Capture Card Specs Comparison

A device that captures and streams video/audio output for recording gameplay.

Capture Card Catalog

Browse, sort, and compare Capture Card models side by side — every spec in one table.

Image Model Brand Year Cpu Gpu Ram Storage Ports Connectivity Os Price Dimensions Network Purpose Capture Resolution Connection Interface Hdmi Version Vrr Support Hdr Support Bus Powered Weight
Elgato Game Capture 4K S Elgato (Corsair) 2025 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.0 (input), 1x HDMI 2.0 (output/passthrough), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (host connection, 5Gbps), 1x 3.5mm Analog Audio In Wired via USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 to host computer; HDMI 2.0 passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows 10/11, macOS, iPadOS (also works with Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iPhone) $159.99 (Elgato Store / Amazon US) 112 x 72 x 18 mm Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; HDMI 2.0 passthrough Game Streaming, Console Capture, 4K Content Creation, Live Production, DSLR Webcam, eSports Recording Up to 4K60 HDR, 1440p120, or 1080p240 via USB; HDR10 capture up to 1080p60 (Windows only); passthrough up to 4K60 HDR10/VRR, 1440p120, 1080p240 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) 2.0 1 HDR10 passthrough (up to 4K60) and HDR10 capture up to 1080p60 (Windows only) 1 90g (0.20 lbs)
Genki ShadowCast 3 Pro Genki (Human Things) 2026 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.1 (input), 1x HDMI 2.1 (output/passthrough via modular attachment), 1x USB-C 3.0 (host connection, 5Gbps) Wired via USB-C 3.0 to host computer; HDMI 2.1 passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, iPadOS 17+, Android (via OTG) $89.99 (Genki Store / Amazon US) 54 x 40 x 12 mm (with modular passthrough attachment) Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; HDMI 2.1 passthrough; USB-C 3.0 host connection Game Streaming, Console Capture, Mobile Streaming, Travel Gaming, Content Creation, Live Production, iPad Gaming Setup Up to 4K60 HDR capture via USB; passthrough up to 4K60 HDR/VRR; capture 1440p120 and 1080p240 via USB USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) UVC/UAC 2.1 1 HDR10 capture and passthrough 1 11g (0.39 oz) dongle only; 52.3g (1.84 oz) with passthrough module
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S GC553Pro AVerMedia 2025 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.0 (input), 1x HDMI 2.0 (output/passthrough), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (host connection, 5Gbps) Wired via USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 to host computer; HDMI 2.0 passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows 10/11 x64, macOS 13/14+, iPadOS 17+ $159.99 (AVerMedia Store), typically $149–$179 at retailers 112.6 x 66.2 x 26 mm Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; HDMI 2.0 passthrough Game Streaming, Console Capture, 4K Content Creation, Live Production, eSports Recording, Multi-platform Streaming Up to 4K60 HDR via USB; passthrough up to 4K60 HDR/VRR, 1440p144 HDR/VRR, 1080p240 HDR/VRR; capture up to 4K60, 1440p144, 1080p240 / 1440p30 HDR, 1080p60 HDR USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) 2.0 1 HDR10 capture and passthrough (P010 HDR format supported) 1 99g (3.49 oz)
Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro Elgato (Corsair) 2024 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.1 (input, unencrypted), 1x HDMI 2.1 (output/passthrough), PCIe 2.0 x4/x8/x16 edge connector (host interface) PCIe 2.0 x4/x8/x16 slot (internal host connection); HDMI 2.1 passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows 10/11 64-bit (Windows only — no macOS or iPadOS support) $299.99 (Elgato Store / Amazon US); typically $269.99–$299.99 at retailers 121.67 x 55.88 x 19.05 mm Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; PCIe internal connection; HDMI 2.1 passthrough to display Game Streaming, Console Capture, 4K Content Creation, Dual-PC Streaming, Live Production, eSports Recording, Professional Broadcasting Up to 4K60 HDR10 via PCIe; passthrough up to 8K60 HDR10; capture up to 4K60 HDR10, 1440p120, 1080p240 PCIe 2.0 x4/x8/x16 2.1 1 HDR10 passthrough and recording (true 10-bit) - 405g (14.3 oz)
Elgato Game Capture 4K X Elgato (Corsair) 2024 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.1 (input), 1x HDMI 2.1 (output/passthrough), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (host connection, 10Gbps) Wired via USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 to host computer; HDMI 2.1 passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows 10/11, macOS 13+, iPadOS (via iPad USB-C) $229.99 (Elgato Store / Amazon US) 112 x 72 x 18 mm Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; HDMI 2.1 passthrough Game Streaming, Console Capture, 4K Content Creation, Live Production, eSports Recording Up to 4K60 HDR10 via USB; passthrough up to 4K144 HDR10, 1440p240, 1080p240; capture up to 4K144 (non-HDR), 1440p144, 1080p240 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) 2.1 1 HDR10 capture and passthrough (limited to specific resolution/framerate combinations) 1 91g (3.2 oz)
Elgato Game Capture Neo Elgato (Corsair) 2024 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.0 (input), 1x HDMI 2.0 (output/passthrough), 1x USB-C (host connection, USB 3.0 5Gbps via included USB-C to USB-A cable) Wired via USB 3.0 to host computer; HDMI passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows 10/11 64-bit, macOS 12+, iPadOS 17+ $129.99 (Elgato Store / Amazon US) 123 x 65 x 20 mm Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; HDMI 2.0 passthrough Game Streaming, Console Capture, Content Creation, Video Recording, Live Production, Entry-level Streaming Up to 1080p60 via USB; passthrough up to 4K60 HDR USB 3.0 (5Gbps) via USB-C connector 2.0 - HDR10 passthrough (no HDR capture at 1080p60) 1 90g (3.2 oz)
Elgato HD60 X Elgato (Corsair) 2022 - - - - 1x HDMI 2.0 (input), 1x HDMI 2.0 (output/passthrough), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen1 (host connection, 5Gbps) Wired via USB-C 3.2 Gen1 to host computer; HDMI passthrough to display (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) Windows, macOS, iPadOS (via iPad USB-C) $179.99 (Elgato Store), often $159.99 on Amazon and retailers 112 x 72 x 19 mm Wired — no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; HDMI 2.0 passthrough Game Streaming, Console Capture, Content Creation, Video Recording, Live Production Up to 4K30 or 1080p60 HDR10 via USB; passthrough up to 4K60 HDR10, 1440p144, 1080p240 USB-C 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps) 2.0 1 HDR10 capture and passthrough 1 415g (0.415 kg)

Capture Card Buyer's Guide

How to pick a capture card for streaming or recording, based on your capture resolution, passthrough needs, and whether you use one PC or two.

1. Quick Verdict: The Cheat Sheet

The core question is what you want on screen while you record. The Elgato HD60 X is the best all-round USB card: it records up to 1080p60 with 4K60 passthrough, so your console or PC keeps its full sharpness while you capture at broadcast resolution. If you need to record in 4K and stream at 120 frames, the Elgato 4K X (HDMI 2.1) is the flagship pick. On a budget, the Elgato Game Capture Neo is a fuss-free entry card, and the AVerMedia line offers solid alternatives across tiers. Serious multi-PC streamers and those who want zero-latency capture often prefer an internal PCIe card.

Buy if you...
  • Stream or record console or PC gameplay on Twitch or YouTube.
  • Want a clean 1080p60 or 4K signal without taxing your gaming machine.
  • Run a two-PC setup and need the capture card to carry the stream.
  • Record let's plays, tutorials, or highlight reels at high quality.
Skip if you...
  • Only stream the same PC you game on and have a strong GPU (built-in NVENC covers it).
  • Never record or stream: a capture card does nothing for normal gaming.
  • Need only occasional clips on one machine: software recording may be enough.
  • Are not ready to learn OBS or your capture card's recording software.

2. Critical Buying Factors (Prioritized)

A card records at one resolution and passes through another. The HD60 X records 1080p60 and passes 4K60 through to your monitor, so your game stays crisp even though the recording is broadcast-res.

If you want to record game footage in true 4K or push 120 frames for smooth slow-mo, look at the 4K X with HDMI 2.1.

Gimmick to ignore: quoting only the recording number. Check passthrough too, because it decides what you actually see while playing.

USB external cards (like the Elgato HD60 X and 4K X) are plug-and-play, portable, and work with laptops; PCIe internal cards (like the Elgato 4K Pro) mount in a desktop and offer the lowest latency for two-PC setups.

Match the interface to your workflow. External suits most streamers and console players; internal PCIe suits dedicated desktop streamers who want maximum performance and never move the card.

Recording on the same PC you game on is simpler and often fine with a strong GPU using NVENC. A two-PC setup frees your gaming machine entirely, but needs a capture card in the streaming PC to receive and broadcast the gaming output.

Most single-PC streamers start with software-only capture and only add a card if they hit performance limits or switch to a dual-PC flow.

Check that the card carries HDMI audio cleanly (game and chat on separate streams if you need it) and, ideally, supports analog line-in for mixing commentary without a separate mixer.

Some cards add chat-link or passthrough-to-DTSC features; treat them as nice-to-haves. A capture card's job is a clean video signal; audio routing is a bonus.

Elgato cards work with Elgato's Capture software and, importantly, with open tools like OBS. AVerMedia and other brands have their own apps but most also expose a standard UVC feed.

Prefer cards whose drivers are recognized directly in OBS and streaming apps without hacky workarounds. Verified OBS compatibility is the smoothest path for most creators.

3. Top Product Recommendations

Prices are approximate street ranges as of late 2026; always confirm current listings. Trusted mainstream builders: Elgato, AVerMedia, Razer, Corsair.

Best Overall
Elgato HD60 X (~$130 - $160)
  • Records 1080p60
  • 4K60 passthrough to your monitor
  • Plug-and-play USB-C, OBS-ready
Pros
  • The best all-round balance of quality, price, and ease.
  • Full 4K passthrough while recording broadcast-res.
Con
  • Cannot record in true 4K or above 60 frames.
Best for: most streamers and console players who want clean 1080p60 output.
Best 4K / High Frame Rate
Elgato 4K X (~$200 - $250)
  • Records 4K60 and 1440p120
  • HDMI 2.1 passthrough up to 4K144
  • USB-C, future-proof for next-gen consoles
Pros
  • Records 4K and high frame rates for clean slow-mo and crisp footage.
  • HDMI 2.1 passthrough keeps next-gen console visuals intact.
Con
  • Premium price for a feature most broadcast-level streams never use.
Best for: creators who record true 4K or 120-fps content and want headroom.
Best Budget
Elgato Game Capture Neo (~$80 - $100)
  • Solid 1080p60 recording
  • Fuss-free plug-and-play, OBS-ready
  • Compact USB setup
Pros
  • Reliable 1080p capture at an entry price.
  • Minimal setup for beginners.
Con
  • No 4K recording or high-frame-rate capture.
Best for: beginners and budget streamers starting out.
Best for Two-PC / Internal
Internal PCIe card, e.g. Elgato 4K Pro or AVerMedia internal (~$250 - $300)
  • PCIe interface for lowest latency
  • Full 4K60 capture
  • Purpose-built for dedicated two-PC stream rigs
Pros
  • No USB bottleneck; best performance for dual-PC setups.
  • Captures 4K at full quality.
Con
  • Requires a desktop PC and a free PCIe slot; not portable.
Best for: dedicated desktop streamers running a two-PC workflow.

4. Key Trade-Offs & Pitfalls

What you give up at each price tier
  • Under $100: reliable 1080p60 capture, no 4K or high frame rates. Good for getting started.
  • $100 to $200: 4K passthrough, better latency, and cleaner builds. The streaming sweet spot.
  • $200 to $300: true 4K recording and high frame rates, plus internal PCIe options. For serious creators.
  • $300+: multi-input studio cards and niche pro capture features for broadcast workflows.
Red flags before you check out
  • Ignoring passthrough. A card that records 4K but passes only 1080p makes your gameplay look worse than your recording.
  • Buying 4K you do not need. Most streams broadcast at 1080p; a 4K card adds cost you will never use.
  • Convincing yourself you need two PCs. Start with same-PC software capture and only add hardware when a limit shows up.
  • No OBS support. A card is only useful if your streaming app recognizes it. Verify OBS compatibility.
  • Cheap no-name USB cards. They often drop frames or use bogus "4K" specs. Stick to Elgato, AVerMedia, or other known brands.
  • Missing the interface. A PCIe card will not work in a laptop; buy USB if you are mobile.