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Comparisons / Elgato capture / Game Capture 4K S vs Game Capture Neo

Elgato Game Capture 4K S vs Elgato Game Capture Neo

Elgato Game Capture 4K S records up to 4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply); Elgato Game Capture Neo up to 1080p at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply). Elgato Game Capture 4K S has HDR10 passthrough up to 4K at 60 fps, HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, Windows only; Elgato Game Capture Neo passes 4K60 HDR through to your TV but records in SDR.

From each maker’s own specifications; neither model was tested by this site.

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Elgato Game Capture 4K S

An external capture card for console streaming.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Elgato Game Capture Neo

Play at 4K60 on your TV while streaming in 1080p60.

Check price on Amazon ↗

On the makers’ own sites:

Before you choose

Elgato Game Capture 4K S

The catch: Select a listed capture mode and a separate listed display mode. If HDR or high refresh is essential, match both exact modes before choosing this card.

You need:

  • A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
  • A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen

Check first:

  • A USB-C port on your computer
  • HDCP turned off on the source

Elgato Game Capture Neo

The catch: Use its HDMI output to play on your TV in 4K60 HDR and its USB output to capture up to 1080p60. Choose another card if you need to stream or record in 4K.

You need:

  • A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
  • An HDMI cable from your console or camera
  • A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen

Check first:

  • A USB-A port on your computer
  • HDCP turned off on the source

Everything to check before you buy

Where they differ

SpecsElgato Game Capture 4K SElgato Game Capture Neo
Largest capture mode4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply)1080p at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply)
Elgato Game Capture 4K S records up to 4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply); Elgato Game Capture Neo up to 1080p at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply).
HDRHDR10 passthrough up to 4K at 60 fps; HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, Windows only4K60 HDR passthrough; SDR capture
Elgato Game Capture 4K S has HDR10 passthrough up to 4K at 60 fps, HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, Windows only; Elgato Game Capture Neo passes 4K60 HDR through to your TV but records in SDR.
HDMI cable in the boxYesNo
Elgato Game Capture 4K S comes with an HDMI cable; for Elgato Game Capture Neo you add one.
ComputersWindows 11+, macOS 14.2+, iPadOS 18 USB-C+Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 12+, iPadOS 17+
Elgato Game Capture 4K S works with Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+, iPadOS 18 USB-C+; Elgato Game Capture Neo with Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 12+, iPadOS 17+.

Where they are the same

Connection
USB
Passthrough to your screen
4K at 60 fps
USB port needed
USB 3

What else each needs

Elgato Game Capture 4K S

Game Capture 4K S
A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
A USB-C port on your computer
A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen
HDCP turned off on the source
  • You need: A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer. A USB 2 port is too slow for it. The maker asks for a direct port rather than a hub. USB-C is a plug shape, not a speed, so check the port itself.
  • Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.
  • You need: A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen. Passthrough sends the game on to your TV or monitor with no delay, and that needs its own cable.
  • Check first: HDCP turned off on the source. It captures unencrypted HDMI only. Consoles have their own HDCP setting; protected films and streaming apps cannot be captured.

Elgato Game Capture Neo

Game Capture Neo
A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
A USB-A port on your computer
An HDMI cable from your console or camera
A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen
HDCP turned off on the source
  • You need: A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer. A USB 2 port is too slow for it. The maker asks for a direct port rather than a hub. USB-C is a plug shape, not a speed, so check the port itself.
  • Check first: A USB-A port on your computer. The cable in the box is USB-C to USB-A. If your computer only has USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
  • You need: An HDMI cable from your console or camera. No HDMI cable is listed in the box.
  • You need: A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen. Passthrough sends the game on to your TV or monitor with no delay, and that needs its own cable.
  • Check first: HDCP turned off on the source. It captures unencrypted HDMI only. Consoles have their own HDCP setting; protected films and streaming apps cannot be captured.

Next step

Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 5 side by side in Elgato capture cards compared. Check a camera capture path before you go live.

Full profiles: Elgato Game Capture 4K S and Elgato Game Capture Neo.

Sources