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Head-to-head · Best Capture Cards for Streaming

Elgato 4K X vs Razer Ripsaw HD

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Elgato 4K X comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about professional streamers and content creators who output 4K HDR or 4K120/144 and want HDMI 2.1 throughout — read the strengths below before deciding.

Elgato 4K X
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Capture Cards for Streaming
Elgato 4K X
$248as of May 19

The 4K X is what you buy when you want zero compromises. HDMI 2.1 across the board, 4K144 HDR10 capture and passthrough, VRR support, and a single USB cable connection. PC Gamer calls it the best capture card overall for 2026. The only reason to look elsewhere is price — at $230, it's roughly double the Razer Ripsaw HD and 50% more than the Elgato HD60 X.

Strengths
  • — HDMI 2.1 input and output with full 4K144 HDR10 passthrough and capture
  • — VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) passthrough means PS5 and Xbox Series X games stay smooth
  • — USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 single-cable connection — no separate power adapter required
Watch-outs
  • — Most expensive pick in this round-up
  • — Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) for full 4K144 — older USB ports will downscale
  • — 4K144 capture files are huge — plan storage and bitrate accordingly
$248 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Razer Ripsaw HD
Ranked #4 in Best Capture Cards for Streaming
Razer Ripsaw HD
$60as of May 19

The Ripsaw HD is the budget pick that's been holding the line for years. 1080p60 capture, 4K60 passthrough, USB 3.0, and built-in audio mixing — all the basics for a streaming kit at roughly 75% of the Elgato HD60 X's price. The trade-off is age: this is a 2019 product that hasn't been refreshed, and Razer's drivers are heavier than Elgato's. For first-time streamers on a tight budget, still a reasonable buy.

Strengths
  • — 1080p60 capture and 4K60 passthrough at the most aggressive price in this round-up
  • — USB 3.0 single-cable connection
  • — Built-in mic/headphone audio mixing for Discord and party chat passthrough
Watch-outs
  • — Razer's drivers are heavier than Elgato's lightweight install
  • — No HDR capture (passthrough is fine; capture flattens HDR)
  • — Older product — Razer hasn't iterated since 2019
$60 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Elgato 4K X

Most capable card here on every axis — capture resolution, refresh rate, HDR, passthrough latency. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S matches 4K60 capture at a lower price but lacks the 4K144 ceiling. The Elgato HD60 X tops out at 1080p60 capture. PCIe-based AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K matches on capture spec but needs a desktop and a free PCIe slot.

Razer Ripsaw HD

Budget pick of the round-up. Matches the Elgato HD60 X on capture ceiling at a lower price. Loses to the HD60 X on driver lightness and Mac support. Far below the 4K-capable Elgato 4K X, AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S, and AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K on capture resolution.

Specs side-by-side

SpecElgato 4K XRazer Ripsaw HD
Capture ResolutionUp to 4K144 HDR10Up to 1080p60
PassthroughUp to 4K144 HDR10 VRRUp to 4K60
InterfaceUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps)USB 3.0
ConnectivityHDMI 2.1 in/outHDMI 2.0 in/out
Form FactorExternal (4.4 x 2.8 x 0.7 in)External
OS SupportWindows, macOSWindows 8 64-bit or later
Audio Mixing—Built-in mic/headphone passthrough
Compatibility—PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC
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