Elgato 4K S
Elgato's newer mid-range external capture card and the follow-up to the HD60 X, launched at a lower list price. The 4K S captures up to 4K60 and 1440p120 (HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, on Windows) and passes through up to 4K60 HDR10, 1440p120 or 1080p240 with VRR over HDMI 2.0. It connects to a PC, Mac or USB-C iPad through a single USB-C 3.0 cable as a plug-and-play UVC device, and a 3.5mm analog input lets you capture commentary or party chat alongside gameplay.
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Our Verdict
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.
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •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
- •3.5mm analog input for commentary or party chat
Cons
- •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)
Specifications
| Max Capture | 4K @ 60fps / 1440p120 (HDR10 up to 1080p60) |
| Max Passthrough | 4K60 HDR10 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 |
| Connection | USB 3.0 (Type-C, 5Gbps) |
| HDMI | 2.0 |
| VRR | Yes (passthrough) |
| Weight | 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 |
Quick Answers
What is the max capture of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S max capture: 4K @ 60fps / 1440p120 (HDR10 up to 1080p60).
What is the max passthrough of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S max passthrough: 4K60 HDR10 / 1440p120 / 1080p240.
What is the connection of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S connection: USB 3.0 (Type-C, 5Gbps).
What is the HDMI of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S HDMI: 2.0.
What is the VRR of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S VRR: Yes (passthrough).
What is the weight of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S weight: 90g.
What is the audio of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S audio: 3.5mm analog input.
What is the encoding of the Elgato 4K S?
Elgato 4K S encoding: Software (UVC, on computer).
Who is the Elgato 4K S for?
It suits 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. It is not the right pick for players who need 4K120/4K144 passthrough, creators who need HDR capture above 1080p, dual-PC setups that prefer an internal PCIe card.
Is the Elgato 4K S worth buying?
Elgato's newer mid-range external capture card and the follow-up to the HD60 X, launched at a lower list price. The 4K S captures up to 4K60 and 1440p120 (HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, on Windows) and passes through up to 4K60 HDR10, 1440p120 or 1080p240 with VRR over HDMI 2.0. It connects to a PC, Mac or USB-C iPad through a single USB-C 3.0 cable as a plug-and-play UVC device, and a 3.5mm analog input lets you capture commentary or party chat alongside gameplay. It ranks #4 in our Top 5 Capture Cards. 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.
Who Is This For?
Best For
- 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
Not For
- Players who need 4K120/4K144 passthrough
- Creators who need HDR capture above 1080p
- Dual-PC setups that prefer an internal PCIe card
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Alternatives to Consider
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