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Epiphan AV.io HD vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus: Comparison
Epiphan AV.io HD vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus latency compared
Start with latency, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Epiphan AV.io HD 16 ms against Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus 15 ms, 7% in favour of Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus. Passthrough resolution is not the same on both, 1080p60 on the Epiphan AV.io HD versus 4K60 on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Epiphan AV.io HD vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus: which one fits your build
Buy the Epiphan AV.io HD for professionals prioritizing low latency over 4K resolution for live production, though it is not built for 4K capture needs, this device tops out at 1080p60 and gaming-oriented streamers wanting bundled overlay software, none is included. It is equally the pick for live event, education, and corporate AV production needing reliable single-source capture. It is not the one for multi-camera live switching, that's a job for the ATEM Mini instead. The Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus suits AV and broadcast professionals needing driver-free, cross-platform UVC capture. The same goes 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 Epiphan AV.io HD (8/10): dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution. 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 Epiphan AV.io HD and Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 on the Epiphan AV.io HD versus USB-C / Thunderbolt on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Is the Form Factor the same on the Epiphan AV.io HD 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
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- External USB
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- External USB
Brand
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- Epiphan
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- Magewell
Model Number
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- AV.io HD
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
Connection Type
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
Max Recording Resolution
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K30
Passthrough Resolution
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K60
HDR Support
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- No
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- No
Latency
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 16 ms-7%
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 15 msBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Epiphan AV.io HD 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 | Epiphan AV.io HD | 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
Epiphan AV.io HD
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution.
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.