The Live Gamer Ultra S is the AVerMedia answer to the Elgato 4K X for streamers who don't need 4K144. It captures full 4K60 with RGB24 color depth and supports 1080p240 for esports streamers. It's typically $30-100 cheaper than the 4K X depending on sales. The trade-off is HDMI 2.0 instead of 2.1 — if you only need 4K60 passthrough anyway, this is the smarter buy.
Strengths
- +4K60 RGB24 capture — true-color uncompressed pipeline
- +5.1 surround sound capture for console streams
- +Roughly $30 cheaper than the Elgato 4K X with similar 4K60 capability
- +Longer warranty than the Elgato 4K X (varies by region; check at purchase)
- +Compact external design — fits in a streaming kit alongside a USB hub
Watch-outs
- −HDMI 2.0 only — passthrough caps at 4K60, no 4K120/144 like the Elgato 4K X
- −OBS plugin support is more limited than Elgato's ecosystem
- −RGB24 capture eats storage faster than YUV420 modes
- −Smaller community of streaming setup guides than Elgato
How it compares
Closest direct competitor to the Elgato 4K X on capture quality at a lower price. Loses on passthrough (4K60 vs 4K144), wins on RGB24 true-color capture. The Elgato HD60 X is much cheaper but caps at 1080p60. The Razer Ripsaw HD is in a different price tier entirely and matches the HD60 X's 1080p60 ceiling.
Who this is for
At a glance: 4K streamers who don't need HDMI 2.1 / 4K144 and want to save versus the Elgato 4K X.
Why you’d buy the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S (GC553Pro)
- 4K60 RGB24 capture — true-color uncompressed pipeline.
- 5.1 surround sound capture for console streams.
- Roughly $30 cheaper than the Elgato 4K X with similar 4K60 capability.
Why you’d skip it
- HDMI 2.0 only — passthrough caps at 4K60, no 4K120/144 like the Elgato 4K X.
- OBS plugin support is more limited than Elgato's ecosystem.
- RGB24 capture eats storage faster than YUV420 modes.
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
