The USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus costs £399. The USB Capture HDMI 4K Pro costs £447. Both capture 4K60 from HDMI 2.0, both have a zero-latency 4K loop-through, both have 3.5mm mic and headphone jacks, both are driver-free. So what is the £48 actually buying you?
Where they are identical
- Video input: HDMI 2.0, up to 4096x2160 at 60fps
- Zero-latency HDMI loop-through for local monitoring
- 3.5mm microphone input and headphone output
- Driver-free: works instantly on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS
- USB 3.0 output (backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1)
- Bus-powered: no external power adapter needed
- 8-channel 24-bit HDMI embedded audio at 192kHz
- 3-year manufacturer warranty from StreamKit
- Free UK delivery, same-day despatch on in-stock orders
For most users, this list of shared features is the entire decision. Both devices will capture your 4K60 HDMI source perfectly and deliver it to OBS, Zoom, Teams, vMix, or any other software that accepts a webcam input.
Where they differ: the FPGA generation
The single technical difference is the processing engine. The 4K Plus uses Magewell's standard FPGA processing at 640 megapixels per second. The 4K Pro uses Magewell's latest-generation enhanced FPGA, which delivers improved colour accuracy, better noise handling, and higher processing headroom.
The enhanced FPGA in the Pro also supports 4:2:0 colour subsampling in addition to 4:4:4 and 4:2:2, which the Plus supports. In practice, this means the Pro can more efficiently handle HDR signals and sources that output 4:2:0 content (most 4K TVs and some cameras at higher frame rates output in 4:2:0).
| Spec | HDMI 4K Plus (£399) | HDMI 4K Pro (£447) |
|---|---|---|
| Max input resolution | 4096x2160 @ 60fps | 4096x2160 @ 60fps |
| FPGA generation | Standard | Latest-generation enhanced |
| Processing rate | 640 Mpx/sec | Enhanced (higher) |
| Colour subsampling | 4:4:4, 4:2:2 | 4:4:4, 4:2:2, 4:2:0 |
| HDMI loop-through | Yes, zero-latency 4K | Yes, zero-latency 4K |
| Audio I/O | Mic in + headphone out | Mic in + headphone out |
| Colour accuracy | Professional grade | Enhanced accuracy |
| Price | £399 | £447 |
Choose the 4K Plus if...
- You are capturing 4K gameplay from PS5, Xbox Series X, or a PC
- You are creating 4K content for YouTube, streaming, or social media
- You are recording presentations, webinars, or corporate video in 4K
- Your source outputs 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 content
- You want the most capable 4K USB capture device at the best price
This is the device that drove StreamKit's first-ever order: a Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus to a production company in Plymouth. It is the most popular 4K USB capture device for good reason.
Choose the 4K Pro if...
- You need the highest possible colour accuracy for critical capture work
- Your source outputs 4:2:0 content (e.g. HDMI 2.0 at 4K60 from a TV or certain cameras)
- You are working in medical imaging where colour fidelity is diagnostically important
- You are doing professional video production where the enhanced FPGA's noise handling matters
- You want Magewell's current best-in-class USB HDMI capture hardware
Our recommendation
For 95% of use cases, the 4K Plus at £399 is the right choice. The 4K capture is excellent, the loop-through is genuinely zero-latency, and the FPGA processing produces clean, consistent results.
Choose the 4K Pro at £447 if you specifically need 4:2:0 subsampling support, enhanced colour accuracy, or want the most capable USB capture hardware Magewell makes. The £48 difference is worth it for professional video production and medical imaging; it is less compelling for gaming and general content creation.
For everything else about the USB capture range, including SDI options and 1080p models, see the complete Magewell USB capture guide.
