Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus: Comparison
What is the difference between AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus?
On latency the spread is 7%, AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 16 ms against Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus 15 ms, so Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus takes it. Hdr support is not the same on both, Yes on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 versus No on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Which should you buy, AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 or Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus?
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is the one to take for Single-PC streamers who game and stream from the same machine and anyone standardized on AVerMedia's RECentral software ecosystem. The same goes for streamers capturing HDR console footage who want encoding off their PC's CPU. It is the wrong buy for buyers who already have a spare NVENC-capable GPU and don't need onboard encoding. The Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus suits 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 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (8/10): A genuinely useful onboard-encoder pick for single-PC streamers doing HDR console capture, though it costs more than AVerMedia's simpler externals. 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 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus differ on max recording resolution?
Yes. Max Recording Resolution reads 4K30 HDR on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 versus 4K30 on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Is the Form Factor the same on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus?
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 Ultra 2.1
- External USB
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- External USB
Brand
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- AVerMedia
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- Magewell
Model Number
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (GC553)
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
Connection Type
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
Max Recording Resolution
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K30 HDR
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K30
Passthrough Resolution
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K60 HDR
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K60
HDR Support
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- Yes
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- No
Latency
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 16 ms-7%
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 15 msBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose AVerMedia Live Gamer 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 want the lower latency (15 ms vs 16 ms).
Price comparison
| Retailer | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 | Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on 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 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely useful onboard-encoder pick for single-PC streamers doing HDR console capture, though it costs more than AVerMedia's simpler externals.
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.
More comparisons in Capture Cards
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs Elgato HD60 S+
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- AVerMedia Streamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs DIGITNOW! V316 4K HDMI Video Capture Card