KVM Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Updated January 30, 2026
In 2026, the KVM-over-IP landscape has split into two distinct worlds: the Enterprise Titans (Raritan, Aten) and the Open-Source Disruptors (PiKVM, JetKVM). While hardware availability has stabilized, a new “Security Crisis” in ultra-cheap RISC-V based KVMs has made choosing the right device more critical than ever.
Note: This is an updated article from the popular ‘Which KVM Over IP in 2025‘
🚨 2026 Security Alert: The “Spyware” Concern
Deep research into 2025–2026 security audits reveals a significant divide in device safety.
- NanoKVM Warning: The Sispeed NanoKVM, while incredibly cheap (~$50), has been flagged by SANS Stormcast and researchers (including FBI inquiries to high-profile tech reviewers) for major vulnerabilities. Audits found hardware microphones on the board with no documented purpose, hardcoded credentials, and unencrypted firmware updates. It currently holds a “Security F” rating in professional lab environments.
- The Rise of ZTNA: Traditional KVMs relying on port forwarding or basic VPNs are being replaced by Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Modern units like the PiKVM V4 and JetKVM now support Tailscale or WireGuard natively to avoid exposing web panels to the public internet.
- Thermal Monitoring: As server densities increase, KVMs are now acting as environmental monitors. Leading units (Raritan/Aten) now integrate directly with temperature/humidity sensors to prevent “thermal runaway” in remote racks.
🏆 Top Picks for 2026
1. The Gold Standard: PiKVM V4 Plus
The PiKVM continues to dominate the prosumer and mid-market space.
- Best For: IT Pros, Home Labs, and SMBs.
- New for 2026: Fully matured V4 hardware with 4K support (limited fps) and massive improvements to the “Mass Storage” feature, allowing you to mount ISOs over the network 3x faster than previous versions.
- Price: ~$280 / £220.
2. The High-Speed Challenger: JetKVM
JetKVM has emerged as the most reactive competitor to PiKVM.
- Best For: Users who need “it just works” setup without Linux tinkering.
- New for 2026: A custom-built, ultra-low-latency WebRTC engine. Unlike the NanoKVM, JetKVM has passed initial security audits by disabling SSH by default and requiring physical button presses for certain administrative changes.
- Price: ~$150 / £115.
3. The Enterprise Workhorse: Raritan Dominion KX IV-101
If you are managing a 4K broadcast suite or a mission-critical data center, this is the only choice.
- Best For: 4K @ 60fps requirements and high-security government/enterprise labs.
- New for 2026: Integration with CommandCenter Secure Gateway, allowing centralized management of thousands of units with FIPS 140-2 encryption.
- Price: ~$1,100 / £850 (New).
📊 2026 Comparison Table
| Feature | PiKVM V4 Plus | JetKVM | Raritan KX IV-101 | Aten KN8132V | NanoKVM (RISC-V) |
| Max Resolution | 1920×1200 (4K Lab) | 1080p @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps | 1920×1200 | 1080p |
| Security Rating | A+ (Open Source) | B+ (Improving) | A+ (Enterprise) | A (FIPS) | F (Critical Risks) |
| Access Tech | HTML5 / VNC | WebRTC / Cloud | HTML5 / Client | HTML5 / Java-Free | Web Panel (Insecure) |
| Special Feature | ATX Power Control | Integrated Display | Ultra-Low Latency | 32-Port Density | Extremely Cheap |
| Price (Approx) | £220 | £115 | £850 | £3,500+ | £45 |
🛠 New Products & Trends to Watch
Aten “Secure” 5K Series (May 2026)
Aten recently debuted the industry’s first 5K PSD PP v4.0 certified KVMs. These are “air-gapped” hardware solutions designed for military use where data leakage between classified and unclassified networks must be physically impossible.
The “All-in-One” Docking KVM
Brands like StarTech and TESmart have released KVM-over-IP units that function as USB-C Docking Stations. You can now dock a laptop via a single cable, and the KVM will provide power (100W PD), video, and remote IP access simultaneously.
💡 Final Recommendation
- For the Home Lab: Stick with PiKVM V4. It is the most secure and well-supported.
- For the “Plug-and-Play” User: Buy the JetKVM. It offers the best performance-to-price ratio without the security headaches of the ultra-cheap clones.
- For Enterprise: The Raritan KX IV is the only unit that truly handles high-motion 4K video without stuttering.
- Avoid: Stay away from the Sispeed NanoKVM for any professional application until they address the firmware update and hardware microphone concerns.
🌡 Keeping the Temperature in Check
When deploying any IP-KVM, remember that 4K encoding generates significant heat. If your KVM is sitting in a closed cabinet, ensure you use a unit with active cooling (like the PiKVM V4 Plus) or monitor the ambient temperature via an external sensor (e.g., Ubiquiti SuperLink) to avoid “video ghosting”—a common sign of an overheating KVM encoder.
