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Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber vs UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489: Comparison
What is the difference between Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber and UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489?
Start with latency, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber 100 ms against UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489 120 ms, 20% in favour of Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber.
Which should you buy, Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber or UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489?
The Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber is the one to take for casual camera or console capture where HDCP-protected sources aren't involved, though it is not the pick for true 4K recording, since actual capture is limited to 1080p60. The same goes for budget streamers who want a 4K monitor loop-out with basic 1080p60 recording. It is not the one for any HDCP-protected source, such as most streaming boxes or Blu-ray players. Buy the UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489 for occasional video calls or lecture capture where latency doesn't matter, though it is not built for competitive gaming, where the passthrough lag is noticeable and HDR capture or passthrough of any kind. It also earns its place with casual recording of a console, camera, or retro system on a tight budget. Avoid it for anyone who has used a premium card before and will notice the latency difference. Our rating of the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber (5/10): one of the better budget HDMI dongles, but still a 1080p60 recorder wearing a 4K label. Fine for casual use, not a Cam Link 4K substitute.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber and UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489 differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads USB 3.0 on the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber versus USB-A / USB-C on the UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489.
Is the Form Factor the same on the Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber and UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489?
It is. Both are listed at Camera Dongle, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- Camera Dongle
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- Camera Dongle
Brand
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- Pengo Technology
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- UGREEN
Model Number
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- 4K HDMI Grabber
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- CM489
Connection Type
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- USB 3.0
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- USB-A / USB-C
Max Recording Resolution
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- 1080p60
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- 1080p60
Passthrough Resolution
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- 4K60 (HDMI loop-out)
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- 4K60 (HDMI loop-out)
HDR Support
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- No
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- No
Latency
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- 100 msBest
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- 120 ms-20%
Driver Required
- Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
- Driver-free UVC, no HDCP
- UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
- Driver-free UVC/UAC
Which one should you pick?
Choose Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber if you want the lower latency (100 ms vs 120 ms).
Choose UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Verdict
Pengo Technology Pengo 4K HDMI Grabber
5 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the better budget HDMI dongles, but still a 1080p60 recorder wearing a 4K label.
UGREEN Video Capture Card CM489
4 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget dongle that does the basics for very little money.