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:
Feature | JetKVM | NanoKVM | BliKVM v4 | PiKVM |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | Approximately $69 USD. Reddit | Approximately $50 USD. Reddit | Approximately $200 USD. Reddit | DIY versions range from $30 to $100 depending on features; pre-assembled versions are more expensive. Reddit |
Processor | RockChip RV1106G3, Cortex A7 1.0GHz, with H.264 & H.265 hardware encoder. Reddit | LicheeRV Nano with RISC-V SG2002 SoC. Reddit | Allwinner H616/H313 SoC. Reddit | Based on Raspberry Pi models (e.g., Raspberry Pi 4). pikvm.org |
Memory (RAM) | 256 MB DDR3L. Reddit | Not specified. | 1 GB. Reddit | Depends on the Raspberry Pi model used; for example, Raspberry Pi 4 models come with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM. pikvm.org |
Storage | Not specified. | Not specified. | Micro SD card slot for OS and data storage. Reddit | Uses a microSD card for the operating system and storage. pikvm.org |
Video Input | HDMI. | HDMI. Reddit | HDMI input port. Reddit | HDMI input, with support for Full HD 1920 x 1080p at 50Hz. pikvm.org |
Video Output | Not specified. | Not specified. | HDMI loop-through port. Reddit | Not specified; primarily designed for remote access via web interface. pikvm.org |
Supported Resolutions | Not specified. | Up to 1080p at 60fps. Reddit | Up to 4K at 30Hz. Reddit | Full HD 1920 x 1080p at 50Hz. pikvm.org |
Video Compression | H.264 & H.265 hardware encoding. Reddit | MJPEG; H.264 in development. Reddit | MJPEG. Reddit | Efficient H.264 encoding. pikvm.org |
Network Connectivity | Ethernet. | Ethernet. Reddit | Ethernet (RJ45 100M) with PoE support; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (IEEE802.11 b/g/n + BLE4.2). Reddit | Ethernet connectivity; Wi-Fi support depends on the Raspberry Pi model used. pikvm.org |
Power Supply | Not specified. | USB-C power adapter. Reddit | 5V 3A via USB-C port, 12V 2A via DC port, or PoE (IEEE802.3af compliant). Reddit | Power supply depends on the Raspberry Pi model used; for example, Raspberry Pi 4 uses a USB-C power adapter. pikvm.org |
Form Factor | Compact design with touchscreen display. Reddit | Stick-on design. Reddit | PCIe card form factor. Reddit | Varies depending on the Raspberry Pi model and setup; DIY and pre-assembled options available. pikvm.org |
Remote Access | Yes. | Yes. Reddit | Yes. Reddit | Yes, via web browser using WebRTC. pikvm.org |
Power Control | Limited. | Limited. Reddit | ATX control port for power on/off and restart. Reddit | ATX controller to switch the machine on or off, reset it, and monitor power & storage LED activity remotely. pikvm.org |
Open Source | Yes. Reddit | Partially; some components are proprietary with plans for future open-sourcing. Reddit | Yes. Reddit | Yes, licensed under GPLv3. pikvm.org |
Additional Features | Touchscreen display for local control. Reddit | Virtual 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.