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AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 vs Elgato Cam Link 4K: Comparison
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 vs Elgato Cam Link 4K: the connection type difference
They are built to different briefs, and connection type shows it, AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 USB-C / Thunderbolt against Elgato Cam Link 4K HDMI in, USB 3.0 out.
Which should you buy, AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 or Elgato Cam Link 4K?
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 is the one to take for console streamers wanting 4K recording without paying Ultra-tier prices and laptop streamers who want USB-C over older USB-A capture cards, though it is not the pick for competitive players who need full 4K60 recording, not just passthrough and buyers needing onboard hardware encoding, that's the Ultra 2.1's job. It is the wrong buy for desktop builders with a free PCIe slot, an internal card gets more resolution for similar money. Take the Elgato Cam Link 4K for DSLR, mirrorless, or camcorder owners who want to use their existing camera for streaming or video calls. Avoid it for anyone without a compatible camera already, a dedicated webcam is the simpler and cheaper solution. Our rating of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 (7/10): A sensible mid-tier AVerMedia pick if 4K30 recording with 4K60 HDR passthrough covers your needs. Our rating of the Elgato Cam Link 4K (8/10): the simplest way to turn an existing DSLR, mirrorless camera, or camcorder into a genuinely better video source for streaming and calls.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Form factor read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
These products are in different categories and don't share enough specifications to compare meaningfully.
Which one should you pick?
Choose AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Elgato Cam Link 4K if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 | Elgato Cam Link 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | $129.99 View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible mid-tier AVerMedia pick if 4K30 recording with 4K60 HDR passthrough covers your needs.
Elgato Cam Link 4K
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The simplest way to turn an existing DSLR, mirrorless camera, or camcorder into a genuinely better video source for streaming and calls.