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AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 vs Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket: Comparison

AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 vs Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket latency compared

Latency is where these two genuinely part company, AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 25 ms against Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket 32 ms, a 28% lead for AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2.

Who each one is for

Buy the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 for budget console capture buyers upgrading from a 1080p30 card and anyone standardized on AVerMedia's RECentral software, though it is the wrong buy for HDR console gamers, this card doesn't support HDR at all and streamers planning to eventually output in 4K. It is equally the pick for 1080p-only streamers who don't want to pay for unused 4K passthrough. It is the wrong buy for anyone with a 4K monitor who wants full-resolution passthrough while playing. The Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket suits buyers who value Hauppauge's long track record in capture hardware, though it is not the pick for HDR capture or passthrough, not supported on this device and PC-free standalone recording, that's the AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt's job. The same goes for console streamers wanting quick capture through a mobile or PC companion app. It is not the one for anyone wanting the most polished streaming-focused software suite, Elgato and AVerMedia lead there. Our rating of the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 (6/10): solid, no-frills 1080p60 capture for buyers who genuinely don't need 4K passthrough. Our rating of the Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket (6/10): solid hardware from a genuinely experienced capture brand, let down slightly by software polish next to Elgato and AVerMedia.

Frequently asked questions

Do the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 and Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket differ on connection type?

Yes. Connection Type reads USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 on the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 versus USB-C / Thunderbolt on the Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket.

Is the Form Factor the same on the AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 and Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket?

It is. Both are listed at External USB, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    External USB
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    External USB
  • Brand

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    AVerMedia
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    Hauppauge
  • Model Number

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    Live Gamer HD 2 (GC570)
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    HD PVR Rocket
  • Connection Type

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    USB-C / Thunderbolt
  • Max Recording Resolution

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    1080p60
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    1080p60
  • Passthrough Resolution

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    1080p60
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    4K60
  • HDR Support

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    No
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    No
  • Latency

    AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2
    25 msBest
    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    32 ms-28%

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 if you want the lower latency (25 ms vs 32 ms).

    Choose Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket
    AmazonView on Amazon
    NeweggView 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 Live Gamer HD 2

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    Solid, no-frills 1080p60 capture for buyers who genuinely don't need 4K passthrough.

    Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    Solid hardware from a genuinely experienced capture brand, let down slightly by software polish next to Elgato and AVerMedia.

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