Its looking like these tiny “KVM over IP” devices are all the rage recently.

These units give you remote video and control of your devices without software running on the system. Very useful!

The best mini KVM over IP units currently are:

1: JetKVM – https://jetkvm.com/

2: NanoKVM – https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction.html
This popular KVM has been found to have a range of serious security issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plJGZQ35Q6I
It has also been found to house a microphone and remote listing software abilities. (See youtube comments for additional details)

3: BliKVM v4 – https://wiki.blicube.com/blikvm/en/BliKVM-v4-guide/

4: PiKVM – https://pikvm.org

There is no particular winner overall – they all offer good features depending on your needs.

Let the comparison table of the JetKVM, NanoKVM, BliKVM v4, and PiKVM devices be your guide:

FeatureJetKVMNanoKVMBliKVM v4PiKVM
PriceApproximately $69 USD. RedditApproximately $50 USD. RedditApproximately $200 USD. RedditDIY versions range from $30 to $100 depending on features; pre-assembled versions are more expensive. Reddit
ProcessorRockChip RV1106G3, Cortex A7 1.0GHz, with H.264 & H.265 hardware encoder. RedditLicheeRV Nano with RISC-V SG2002 SoC. RedditAllwinner H616/H313 SoC. RedditBased on Raspberry Pi models (e.g., Raspberry Pi 4). pikvm.org
Memory (RAM)256 MB DDR3L. RedditNot specified.1 GB. RedditDepends on the Raspberry Pi model used; for example, Raspberry Pi 4 models come with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM. pikvm.org
StorageNot specified.Not specified.Micro SD card slot for OS and data storage. RedditUses a microSD card for the operating system and storage. pikvm.org
Video InputHDMI.HDMI. RedditHDMI input port. RedditHDMI input, with support for Full HD 1920 x 1080p at 50Hz. pikvm.org
Video OutputNot specified.Not specified.HDMI loop-through port. RedditNot specified; primarily designed for remote access via web interface. pikvm.org
Supported ResolutionsNot specified.Up to 1080p at 60fps. RedditUp to 4K at 30Hz. RedditFull HD 1920 x 1080p at 50Hz. pikvm.org
Video CompressionH.264 & H.265 hardware encoding. RedditMJPEG; H.264 in development. RedditMJPEG. RedditEfficient H.264 encoding. pikvm.org
Network ConnectivityEthernet.Ethernet. RedditEthernet (RJ45 100M) with PoE support; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (IEEE802.11 b/g/n + BLE4.2). RedditEthernet connectivity; Wi-Fi support depends on the Raspberry Pi model used. pikvm.org
Power SupplyNot specified.USB-C power adapter. Reddit5V 3A via USB-C port, 12V 2A via DC port, or PoE (IEEE802.3af compliant). RedditPower supply depends on the Raspberry Pi model used; for example, Raspberry Pi 4 uses a USB-C power adapter. pikvm.org
Form FactorCompact design with touchscreen display. RedditStick-on design. RedditPCIe card form factor. RedditVaries depending on the Raspberry Pi model and setup; DIY and pre-assembled options available. pikvm.org
Remote AccessYes.Yes. RedditYes. RedditYes, via web browser using WebRTC. pikvm.org
Power ControlLimited.Limited. RedditATX control port for power on/off and restart. RedditATX controller to switch the machine on or off, reset it, and monitor power & storage LED activity remotely. pikvm.org
Open SourceYes. RedditPartially; some components are proprietary with plans for future open-sourcing. RedditYes. RedditYes, licensed under GPLv3. pikvm.org
Additional FeaturesTouchscreen display for local control. RedditVirtual keyboard,

Each of these devices offers unique features catering to different remote management needs. The JetKVM provides a compact solution with a touchscreen display, the NanoKVM offers an affordable stick-on design with ongoing development for open-source components, the BliKVM v4 delivers a comprehensive set of features including higher resolution support and multiple connectivity options, and the PiKVM offers a DIY approach.

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