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AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus: Comparison
What is the difference between AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus?
The first real difference is form factor: AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 Compact external box, 113 x 70 x 28mm, 190g against Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus External USB. They differ on passthrough resolution too, HDMI 2.1 mode: 2160p144, 1440p240, 1080p360 with HDR/VRR. HDMI... on the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 versus 4K60 on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Who each one is for
Take the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 for live-commerce and DSLR-production streamers on Windows who need genuine 4K60 recorded footage. It also earns its place with buyers who want switchable HDMI 2.1/2.0 passthrough to match whatever monitor or camera they're feeding through it. It is not the one for macOS users specifically needing 4K60 capture, this card caps at 4K30 on macOS regardless of USB speed. The Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus is the one to take for AV and broadcast professionals needing driver-free, cross-platform UVC capture. It is equally the pick for church, corporate, or event production setups where IT won't allow custom drivers. Avoid it for console gamers, this is priced and built for professional AV use, not gaming. Our rating of the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 (7/10): A genuinely capable 4K60 external capture box with flexible HDMI 2.1/2.0 switching for live-commerce and DSLR streamers, held back only by its brand-new status and a macOS capture cap at 4K30. Our rating of the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus (8/10): A dependable, driver-free 4K capture device for AV professionals who value UVC reliability over gaming-oriented extras.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C on the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 versus USB-C / Thunderbolt on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
- Compact external box, 113 x 70 x 28mm, 190g
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- External USB
Brand
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
- AVerMedia
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- Magewell
Model Number
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
- GC535
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
Connection Type
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps)
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
Max Recording Resolution
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
- 2160p60 (4K60) on Windows; capped at 2160p30 (4K30) on macOS
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K30
Passthrough Resolution
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
- HDMI 2.1 mode: 2160p144, 1440p240, 1080p360 with HDR/VRR. HDMI 2.0 default mode: 2160p60, 1440p144, 1080p240 with HDR, both meaningfully higher than the capture ceiling in refresh rate
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K60
Which one should you pick?
Choose AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 | Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely capable 4K60 external capture box with flexible HDMI 2.1/2.0 switching for live-commerce and DSLR streamers, held back only by its brand-new status and a macOS capture cap at 4K30.
Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable, driver-free 4K capture device for AV professionals who value UVC reliability over gaming-oriented extras.
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