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AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2: Comparison
What is the difference between AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2?
Max capture frame rate is the dividing line, AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 60 fps at 4K on Windows; 30 fps at... against Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 Up to 120 fps. Hdmi version is not the same on both, HDMI 2.1, switchable down to HDMI 2.0 default via... on the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 versus HDMI 1.4a on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2.
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 is equally the pick for buyers who want switchable HDMI 2.1/2.0 passthrough to match whatever monitor or camera they're feeding through it. Avoid it for macOS users specifically needing 4K60 capture, this card caps at 4K30 on macOS regardless of USB speed. The Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 is the one to take for multi-camera event, church, and corporate production setups. It also earns its place with anyone who needs a capture device that works identically across many different software platforms without driver installs. It is not the one for solo streamers who want a companion app with overlays and scene switching built in. 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 Gen 2 (8/10): A production-grade capture box that works identically in every piece of software, with no drivers to chase.
Specs and benchmarks
These products are in different categories and don't share enough specifications to compare meaningfully.
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 Gen 2 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 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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 Gen 2
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A production-grade capture box that works identically in every piece of software, with no drivers to chase.