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- Best overall: Elgato HD60 X
- Best budget: Elgato Cam Link 4K
- Best premium: Elgato 4K X
- Best for standalone recording: Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card
- Elgato 4K60 S+ records 4K at 60 frames per second to an SD card, making it the standalone-recording pick.
- Elgato Cam Link 4K turns a compatible HDMI camera into a USB webcam and captures up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
- Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 suit high-refresh HDMI 2.1 gaming setups.
- Elgato HD60 X is a flexible PC capture choice for console streaming, while Elgato HD60 S+ offers HDR passthrough and 1080p60 capture.
Elgato 4K60 S+ and Elgato Cam Link 4K solve different problems: Elgato 4K60 S+ captures gameplay up to 4K60 and records to an SD card, while Elgato Cam Link 4K connects an HDMI camera to a computer for streaming. The right Black Friday 2026 pick depends on whether you want a gaming capture device or a camera input.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide for console players, streamers and creators. You’ll also find alternatives for 4K passthrough, high-refresh gaming and portable recording, with clear notes on what each device does best.
How We Picked
- Compared maximum capture resolution and frame rate alongside passthrough specifications.
- Checked whether each device records to a memory card or requires a connected computer.
- Prioritized compatibility and practical fit for consoles, cameras, streaming PCs and travel setups.
- Reviewed published manufacturer specifications, user reviews and owner feedback.
- Selected products with clearly different strengths so readers can match a capture device to their setup.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Maximum capture | Passthrough | Standalone recording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card | Standalone 4K60 recording | 4K60 | 4K60 HDR10 | Yes, SD card |
| Elgato Cam Link 4K | HDMI camera input | 4K30 | No HDMI passthrough | No |
| Elgato 4K X | HDMI 2.1 gaming | 4K60 | Up to 4K144 | No |
| Elgato HD60 X | PC-based console streaming | 4K30 | 4K60 HDR | No |
| Elgato HD60 S+ | 1080p60 with HDR passthrough | 1080p60 | 4K60 HDR10 | No |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus | Portable standalone recording | 1080p60 | 4K60 | Yes, microSD |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 | HDMI 2.1 gaming | 4K60 | Up to 4K144 | No |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card
The Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card is the best standalone 4K capture card for console creators who want computer-free recording, with 4K60 HDR10 capture to an SD card. The HDMI passthrough keeps gameplay on a display while the card records.
Best for: Standalone 4K60 HDR recording
- Maximum capture
- 4K at 60 fps
- Passthrough
- 4K at 60 fps, HDR10
- Standalone recording
- Yes, SD card
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Records without a computer
- Captures 4K60 HDR10
- Supports 4K60 HDR passthrough
- Bigger and more specialized than a basic camera capture dongle
- Standalone recording requires a compatible SD card
Is the Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for console creators who need 4K60 HDR10 recording without a computer. The Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card's SD-card recording and 4K60 passthrough make it more versatile than a simple camera-to-USB capture device.
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#2
Elgato Cam Link 4K
The Elgato Cam Link 4K is the best compact HDMI-to-USB capture device for streamers turning a compatible camera into a webcam, with capture up to 4K at 30 fps. The small setup is built around a computer connection rather than standalone recording.
Best for: Camera input for streaming
- Maximum capture
- 4K at 30 fps
- 1080p capture
- Up to 60 fps
- Standalone recording
- No, computer required
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Simple way to bring an HDMI camera into a streaming setup
- Compact USB-connected design
- Supports 1080p60 capture
- No standalone SD-card recording
- Not designed as a 4K60 gameplay capture card
Is the Elgato Cam Link 4K worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Elgato Cam Link 4K is a worthwhile Black Friday 2026 choice for streamers who want to use a compatible HDMI camera as a computer webcam. The device captures up to 4K30 and 1080p60, but it does not replace a standalone gameplay recorder.
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#3
Elgato 4K X
The Elgato 4K X is the best premium capture card for HDMI 2.1 gaming setups, with 4K60 capture and passthrough up to 4K144. The high-refresh passthrough makes the card a better match for current-generation consoles and powerful gaming PCs than entry-level capture hardware.
Best for: HDMI 2.1 and high-refresh gaming
- Maximum capture
- 4K at 60 fps
- Passthrough
- Up to 4K at 144 fps
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- HDMI standard
- HDMI 2.1
- High-refresh HDMI 2.1 passthrough
- Captures up to 4K60
- Fits PC and console gaming setups
- Requires a compatible high-speed USB connection
- More capability than basic webcam capture needs
Is the Elgato 4K X worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Elgato 4K X is worth considering for gamers who want 4K60 capture without giving up high-refresh HDMI 2.1 passthrough. The Elgato 4K X's support for passthrough up to 4K144 suits advanced console and PC setups, while simpler camera streaming needs less hardware.
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#4 · Top pick
Elgato HD60 X
The Elgato HD60 X is the best all-around capture card for console streamers who use a computer, with 4K60 HDR passthrough and capture up to 4K30. The feature mix supports smooth gameplay on a display while sending footage to streaming software.
Best for: PC-based console streaming
- Maximum capture
- 4K at 30 fps
- Passthrough
- 4K at 60 fps, HDR
- 1080p capture
- Up to 60 fps
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- 4K60 HDR passthrough
- Works for streaming and recording to a computer
- Useful balance of resolution and console compatibility
- Does not record independently to an SD card
- 4K capture tops out at 30 fps
Is the Elgato HD60 X worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Elgato HD60 X is a solid Black Friday 2026 option for console players streaming through a computer. The card pairs 4K60 HDR passthrough with capture up to 4K30, making it a practical choice when smooth display output matters more than standalone recording.
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#5
Elgato HD60 S+
The Elgato HD60 S+ is the best pick for streamers seeking 1080p60 capture with 4K60 HDR passthrough, using a computer for recording and broadcast. The straightforward feature set suits console players who want HDR gameplay on their display without requiring 4K capture.
Best for: 1080p60 capture with HDR passthrough
- Maximum capture
- 1080p at 60 fps
- Passthrough
- 4K at 60 fps, HDR10
- Standalone recording
- No, computer required
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- 4K60 HDR10 passthrough
- Captures 1080p60 gameplay
- Simple fit for PC streaming workflows
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p
- Requires a connected computer
Is the Elgato HD60 S+ worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Elgato HD60 S+ suits players who want reliable 1080p60 capture while keeping 4K60 HDR10 gameplay on their display. Black Friday 2026 is a good time to compare it with newer cards if 4K recording or standalone SD-card capture matters to your setup.
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#6
AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is the best portable alternative for creators who want standalone recording and 4K60 passthrough, with capture up to 1080p60. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus's SD-card mode makes it useful for travel and console recording away from a full streaming PC.
Best for: Portable standalone 1080p capture
- Maximum capture
- 1080p at 60 fps
- Passthrough
- 4K at 60 fps
- Standalone recording
- Yes, microSD card
- Connection
- USB 2.0
- Standalone microSD recording
- 4K60 passthrough
- Portable console-friendly design
- Capture resolution is limited to 1080p
- Does not match 4K60 capture models
Is the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a useful Black Friday 2026 pick for portable 1080p60 recording without a computer. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus's microSD recording and 4K60 passthrough suit travel and console capture, while creators who need 4K files should choose a higher-resolution model.
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#7
AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1
The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 is the best HDMI 2.1 alternative for high-refresh console and PC gamers, with 4K60 capture and passthrough up to 4K144. The card combines a fast display path with computer-based recording and streaming.
Best for: HDMI 2.1 capture and passthrough
- Maximum capture
- 4K at 60 fps
- Passthrough
- Up to 4K at 144 fps
- HDMI standard
- HDMI 2.1
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- HDMI 2.1 support
- 4K144 passthrough
- 4K60 capture for a computer workflow
- Needs a compatible high-speed USB port
- No standalone SD-card recording
Is the AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 is worth considering for PC and console gamers who want 4K60 capture alongside 4K144 passthrough. The AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1's HDMI 2.1 feature set is aimed at high-refresh displays, while camera-only streaming setups are better served by a compact USB capture device.
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Elgato 4K60 S+ vs Elgato Cam Link 4K: which should you buy?
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card records console gameplay up to 4K60 HDR10, including directly to an SD card without a computer. Elgato Cam Link 4K brings an HDMI camera into a computer, capturing up to 4K30 or 1080p60 over USB 3.0.
Choose Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card for console recording. Choose Elgato Cam Link 4K for camera streaming; it has no HDMI passthrough.
What is the difference between capture and passthrough?
Capture sends video to a computer or memory card for recording or streaming. Passthrough sends the signal onward to a display. A device can support different maximum settings for each: Elgato HD60 X captures up to 4K30 and supports 4K60 HDR passthrough, while Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card supports 4K60 capture and passthrough.
Check the console or camera, capture device, computer, display and software as one signal chain. Match their supported resolution and refresh rate. Elgato Cam Link 4K sends its HDMI source to a computer and does not provide display passthrough.
Which capture card works best for console streaming?
Elgato HD60 X suits computer-based console streaming, with capture up to 4K30 and 4K60 HDR passthrough. Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 support passthrough up to 4K144. Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card records up to 4K60 HDR10 without a computer; AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus offers standalone recording up to 1080p60.
For 1080p60 capture and 4K60 HDR10 passthrough, consider Elgato HD60 S+. Check your display’s resolution and refresh rate, then confirm your computer and streaming software support the selected capture mode.
Can Elgato Cam Link 4K capture console gameplay?
Elgato Cam Link 4K captures HDMI video up to 4K30 over USB, but lacks HDMI passthrough and depends on a computer. Elgato HD60 X, Elgato 4K X or Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card better suit console setups that need a separate display.
For camera streaming, connect a compatible HDMI camera to Elgato Cam Link 4K and select it in streaming software. Check the camera’s HDMI output and clean video support.
Which capture device is best for recording without a computer?
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card records up to 4K60 HDR10 to an SD card. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus also records to a memory card, up to 1080p60, with 4K60 passthrough. Elgato Cam Link 4K, Elgato HD60 X, Elgato HD60 S+, Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 require a computer for recording.
Before choosing a standalone device, confirm its supported memory-card type, recording format, storage capacity and passthrough settings.
Buying Guide
Choose a camera input or a gameplay capture card
Elgato Cam Link 4K connects a compatible HDMI camera to a computer. Elgato HD60 X and Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card suit console gameplay and provide HDMI passthrough.
Match capture resolution to your content
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card, Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 support 4K60 capture. Choose a device based on your target resolution and recording needs.
Check passthrough against your monitor
Match passthrough resolution and refresh rate to your screen and console. Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 support up to 4K144; Elgato HD60 X supports 4K60 HDR.
Decide whether a computer is part of the setup
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card and AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus record to memory cards. Elgato Cam Link 4K and the other listed capture cards need a computer for recording or streaming.
Confirm ports and camera compatibility
Check USB speed, HDMI format and available computer ports. Camera owners should verify compatible HDMI and clean video output; console players should check HDR, resolution and refresh-rate support.
FAQ
What is the difference between Elgato 4K60 S+ and Elgato Cam Link 4K?
Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card records gameplay up to 4K60 HDR10 and supports standalone SD-card recording. Elgato Cam Link 4K connects a compatible HDMI camera to a computer, capturing up to 4K30 or 1080p60. Pick the former for console capture and the latter for camera streaming.
Does Elgato Cam Link 4K support 4K60?
No. Elgato Cam Link 4K captures up to 4K30, or up to 1080p60. Streamers seeking 4K60 gameplay capture should compare Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card, Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1, while checking computer and software compatibility.
Can Elgato 4K60 S+ record without a PC?
Yes. Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card records gameplay directly to a compatible SD card, with capture up to 4K60 HDR10. Standalone recording makes the device a fit for console creators who want footage without running a computer during gameplay.
Which capture card supports 4K144 passthrough?
Elgato 4K X and AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 support passthrough up to 4K144. Both are designed for HDMI 2.1 gaming setups and support 4K60 capture. Confirm that the console, display, cables and computer support the modes you plan to use.
Is Elgato HD60 X good for PS5 streaming?
Yes. Elgato HD60 X is a strong choice for PS5 streaming through a computer, pairing 4K60 HDR passthrough with capture up to 4K30. The card suits players who want a display passthrough workflow; standalone recording requires a different product, such as Elgato 4K60 S+ External Capture Card.
Can Elgato Cam Link 4K be used with a DSLR camera?
Yes, Elgato Cam Link 4K can bring a compatible DSLR’s HDMI video output into a computer for streaming or video calls. Confirm that the camera supports clean HDMI output and the desired resolution. Elgato Cam Link 4K captures up to 4K30 and requires a computer.