💬 Elevate your streaming experience with the power of a capture card, especially if you’re a gaming enthusiast. Whether you aim to record gameplay for later editing or engage in live broadcasts, a video capture card is a game-changer. This list unveils the top 10 capture cards, offering a comprehensive review.

In the era of Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming platforms, gaming content has soared in popularity. Whether you’re streaming live or capturing footage for later, a reliable capture card is essential for gamers.

By incorporating a capture card, you not only enhance the professionalism of your stream but also gain greater control over your video content. To expand your channel’s reach and captivate a broader audience, a video capture card is a must-have in your live streaming arsenal.

What is a capture card and why do you need it?

A capture card is a device that lets you capture footage from a wide range of sources, specifically PCs and gaming consoles. Gamers use capture cards to connect their consoles to PCs or capture footage on their PCs, so they can broadcast their gameplay live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Capture cards are also good for getting gameplay footage that you can edit into a VOD for later.

If you want to stream gameplay from a console to Twitch or another streaming platform, do you absolutely need a video capture card? No, you can use screencasting software or steam from the Twitch app on your console. These options work well for beginners, but they have limitations — your PC might not be powerful enough for screencasting, and your console may not let your streaming session last for very long.

Capture cards give you more control over the quality of your live stream. You can utilize features like adding an overlay, commentary, or picture-in-picture webcam footage with a capture card.

How to choose a capture card

When looking for a capture card, keep these four characteristics in mind:

1. Quality of the image: If you’re getting a capture card to stream gameplay, then of course the image quality is important. Capture cards have different recording capabilities, some going up to 1080p resolution, others reaching 4K. Consider the platforms you want to put your gameplay on and what max resolutions they allow. Also, remember that streaming in a higher resolution requires more bandwidth, so make sure your internet connection can handle it as well.
2. Software that comes with the card: To harness the full potential of your capture card with your computer, begin by installing the accompanying software. For capture cards lacking proprietary software, opt for third-party alternatives. Seek cards bundled with user-friendly, feature-rich software. This includes capabilities such as adding overlays and seamlessly integrating your webcam, ensuring a comprehensive and seamless streaming experience.
3. Right input type for your device: Make sure the capture card’s input method is compatible with the console you’re using to stream. The input is typically HDMI, but always check before buying.
4. How it connects to your computer: The interface is how the capture card connects to your computer. The most popular types are USB, which is easy to set up, and PCIe, which is harder to use but records footage without any delay.

Now that you know why you need a capture card and what to look for when purchasing one, check out our list of the best capture cards.

Best capture cards

1. Elgato HD60S+

A prominent choice among live streamers and gamers, Elgato stands out for its capture card that consistently delivers exceptional performance, earning it a top spot on best-of lists. The Elgato HD60S+ not only offers a high-quality image but is also known for its easy setup, seamlessly integrating with your preferred live streaming software.

👉 Features:

• 1080p HDR capture at 60 frames per second (fps)
• 4K at 60 fps passthrough
• Flashback recording (retroactively capture if you forgot to start recording)
• USB 3.0 connectivity

➕ Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• No streaming delay
• Support for console, PC, and Mac

➖ Cons:

• No H.264 encoder
• Editing software is limited

2. AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K

The AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K is one of the most affordable capture cards that allows you to capture footage in 4K. And if you’re streaming on platforms that don’t have 4K yet (all of them except YouTube), then you can stream in 1080p at 240 fps — not too bad.

👉 Features:

• Capture 4K HDR video at 60 fps
• HDMI 2.0 audio and video input and output
• Internal capture card with RGB lighting
• Customize resolutions and frame rates without a passthrough monitor

➕ Pros:

• RECentral software streams to multiple platforms
• Virtually no lag
• Capture in 4K

➖ Cons:

• Need a more powerful PC to run it

Read later: 7 best headphones for gamers and live streamers 📍

3. Elgato 4K60 Pro

Pro gamers and streamers who want a high resolution and frame rate can look no further than the Elgato 4K60 Pro, which captures footage in 4K at 60 fps. This 4K capture card also has an encoder that reduces file sizes, saving memory space.

👉 Features:

• 4K recording at 60 fps
• Internal capture card
• Capture video in multiple apps
• Separate track for live commentary

➕ Pros:

• Works with all streaming software
• HDR10 recording
• Flashback recording

➖ Cons:

• Pricey
• Requires powerful GPU and processor
• PCIe input only

4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus

To capture footage on the go, you can’t beat the quality and ease of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus. Stream in 1080p while still playing in 4K and use a Micro SD instead of a USB stick to transfer, as this capture card doesn’t require a PC as a capture device. If you want to live stream gameplay, you’ll still need a PC, however.

👉 Features:

• 1080p capture at 60 fps
• USD 3.0 interface
• Built-in H.264 encoder
• Multiple audio inputs and audio mixer control
• Converts to storage mode and acts as a card reader

➕ Pros:

• No need for a PC to capture
• Easy to set up and use

➖ Cons:

• No streaming 4K footage
• Need third-party software for macOS

5. Elgato Cam Link Pro

The Elgato Cam Link Pro is one of the best capture cards for live streaming because it lets you capture up to four HDMI inputs simultaneously — you can stream more than one camera feed plus gameplay. Each input appears as a separate device in your streaming software too, so you can resize and edit on the go.

👉 Features:

• Captures 1080p at 60 fps / 4K at 30 fps
• HDMI input (x4) and PCIe input (x4)
• Multiview camera feeds

➕ Pros:

• Integrates with Elgato Stream Deck
• Compatible with most cameras
• Add PCs, laptops, and tablets for plug-and-play content

➖ Cons:

• No passthrough

6. Mirabox HSV3217

The Mirabox HSV3217 is the capture card to start with if you’re not sure about the technology yet. It’s the least expensive one on this list, while still delivering decent image quality and features.

👉 Features:

• Capture 1080p footage at 60 fps
• 3.5mm connection and audio out jack for a mic and headset
• HDMI input and output
• USB Type-C interface

➕ Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Zero latency
• Compatible with Windows 7 and above, macOS, and Linux

➖ Cons:

• No 4K

7. Razer Ripsaw HD

Although the Razer Ripsaw HD capture card doesn’t come with proprietary software, it does allow for built-in audio mixing with its own hardwired mic. You can’t capture resolution higher than 1080p, but with 4K 60-fps passthrough, you can still experience your favorite games in 4K.

👉 Features:

• Capture 1080p footage at 60 fps
• 4K passthrough
• HDMI input and USB-C to USB-A interface
• 3.5 mm mic-in and aux-in

➕ Pros:

• Compatible with next and last-gen consoles
• Built-in audio mixing

➖ Cons:

• No capture software included

Read later: Top 6 microphones for live streaming

8. Genki Shadowcast

To keep wires from cluttering your desk, get the wireless Genki Shadowcast. There are technically a few wires you still have to plug in, but it makes for a much cleaner setup. It’s not pricey, but the max output resolution is 1080p at 30 fps — a lower frame rate than most others on this list.

👉 Features:

• Captures 1080p footage at 30 fps
• HDMI output and USB-C cable to laptop
• Runs with the Genki Arcade app on a computer

➕ Pros:

• Works with live-streaming software
• Plug into any console with HDMI out

➖ Cons:

• Lower frame rate

9. EVGA XR1

For those who need a no-hassle audio setup for live commentary, the EVGA XR1 delivers. Its biggest selling point is the built-in audio mixer, coupled with inputs for headsets and external microphones.

👉 Features:

• Captures 1080p footage at 60 fps
• USB 3.0 interface
• 4K 60-fps passthrough / 1440p 120-fps passthrough
• Customizable ARGB LEDs

➕ Pros:

• Works with PCs, consoles, and cameras
• Certified for use with OBS Studio
• Built-in audio mixer with control dial

➖ Cons:

• No 4K capture

10. Epiphan Systems Inc. AV.io 4K

The AV.io 4K is super portable, easy to set up, and captures footage up to 4K (but only at 30 fps). There’s also almost no lag either, but the Av.io 4K is one of the priciest capture cards on this list. You’ll have to decide if the convenience and quality are worth it.

👉 Features:

• Capture 4K footage at 30 fps
• USB 3.0 interface
• Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux

➕ Pros:

• Small and portable
• Doesn’t require driver installation
• Compatible with Zoom, OBS, Skype, QuickTime, and other video apps

➖ Cons:

• Expensive
• No 4K at 60 fps

Multistreaming with a capture card

Using a capture card helps you deliver higher-quality streams to your viewers. If you want to broaden your reach, you can stream to multiple platforms at the same time. With StreamWay, you can effortlessly go live and choose from more than thirty social channels. To multistream with a capture card and StreamWay, you’ll need to use an encoding software like OBS Studio.

Let’s wrap up

Discovering the ideal capture card requires thorough research. Fortunately, all options on this list are reliable choices. Whether you aim to grow your channel’s audience or start on a budget, there are quality capture cards available. Keep in mind that your chosen card significantly influences your stream’s overall quality.