
Elgato 4K X
The ultimate external capture card for next-gen gaming. The Elgato 4K X features HDMI 2.1 with up to 4K144 HDR10 capture and passthrough, making it the only external card that handles the full output of PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X without compromise. VRR passthrough eliminates screen tearing while USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures high-bandwidth transfer.
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Our Verdict
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.
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •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
- •Compact and portable (91g)
Cons
- •Premium price at $249
- •Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2 for full performance
- •No standalone recording to SD card
- •High CPU/GPU requirements for 4K144 capture
Specifications
| Max Capture | 4K @ 144fps |
| Max Passthrough | 4K @ 144fps HDR10 |
| Connection | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) |
| HDMI | 2.1 |
| VRR | Yes |
| Weight | 91g |
Quick Answers
What is the max capture of the Elgato 4K X?
Elgato 4K X max capture: 4K @ 144fps.
What is the max passthrough of the Elgato 4K X?
Elgato 4K X max passthrough: 4K @ 144fps HDR10.
What is the connection of the Elgato 4K X?
Elgato 4K X connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C).
What is the HDMI of the Elgato 4K X?
Elgato 4K X HDMI: 2.1.
What is the VRR of the Elgato 4K X?
Elgato 4K X VRR: Yes.
What is the weight of the Elgato 4K X?
Elgato 4K X weight: 91g.
How much does the Elgato 4K X cost?
The Elgato 4K X lists at $200 at Amazon as of April 1, 2026. Prices change often, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
Who is the Elgato 4K X for?
It suits next-gen 4K144 console streamers, pS5 Pro and Xbox Series X content creators, high-refresh competitive gaming capture. It is not the right pick for budget-conscious beginners, those without USB 3.2 Gen 2, users wanting standalone SD card recording.
Is the Elgato 4K X worth buying?
The ultimate external capture card for next-gen gaming. The Elgato 4K X features HDMI 2.1 with up to 4K144 HDR10 capture and passthrough, making it the only external card that handles the full output of PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X without compromise. VRR passthrough eliminates screen tearing while USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures high-bandwidth transfer. It ranks #1 in our Top 5 Capture Cards. 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.
Who Is This For?
Best For
- Next-gen 4K144 console streamers
- PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X content creators
- High-refresh competitive gaming capture
Not For
- Budget-conscious beginners
- Those without USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Users wanting standalone SD card recording
Where to Buy
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