Elgato 4K60 S+ Vs AVerMedia Live Gamer Black Friday 2026

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Elgato 4K60 S+ and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 serve different Black Friday 2026 capture-card needs: the Elgato records 4K60 HDR10 without a computer, while the AVerMedia captures 4K60 and passes through 4K144. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to map out the best options for console streamers, creators and players upgrading a gaming setup.

Here's the bottom line: pick Elgato 4K60 S+ for SD-card recording and pick AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 for high-refresh HDMI 2.1 passthrough. The other five picks cover USB simplicity, internal PCIe capture and portable recording. Compare the recording limit with your display’s passthrough limit before choosing; they are separate specs, and the larger number does not always describe the recorded video.

How We Picked

• Capture resolution and frame rate: We compared the maximum recording formats, including 4K60 and 1080p60 options.
• Passthrough performance: We checked supported resolutions, refresh rates, HDR and VRR features where specified.
• Recording flexibility: We considered USB and PCIe capture, SD-card recording and computer-free operation.
• Setup fit: We included external cards for simple connections and internal cards for desktop builds.
• Owner experience: We researched reviews and owner feedback for setup demands, compatibility and everyday usability.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Maximum capture	Maximum passthrough	Recording method
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card	PC-free 4K recording	4K60 HDR10	4K60	SD card or computer
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2	High-refresh HDMI 2.1 setups	4K60	4K144	Computer
Elgato 4K X External Capture Card	USB capture with high-refresh passthrough	4K60	4K144	Computer
Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card	1080p streaming with 4K passthrough	1080p60	4K60	Computer
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575	Desktop PCIe capture	4K60	4K144	Computer
AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513	Portable 1080p recording	1080p60	4K	MicroSD card or computer
Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card	Premium desktop capture	4K60	8K60	Computer

Best Picks Reviewed

#1

Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card

The Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card is the best capture card for creators who need PC-free recording, with 4K60 HDR10 capture to an SD card. The external design also supports capture to a connected computer.

Best for: PC-free 4K recording

Maximum capture

4K at 60 fps

HDR capture

HDR10

Standalone recording

SD card

Connection

USB 3.0

Pros

• Records without a computer
• Captures 4K60 HDR10
• Supports computer-based capture too

Cons

• Requires a compatible SD card for standalone recording
• No HDMI 2.1 passthrough

Is the Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card is worth considering for creators who need 4K60 HDR10 recording without a computer. SD-card recording is its defining feature; choose another card for HDMI 2.1 high-refresh passthrough.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#2 · Top pick

AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 is the best external capture card for high-refresh console and PC players, with 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough. HDMI 2.1 support makes it a natural fit for modern displays.

Best for: High-refresh HDMI 2.1 setups

Maximum capture

4K at 60 fps

Maximum passthrough

4K at 144 Hz

Connection

USB 3.2 Gen 2

Interface

HDMI 2.1

Pros

• Captures 4K60
• Supports 4K144 passthrough
• External USB setup

Cons

• High-refresh output calls for compatible source and display gear
• Needs a capable computer for capture

Is the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 suits players who want 4K60 recording without sacrificing 4K144 passthrough. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2's HDMI 2.1 connection makes it a strong external option for a high-refresh gaming display and a streaming computer.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#3

Elgato 4K X External Capture Card

The Elgato 4K X External Capture Card is the best USB capture card for players balancing 4K recording with high-refresh passthrough, supporting 4K60 capture and up to 4K144 passthrough. The Elgato 4K X External Capture Card's external connection keeps installation simple.

Best for: USB capture with high-refresh passthrough

Maximum capture

4K at 60 fps

Maximum passthrough

4K at 144 Hz

Connection

USB 3.2 Gen 2

Video input

HDMI 2.1

Pros

• 4K60 capture
• High-refresh HDMI 2.1 passthrough
• External USB connection

Cons

• Requires a compatible USB port and computer
• No built-in SD-card recording

Is the Elgato 4K X External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Elgato 4K X External Capture Card is a good fit for streamers who want 4K60 capture and high-refresh passthrough in an external device. Choose it over the Elgato 4K60 S+ when HDMI 2.1 display support matters more than SD-card recording.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#4

Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card

The Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card is the best straightforward pick for 1080p streamers, capturing 1080p60 while passing through 4K60 HDR10. The USB connection keeps a console-to-computer setup manageable.

Best for: 1080p streaming with 4K passthrough

Maximum capture

1080p at 60 fps

Maximum passthrough

4K at 60 Hz

HDR passthrough

HDR10

Connection

USB 3.0

Pros

• Simple external setup
• 4K60 HDR10 passthrough
• Well suited to 1080p streaming

Cons

• Capture tops out below 4K
• Needs a connected computer to record

Is the Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Elgato HD60 X External Capture Card is worth a look for streamers who publish at 1080p60 but want 4K60 HDR10 passthrough to their display. Skip it if recording native 4K60 is a priority.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#5

AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575

The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 is the best internal capture card for desktop streamers seeking 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough. The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575's PCIe format suits a built-in streaming PC rather than a portable console setup.

Best for: Desktop PCIe capture

Maximum capture

4K at 60 fps

Maximum passthrough

4K at 144 Hz

Interface

HDMI 2.1

Computer connection

PCIe

Pros

• Internal desktop installation
• 4K60 capture
• 4K144 passthrough support

Cons

• Requires an available PCIe slot
• Not a portable capture solution

Is the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 is a strong choice for desktop creators who want 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough in a PCIe card. Check motherboard space and system compatibility before choosing an internal card.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#6

AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 is the best portable capture card for players who want standalone recording, with 1080p60 capture and 4K passthrough. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513's SD-card recording option helps keep a computer out of simple recording sessions.

Best for: Portable 1080p recording

Maximum capture

1080p at 60 fps

Maximum passthrough

4K

Standalone recording

MicroSD card

Connection

USB

Pros

• Standalone recording support
• Portable external design
• 4K passthrough

Cons

• Capture is limited to 1080p60
• MicroSD card required for PC-free recording

Is the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 works well for portable 1080p60 recording and computer-free capture sessions. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513's 4K passthrough keeps a compatible display in the setup, but creators who need 4K recordings should select a different card.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#7

Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card

The Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card is the best premium internal pick for desktop creators, recording up to 4K60 and supporting 8K60 passthrough. HDMI 2.1 and a PCIe connection suit powerful gaming and streaming builds.

Best for: Premium desktop capture

Maximum capture

4K at 60 fps

Maximum passthrough

8K at 60 Hz

Interface

HDMI 2.1

Computer connection

PCIe

Pros

• 4K60 capture
• Up to 8K60 passthrough
• Internal desktop installation

Cons

• Requires a compatible desktop and PCIe slot
• More than a basic 1080p streaming setup needs

Is the Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card is worth considering for desktop creators who want 4K60 capture and high-resolution passthrough. The Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card's 8K60 passthrough and HDMI 2.1 support make it a premium fit for a capable gaming PC.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

Which is better, Elgato 4K60 S+ or AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1?

Elgato 4K60 S+ wins for standalone 4K60 HDR10 recording, while AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 wins for 4K144 passthrough. The right choice depends on whether your priority is recording without a computer or keeping a high-refresh display signal.

Elgato 4K60 S+ writes recordings to an SD card and also supports computer capture. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 connects over USB and uses HDMI 2.1 for a modern console or PC display chain. Both cards suit 4K capture workflows, but only the Elgato card in this head-to-head offers the defining PC-free recording feature. For a desktop streaming setup, compare the AVerMedia card with Elgato 4K X as well.

Which capture card is best for PS5 and Xbox Series X?

AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 and Elgato 4K X are strong external choices for PS5 and Xbox Series X players, with 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough. Elgato HD60 X suits streams recorded at 1080p60.

Match the card to the console output, monitor and capture computer. High-refresh passthrough only helps when the connected gear supports the selected resolution and refresh rate. HDR and VRR compatibility also deserve a check before connecting the full chain. Elgato 4K60 S+ is the better fit for a player who values 4K60 HDR10 recording to SD more than HDMI 2.1 high-refresh passthrough.

Do capture and passthrough resolutions mean the same thing?

No: capture resolution describes the recorded or streamed video, while passthrough describes the signal sent to the gaming display. Elgato HD60 X captures up to 1080p60 while passing through 4K60.

A high passthrough figure helps preserve a smooth or detailed display signal as the capture card sits between the console and screen. A high capture figure describes the recording sent to software or saved to a card. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 reaches 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough, so the numbers describe different parts of the setup. Check both before buying.

Should you buy a USB or internal PCIe capture card?

USB capture cards suit flexible console setups, while PCIe cards suit dedicated desktop streaming computers. Elgato 4K X uses an external USB connection, and AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 installs inside a desktop through PCIe.

An external card is easier to move between supported computers and keeps installation outside the PC case. An internal card saves desk space and can be a clean choice for a permanent streaming rig, but it needs an open compatible slot. Elgato 4K Pro is another internal option for a premium desktop build. Confirm computer ports, available slots and manufacturer compatibility details before settling on either connection type.

Which capture card is best for recording without a computer?

Elgato 4K60 S+ is the best option here for PC-free 4K recording, with 4K60 HDR10 capture to an SD card. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 offers portable standalone recording at 1080p60.

These options meet different recording goals: Elgato 4K60 S+ targets high-resolution capture, while AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 keeps a lightweight 1080p workflow. Both require compatible storage for standalone sessions. Players who stream through a computer instead should compare USB capture cards such as AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 and Elgato HD60 X. Check storage-card requirements and supported recording formats before setting up.

Buying Guide

Set your capture target

Choose the resolution and frame rate you plan to record. Elgato 4K60 S+ and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 both support 4K60 capture, while Elgato HD60 X targets 1080p60 recording.

Check passthrough separately

Compare the passthrough limit with your display and console. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 supports 4K144 passthrough, while Elgato 4K Pro supports up to 8K60 passthrough.

Decide if you need PC-free recording

Elgato 4K60 S+ records 4K60 HDR10 to an SD card without a computer. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 provides a portable standalone route for 1080p60 recordings.

Match the connection to your setup

Choose USB for an external, flexible setup or PCIe for a permanent desktop build. Elgato 4K X is an external USB option; AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 is an internal PCIe card.

Verify the complete signal chain

Confirm your console, display, computer, cables and capture software support the resolution, refresh rate, HDR and VRR features you plan to use. A card cannot add features unsupported by connected equipment.

FAQ

Is Elgato 4K60 S+ better than AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1?

Elgato 4K60 S+ is better for PC-free 4K60 HDR10 recording to an SD card. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 is better for a computer-based setup that needs 4K60 capture and 4K144 passthrough. Choose based on standalone recording or high-refresh display support.

Can Elgato 4K60 S+ record without a PC?

Yes. Elgato 4K60 S+ records 4K60 HDR10 video directly to an SD card, so a computer is not required for standalone recording. The card also supports capture to a connected computer for creators who want a software-based workflow.

Does AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 support 4K144?

Yes. AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 supports up to 4K144 passthrough and up to 4K60 capture. The connected source, display, cable and computer setup need to support the relevant signal for the full configuration to work.

Which capture card records 4K60?

Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card, AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2, Elgato 4K X External Capture Card, AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 GC575 and Elgato 4K Pro Internal Capture Card support 4K60 capture.

Is Elgato HD60 X good for 4K gaming?

Elgato HD60 X supports 4K60 passthrough, so a compatible display can receive a 4K gaming signal. Capture tops out at 1080p60, making the card a better match for 1080p streams than for creators who require 4K recordings.

What is the best portable capture card in this guide?

AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513 is the best portable pick in this guide. The external card supports 1080p60 capture, 4K passthrough and standalone recording to a MicroSD card, making it a fit for portable recording sessions.