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Yes—the Elgato Game Capture 4K S can record 4K at 60 frames per second, but only in SDR. It supports 4K60 HDR passthrough, not official 4K60 HDR recording. HDR capture is limited to 1080p60 on Windows. That makes the 4K S a strong external USB capture card for 4K60 console and PC recording, but a poor fit for 4K120 gaming, 4K HDR capture, or computer-free recording.
Elgato 4K S: the quick verdict
The 4K S sits between basic 1080p capture cards and HDMI 2.1 models such as Elgato’s 4K X and 4K Pro. It connects between an HDMI source and a TV or monitor, then sends the video to a computer over USB for recording, streaming, preview, or video calls.
- Best for: 4K60 SDR recording from PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
- Not for: 4K120 or 4K144 passthrough, 4K HDR recording, or standalone SD-card recording.
- Price signal: Elgato’s US product page displayed $159.99 when checked on August 16, 2026. Prices, availability, and regional terms can change.
See Elgato’s official technical specifications for the current signal and system details.
Key specifications
| Feature | Elgato 4K S |
|---|---|
| Product type | External USB-C capture card |
| HDMI interface | HDMI 2.0 input and output |
| Computer connection | USB 3.0 Type-C |
| Maximum capture | 2160p60/4K60 SDR |
| HDR capture | 1080p60 on Windows |
| Maximum passthrough | 4K60, 1440p120, or 1080p240 |
| HDR passthrough | HDR10 up to 4K60 |
| Other connections | 3.5 mm TRS stereo line-in |
| VRR | Supported |
| Standalone recording | Not listed; a computer is required |
Does the 4K S really record 4K at 60 Hz?
Yes, for 4K60 SDR. In precise capture terminology, that means the card can receive and record a 2160p signal at 60 frames per second when the source, USB connection, software, encoder, and storage setup can sustain it.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K60 Capture: Record in cinematic quality with crisp detail and vivid colors
- HFR Support: Play and capture in 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 Support: Capture brilliant HDR content with tone mapping on Windows
- Cross-Platform Compatible: Works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and more
- Analog Audio In: Capture in-game chat or commentary with 3.5mm input
“60 Hz” describes the refresh rate of the HDMI signal and display path; “60 fps” describes the number of video frames recorded. They normally correspond in this use case, but they are not identical technical terms.
Capture versus passthrough
| Signal mode | Recording | Passthrough |
|---|---|---|
| 4K60 SDR | Yes | Yes |
| 4K60 HDR | No official 4K HDR capture claim | Yes |
| 1440p120 | Not listed | Yes |
| 1080p240 | Not listed | Yes |
| 1080p120 | Yes | Yes |
| 1080p60 HDR | Yes, Windows only | Yes |
This distinction matters. You can play at 1440p120 or 1080p240 through the card while recording at a lower supported mode. Passthrough is not the same as capture.
4K60 SDR is not 4K60 HDR recording
The 4K S supports 4K60 HDR passthrough, allowing an HDR television or monitor to receive the signal. However, Elgato’s detailed specification limits HDR capture to 1080p60 on Windows. It does not document 4K60 HDR recording.
In practical terms, an HDR game can continue to reach an HDR display while the computer records either 4K60 SDR or a supported 1080p60 HDR feed. The exact HDR-to-SDR behavior depends on the source, operating system, capture software, and configuration, so automatic tone mapping should not be assumed.
Elgato’s Elgato Studio release notes likewise describe 4K60 SDR capture and 1080p60 HDR capture separately from 4K60 HDR passthrough.
Rank #2
- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach.
- Unrivaled Gaming Experience: Immerse yourself in pure gameplay at an astounding 8K60 resolution, all while effortlessly capturing the action in stunning 4K60 quality.
- Cutting-Edge Connectivity: Harness the power of HDMI 2.1 in/out to effortlessly record high frame rates, reaching up to an incredible 240fps in pristine 1080p resolution.
- Seamless Visuals: Say goodbye to screen tearing and relish in a flawlessly smooth gaming experience with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough technology.
- Perfectly Synced Entertainment: Achieve unparalleled synchronization between your broadcast and gameplay, thanks to ultra-low latency that ensures every moment is captured with precision.
Ports and setup
The normal wiring is:
Console or PC HDMI out
↓
4K S HDMI In
↓
4K S HDMI Out
↓
TV or monitor
4K S USB-C
↓
Recording or streaming computerThe HDMI input and output are HDMI 2.0, while the USB-C connection requires USB 3.0-class bandwidth. USB-C describes the connector shape, not its speed. A USB 2.0 port, slow hub, dock, monitor port, or unsuitable adapter can prevent high-resolution capture.
The device accepts unencrypted HDMI signals only. HDCP-protected video cannot be captured.
Console compatibility
Elgato lists support for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, iPhone, iPad, Google Pixel, and other unencrypted HDMI sources.
- PS5 and PS4: disable HDCP for gameplay capture. Protected Blu-ray and streaming-video apps remain restricted.
- Xbox Series X|S: configure the console and display for a mode the HDMI 2.0 chain supports. A 4K120 output is beyond the 4K S’s 4K60 passthrough limit.
- Switch and Switch 2: use the console dock or a compatible HDMI adapter. The capture card cannot create 4K output from a game that renders at a lower resolution.
- All consoles: 4K60 recording depends on the console actually outputting 4K60. Dynamic resolution or a 1080p game remains that source resolution.
Using it with a gaming PC
Single-PC setup
A gaming PC can send an HDMI output to the 4K S, which returns the feed over USB to the same computer. You may need to duplicate or extend the display in Windows and ensure the graphics card can output a supported mode.
This arrangement adds capture, preview, encoding, and storage work to the gaming PC. For many single-PC users, OBS, NVIDIA ShadowPlay, AMD Adrenalin, or a game’s built-in recorder is more efficient because it can capture the game directly without routing an HDMI output through a capture card.
Rank #3
- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach
- Unrivaled Gaming Experience: Immerse yourself in pure gameplay at an astounding 8K60 resolution, all while effortlessly capturing the action in stunning 4K60 quality
- Cutting-Edge Connectivity: Harness the power of HDMI 2.1 in/out to effortlessly record high frame rates, reaching up to an incredible 240fps in pristine 1080p resolution
- Seamless Visuals: Say goodbye to screen tearing and relish in a flawlessly smooth gaming experience with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough technology
- Ultra-Low Latency Synchronization: Achieve unparalleled synchronization between your broadcast and gameplay, thanks to ultra-low latency that ensures every moment is captured with precision
Two-PC setup
For streaming, the gaming PC sends HDMI to the 4K S and a second computer receives the USB feed. This moves recording, encoding, overlays, and stream management away from the gaming machine, but requires another capable computer and introduces more cables and synchronization points.
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Laptop or Mac capture
The 4K S is useful when the recording computer is a laptop or Mac. Connect it directly to a USB 3.0-capable port rather than assuming every USB-C port provides sufficient bandwidth.
Software workflow
The 4K S works with Elgato Studio, Elgato Capture for iPadOS, OBS Studio, and other compatible applications. In OBS, the general setup is:
- Install the current OBS Studio release.
- Connect the card directly to a USB 3.0-capable port.
- Connect the source to HDMI In and the display to HDMI Out.
- Add a Video Capture Device source.
- Select the 4K S, then choose a supported resolution and frame rate.
- Select a suitable hardware encoder where available.
- Make a short test recording before starting a long session.
Check frame pacing, audio sync, dropped frames, HDR/SDR behavior, and the final file’s resolution. OBS notes that external HDR capture depends on the capture device exposing a suitable 10-bit format and on the software configuration; HDR should not be assumed to work simply because passthrough does.
System requirements
Windows
- Windows 11 64-bit or newer.
- Intel Core i5 8th generation or later, or AMD Ryzen.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 10-series or equivalent listed baseline GPU family.
- At least 8 GB dual-channel RAM.
- USB 3.0 Type-C.
- For Elgato software encoding: NVIDIA GTX 950 or better for 4K60 SDR, GTX 1050 or better for 4K60 HDR, or AMD Radeon RX Vega or better for supported SDR modes.
macOS
- macOS 13 or newer.
- Apple M1 chip or better.
- USB 3.0 Type-C.
Specific Elgato Studio versions can require newer software—for example, the cited 1.0.2 release notes list macOS 14.2 Sonoma or newer. That is a software-version requirement, not necessarily a permanent limitation of the hardware.
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- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
iPadOS
- iPadOS 18 or newer.
- USB-C-equipped iPad.
- Internet connection.
- Elgato Capture for iPadOS.
These are Elgato’s requirements for its listed software and encoding paths. OBS and other applications may have different CPU, GPU, encoder, and storage demands.
Important limitations
- No HDMI 2.1: the 4K S is not intended for 4K120 or 4K144 gaming passthrough.
- No documented 4K HDR capture: HDR recording is limited to 1080p60 on Windows.
- No 1440p120 or 1080p240 recording: those are passthrough modes, not listed capture modes.
- Computer required: the official specifications and package contents do not identify SD-card or standalone recording.
- Preview latency differs from passthrough: direct HDMI passthrough is designed to be lag-free, while the software preview should not be treated as a substitute for the display output.
- HDCP restriction: protected streaming and disc content cannot be captured.
- Encoding matters: the card transfers video, but the computer still has to encode and save it.
Troubleshooting
No signal
- Confirm the source is connected to HDMI In and the display to HDMI Out.
- Connect USB directly to the computer, not through a questionable hub or USB 2.0 port.
- Temporarily set the source to 1080p60 SDR.
- Disable HDCP where the console permits it.
- Restart the console, display, capture card, and software.
- Try another compliant HDMI cable.
- Test first in Elgato Studio, then in OBS.
- Install offered software or firmware updates.
4K60 is unavailable
Check whether the source is outputting 4K120, whether the USB link is running at USB 3.0 speed, whether the display chain is negotiating a different mode, and whether HDR or an adapter is changing the available format.
Stutters and dropped frames
In OBS, distinguish capture drops, encoder skips, rendering lag, and audio drift. Capture drops often point to the signal or USB path; skipped frames usually indicate CPU/GPU encoder overload; rendering lag points to scene composition. A short test recording is more useful than assuming the card is defective.
Audio problems
The 3.5 mm connection is a stereo line-in, not a general headset-microphone replacement. Connect a headset microphone to the computer or an appropriate mixer/interface. Elgato’s 1.0.2 release notes also mention 4K S firmware updates intended to address audio-crackling issues, so check firmware before treating intermittent crackling as hardware failure.
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4K S versus the alternatives
Elgato 4K X
The 4K X is the better choice for HDMI 2.1 systems, 4K120 or 4K144 gaming, and higher-refresh PC displays. It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 and supports substantially faster passthrough modes. Choose the 4K S instead if 4K60 SDR is sufficient and you prefer a less expensive external setup.
Best Value
- Tiny but mighty: Premium Elgato Capture hardware the size of a smartphone.
- Easy setup: Just connect your console, gaming screen, and computer or iPad.
- Super compatible: Capture PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or any console.
- 4K60 HDR passthrough: No need to reduce your console resolution.
- 1080p60 capture: Record or stream stunning Full HD content.
See Elgato’s 4K S versus 4K X comparison and the 4K X specifications.
Elgato HD60 X
The HD60 X is generally the better-value option when the actual recording target is 1080p60. It can provide 4K passthrough, but Elgato’s device comparison lists capture up to 4K30 rather than 4K60. Buy the 4K S when the recorded file itself must be native 4K60.
Elgato 4K Pro
The 4K Pro is an internal PCIe card for a permanent desktop rig. It is more appropriate for desktop users who need high-end HDMI 2.1-class capabilities and do not need portability. It is unsuitable for laptops, MacBooks, iPads, or systems without a compatible PCIe slot.
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The older 4K60 S+ remains the relevant Elgato option for buyers who specifically need standalone SD-card recording. The 4K S is the more straightforward modern USB model, but it should not be presented as a computer-free recorder.
Who should buy the Elgato 4K S?
Buy it if you need genuine 4K60 SDR recording, play primarily at 4K60, want HDR passthrough, and prefer an external device for a Windows PC, Mac, laptop, or compatible USB-C iPad.
Choose the 4K X or 4K Pro if 4K120, 4K144, HDMI 2.1, or higher-end HDR workflows are central to your setup. Choose the HD60 X if 1080p60 recording is enough. Choose the 4K60 S+ only when standalone SD-card recording is the deciding requirement.
Bottom line: the Elgato 4K S is a genuine 4K60 SDR capture card—not a 4K60 HDR recorder and not an HDMI 2.1 solution. Its value depends on whether your recording goal is 4K60 SDR and your computer, USB connection, HDMI chain, and encoder can sustain it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
