Capture cards are essential for anyone serious about streaming or recording gaming content. They capture high-quality video and audio directly from your console or PC, enabling professional production and broadcasting on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
When choosing the best capture card for your needs, there are several factors to consider. First, compatibility with your streaming setup is crucial. Make sure the capture card is compatible with your console, PC, and software. Connectivity options are also important, especially the type of USB port and HDMI inputs. The price-performance ratio plays a significant role; it's worth investing in a card that offers high-quality recordings without breaking the budget. Finally, the performance and quality of the recordings are crucial. Pay attention to resolution, frame rate, and pass-through capabilities to ensure your content is of the highest quality.
Overview of the Best Capture Cards in 2024
In 2024, there are numerous capture cards to choose from, including:
- Elgato HD60 X - The best choice for most gamers
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 - Ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
- Elgato 4K60 S+ - Best choice for 4K recordings
- MyPin Game Capture Card - Best budget option for streamers
- Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 - Best PCIe capture card
- Asus TUF CU4K30 - Best USB-C capture card
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus - Best 1080p capture card
- Elgato Cam Link 4K - Best choice for external cameras
Elgato HD60 X – The Best Choice for Most Gamers
The Elgato HD60 X is an excellent choice for gamers who want to stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. This device is compatible with a variety of consoles, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, and offers impressive performance for recording and streaming gameplay.
Technical Specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.0 (5Gbps) Type-C
- Inputs/Outputs: HDMI 2.0 Input/Output (Lag-free passthrough)
- Supported Resolutions: Up to 2160p60, 1440p120, 1080p240 in passthrough mode; Recording in 2160p30, 1440p60, 1080p60 HDR
- Compatibility: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Compatible with a variety of devices.
- Supports high resolutions and frame rates for high-quality streaming and recording.
- Easy setup thanks to plug-and-play.
- HDR recording is currently only available on Windows.
- May be limited for Mac users as certain features are not supported.
The Elgato HD60 X stands out for its high compatibility and support for a variety of resolutions and frame rates, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a reliable solution for streaming and recording their gameplay. The setup is straightforward, and the device's performance is impressive, with support for passthrough up to 2160p60 and recording up to 2160p30. One minor drawback is the limited HDR recording capability on Windows operating systems, which may restrict users of other operating systems. Overall, the HD60 X offers solid performance and is an excellent choice for most gamers who want to share their gaming experiences in high quality.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 - Ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 stands out as one of the most impressive capture cards of the year, particularly for its support of HDMI 2.1, which allows capturing games in the highest quality while simultaneously playing on a 4K monitor at up to 144 Hz. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to get the most out of their PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Technical Specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps)
- Input/Output: HDMI 2.1
- Video Input Resolutions: 480i to 2160p
- Maximum Video Passthrough Resolution: 1080p @ 360 Hz HDR/VRR, 1440p @ 240 Hz HDR/VRR, 4K @ 144 Hz HDR/VRR
- Maximum Recording Resolution: 4K @ 60 FPS
- Video Format: RAW (NV12, YUY2, RGB24, P010)
- Dimensions and Weight: 120 x 70 x 27.6 mm, 115 g
- Supports a wide range of resolutions and frame rates, including 4K at 60 FPS.
- Provides full VRR and HDR support.
- Compact and efficient design.
- The software support may not be optimal on Mac.
- HDR recordings can be particularly troublesome on macOS.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is one of the few capture cards on the market that supports HDMI 2.1, which is a major advantage for next-gen console users. The card allows for capturing games in up to 4K at 60 FPS, while the passthrough function even supports up to 4K144. The card is particularly compact and efficiently utilizes the 10 Gbps USB Type-C interface, making it ideal for modern setups.
Despite the excellent hardware, the software on Mac can be a challenge, especially when it comes to HDR, which is better supported on Windows systems. Overall, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 delivers impressive performance and is a solid choice for serious streamers and content creators who are looking for the best possible video quality.
Elgato 4K60 S+ - Best Choice for 4K Recording
The Elgato 4K60 S+ stands out as one of the leading external capture cards for gamers and content creators who want to record their gameplay experiences in 4K. This device not only offers the ability to capture high-resolution footage, but also impressive functionality that sets it apart from other devices on the market.
Technical Specifications:
- Interfaces: USB 3.0 Type-C and an additional USB Type-C for power
- Inputs/Outputs: HDMI 2.0 (unencrypted) for input and output (lag-free passthrough)
- Supported Resolutions: 3840x2160 at 60fps (4K60), 1920x1080 at 60fps (1080p60), 1280x720 at 60fps (720p60)
- Encoding: On-board hardware encoder supports up to 200Mbps at 2160p (4K) 60fps AVC/H.264 (SDR recording) and up to 140Mbps at 2160p (4K) 60fps HEVC/H.265 (HDR recording)
- Dimensions and Weight: 142 x 111 x 32 mm / 345 g
- Supports standalone recording without a PC using a U3 V30 SD card.
- Offers passthrough and recording of 4K 60 FPS in HDR.
- Compatible with NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards through built-in HEVC encoder.
- Does not support recording or passthrough of 1440p.
- Inconsistencies and issues with the Elgato 4K Capture Utility software have been identified in the application.
- Latency issues when using via USB 3.0, which can affect synchronization with other media sources such as microphones or webcams.
While the Elgato 4K60 S+ offers impressive performance for capturing 4K content, it has also been criticized for its inconsistency, particularly in terms of software performance and latency.
The ability to record independently from a PC is unique and provides flexibility for content creators. However, the software provided by Elgato for managing recordings seems to have room for improvement, especially in handling HDR content and avoiding file corruption.
Despite these challenges, the 4K60 S+ provides a solid foundation for users looking to capture 4K HDR content, with the caveat that additional software or adjustments may be required for an optimal experience.
MyPin Game Capture Card - Best budget option for streamers
The MyPin Game Capture Card is an affordable and powerful solution for streamers and gamers looking for a budget-friendly way to create high-quality gameplay recordings. With support for 4K @ 60FPS HDMI 2.0 video pass-through and 1080P @ 60FPS video capture, this card offers impressive quality for live streams and recordings.
Technical Specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Compatibility: Windows, Linux, OS X; PS3/PS4, Xbox One/360, Wii U
- Video Standard: YUV
- Recording Resolutions: Up to 1920x1200/1080P
- Framerate: Up to 60 FPS
- Features: HDR support, MIC-IN for audio recording, Plug & Play
- Supports 4K pass-through, perfect for modern gaming setups.
- Direct recording to PC without external power supply.
- Compatible with popular streaming and recording software like OBS Studio.
- MIC-IN and gamepad audio input for comprehensive audio recording.
- Possible limitations on software compatibility on non-Windows systems.
- No support for recording or passthrough of 1440p.
The MyPin Game Capture Card is an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious streamers. It combines high recording quality with easy operation and broad compatibility at an attractive price. Particularly noteworthy is its support for 4K pass-through, allowing users to enjoy games in the highest quality while simultaneously recording in 1080p. The inclusion of MIC-IN and Gamepad audio input provides additional flexibility for streamers who want to incorporate their voice or party chats into their live streams or recordings.
Overall, the MyPin Game Capture Card offers solid performance and versatile features, making it an attractive option for streamers and content creators seeking a cost-effective solution for high-quality video recording.
Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 - Best PCIe Capture Card
The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a top-of-the-line capture card specifically designed for users who don't want to compromise on video quality. This internal PCIe card not only allows for recording in impressive 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, but also supports HDR10 for lifelike color representation.
Technical Specifications:
- Interface: PCIe 2.0 x4
- Input/Output: HDMI 2.0 (Unencrypted)
- Supported Input Resolution: Up to 2160p60 (4K) HDR10
- Encoding: Up to 140Mbps at 2160p (4K) 60fps in AVC/H.264 and up to 105Mbps at 2160p (4K) 60fps in HEVC/H.265 (HDR recording)
- Enables 4K HDR10 recordings, perfect for high-quality gameplay captures.
- Provides lag-free passthrough, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
- Compatible with a wide range of devices, including the latest console generations and PCs.
- Requires a PCIe slot, which could be a hindrance for users with limited expansion options or laptops.
- The setup and installation can be challenging for less tech-savvy users.
The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 is the ultimate choice for demanding streamers and content creators who are looking for the best possible video quality. With its ability to capture 4K content at 60 FPS with HDR10, it sets new standards in video capture.
While the need for a PCIe slot and the potentially complicated setup might deter some users, the 4K60 Pro MK.2 is unparalleled for those who have the necessary hardware and technical know-how. Its performance and quality justify the investment, making it a top choice for professional applications.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus - Best 1080p Capture Card
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus (LGP2 Plus) stands out with its ability to record and stream high-resolution games without compromises. With 4K passthrough support, it allows gamers to enjoy the latest games in their full glory while simultaneously recording in 1080p at 60 FPS.
Technical Specifications:
- Interface: USB 2.0 (USB Micro)
- Video Input: HDMI 2.0
- Audio Input: HDMI 2.0, 4 Pole 3.5mm Jack
- Max. Passthrough Resolutions: 4Kp60 / 1080p60
- Max. Recording Resolutions: 1080p60
- Supported Resolutions (Video Input): 2160p, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p, 480i
- Recording Format: MPEG 4 (H.264+AAC) / MJPEG
- Dimensions: 147 x 57 x 47 mm; Weight: 185.5g
- Supports Ultra HD 4K passthrough for stunning gameplay.
- PC-free mode allows recordings directly onto a MicroSD card.
- Easy plug-and-play installation without any additional software required.
- Does not support HDR in passthrough or recording.
- Requires a Class 10 microSD card for PC-free recording, which must be purchased separately.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who are looking for a reliable and flexible solution for recording and streaming their favorite games. The support for 4K passthrough allows users to experience games in the highest quality, while the 1080p recording ensures that the content is captured in high quality.
The easy handling and PC-free recording capability make it an outstanding option for gamers on the go. Despite some limitations such as the lack of HDR support, the LGP2 Plus offers an impressive combination of performance and flexibility, making it a top choice in its segment.
Elgato Cam Link 4K - Best choice for external cameras
The Elgato Cam Link 4K transforms any camera with an HDMI output into a high-resolution webcam, ideal for streaming or recording in 4K at 30 FPS. Its easy plug-and-play installation makes it an essential tool for content creators who prioritize professional image quality.
Technical specifications:
- Input: HDMI (unencrypted)
- Supported resolutions: 480p to 2160p (up to 30 fps)
- In the box: Cam Link 4K, USB 3.0 extension cable, Quick Start Guide
- Enables high-quality streaming with cameras that output via HDMI.
- Supports a wide range of resolutions up to 4K.
- Easy setup without any additional software.
- Requires a camera with HDMI output.
- Limited to 30 FPS for 4K recordings.
The Elgato Cam Link 4K is an excellent solution for streamers and video producers who want to use their existing camera equipment for live streaming or video recording. With support for up to 4K resolutions at 30 FPS and easy handling, it becomes a valuable tool for producing high-quality content. Despite the limitation of 30 FPS at 4K, the Cam Link 4K offers impressive flexibility and quality, making it a top choice in its segment.
Comprehensive Conclusion
The selection of the best capture card depends on your specific requirements. For 4K recording, the Elgato 4K60 S+ and AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 are excellent choices, while the Elgato HD60 X offers an excellent balance between performance and price for most users. The Asus TUF CU4K30 and Elgato Cam Link 4K expand your possibilities with their unique features such as robust design and flexibility in using external cameras.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a capture card for streaming? A: Not necessarily, but a capture card significantly improves the quality of your stream.
Q: Can I use any camera with the Elgato Cam Link 4K? A: As long as the camera has an HDMI output without HDCP protection, yes.
Q: Does the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus support 4K passthrough? A: Yes, it supports 4K passthrough, but the recording is done in 1080p.
