BliKVM vs PiKVM: Which IP-KVM Solution Is Right for You?

When I needed to add remote management to a headless server build last year, the pikvm comparison research led me down a rabbit hole. Both blikvm and PiKVM promise the same thing: hardware-level remote access to any computer regardless of operating system state. But the differences in hardware options, pricing, and software maturity matter more than marketing materials suggest.

This guide breaks down the real-world differences between blikvm and PiKVM based on hands-on experience and community feedback. Whether you’re building a home lab or managing production servers, understanding these trade-offs helps you choose the right IP-KVM for your specific needs.

Understanding IP-KVM Solutions

Before diving into the pikvm comparison, let’s clarify what makes these devices different from remote desktop software. Both BliKVM and PiKVM are KVM-over-IP devices that capture HDMI video output while emulating USB keyboard and mouse input. This hardware-level approach means you can access BIOS/UEFI settings, boot from virtual media, and recover crashed systems that software solutions like TeamViewer cannot touch.

Both projects are open-source and built around Raspberry Pi hardware (with one BliKVM exception). The critical distinction: blikvm is primarily a hardware project that can run either its own software or PiKVM’s software stack, while PiKVM is both hardware and a mature software ecosystem.

Hardware Options Compared

BliKVM Hardware Lineup

BliKVM offers four distinct hardware versions, each targeting different installation scenarios.

Model	Form Factor	Processor	Video Capture	Price (Board Only)
BliKVM v1 CM4	Standalone box	Raspberry Pi CM4	TC358743 (1080p60)	~$70
BliKVM v2 PCIe	PCIe card	Raspberry Pi CM4	TC358743 (1080p60)	~$120
BliKVM v3 HAT	Pi HAT	Raspberry Pi 4	TC358743 (1080p50)	~$96
BliKVM v4 Allwinner	Standalone box	Allwinner H616	MS2131 (1080p60)	~$100-170

The v2 PCIe stands out as the only IP-KVM solution that installs directly inside the target computer. This eliminates external cables and provides a cleaner installation for server rooms. Power comes via PoE or USB-C on the bracket, not the PCIe slot itself.

PiKVM Hardware Lineup

PiKVM focuses on polished, production-ready devices with comprehensive software support.

Model	Form Factor	Processor	Video Capture	Price
PiKVM V4 Mini	Standalone box	Raspberry Pi CM4	Custom (1920×1200@60Hz)	~$200
PiKVM V4 Plus	Standalone box	Raspberry Pi CM4	Custom (1920×1200@60Hz)	~$350
PiKVM V3 HAT	Pi HAT + case	Raspberry Pi 4	TC358743 (1080p50)	~$150-250
PiKVM DIY V2	Custom build	Pi 4/Zero 2 W	CSI or USB capture	~$60-150

The V4 series represents PiKVM’s current generation with higher resolution support (1920×1200 vs 1920×1080) and improved video encoding.

Detailed Feature Comparison

This pikvm comparison table highlights the functional differences that affect daily use.

Feature	BliKVM (v1/v2/v3)	BliKVM v4	PiKVM V4 Mini	PiKVM V4 Plus
Max Resolution	1080p@60Hz	1080p@60Hz	1920×1200@60Hz	1920×1200@60Hz
Video Encoding	H.264	H.264	H.264/WebRTC	H.264/WebRTC
HDMI Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ATX Control	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Virtual Media	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
OLED Display	Yes	Yes (LCD)	Yes	Yes
PoE Support	v2 PCIe only	Yes	No	No
HDMI Passthrough	No	Yes	No	Yes
Real-Time Clock	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multi-host Switch	External	External	External	Built-in USB
LTE Modem Slot	No	No	No	Yes

Software Stack Differences

Here’s where the blikvm and PiKVM divergence becomes significant.

Aspect	BliKVM Software	PiKVM Software
Architecture	Front/backend separation	Monolithic Python
Language Support	Multiple languages	English-focused
Update Frequency	Moderate	Very active
Community Size	Smaller	Larger
Documentation	Good	Excellent
Security Audits	Limited	Some public reviews
Two-Factor Auth	Yes	Yes
VNC Support	Yes	Yes
API Access	Yes	Yes

Security researchers have noted that running PiKVM software on blikvm hardware often provides a more mature security posture. The PiKVM project has more eyes on the codebase and faster security patches.

Price and Value Analysis

The cost comparison reveals blikvm as the budget-friendly option in most configurations.

Configuration	BliKVM Total Cost	PiKVM Total Cost	Savings
Basic setup (board + CM4)	~$145-170	~$200 (V4 Mini)	$30-55
Full kit with accessories	~$150-180	~$200 (V4 Mini)	$20-50
Premium with passthrough	~$170 (v4)	~$350 (V4 Plus)	$180
PCIe internal mount	~$150	Not available	N/A
HAT for existing Pi 4	~$96	~$150	$54

Note that BliKVM prices often exclude the CM4 module ($45-75 depending on RAM/storage), while PiKVM V4 devices include the CM4.

Installation and Setup

BliKVM Setup Process

BliKVM offers flexibility in software choice during initial setup.

Step 1: Choose Your Software

Option	Recommendation	Notes
BliKVM Image	New users	Multi-language, simpler setup
PiKVM Image	Advanced users	Larger community, more features

Step 2: Flash and Configure

Both software options use similar flashing procedures with Raspberry Pi Imager or balenaEtcher. The blikvm documentation provides hardware-specific patches needed when running PiKVM software.

Step 3: Hardware Assembly

For v1 CM4 and v2 PCIe models, insert the CM4 module carefully aligning both connector rows. The v3 HAT mounts directly on a Raspberry Pi 4.

PiKVM Setup Process

PiKVM’s setup is more straightforward with tightly integrated hardware and software.

Step	Action	Time
1	Unbox and connect cables	5 minutes
2	Power on, wait for OLED IP display	2 minutes
3	Access web interface	1 minute
4	Change default passwords	2 minutes
5	Configure ATX (optional)	5 minutes

PiKVM’s advantage lies in the polished out-of-box experience. Everything works immediately without patching or configuration file editing.

Use Case Recommendations

Choose BliKVM When:

Scenario	Best BliKVM Model	Reason
Budget is primary concern	v3 HAT	Lowest cost with full features
Internal server mount needed	v2 PCIe	Only PCIe form factor available
Non-Pi ecosystem preferred	v4 Allwinner	Avoids CM4 availability issues
PoE-only deployment	v2 PCIe	Built-in PoE support
Tinkerer who enjoys customization	v1 CM4	Most flexible for modifications

Choose PiKVM When:

Scenario	Best PiKVM Model	Reason
Production reliability critical	V4 Mini or Plus	Mature software, active support
Need HDMI passthrough	V4 Plus	Built-in passthrough support
Multi-host KVM switching	V4 Plus + Switch	Integrated switching ecosystem
Maximum resolution needed	V4 series	1920×1200 vs 1080p
Remote cellular access	V4 Plus	LTE modem slot
Minimal setup time	Any V4	Best out-of-box experience

Common Concerns Addressed

Video Latency

Both solutions achieve approximately 100ms latency under optimal conditions. Real-world testing shows negligible difference between blikvm and PiKVM when using equivalent capture hardware.

Motherboard Compatibility

Both projects face similar BIOS/UEFI compatibility challenges with certain HP and Dell systems. The troubleshooting approaches (EDID emulators, USB configuration) work identically regardless of which solution you choose.

Long-term Support

PiKVM has a longer track record (project started 2020) and larger community. BliKVM is newer but actively developed with responsive maintainers. Both projects have Discord communities for support.

Useful Resources

Resource	URL	Description
BliKVM Documentation	wiki.blicube.com	Official setup guides
BliKVM GitHub	github.com/ThomasVon2021/blikvm	Source code and issues
BliKVM Store	AliExpress/Blicube	Purchase hardware
PiKVM Documentation	docs.pikvm.org	Official handbook
PiKVM GitHub	github.com/pikvm/pikvm	Source and image downloads
PiKVM Store	pikvm.org/products	Official hardware
BliKVM Discord	discord.gg/9Y374gUF6C	Community support
PiKVM Discord	discord.gg/bpmXfz5	Community support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run PiKVM software on BliKVM hardware?

Yes, and many users recommend this approach. BliKVM hardware is designed to be compatible with PiKVM software, though some configuration adjustments are needed for displays, fans, and other hardware-specific features. The BliKVM documentation includes guides for running PiKVM images on their hardware. This combination gives you BliKVM’s lower hardware cost with PiKVM’s more mature software ecosystem.

Which has better video quality?

PiKVM V4 devices support higher resolution (1920×1200@60Hz) compared to blikvm’s 1920×1080@60Hz maximum. For most server management tasks, this difference is negligible. Both achieve similar latency and image quality at 1080p. The real quality difference comes from network conditions and browser performance rather than the KVM hardware itself.

Is BliKVM v4 Allwinner a good choice?

The v4 Allwinner model eliminates Raspberry Pi CM4 dependency, which matters given CM4 availability fluctuations. It uses a different capture chip (MS2131 vs TC358743) and includes HDMI passthrough. However, the Allwinner platform has less community support than Pi-based solutions. Choose it if CM4 availability or PoE with passthrough is important to your deployment.

Can either solution control multiple computers?

Both support multi-computer control through external switches. PiKVM offers the official PiKVM Switch accessory that chains up to 5 units for 20-port capability. BliKVM works with third-party HDMI/USB switches. The PiKVM V4 Plus has built-in USB switching capability, while other models require external hardware for multi-host access.

Which is more secure for internet exposure?

Neither should be directly exposed to the internet without additional protection. Both support SSL/TLS encryption and two-factor authentication. Security researchers have given PiKVM’s codebase more scrutiny due to its larger deployment base. For internet access, both projects recommend using Tailscale VPN rather than port forwarding. If security is paramount and you choose blikvm hardware, consider running PiKVM software for its more extensively reviewed security implementation.

Making Your Decision

The pikvm comparison ultimately comes down to priorities. BliKVM wins on price and offers the unique PCIe form factor that PiKVM lacks. PiKVM wins on software maturity, documentation quality, and out-of-box polish.

For home labs and budget-conscious deployments, BliKVM v3 HAT or v1 CM4 running PiKVM software represents excellent value. For production environments where reliability and support matter more than saving $50-100, PiKVM V4 devices justify their premium.

Both solutions deliver the core promise: BIOS-level remote access that works when your server refuses to boot. Your network won’t care which brand of IP-KVM saved you a 2 AM datacenter trip.

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Option 1 (155 characters): BliKVM vs PiKVM comparison guide covering hardware options, pricing, and features. Find the best IP-KVM solution for your home lab or server management needs.

Option 2 (152 characters): Complete pikvm comparison with BliKVM hardware and software differences. Learn which open-source KVM-over-IP solution fits your remote management budget.

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