Elgato's HDMI 2.1 capture cards 4K X and 4K Pro feature HDR and great frame rates
Get ready for high resolution recording and streaming with great framerates
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Don’t wait any longer to stream and record in high resolution and good framerates. The 4K X and 4K Pro HDMI 2.1 capture cards from Elgato are here. Yet, if you don’t know which one to get, we’re here to help you decide.
The first decisive factor is their accessibility. If you travel a lot and always switch devices, 4K X could be the best option. However, the 4K Pro is the stronger one. So, keep that in mind. Also, before getting any of them, know that the HDR capture is only available for Windows.
4K X and 4K Pro will set your new standards
4K X and 4K Pro Tech Specs
| 4K X | 4K Pro | |
| Capture | Capture up to 2160p144, 2160p30 HDR, 1440p144, 1440p60 HDR, 1080p144, 1080p120 HDR. | Capture up to 2160p60, 1440p144, 1080p240, 720p240, High Dynamic Range (HDR). |
| Capture Resolutions | HDR 10-bit passthrough (up to 4K144) / capture (up to 4K144) | Passthrough (up to 8K60) / capture (up to 2160p60) |
| Input | Passthrough up to 2160p144, 2160p60, 1440p240, 1080p240, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Lag-free passthrough up to 4320p60, 2160p240, 1440p240, 1080p240, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), High Dynamic Range (HDR) |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) Type-C 3.5 mm TRS (stereo) line-in port | PCIe 2.0 x4 |
| Supported Sources | USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) Type-C 3.5 mm TRS (stereo) line-in port Sony PlayStation 5 Sony PlayStation 4/Pro Microsoft Xbox Series X|S Microsoft Xbox One X|S Nintendo Switch PC iPhone/iPad Google Pixel And other unencrypted HDMI sources |
Core differences between the capture cards
There is a great difference between the two when it comes to captures and input. 4K Pro is better if you like the higher frame rate capture and prefer better color ranges and visuals.
Unfortunately, unlike 4K X, the Pro version requires a PCIe slot that limits the overall compatibility of the card. Yet, it allows you to passthrough 8K60. On top of that, it offers you the best framerate possible for 4K. Last but not least, 4K Pro can stream on multiple platforms, while 4K X can only stream on one platform at a time.
Ultimately, if you are a streamer who prefers using multiple platforms and like wide color ranges and detailed visuals, select 4K Pro. On the other hand, if you are always moving around, prefer a USB connection, can give up on 4K at 60 FPS, and don’t mind streaming on a single platform at a time, 4K X is waiting for you.
To complement your console and to further boost your gaming experience, check out ViewSonic 4K-X1 and 4K-X2 projectors.
Also, consider checking out this capture card selector created by Elgato.
What are your thoughts? Do you prefer 4K X over 4K Pro? Would you rather wait for a 4K Pro without a PCIe? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
