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Elgato 4K Pro vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus: Comparison

Elgato 4K Pro vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus: the connection type difference

The first real difference is connection type: Elgato 4K Pro PCIe against Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus PCIe x4. There is a split on hdr support as well, Yes on the Elgato 4K Pro versus No on the Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus.

Elgato 4K Pro vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus: which one fits your build

Take the Elgato 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 Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus is the one to take for broadcast and multi-camera production studios needing hardware sync and facilities already standardized on Magewell's Pro Capture SDK and ecosystem, though it is not the pick for laptop users, this is a desktop-only internal PCIe card and anyone not doing multi-camera or broadcast-grade production work. The same goes for anyone needing sustained 4K60 capture bandwidth beyond what USB can reliably deliver. It is not the one for home streamers or gamers, this is priced well beyond consumer capture needs. Our rating of the Elgato 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 Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus (8/10): professional-grade internal capture built for broadcast production, overkill and overpriced for anyone outside that world.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Elgato 4K Pro and Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus differ on max recording resolution?

Yes. Max Recording Resolution reads 4K60 HDR on the Elgato 4K Pro versus 4K60 on the Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus.

Is the Form Factor the same on the Elgato 4K Pro and Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus?

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
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    Internal PCIe
  • Brand

    Elgato 4K Pro
    Elgato
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    Magewell
  • Model Number

    Elgato 4K Pro
    4K Pro
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
  • Connection Type

    Elgato 4K Pro
    PCIe
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    PCIe x4
  • Max Recording Resolution

    Elgato 4K Pro
    4K60 HDR
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    4K60
  • Passthrough Resolution

    Elgato 4K Pro
    8K60 / 4K240
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    4K60
  • HDR Support

    Elgato 4K Pro
    Yes
    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    No

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Elgato 4K Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerElgato 4K ProMagewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
    AmazonView 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.

    Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    Professional-grade internal capture built for broadcast production, overkill and overpriced for anyone outside that world.

    More comparisons in Capture Cards