Elgato 4K60 S+From real comments

Verdict distilled from 43 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment28%
PROS 28%
CONS 72%

Rank based on 43 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want to record 4K60 HDR console gameplay without a PC
  • You're willing to invest in a proper V30+ SD card and troubleshoot setup
  • You mainly want HDMI passthrough capture without heavy standalone commentary

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need rock-solid audio sync for live commentary or voiceover
  • You want HDR tone mapping for streaming without workarounds
  • You're not prepared to deal with firmware updates and support tickets

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini ISO~$795 · 2× pricier
Independent ISO recording of multiple inputsBalanced TRS audio inputIn-depth, clear review coverageUncertain hard drive and storage compatibilityPossible dependency on a computer for settingsUnclear simultaneous stream and record capability
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini ISO~$795 · 2× pricier
Independent ISO recording of multiple inputs
Balanced TRS audio input
In-depth, clear review coverage
Uncertain hard drive and storage compatibility
Possible dependency on a computer for settings
Unclear simultaneous stream and record capability
Best value
2Upper
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro~$495 · 1.2× pricier
Audio delay update fixes lip-syncStandalone recording to SSD/USBMultiview and picture-in-picture featuresCan't simultaneously use USB-C for recording and webcam/streamingNo headphone/audio monitoring jack1080p only, no 4K or USB3
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro~$495 · 1.2× pricier
Audio delay update fixes lip-sync
Standalone recording to SSD/USB
Multiview and picture-in-picture features
Can't simultaneously use USB-C for recording and webcam/streaming
No headphone/audio monitoring jack
1080p only, no 4K or USB3
3Mid
Blackmagic ATEM Mini~$295 · 1.4× cheaper
Fast, simplified editing workflowEasy multicam live streamingStrong value for the priceSetup and connectivity confusionConfusing, costly upsell path for streaming/bridgingHDMI-out compatibility and image quality issues
Blackmagic ATEM Mini~$295 · 1.4× cheaper
Fast, simplified editing workflow
Easy multicam live streaming
Strong value for the price
Setup and connectivity confusion
Confusing, costly upsell path for streaming/bridging
HDMI-out compatibility and image quality issues
4Premium
Blackmagic Design Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro ISO~$795 · 2× pricier
Balanced 3.5mm Audio InputConfiguration May Require a Computer ConnectionSingle USB-C Output May Limit Simultaneous Streaming and Recording
Blackmagic Design Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro ISO~$795 · 2× pricier
Balanced 3.5mm Audio Input
Configuration May Require a Computer Connection
Single USB-C Output May Limit Simultaneous Streaming and Recording
5Mid
Elgato Cam Link Pro~$249 · 1.6× cheaper
Affordable multicam capturePCIe reliability over USBLong-term reliability for many usersBandwidth limits at higher resolutions and inputsMotherboard and PCIe compatibility issuesNo macOS support
Elgato Cam Link Pro~$249 · 1.6× cheaper
Affordable multicam capture
PCIe reliability over USB
Long-term reliability for many users
Bandwidth limits at higher resolutions and inputs
Motherboard and PCIe compatibility issues
No macOS support
6Upper
Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+~$399 · similar price
Mic input and party chat captureReliable SD card recording from PS5Audio desync when recording from PCCannot change recording dateFirmware/LED not activating
Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+~$399 · similar price
Mic input and party chat capture
Reliable SD card recording from PS5
Audio desync when recording from PC
Cannot change recording date
Firmware/LED not activating
7Upper
Rode Streamer X~$399 · similar price
All-in-one convenience for streaming and console captureClear, low-lag video captureResponsive Rode support and firmware improvement trajectoryFirmware update failures and brickingMissing hardware featuresUnreliable mic/device recognition
Rode Streamer X~$399 · similar price
All-in-one convenience for streaming and console capture
Clear, low-lag video capture
Responsive Rode support and firmware improvement trajectory
Firmware update failures and bricking
Missing hardware features
Unreliable mic/device recognition
8Mid
Elgato 4K60 Pro~$249 · 1.6× cheaper
Flexible Hardware RequirementsHigh Refresh Rate Passthrough4K/HDR Capture QualityAudio/Video Sync DriftDriver and Detection ProblemsOverheating / No Active Cooling
Elgato 4K60 Pro~$249 · 1.6× cheaper
Flexible Hardware Requirements
High Refresh Rate Passthrough
4K/HDR Capture Quality
Audio/Video Sync Drift
Driver and Detection Problems
Overheating / No Active Cooling
You are here
9Upper
Elgato 4K60 S+~$399
Standalone 4K60 HDR recordingWorks with modest PC hardwareExcellent quality when working correctlyAudio crackling and sync issuesNo signal / connection failuresHigh price for inconsistent results
Elgato 4K60 S+~$399
Standalone 4K60 HDR recording
Works with modest PC hardware
Excellent quality when working correctly
Audio crackling and sync issues
No signal / connection failures
High price for inconsistent results
10Mid
Hollyland Mars 400S Pro~$349 · similar price
Strong value for priceEnables fully wireless multi-cam setupsGood customer support experience (for some)Unit and connectivity failuresFramerate rounds to whole integersNo HDMI passthrough
Hollyland Mars 400S Pro~$349 · similar price
Strong value for price
Enables fully wireless multi-cam setups
Good customer support experience (for some)
Unit and connectivity failures
Framerate rounds to whole integers
No HDMI passthrough

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Standalone 4K60 HDR recording to SD card is the headline feature and works well for many. Multiple users confirm the appeal of recording PS5, Xbox, or Switch gameplay directly to an SD card without needing a PC, calling it a great, easy standalone capture card. Elgato's own guidance that V30 SD cards suffice is echoed by commenters, though some still report stutter or crashes at higher bitrates, and long recordings sometimes fail to finalize properly, especially with certain SD card brands.

Audio handling is a recurring pain point across many setups. Users report crackling, popping, desynced audio, missing microphone or commentary tracks, and inability to record separate mic and game audio tracks in standalone mode. Problems appear whether recording via SD card, OBS, or 4K Capture Utility, with several people unable to resolve chat or voiceover audio despite trying multiple settings and cables, some blaming internal hardware faults.

Compatibility and reliability issues frustrate a notable share of buyers. No-signal errors, black screens, HDR/4K monitor requirements, and inconsistent behavior after firmware updates are widely reported, with some users exchanging units multiple times without full resolution. A few also received units with physical defects like broken ports or scratches. Some praise support's firmware fixes, while others say tech support couldn't solve their stutter or lag issues at all.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?