EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card vs Elgato 4K S

EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card vs Elgato 4K S compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.

EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card
EVGA
EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card
$149
Elgato 4K S
Elgato
Elgato 4K S
$179.99

The Ruling

EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card or Elgato 4K S? Get the Elgato 4K S.

The Elgato 4K S wins Capture Quality and Passthrough. It is the pricier of the two at $179.99, so the EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card stays the pick if $30.99 matters more than those specs.

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At a Glance

Where each one actually leads

Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.

CategoryEVGA XR1 Lite Capture CardElgato 4K S
Capture Quality2.5/1010/10
Passthrough7/1010/10
Value10/108.3/10

The Split

What each one wins

EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card

Video capture device for gameplay, cameras, or HDMI sources with creator-friendly passthrough and recording support.

It gives up capture resolution and passthrough resolution to the Elgato 4K S. It is the cheaper of the two, by $30.99.

Leads on

  • Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.

Elgato 4K S

Portable 4K capture device with low-latency output for multi-platform content workflows.

On paper the Elgato 4K S takes capture resolution (4K60) and passthrough resolution (4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $30.99 more than the EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card.

Leads on

  • Capture Resolution
    4K60
    1080p60
  • Passthrough Resolution
    4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240
    4K30

The Record

14 specs, grouped by area

Full specification comparison of EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card and Elgato 4K S, grouped by area.
Specification
EVGA
EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card
Elgato
Elgato 4K S
Capture QualityElgato 4K S
Capture Resolution1080p60✓ 4K60
Resolutionno datano data
PassthroughElgato 4K S
Passthrough Resolution4K30✓ 4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240
MotionNot enough data
Refresh Rateno datano data
Audio ResolutionNot enough data
Max Sample Rateno datano data
Mic InputsNot enough data
XLR Inputsno datano data
ConnectivityNot enough data
HDMI Ports1no data
Connection Typehdmiusb-c, hdmi
PowerNot enough data
Power Requirementno datano data
Phantom Powerno datano data
CompatibilityNot enough data
Operating Systemno datano data
Other specsNot enough data
Pcie Slots1no data
Interfaceno datano data
Audio Supportno datano data

A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.

Bottom Line

Who each one is for

The Elgato 4K S is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.

The alternative
Budget PickMost Connectivity

At $149.00, the EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card is the most affordable option — 17% less than the priciest pick. It trades raw specs for a simpler, more focused experience. Covers the essentials without stretching your budget.

  • × Weaker capture resolution (1080p60 vs 4K60)
  • × Weaker passthrough resolution (4K30 vs 4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240)

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ Budget is your top priority — $30.99 less than the priciest option

Look elsewhere if

  • × You want 4K60 or higher capture quality
  • × You want 4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 or higher capture quality

Best for budget-conscious creators, complex setup builders.

Our pick
Elgato 4K S $179.99
Best ValuePremium PickPortability Pick

The Elgato 4K S is the priciest at $179.99, but leads on specs where it counts. It leads in capture resolution (4K60) and passthrough resolution (4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240). Offers the most spec advantages per dollar in this comparison.

  • + Better capture resolution (4K60 vs 1080p60)
  • + Better passthrough resolution (4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 vs 4K30)
  • + Exclusive connectivity: USB-C
  • + Low-latency design for real-time monitoring

Also worth knowing

  • ✓ You want 4K60 capture quality
  • ✓ You want 4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240 capture quality
  • ✓ You want USB-C for a modern, reversible connector
  • ✓ You need gear you can easily take on the go

Best for value-focused buyers, professionals who want the best, mobile creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card and Elgato 4K S?

The largest gap is capture resolution, where the Elgato 4K S leads — 4K60 against 1080p60. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. Two capture cards from EVGA and Elgato, each taking a different approach to video quality and latency.

Which is better for streaming, EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card or Elgato 4K S?

Get the Elgato 4K S. The Elgato 4K S wins Capture Quality and Passthrough. It is the pricier of the two at $179.99, so the EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card stays the pick if $30.99 matters more than those specs.

Is the Elgato 4K S worth the extra $31 over the EVGA XR1 Lite Capture Card?

The Elgato 4K S costs $179.99 against $149.00, a difference of $31. The premium buys capture resolution (4K60) and passthrough resolution (4K60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.

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