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Elgato 4K Pro vs Elgato 4K X: Comparison
4K Pro vs 4K X max capture resolution compared
Max capture resolution is the dividing line, 4K Pro 4K against 4K X 4K144 and 4K120, genuine full-resolution SDR capture, not just.... They differ on vrr passthrough too, Yes on the 4K Pro versus Xbox Series X / PS5 on the 4K X. There is a split on software integration as well, OBS / 4K Capture Utility on the 4K Pro versus OBS on the 4K X.
Who each one is for
Take the 4K Pro for professional streamers needing multi-app support (simultaneous stream + record + video call) and the highest available passthrough resolution ceiling. Avoid it for casual or budget-conscious streamers, the AVerMedia GC575 or Elgato HD60 X deliver most of the practical capability for considerably less. The 4K X suits PCIe desktop builds with an available x4 slot. The same goes for creators who upload native high-frame-rate 4K to YouTube and need true 4K144/4K120 SDR capture, not just passthrough. It is the wrong buy for laptop users, requires an open PCIe slot, not compatible with laptops. Our rating of the 4K Pro (10/10): the flagship internal card for professional streamers, 8K60 passthrough, multi-app support, and rock-solid 4K60 HDR capture at a premium price. Our rating of the 4K X (9/10): the right step up for creators who need genuine high-frame-rate 4K SDR capture (4K144/4K120) and VRR handling, provided you have a desktop with an open PCIe x4 slot, and you accept the 4K60 ceiling when capturing in HDR.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 4K Pro and 4K X differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads PCIe on the 4K Pro versus PCIe Gen 4 x4 on the 4K X.
Is the Form Factor the same on the 4K Pro and 4K X?
It is. Both are listed at Internal PCIe, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Internal PCIe
- Elgato 4K X
- Internal PCIe
Brand
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Elgato
- Elgato 4K X
- Elgato
Model Number
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 4K Pro
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K X
Connection Type
- Elgato 4K Pro
- PCIe
- Elgato 4K X
- PCIe Gen 4 x4
Passthrough Resolution
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 8K60 / 4K240
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K144
HDR Support
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Yes
- Elgato 4K X
- Yes
Max Capture Resolution
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 4K
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K144 and 4K120, genuine full-resolution SDR capture, not just passthrough
Max HDR Capture Res
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 4K
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K60, HDR capture is capped at 60fps
VRR Passthrough
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Yes
- Elgato 4K X
- Xbox Series X / PS5
Software Integration
- Elgato 4K Pro
- OBS / 4K Capture Utility
- Elgato 4K X
- OBS
Which one should you pick?
Choose Elgato 4K Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Elgato 4K X if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato 4K Pro | Elgato 4K X |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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
Elgato 4K Pro
10 / 10 Expert Rating
The flagship internal card for professional streamers, 8K60 passthrough, multi-app support, and rock-solid 4K60 HDR capture at a premium price.
Elgato 4K X
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The right step up for creators who need genuine high-frame-rate 4K SDR capture (4K144/4K120) and VRR handling, provided you have a desktop with an open PCIe x4 slot, and you accept the 4K60 ceiling when capturing in HDR.