Elgato 4K X vs AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
Elgato 4K X (#1, best overall) vs AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (#2, best value): in our Capture Cards scoring the Elgato 4K X totals 9.4/10 and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 9.2/10, the Elgato 4K X leading on Compatibility and Build Quality and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 on Value.
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TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato 4K X | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $209 |
| Max Capture | 4K @ 144fps | 4K @ 144fps (Windows) / 4K60 (macOS) |
| Max Passthrough | 4K @ 144fps HDR10 | 4K @ 144fps HDR/VRR |
| Connection | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) |
| HDMI | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| VRR | Yes | — |
| Weight | 91g | 115g |
| Audio | — | 3.5mm TRRS + 5.1 surround |
How they differ in real use
Built from our capture cards scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Elgato 4K X and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 made our Top 5 Capture Cards, at #1 (best overall) and #2 (best value). The only external capture card with true 4K144 HDR10 capture and passthrough via HDMI 2.1. Handles the full output of PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X without compromise. VRR passthrough, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and the Elgato software ecosystem make it the undisputed best capture card available. Matches the Elgato 4K X on HDMI 2.1 specs at a lower price, and adds 5.1 surround capture, a headset jack for party chat, and ultrawide support. The most feature-rich external capture card dollar-for-dollar.
We score capture cards on Capture Quality (35%), Passthrough (25%), Compatibility (20%), Build Quality (10%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Elgato 4K X totals 9.4 out of 10 and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 9.2. The widest gap is Compatibility, where the Elgato 4K X scores 9 against 8 for the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 — software and platform. Build Quality also separates them: 9 for the Elgato 4K X versus 8 for the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Max Capture — 4K @ 144fps on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K @ 144fps (Windows) / 4K60 (macOS) on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1; Max Passthrough — 4K @ 144fps HDR10 on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K @ 144fps HDR/VRR on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1; Weight — 91g on the Elgato 4K X versus 115g on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1. They match on Connection and HDMI.
Pricing as of April 1, 2026: $200 for the Elgato 4K X and $209 for the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1, a $9 difference in the Elgato 4K X's favor. Owners praise the Elgato 4K X for 4K144 HDR10 capture and passthrough via HDMI 2.1 and VRR and ALLM passthrough for tear-free gaming; the most common complaint is premium price at $249. Owners praise the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 for 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough with HDMI 2.1 and 5.1 multi-channel surround sound capture; the most common complaint is 4K144 capture requires high-end PC.
Elgato 4K X
- 4K144 HDR10 capture and passthrough via HDMI 2.1
- VRR and ALLM passthrough for tear-free gaming
- Works with PC, Mac, and iPad
- Ultra-low latency with Instant Gameview
- Premium price at $249
- Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2 for full performance
- No standalone recording to SD card
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 4K144 HDR/VRR passthrough with HDMI 2.1
- 5.1 multi-channel surround sound capture
- Built-in headset jack for party chat
- RGB lighting with Windows Dynamic Lighting
- 4K144 capture requires high-end PC
- macOS limited to 4K60 capture
- Software less polished than Elgato's
Which should you buy?
The Elgato 4K X is the better fit for next-gen 4K144 console streamers and PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X content creators — it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Compatibility and Build Quality. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is the better fit for console streamers wanting party chat capture and ultrawide monitor users, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. Since the Elgato 4K X is both the higher scorer and $9 cheaper, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 only makes sense for console streamers wanting party chat capture. The Elgato 4K X is a poor fit for budget-conscious beginners; the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is a poor fit for macOS users needing 4K144.
Choose the Elgato 4K X if
- Next-gen 4K144 console streamers
- PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X content creators
- High-refresh competitive gaming capture
Skip it if
- Budget-conscious beginners
- Those without USB 3.2 Gen 2
Choose the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 if
- Console streamers wanting party chat capture
- Ultrawide monitor users
- Feature-rich streaming setups
Skip it if
- macOS users needing 4K144
- Those wanting minimal setup
Common questions
Is the Elgato 4K X better than the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1?
In our Capture Cards ranking the Elgato 4K X scores higher overall, 9.4 to 9.2, with the biggest advantage in Compatibility. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
How much more does the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 cost than the Elgato 4K X?
$9 more as of April 1, 2026: $209 for the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 against $200 for the Elgato 4K X. Prices move, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
What is the main difference between the Elgato 4K X and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1?
The headline spec difference is Max Capture: 4K @ 144fps on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K @ 144fps (Windows) / 4K60 (macOS) on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1. In use, the gap that matters most is Compatibility (9 vs 8 in our scoring): software and platform.