a well-regarded cable and audio accessory brand, and the review volume here reflects genuine long-term confidence in the product.
Buy this if: Buy the BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 if your TV or source device has a single optical audio output and you want to send audio to two destinations at once, such as a soundbar and a gaming headset receiver. Its 4.4 rating and 5,100 reviews make it a low-risk choice for that specific use case.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Can the BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 handle Dolby Digital or DTS audio?
Toslink splitters pass the optical signal through without decoding it, so the bitstream your source device outputs, including Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS, is sent to both connected devices intact. Whether your receiver or soundbar can decode those formats is a separate question. The splitter itself does not add or remove audio processing.
Does the Amazon Basics Video Converter require external power?
Amazon has not published detailed power specs for this unit in its listing data. Many passive video converters draw power from a USB port or the source device, while active converters include a power adapter. Check the product page and included accessories before assuming bus power is sufficient for your setup.
Which product has better long-term reliability based on reviews?
BlueRigger's 4.4 rating across 5,100 reviews points to stronger consistent satisfaction than the Amazon Basics model's 4.2 across 5,753 reviews. A 0.2-point gap at large review volumes is a meaningful signal. For a passive splitter that sees daily use, that difference in buyer satisfaction matters more than the small price gap.
Can I use these two products together in the same setup?
They serve different signal types, video and optical audio, so they do not overlap or conflict. A common setup would be running the Amazon Basics Video Converter to adapt your video source while using the BlueRigger TOSLINK-SPLITTER-1X2 to distribute the TV's optical audio output to a soundbar and a second listening device. They are complementary, not interchangeable.