# Which Pearl system to choose

*Applies to: Pearl-2, Pearl Mini, Pearl Nano, Pearl Nexus.*

**Choose Pearl-2** when the production needs more than three channels, 4K encoding, 12G SDI inputs, full-bandwidth NDI input, or the widest input selection. Pearl-2 is the only Pearl system that combines 4K with multiple encoded channels, and it is available in both desktop and rackmount forms.

**Choose Pearl Mini** for Full HD productions of up to three channels where an operator works at the device. Pearl Mini has a built-in touch screen for local operation and switching, and it is VESA mountable for studio or classroom installation.

**Choose Pearl Nexus** for Full HD productions of up to three channels in a rack, where no local operator interaction is needed. Pearl Nexus matches Pearl Mini's channel count and input complement but is headless and ships with storage preinstalled in a 1RU chassis.

**Choose Pearl Nano** for portable, single-channel 4K capture and streaming, especially where PoE+ power is convenient and rack space or desk space is limited. Pearl Nano is the smallest, lightest Pearl system and the only one that can be powered over Ethernet.

**Pearl Mini compared with Pearl Nexus:** both encode up to three Full HD channels with the same video and audio inputs. Pearl Mini adds a touch screen and VESA mounting and takes user-supplied storage. Pearl Nexus is a 1RU rackmount unit with no display and preinstalled storage — a 256 GB SD card on the current model, or a 1 TB internal SSD on the earlier model. Pearl Mini suits operator-attended setups; Pearl Nexus suits unattended rack installations.

**Pearl Nano compared with Pearl Mini:** Pearl Nano encodes 4K but only one channel and has no USB video inputs or NDI support. Pearl Mini encodes up to three Full HD channels, accepts NDI|HX, and has a touch screen. Choose Pearl Nano for 4K in a small package, and Pearl Mini for multi-channel Full HD production.

> product: pearl-family · topic: other · source: pearl-family-comparison.md · updated: Sep 27, 2026