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- Best overall: Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card
- Best budget: Elgato Stream Deck Neo
- Best premium: Elgato 4K X External Capture Card
- Best for physical stream controls: Elgato Stream Deck +
- Elgato Stream Deck + controls stream tasks with 8 LCD keys and 4 dials; Elgato HD60 S+ captures console video at 1080p60.
- Choose a Stream Deck for software and audio control; choose a capture card to bring console footage into a streaming or recording setup.
- Elgato 4K X is the premium capture pick, while Elgato HD60 X balances modern passthrough features with a simpler capture workflow.
- Compare resolution, refresh-rate support, connections and software compatibility before choosing a Black Friday 2026 streaming upgrade.
Elgato Stream Deck + and Elgato HD60 S+ solve different streaming problems: one puts controls at your fingertips, and the other sends console video to a computer. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the distinction clear for Black Friday 2026 shoppers.
Here's the bottom line: buy Elgato Stream Deck + for customizable control, or Elgato HD60 S+ for capture at 1080p60. The guide also compares five alternatives, including newer capture cards and other Stream Deck models, so you can match the gear to your setup rather than buying by name alone.
How We Picked
- Compared each product's core job: stream control, external video capture, or both as part of a creator setup.
- Checked published capture resolution, passthrough resolution, refresh-rate support, key counts and dial counts.
- Reviewed connection requirements and the role of companion software in a PC or console streaming setup.
- Considered whether each product suits a beginner, a console streamer, a creator with advanced display needs or a user seeking physical controls.
- Used product specifications, reviews and owner feedback rather than detailed claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Capture or key count | Passthrough or controls | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato Stream Deck + | Stream control with dials | 8 LCD keys | 4 dials and 1 touch strip | USB-C |
| Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card | 1080p60 console capture | 1080p60 capture | 4K60 HDR10 passthrough | USB 3.0 |
| Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card | High-refresh console passthrough | 1080p60 capture | 1440p120 passthrough | USB 3.0 |
| Elgato 4K X External Capture Card | Premium high-resolution capture | 4K60 capture | 4K144 passthrough | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Elgato 4K S External Capture Card | Straightforward 4K recording | 4K60 capture | 4K60 passthrough | USB-C |
| Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 | Many programmable keys | 15 LCD keys | Interchangeable faceplate | USB 2.0 |
| Elgato Stream Deck Neo | Compact stream controls | 8 LCD keys | 2 touch points | USB-C |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Elgato Stream Deck +
The Elgato Stream Deck + is the best physical control surface for streamers who want fast access to 8 LCD keys and 4 multifunction dials.
Best for: Stream control, audio adjustment and customizable shortcuts
- LCD keys
- 8
- Multifunction dials
- 4
- Touch strip
- 1
- Connection
- USB-C
- Combines programmable keys with tactile dial control.
- Supports customizable actions and profiles.
- Useful beyond live streaming for daily PC workflows.
- Does not capture or pass through console video.
Is the Elgato Stream Deck + worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato Stream Deck + is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for creators who want physical controls, with 8 LCD keys, 4 dials and a touch strip for stream actions, audio adjustments and compatible shortcuts.
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#2
Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card
The Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card is the best straightforward capture choice for console streamers who need 1080p60 capture and 4K60 passthrough.
Best for: Console streaming with a 4K display and 1080p capture
- Capture resolution
- 1080p60
- Passthrough resolution
- 4K60 HDR10
- USB connection
- USB 3.0
- HDMI
- HDMI 2.0
- Captures console video at 1080p60.
- Passthrough supports 4K60 HDR10.
- External design keeps installation simple.
- Capture resolution tops out at 1080p60.
Is the Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card suits console streamers who want reliable 1080p60 capture while playing through 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. Choose a newer model if higher-resolution recording is central to your setup.
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#3 · Top pick
Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card
The Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card is the best balanced upgrade for console streamers who want 1080p60 capture and 4K60 HDR10 passthrough.
Best for: Modern console capture with high-refresh passthrough
- Capture resolution
- 1080p60
- Passthrough
- 4K60 HDR10
- High-refresh passthrough
- 1440p120
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Supports 1440p120 passthrough.
- Offers HDR10 and VRR passthrough support.
- External USB design works without an internal capture-card slot.
- Capture tops out at 1080p60.
Is the Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card is a practical choice for console streamers who want 1080p60 capture and support for 1440p120 passthrough. Check your console, display and computer connections before choosing it.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Elgato 4K X External Capture Card
The Elgato 4K X External Capture Card is the best premium external capture pick for creators who need up to 4K144 passthrough and 4K60 capture.
Best for: High-resolution console and PC capture
- Maximum capture
- 4K60 HDR10
- Maximum passthrough
- 4K144
- Connection
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- High-refresh capture
- 1080p240
- Supports high-resolution capture and passthrough.
- Offers high-refresh options for compatible sources.
- External form factor avoids a desktop PCIe installation.
- The Elgato 4K X External Capture Card's advanced modes call for compatible source, display and computer hardware.
Is the Elgato 4K X External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato 4K X External Capture Card is worth considering for a premium setup that needs 4K60 HDR10 capture and up to 4K144 passthrough. Confirm that every device in the signal chain supports your target mode.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Elgato 4K S External Capture Card
The Elgato 4K S External Capture Card is the best compact 4K capture option for creators who want 4K60 recording and 4K60 passthrough.
Best for: Straightforward 4K capture in an external device
- Maximum capture
- 4K60
- Maximum passthrough
- 4K60
- Connection
- USB-C
- Form factor
- External
- Supports 4K60 capture.
- Provides an external setup without a PCIe card.
- Keeps the feature focus on 4K recording and passthrough.
- Does not match the 4K X high-refresh passthrough ceiling.
Is the Elgato 4K S External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato 4K S External Capture Card is a fitting choice for creators targeting 4K60 capture without the higher-refresh focus of Elgato 4K X. Verify computer compatibility and the capture modes your recording software supports.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is the best key-focused controller for streamers who want 15 customizable LCD buttons in a compact desktop unit.
Best for: One-touch stream actions and app shortcuts
- LCD keys
- 15
- Connection
- USB 2.0
- Faceplate
- Interchangeable
- Control type
- LCD buttons
- Offers more direct-action keys than Stream Deck +.
- Supports custom icons and action profiles.
- Interchangeable faceplates allow a personalized look.
- Does not include multifunction dials.
Is the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is a solid pick for users who prefer 15 programmable LCD keys over dials. The controller handles shortcuts and stream actions, but it does not capture console video or replace a capture card.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Elgato Stream Deck Neo
The Elgato Stream Deck Neo is the best compact controller for newer streamers who want 8 customizable keys and 2 touch points.
Best for: Compact desktop controls and everyday shortcuts
- LCD keys
- 8
- Touch points
- 2
- Infobar
- 1
- Connection
- USB-C
- Small footprint fits compact desks.
- Touch points support page navigation.
- Customizable keys suit stream actions and app controls.
- Has no physical dials for continuous adjustments.
Is the Elgato Stream Deck Neo worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Elgato Stream Deck Neo is a sensible starter controller for streamers who want 8 customizable keys in a compact unit. Choose Elgato Stream Deck + instead when tactile dials are an important part of your workflow.
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Which is better, Elgato Stream Deck + or Elgato HD60 S+?
Elgato Stream Deck + is better for controlling a stream, while Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card is better for capturing gameplay at 1080p60. The products do different jobs, so the right Black Friday 2026 pick depends on the gap in your setup.
Elgato Stream Deck + provides 8 LCD keys, 4 dials and a touch strip for actions such as changing scenes or adjusting compatible audio controls. Elgato HD60 S+ connects a console video source to a computer and supports 4K60 HDR10 passthrough while capturing at 1080p60. Neither product replaces the other. A creator who wants both physical controls and console capture can use them together, subject to the rest of the setup.
What does Elgato Stream Deck + do?
Elgato Stream Deck + provides 8 LCD keys, 4 multifunction dials and 1 touch strip for configurable computer controls. The control surface is designed for people who want frequent stream, audio or app actions within easy reach.
Use the keys for assigned shortcuts and supported actions, then use the dials for compatible adjustments such as audio levels. Profiles and custom actions help organize a workflow, but the device is not a capture card: it does not bring console video into a computer. Choose Elgato Stream Deck + when physical control is the priority. Choose Elgato HD60 S+ or another capture card when the priority is recording or streaming gameplay.
What does Elgato HD60 S+ do?
Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card captures console video at 1080p60 and supports 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. The external device connects a compatible source, display and computer for a console streaming or recording workflow.
Passthrough lets the video signal continue to a display while the capture card sends video to the computer. That distinction matters for players who want to keep using a 4K display while recording at 1080p60. The HD60 S+ suits straightforward capture needs; creators who need higher capture resolution should compare Elgato 4K S or Elgato 4K X. Check the console's output settings and computer requirements before setup.
Which Elgato capture card should console streamers choose?
Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card is a balanced console pick with 1080p60 capture and 1440p120 passthrough. Elgato 4K X External Capture Card is the stronger match when 4K60 capture and high-refresh passthrough matter more.
Elgato HD60 S+ remains a clear option for 1080p60 capture with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. Elgato 4K S targets 4K60 capture and passthrough in an external format. Each model has a different ceiling, so compare the mode you want to record with the mode you want to play. A capture card's performance also depends on compatible source hardware, display, computer and software.
Can you use a Stream Deck and capture card together?
Elgato Stream Deck + and Elgato HD60 S+ can fill separate roles in one streaming setup: the Stream Deck controls actions, while the capture card handles console video at 1080p60.
A common signal path sends console video through the capture card to a computer and display, while the Stream Deck triggers compatible software commands. The Stream Deck does not improve capture resolution, and the capture card does not provide physical shortcut keys. Confirm that your computer has the required connections and that your streaming software supports the actions you want. For an all-in-one gear plan, start with the problem you need to solve, then add the second device only when its function is useful.
Buying Guide
Choose a controller or a capture card
Elgato Stream Deck + offers 8 LCD keys and 4 dials; Elgato HD60 S+ captures gameplay at 1080p60. Start by identifying whether your missing feature is physical control or video capture.
Match capture and passthrough modes
Elgato HD60 S+ pairs 1080p60 capture with 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. Compare the recording target and the display mode separately, then check source, display and computer support.
Pick the right Stream Deck layout
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 has 15 LCD keys, while Elgato Stream Deck + has 8 keys and 4 dials. Favor extra one-touch actions or tactile adjustments based on your workflow.
Check connections and software
Elgato capture cards and Stream Deck models rely on compatible computer connections and software. Review your operating system, USB ports, console outputs and streaming application before ordering.
Buy for the setup you plan to keep
Elgato 4K X supports 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough, while Elgato HD60 X supports 1440p120 passthrough. Choose the model that fits your current equipment and your stated upgrade plan.
FAQ
What is the difference between Elgato Stream Deck + and Elgato HD60 S+?
Elgato Stream Deck + is a control surface with 8 LCD keys and 4 dials. Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card captures console video at 1080p60 and supports 4K60 HDR10 passthrough. One controls actions; the other handles video.
Can Elgato Stream Deck + capture gameplay?
No. Elgato Stream Deck + controls compatible software and computer actions through its 8 LCD keys, 4 dials and touch strip. Use a capture card such as Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card to bring console video into a computer.
Does Elgato HD60 S+ support 4K capture?
Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card supports 4K60 HDR10 passthrough, but its capture resolution tops out at 1080p60. For 4K60 capture, compare Elgato 4K S External Capture Card or Elgato 4K X External Capture Card.
Is Elgato HD60 X better than Elgato HD60 S+?
Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card adds support for 1440p120 passthrough while capturing at 1080p60. Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card supports 4K60 HDR10 passthrough and 1080p60 capture. Choose based on your display mode and source compatibility.
Which Elgato Stream Deck is best for a beginner?
Elgato Stream Deck Neo is a compact starting point with 8 customizable keys and 2 touch points. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 offers 15 LCD keys, while Elgato Stream Deck + adds 4 dials for users who want detailed adjustments.
Can a capture card and Stream Deck work together?
Yes. A capture card such as Elgato HD60 S+ External Capture Card handles console video, while a controller such as Elgato Stream Deck + triggers compatible software actions. Check computer ports and software support for your planned setup.