Elgato 4K X vs Elgato 4K S
Elgato 4K X (#1, best overall) vs Elgato 4K S (#4): in our Capture Cards scoring the Elgato 4K X totals 9.4/10 and the Elgato 4K S 8.3/10, the Elgato 4K X leading on Capture Quality and Passthrough and the Elgato 4K S on Value.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.
TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Elgato 4K X | Elgato 4K S | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Capture | 4K @ 144fps | 4K @ 60fps / 1440p120 (HDR10 up to 1080p60) |
| Max Passthrough | 4K @ 144fps HDR10 | 4K60 HDR10 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 |
| Connection | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) | USB 3.0 (Type-C, 5Gbps) |
| HDMI | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| VRR | Yes | Yes (passthrough) |
| Weight | 91g | 90g |
| Audio | — | 3.5mm analog input |
| Encoding | — | Software (UVC, on computer) |
| Compatibility | — | Windows 11, macOS, iPadOS (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | — | 112 x 72 x 18 mm |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
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 Elgato 4K S made our Top 5 Capture Cards, at #1 (best overall) and #4. 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. The mid-range pick and the follow-up to the HD60 X, which is no longer available on Amazon. The 4K S raises the 4K capture ceiling from 4K30 to 4K60, adds 1440p120 capture and 1080p240 passthrough, and keeps 4K60 HDR10 and VRR passthrough, all over one USB-C 3.0 cable that works with PC, Mac and USB-C iPads as a plug-and-play UVC device. It ranks below the three HDMI 2.1 cards above because it cannot pass through 4K120 or 4K144 and its HDR capture stops at 1080p60 (Windows only), but it costs far less than any of them. It ranks above the Game Capture Neo on capture quality (4K60 versus 1080p60), VRR passthrough and a 3.5mm input for commentary, all of which the Neo lacks.
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 Elgato 4K S 8.3. The widest gap is Capture Quality, where the Elgato 4K X scores 10 against 8 for the Elgato 4K S: resolution and frame rate. Passthrough also separates them: 10 for the Elgato 4K X versus 8 for the Elgato 4K S. The Elgato 4K S claws back ground on Value.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Max Capture: 4K @ 144fps on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K @ 60fps / 1440p120 (HDR10 up to 1080p60) on the Elgato 4K S; Max Passthrough: 4K @ 144fps HDR10 on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K60 HDR10 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 on the Elgato 4K S; Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) on the Elgato 4K X versus USB 3.0 (Type-C, 5Gbps) on the Elgato 4K S; HDMI: 2.1 on the Elgato 4K X versus 2.0 on the Elgato 4K S; VRR: Yes on the Elgato 4K X versus Yes (passthrough) on the Elgato 4K S; Weight: 91g on the Elgato 4K X versus 90g on the Elgato 4K S.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. 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 Elgato 4K S for 4K60 capture, double the HD60 X's 4K30 ceiling and 1440p120 capture plus 1080p240 passthrough; the most common complaint is HDR10 capture limited to 1080p60, and only on Windows.
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
Elgato 4K S
- 4K60 capture, double the HD60 X's 4K30 ceiling
- 1440p120 capture plus 1080p240 passthrough
- 4K60 HDR10 and VRR passthrough
- Plug-and-play UVC on Windows, macOS and USB-C iPads over one USB-C cable
- HDR10 capture limited to 1080p60, and only on Windows
- HDMI 2.0 only: no 4K120/4K144 passthrough like the HDMI 2.1 cards
- Very light body can slide around against its cables (per Windows Central)
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 Capture Quality and Passthrough. The Elgato 4K S is the better fit for pS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2 streamers who want 4K60 recording and mac and iPad creators who need plug-and-play capture, and the stronger choice if Value matters more to you than the overall score. The Elgato 4K X is a poor fit for budget-conscious beginners; the Elgato 4K S is a poor fit for players who need 4K120/4K144 passthrough.
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 Elgato 4K S if
- PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2 streamers who want 4K60 recording
- Mac and iPad creators who need plug-and-play capture
- Streamers adding commentary through the 3.5mm input
Skip it if
- Players who need 4K120/4K144 passthrough
- Creators who need HDR capture above 1080p
Common questions
Is the Elgato 4K X better than the Elgato 4K S?
In our Capture Cards ranking the Elgato 4K X scores higher overall, 9.4 to 8.3, with the biggest advantage in Capture Quality. The Elgato 4K S is stronger on Value, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
What is the main difference between the Elgato 4K X and the Elgato 4K S?
The headline spec difference is Max Capture: 4K @ 144fps on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K @ 60fps / 1440p120 (HDR10 up to 1080p60) on the Elgato 4K S. In use, the gap that matters most is Capture Quality (10 vs 8 in our scoring): resolution and frame rate.