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Elgato 4K S vs Epiphan AV.io HD: Comparison
What is the difference between Elgato 4K S and Epiphan AV.io HD?
The first real difference is connection type: Elgato 4K S USB-C against Epiphan AV.io HD USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1. They differ on max recording resolution too, 4K60 on the Elgato 4K S versus 1080p60 on the Epiphan AV.io HD. Passthrough resolution is not the same on both, 4K60, 1440p120, 1440p144, 1080p240 on the Elgato 4K S versus 1080p60 on the Epiphan AV.io HD.
Elgato 4K S vs Epiphan AV.io HD: which one fits your build
The Elgato 4K S suits buyers on a 1440p high-refresh monitor specifically. The same goes for laptop and iPad streamers wanting genuine 4K60 capture without an internal PCIe card. It is not the one for desktop-only setups where an internal PCIe card's lower latency and higher bandwidth ceiling would be preferable. The Epiphan AV.io HD is the one to take for professionals prioritizing low latency over 4K resolution for live production, though it is not built for 4K capture needs, this device tops out at 1080p60 and gaming-oriented streamers wanting bundled overlay software, none is included. It also earns its place with live event, education, and corporate AV production needing reliable single-source capture. Avoid it for multi-camera live switching, that's a job for the ATEM Mini instead. Our rating of the Elgato 4K S (9/10): the most portable way to get genuine 4K60 capture, ideal for laptop and iPad streamers, especially on a 1440p high-refresh monitor. Our rating of the Epiphan AV.io HD (8/10): dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution.
What Elgato 4K S and Epiphan AV.io HD have in common
Everything else lines up. Form factor read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Elgato 4K S
- External USB
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- External USB
Brand
- Elgato 4K S
- Elgato
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- Epiphan
Model Number
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K S
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- AV.io HD
Connection Type
- Elgato 4K S
- USB-C
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
Max Recording Resolution
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K60
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
Passthrough Resolution
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K60, 1440p120, 1440p144, 1080p240
- Epiphan AV.io HD
- 1080p60
Which one should you pick?
Choose Elgato 4K S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Epiphan AV.io HD if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato 4K S | Epiphan AV.io HD |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| 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
Elgato 4K S
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The most portable way to get genuine 4K60 capture, ideal for laptop and iPad streamers, especially on a 1440p high-refresh monitor.
Epiphan AV.io HD
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Dependable, low-latency 1080p60 capture built for professional live production where reliability matters more than resolution.