JetKVM review: bought out of curiosity, kept out of conviction

Richard Müller

31/3/2026

Translation: Megan Cornish

Pictures: Richard Müller

JetKVM’s a small KVM over IP tool for remote access to computers. Instead of getting out a monitor, keyboard and mouse, a browser’s often all you need. That’s what makes the device so useful for me in day-to-day life.

I stumbled across JetKVM by accident a while ago. A tech-savvy friend told me about the Kickstarter project. The idea immediately won me over: a compact, open source network KVM that allows you to access a system without having to dig out a monitor, keyboard and mouse every time.

How JetKVM helps me

I most often use JetKVM on newly set up laptops. The operating system’s already running, but a device like this often isn’t quite finished. Final adjustments are needed, a restart at the right moment, an operating system setting change or software installation. That’s exactly where JetKVM’s practical for me. I connect it to the laptop I want to access. Then I enter the displayed IP address into my computer’s web browser and handle the rest over the network. Thanks to cloud connectivity, I can even access it via the internet.

I also use it for customer devices that I have on my workbench for repairs. This is also convenient if you don’t have to be constantly at the device, but can quickly access it remotely via a browser.

The third application is my Intel NUC, on which I’ve installed Cosmos Cloud on Ubuntu Server. As long as everything’s running smoothly, I don’t need KVM. However, if something goes wrong during startup or I need to access the console, it proves invaluable. I can quickly see what’s happening on the screen, access the boot menu and I’m not dependent on SSH or any other web service responding.

JetKVM offers a wide enough range of features without being unnecessarily complicated. Virtual media’s one of them: the ability to mount ISO files for installations or rescue media. This is significantly more practical than having to mess around with USB sticks and adapters on newly configured devices or on a server that doesn’t boot properly.

Small, quick to connect and quick to use

What I like about JetKVM is that you plug it in – HDMI, USB and LAN – and it’s ready to use. Despite its compact design, JetKVM feels surprisingly high quality.

I was expecting a lighter plastic casing, but it feels heavier. After booting up, the small touch screen displays the IP address, and when accessed via a browser, you can see what’s happening on the target system. I was pleasantly surprised by how low the latency is in practice. This simplicity is what appeals to me.

The specifications are sufficient for exactly this job

JetKVM isn’t a high-end device for every conceivable scenario; it’s a focused tool. In day-to-day use, I notice the key features: mini HDMI, USB-C, Ethernet, the integrated display and features including virtual media and advanced screen detection. For my purposes, that’s more than enough. I want to set up, monitor and, if necessary, rescue or repair systems – not edit videos or write.

So, it doesn’t bother me that JetKVM seems more pragmatic than luxurious. On the contrary: for laptops, mini PCs, customer devices I’m repairing and my Intel NUC, I’m more concerned with speed than an artificially inflated feature list.

Key data at a glance:

• 1080p video with up to 60 frames per second (fps)
• Low-latency H.264 streaming
• HDMI for the video signal of the target system
• USB for keyboard and mouse emulation
• Ethernet for network access
• Integrated display for IP address and status
• Virtual media for embedding ISO files
• EDID support for monitor detection
• Optional cloud access via Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC)

JetKVM isn’t entirely without its quirks, however. The mini HDMI format’s unnecessarily fiddly, and I’ve also noticed that the cloud access and virtual media features don’t seem to be fully developed. Specifically, I’m bothered by the fact that cloud access is currently tied to a Google login. But this almost makes the device more credible to me. It’s not a polished enterprise solution; it’s a surprisingly mature tool for a homelab and workshop.

A brief look at the alternatives

If you’re looking for something comparable in our shop, you’ll most likely end up with PiKVM. The closest thing I’d consider is the PiKVM V4 mini Pre-Assembled with CM4. This device follows a similar concept: it’s a compact KVM solution for remote management of computers and servers that has HDMI, USB and network connectivity. However, at 89 dollars (the Kickstarter price at the time was 69 dollars), JetKVM’s more attractively priced. But its open project structure also has its appeal. For example, you’ll find separate repositories on GitHub for the cloud components and the underlying system. The cloud features are optional and can also be self-hosted – which fits well with the product’s open approach, making it ideal for homelab and DIY setups. This is where PiKVM lags behind.

I find products such as the InLine HDMI USB KVM Extender or the Aten 1-Port 4K HDMI KVM over IP less directly comparable. The InLine’s geared more towards extender and AV scenarios, while the Aten’s clearly closer to professional infrastructure. JetKVM, on the other hand, seems more down-to-earth – and that’s exactly what suits my needs.

Richard Müller

Teamleader Editorial

Richard.Mueller@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm a journalist with over 20 years of experience in various positions, mostly in online journalism. The tool I rely on for my work? A laptop – preferably connected to the Internet. In fact, I also enjoy taking apart laptops and PCs, repairing and refitting them. Why? Because it's fun! more

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