Elgato 4K S
Elgato

Elgato 4K S

A solid mid-range USB capture card with 4K60 capture and low-latency passthrough for console and PC streamers.

  • USB-C
  • 2160p60 (HDR10 up to 1080p60, Windows only)
  • 2160p60, 1440p120, 1080p240
  • HDR capture

PCPR score

8.4

Great

Best price we’ve seen

$147Nov 9

Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.

See it at Best BuyOfficial page

R1

The short version

The 4K S is Elgato's mid-range external capture card, with HDMI 2.0 input and passthrough, up to 2160p60 capture, passthrough at 2160p60, 1440p120 or 1080p240, VRR support and HDR10 capture up to 1080p60 on Windows. PC Gamer scored it 86 for its capture quality and smooth passthrough but says a cheaper AVerMedia alternative beats it, and notes no 5.1 audio support. It suits console and PC streamers who want a compact 4K60 card from Elgato's ecosystem rather than a PCIe device.

Pros

  • 4K60 capture and passthrough up to 1080p240
  • VRR support
  • HDR10 capture up to 1080p60 on Windows
  • Great capture quality and smooth passthrough, per PC Gamer

Cons

  • HDMI 2.0 only, so no 4K120 passthrough
  • HDR capture limited to 1080p60 and Windows
  • No 5.1 audio, and a cheaper AVerMedia rival beats it, per PC Gamer

Best for

  • Console streamers who want reliable 4K60 capture
  • Creators using Elgato's Studio or OBS software

J3

Full specifications

Connectivity

Interface
USB-C

Performance

Max capture
2160p60 (HDR10 up to 1080p60, Windows only)
Max passthrough
2160p60, 1440p120, 1080p240

Features

HDR capture
Yes
VRR passthrough
Yes

Ports & I/O

HDMI input
2.0

Compatibility notes

  • Connects via USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) with HDMI 2.0 input and passthrough.
  • HDR capture is Windows-only, per Elgato.

P1

Where to buy

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AV1

Video reviews

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AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • PC Gamer

    Mixed

    Scores it 86 for its capture and passthrough in a handy form factor, but prefers a lower-priced AVerMedia alternative and notes the lack of 5.1 audio.

    86/100 · Review

    Read the source

Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.

R9

Common questions

Can the 4K S capture in 4K at 60 fps?

Yes. Elgato lists capture up to 2160p60, with HDR capture only up to 1080p60 on Windows.

Does it have HDMI passthrough?

Yes. Elgato lists lag-free passthrough up to 2160p60, 1440p120 or 1080p240 with VRR support.

Is it better than the 4K X?

The 4K X adds HDMI 2.1 and 4K144, so the 4K S suits buyers who only need 4K60 and want to spend less.

J9Alternatives

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