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AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 vs Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card: Comparison

AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 vs Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB form factor compared

The first real difference is form factor: AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 Compact external box, 113 x 70 x 28mm, 190g against Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Camera Dongle.

AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 vs Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB: which one fits your build

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 Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB is the one to take for casual, non-competitive HDMI recording on a tight budget, though it is not the pick for competitive gaming, given the passthrough lag typical of this tier and 4K or HDR capture of any kind. The same goes for same-day, in-store purchases when you need a capture card right now. 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 Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB (4/10): A generic budget dongle whose main selling point is being on a physical store shelf. Fine in a pinch, not worth seeking out online over cheaper alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Do the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 and Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB differ on connection type?

Yes. Connection Type reads USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C on the AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 versus USB 3.0 / USB-C on the Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
    Compact external box, 113 x 70 x 28mm, 190g
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    Camera Dongle
  • Brand

    AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
    AVerMedia
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    Vivitar
  • Model Number

    AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
    GC535
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    VIVRW7310
  • Connection Type

    AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps)
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    USB 3.0 / USB-C
  • Max Recording Resolution

    AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1
    2160p60 (4K60) on Windows; capped at 2160p30 (4K30) on macOS
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    1080p60
  • 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
    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    1080p (loop-through)

    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 Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card
    AmazonView 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.

    Vivitar Creator Series HDMI to USB Capture Card

    4 / 10 Expert Rating

    A generic budget dongle whose main selling point is being on a physical store shelf.

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