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 |
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
Appears In
Customer Reviews
Alternatives to Consider
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
AVerMedia
AVerMedia's flagship external capture card matches the Elgato 4K X with full HDMI 2.1 support and 4K144 HDR passthrough at a lower price. It stands out with 5.1 surround sound capture, ultrawide resolution support, a built-in headset jack for party chat capture, and RGB lighting.
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1
AVerMedia
The best internal PCIe capture card for dual-PC streaming setups. The GC575 plugs directly into a PCIe Gen 3 x4 slot, offering the lowest latency possible with HDMI 2.1 passthrough up to 4K144 HDR/VRR and 4K60 capture. Its direct PCIe connection eliminates USB bandwidth concerns entirely.
Elgato HD60 X
Elgato
The best mid-range capture card for most streamers. The HD60 X delivers reliable 1080p60 HDR10 capture with 4K60 passthrough at a sweet-spot price. Its hardware HEVC encoding reduces file sizes and CPU load, while Flashback Recording caches hours of gameplay so you never miss a highlight.
Elgato Game Capture Neo
Elgato
The best budget capture card for beginners. The Game Capture Neo offers true plug-and-play simplicity with 4K60 HDR passthrough and 1080p60 capture at an accessible price. No drivers needed — just connect to your console, PC, or iPad and start streaming. Its compact, lightweight design makes it the most portable option available.