Affordable Raritan KVM Alternative

Looking for a Raritan KVM Alternative? Consider TinyPilot

A photo showing three TinyPilot devices arranged side-by-side.

When it comes to remote server management, Raritan KVMs have long been a staple in many data centers.

But if you’re looking for a more affordable, easier-to-deploy, and modern alternative, TinyPilot delivers exactly that. TinyPilot’s KVM over IP solutions are purpose-built for IT professionals who need reliability, simplicity, and professional support, without the price tag and complexity of legacy systems like Raritan.

In this article, we explore what makes TinyPilot a compelling Raritan KVM alternative, how it compares, and why organizations are choosing it as their go-to remote access solution.

Who are Raritan KVM competitors?

Raritan has traditionally competed in the high-end space, targeting enterprise-level customers with expansive budgets and complex infrastructure. But the landscape has shifted.

While Raritan continues to serve those high-requirement customers, alternatives like TinyPilot have emerged to offer professional-grade solutions at a fraction of the cost.

TinyPilot stands out because it's not a "barebones" budget tool. Unlike other budget KVM options that appeal primarily to hobbyists or the "overemployed" work-from-home crowd, TinyPilot is engineered with MSPs, systems integrators, and IT teams in mind.

It’s a sleek, hardware-based solution that doesn’t compromise on quality or security.

What is the difference between TinyPilot and Raritan?

At a glance, both TinyPilot and Raritan offer remote access to machines via KVM over IP. But under the hood, they cater to very different audiences and priorities.

Feature TinyPilot Raritan
Price Starts under $400 Typically costs thousands per unit
Interface Browser-based, no plugins or Java needed Can be bloated, some still require Java
Ease of Use Plug-and-play with minimal setup Requires extensive documentation
Support Professional team with optional warranty Varies depending on vendor/service tier
Deployment Style Ideal for small offices, edge deployments Enterprise data centers, large installations
Hardware Options USB-C or PoE models (Voyager 2a) Rack-mounted, complex configurations

Let’s get into more details:

Cost:

Raritan systems are premium-priced, often costing thousands per unit. TinyPilot, in contrast, starts under $400, delivering essential functionality and quality for a much lower investment.

Complexity:

Raritan’s interface can feel bloated and outdated. In contrast, TinyPilot offers a clean, browser-based interface that doesn’t require Java or legacy plugins. It’s designed to be intuitive, so your team spends more time solving problems and less time navigating documentation.

Support & simplicity:

With TinyPilot, you get access to a professional support team that understands your environment. It’s backed by a 12-month software update cycle, a 12-month warranty (which can be extended up to five years), and priority support, making it ideal for MSPs and mission-critical applications.

Hardware philosophy:

Raritan focuses on large-scale, enterprise deployments. TinyPilot is about flexibility and reliability. Whether you’re managing a remote office, an edge server, or a temporary deployment, TinyPilot is the tool you can trust.

Technical specs comparison

When evaluating a KVM solution, technical specs are crucial for understanding fit and capability. Here's how TinyPilot and Raritan stack up in key areas:

Specification TinyPilot Voyager 2a Raritan IP KVM
Video Resolution Up to 1080p at 30 FPS 1080p, 4K (varies by model)
Remote Access Browser-based over HTTPS Web-based, may require Java
Power Options USB-C or PoE Standard AC Power
Audio Support Audio playback from target device Audio support varies
Media Mounting Robust virtual media Integrated virtual media
Security HTTPS, password auth Role-based access, secure encryption
Software Updates 12-months of updates, renewal available Varies by model and vendor support plan

Why IT teams trust TinyPilot

A screenshot showing the TinyPilot web interface.

More IT professionals are turning to TinyPilot as a reliable Raritan KVM alternative because:

  • It’s designed for professionals who need reliability, not just hobbyists.
  • It supports secure, browser-based access without legacy tech like Java.
  • It’s built with simplicity in mind so teams can deploy it quickly and with confidence.
  • It’s backed by responsive support and regular updates.
  • It offers excellent value and scalability for MSPs and system integrators.
  • It offers an Enterprise API to powerfully automate server control at scale.

Whether you’re managing five servers or fifty, TinyPilot Voyager 2a offers the right mix of power, portability, and price to meet your needs.

Ready to deploy a Raritan KVM alternative?

When your reputation is on the line, you need remote management tools that are secure, stable, and simple. TinyPilot delivers all three. And with the new TinyPilot Voyager 2a models, you can choose between USB-C and PoE power, giving you even more deployment flexibility.

Discover why MSPs and IT pros are making the switch from legacy KVMs. Explore TinyPilot’s Voyager 2a models and see how easy it can be to take control of your infrastructure.

FAQs

What is Raritan IP KVM?

Raritan’s IP KVM switches allow users to access and control one or multiple servers remotely via a single interface. They are typically used in enterprise data centers, offering features like multi-user access, multi-platform compatibility, and integrated remote media mounting.

While powerful, these systems are often overkill for smaller-scale applications or teams looking for a more agile and cost-effective solution.

This is where TinyPilot shines. It strips away the unnecessary layers and delivers a focused experience: remote keyboard, video, and mouse control over IP, with support for HTTPS, password protection, and even USB drive mounting.

What is the alternative to a KVM switch?

If your needs are evolving beyond the traditional rack-mounted KVM switches, you’re not alone. Many IT professionals now prefer KVM over IP devices that can be deployed quickly, manage individual servers remotely, and work over any network.

TinyPilot offers just that. It connects to a target machine via HDMI and USB and then makes that system accessible over your local or internet network. It's plug-and-play simplicity combined with enterprise-level reliability.

TinyPilot Voyager 2a, for example, supports both USB-C and PoE power, making it a flexible fit for modern server rooms and remote deployments alike.

This makes TinyPilot not just an alternative to Raritan KVM switches, but also a forward-thinking evolution from bulky, legacy hardware.

Written by TinyPilot Staff