Elgato Neo vs HD60X – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Elgato HD60 X & Elgato Game Capture Neo share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Elgato HD60 X rather than the Elgato Game Capture Neo.

Why Do I Recommend The Elgato HD60 X?

  • The Elgato HD60 X supports 3840×2160 at 30fps capture for recording higher-resolution gameplay footage with greater detail and flexibility in post-editing, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo supports 1920×1080 at 60fps capture.
  • Elgato HD60 X features HDR10 capture at 1080p60 for preserving wider color range and improved contrast in recorded videos, whereas the Elgato Game Capture Neo supports HDR passthrough only without HDR recording.
  • It supports variable refresh rate (VRR) to reduce screen tearing and maintain smoother gameplay during passthrough, whereas the Elgato Game Capture Neo does not support VRR.
  • The Elgato HD60 X supports 1080p240 passthrough for enabling ultra-high refresh rate gaming on compatible monitors without limiting frame output, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo supports 1080p60 passthrough.
  • Elgato HD60 X comes with 1440p120 passthrough support for maintaining higher frame rates at QHD resolution during gameplay, whereas the Elgato Game Capture Neo supports 1440p60 passthrough.
  • It includes a 3.5mm analog audio input for capturing external audio sources such as microphones or mixers directly into the recording workflow, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo does not include an analog audio input.
  • The Elgato HD60 X supports 10-bit HDR capture pipeline for improved color depth and more accurate color grading during editing, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo uses an 8-bit SDR capture pipeline.
  • Elgato HD60 X features advanced capture configuration options for adjusting resolution, HDR settings, and recording formats to match different content creation needs, whereas the Elgato Game Capture Neo uses a simplified configuration with limited control options.

Maybe the Elgato Game Capture Neo can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Elgato HD60 X. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureElgato HD60 XElgato Game Capture Neo
Maximum Capture Resolution3840×2160 @ 30fps1920×1080 @ 60fps
HDR CaptureHDR10 @ 1080p60Not supported for capture
1440p Passthrough2560×1440 @ 120fps2560×1440 @ 60fps
1080p Passthrough1920×1080 @ 240fps1920×1080 @ 60fps
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)SupportedNot supported
Capture Bit Depth10-bit HDR capture8-bit SDR capture
HDMI VersionHDMI 2.0 input/outputHDMI 2.0 input/output
Analog Audio Input3.5mm jack presentNot available
Capture Formats2160p30, 1440p60, 1080p601080p60, 1080p30, 720p60
Instant Preview LatencyInstant GameviewStandard preview latency
High Frame Rate Input SupportUp to 240Hz input passthroughUp to 60Hz input passthrough
HDR Recording ModeAvailableLimited HDR passthrough only
Color SamplingHDR pipeline supportSDR pipeline only
Max Input Resolution3840×2160 @ 60fps3840×2160 @ 60fps
Supported Capture Resolutions2160p, 1440p, 1080p1080p, 720p, 576p, 480p
Front Port ConfigurationFront-facing audio input portNo front I/O ports
Software Feature DepthAdvanced configuration optionsBasic configuration options
Capture Ceiling4K recording capabilityFull HD recording only
PriceCheck Elgato HD60 X PriceCheck Game Capture Neo Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • HDMI Input: Both devices include an HDMI input port, allowing direct connection from gaming consoles, cameras, or PCs. This ensures compatibility with modern video sources without requiring adapters.
  • HDMI Output (Passthrough): Each model supports HDMI passthrough, enabling gameplay to be displayed on a monitor or TV while capturing simultaneously. This is essential for maintaining a normal gaming experience without delay.
  • USB Interface: Both capture cards use a USB 3.0 Type-C connection for transferring video data to a computer. This provides sufficient bandwidth for smooth capture and streaming performance.
  • Max Input Resolution: Each device accepts up to 3840×2160 at 60fps input, ensuring compatibility with 4K gaming consoles. This allows users to play in high resolution while capturing at supported formats.
  • Plug and Play Setup: Both models support plug-and-play functionality, requiring no complex driver installation for basic use. This simplifies the setup process for new users.
  • External Capture Card: Both are external capture devices, meaning they connect outside the computer rather than being installed internally. This makes them portable and easy to use across multiple systems.
  • UVC Compatibility: Each device supports USB Video Class (UVC), allowing them to work with a wide range of software without special drivers. This improves compatibility across streaming and recording applications.
  • OBS Studio Support: Both capture cards integrate with OBS Studio for streaming and recording. This enables flexible control over scenes, overlays, and encoding.
  • Streamlabs Support: Each model is compatible with Streamlabs software, allowing easy streaming setup and customization. This is useful for beginners and advanced users alike.
  • Windows Support: Both devices function on Windows systems, ensuring compatibility with the most widely used PC platform. This allows access to full software features and customization.
  • macOS Support: Each capture card also supports macOS, enabling use with Apple computers. This provides flexibility for creators working across different operating systems.
  • Console Compatibility: Both devices work with popular gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. This makes them suitable for console-based streaming and recording setups.
  • PC Gaming Compatibility: Each model can capture gameplay from a PC using HDMI output. This allows streamers to record or broadcast high-performance PC gaming sessions.
  • HDMI Passthrough Function: Both support real-time passthrough of the video signal to a display. This ensures uninterrupted gameplay while capturing footage.
  • Real-Time Preview: Each device provides a real-time preview feed within capture software. This allows users to monitor recordings and streams directly from their computer.
  • Bus Powered via USB: Both units draw power directly from the USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter. This simplifies cable management and portability.
  • Compact Form Factor: Each device has a small, portable design suitable for desktop setups or travel. This makes them convenient for creators who move between locations.
  • Capture via USB to PC: Both capture cards send video data to a computer over USB for recording or streaming. This is the core functionality that enables content creation workflows.

Common Features

FeatureElgato HD60 XElgato Game Capture Neo
HDMI InputYesYes
HDMI Output (Passthrough)YesYes
USB InterfaceUSB 3.0 Type-CUSB 3.0 Type-C
Max Input Resolution3840×2160 @ 60fps3840×2160 @ 60fps
Plug and Play SetupYesYes
External Capture CardYesYes
UVC CompatibilityYesYes
OBS Studio SupportYesYes
Streamlabs SupportYesYes
Windows SupportYesYes
macOS SupportYesYes
Console CompatibilityYesYes
PC Gaming CompatibilityYesYes
HDMI Passthrough FunctionYesYes
Real-Time PreviewYesYes
Bus Powered via USBYesYes
Compact Form FactorYesYes
Capture via USB to PCYesYes
Price Check Elgato HD60 X Price
Check Game Capture Neo Price

FAQ

Can both Elgato HD60 X and Elgato Neo capture gameplay from PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Both devices are compatible with modern consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, allowing gameplay capture through HDMI input, although the HD60 X supports more advanced features during capture.

Do both devices support 4K passthrough?
Yes, both Elgato HD60 X and Elgato Neo support 4K60 passthrough, allowing users to play games in full 4K resolution on their display while capturing at supported resolutions.

Which device supports HDR recording?
The Elgato HD60 X supports HDR10 recording at 1080p60, whereas the Elgato Game Capture Neo only supports HDR passthrough and does not record HDR footage.

Is there a difference in maximum capture resolution?
The Elgato HD60 X can capture up to 3840×2160 at 30fps, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo is limited to 1920×1080 at 60fps.

Do both devices work with OBS Studio and Streamlabs?
Both capture cards are compatible with OBS Studio and Streamlabs through UVC support, allowing easy integration into streaming and recording workflows.

Which capture card supports higher refresh rate passthrough?
The Elgato HD60 X supports passthrough up to 1080p240 and 1440p120, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo is limited to standard 60Hz passthrough.

Do both devices require external power?
Neither device requires an external power supply, as both are powered directly through the USB connection to a computer.

Is VRR support available on both models?
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is supported on the Elgato HD60 X, but it is not supported on the Elgato Game Capture Neo.

Can both devices be used on macOS and Windows?
Yes, both the Elgato HD60 X and Elgato Game Capture Neo are compatible with Windows and macOS systems, supporting cross-platform usage.

Which device has an analog audio input port?
The Elgato HD60 X includes a 3.5mm analog audio input for additional audio sources, while the Elgato Game Capture Neo does not include this feature.

Are both devices suitable for beginners?
The Elgato Game Capture Neo is more suited for beginners due to its simplified setup and limited feature set, while the Elgato HD60 X is designed for users who need more advanced control.

Do both devices support plug-and-play setup?
Yes, both capture cards support plug-and-play functionality, making them easy to set up without requiring complex installation steps.

Which device is better for long-term use and upgrades?
The Elgato HD60 X provides more advanced features and higher performance capabilities, making it more suitable for long-term use compared to the Elgato Game Capture Neo.

Can both devices capture PC gameplay via HDMI?
Yes, both devices can capture PC gameplay using an HDMI output from the graphics card, enabling recording or streaming of PC-based content.