Magewell
USB Capture HDMI Plus
Best reliable capture solution for professional live streamers and content creators.
The Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus is a compact external device for seamless HDMI video and audio capture via USB 3.0. It's ideal for professional workflows, enabling high-quality recording, low-latency live streaming, and overlay integration with popular software like OBS. This device is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, offering plug-and-play convenience without additional drivers. Built for continuous 24/7 operation, it features a loop-through HDMI port for easy local monitoring, providing a flexible and reliable solution for content creators and professionals.
$359.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
6
/ 235
#6 in Video Editing Hardware & Production Equipment
Price vs Category Average
-78%
Below average
Interface Type
3.0
/ USB , HDMI
Who it's for
- Users needing seamless cross-platform compatibility without complex software setups
- Live streamers requiring lag-free performance for professional broadcasts
- Content creators monitoring high-quality feeds on external displays
Who should skip it
- Hobbyists working with a limited production budget
- Videographers requiring native 4K recording for high-resolution projects
- Modern laptop users wanting to avoid extra dongles or adapters
Performance breakdown
Latency Performance
Near-zero delay ensures perfectly synced audio and video for live streaming.
Compatibility
Plug-and-play functionality works flawlessly across all major operating systems.
Build Reliability
Engineered for stable, continuous operation in demanding professional production environments.
Signal Flexibility
Loop-through port and analog audio input offer excellent monitoring and versatility.
Setup Simplicity
Driverless installation makes integration into existing workflows incredibly fast and easy.
Resolution Handling
Efficiently downscales 4K inputs to crisp 1080p for high-quality streaming.
Key Specs
Interface Type
USB 3.0, HDMI
Input Signal
Up to 4096 x 2160 at 30 fps (4:4:4/4:2:2)
Maximum Record/Stream Resolution
1080p (4K input downscaled)
Data Transfer Rate
Up to 5 Gbps
Operating System Support
Windows 7+, Linux, macOS 10.9+
Power Requirements
USB Powered
Supported Protocols
UVC (USB Video Class), UAC (USB Audio Class)
Dimensions
3.86 x 2.24 x 0.67 inches / 98.1 x 56.8 x 17 mm
Features
- Ingest HDMI video via USB 3.0
- Low latency live streaming
- Loop-through HDMI for monitoring
- Configurable video mirroring
- Plug-and-play across major OSs
- Extracts embedded HDMI audio
- Captures analog audio via mic input
- Designed for 24/7 operation
What customers say
Users overwhelmingly praise the Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus for its exceptional reliability and ease of use. Its plug and play functionality integrates seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux with popular software like OBS and Zoom, often requiring no driver installation. This simplicity contributes to a smooth out of box experience. Professionals value its robust performance, consistently delivering high quality uncompressed video capture with low latency, perfect for streaming and recording. While priced higher than alternatives, customers feel the investment is justified by its unparalleled stability and consistent performance, which prevents technical issues during critical events. It is viewed as a dependable, premium workhorse.
Know before you buy
No, this device is plug-and-play. It uses standard UVC and UAC protocols, meaning it is automatically recognized by Windows, Linux, and macOS without the need for manual driver installation.
The device accepts 4K input signals up to 30 fps, but it captures and streams at a maximum resolution of 1080p. It automatically downscales the 4K source to Full HD for your recording or streaming software.
The loop-through port allows you to send your HDMI signal to a secondary monitor or display simultaneously. This is essential for monitoring your video feed in real-time without any latency while you record or stream.
Yes, the device features a 3.5mm analog audio input. This allows you to capture audio from a dedicated microphone alongside the embedded HDMI audio.
Yes, the hardware is specifically engineered for 24/7 operation. It is a robust, reliable choice for professional setups that require constant uptime, such as security monitoring or permanent installation streaming.
The device is designed for extremely low latency, ensuring your video and audio remain synchronized. While some minor processing delay is inherent in digital capture, it is optimized to be virtually imperceptible for live production workflows.
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